Drake's Seat St. Thomas
Iconic St. Thomas overlook with legendary history and breathtaking panoramic views of Magens Bay and surrounding islands.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden hour light
Drake's Seat St. Thomas
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden hour light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic St. Thomas overlook with legendary history and breathtaking panoramic views of Magens Bay and surrounding islands.
"The view from Drake seat is absolutely spectacular. "
🚗 Easy Roadside Access
Convenient pull-off parking. Be mindful of traffic when crossing the street to the overlook.
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture stunning panoramic shots of Magens Bay and beyond. Great for sunrise or sunset!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Magens Bay View
Overlook point
Breathtaking vistas of Magens Bay, surrounding islands, and the Caribbean Sea. A photographer's dream!
Historic Lookout
The 'Seat'
Legend says Sir Francis Drake watched for enemy ships from this very spot. Feel the history!
Sunset Spectacle
Overlook point
Witness the sky ablaze with color as the sun dips below the horizon. Unforgettable Caribbean sunsets.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Quick Stop, Big Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Easy Roadside Access
Convenient pull-off parking. Be mindful of traffic when crossing the street to the overlook.
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture stunning panoramic shots of Magens Bay and beyond. Great for sunrise or sunset! 
⏳ Quick Stop Worth It
Spend just 5-10 minutes to enjoy the view. Ideal for a scenic drive detour.
🎶 Steel Drum Serenade
Sometimes you can catch live steel drum music adding to the island vibe.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Easy Roadside Access
Convenient pull-off parking. Be mindful of traffic when crossing the street to the overlook.
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture stunning panoramic shots of Magens Bay and beyond. Great for sunrise or sunset!
⏳ Quick Stop Worth It
Spend just 5-10 minutes to enjoy the view. Ideal for a scenic drive detour.
🎶 Steel Drum Serenade
Sometimes you can catch live steel drum music adding to the island vibe.
🗺️ Combine with Magens Bay
Easily visit Drake's Seat on your way to or from Magens Bay Beach.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the absolutely spectacular and unforgettable panoramic views of Magens Bay and the surrounding islands from Drake's Seat. It's praised as a must-stop for its historical legend and photographic potential, especially during sunrise or sunset. While parking is convenient, some note it can get crowded, particularly with cruise ship visitors.
"Great spot to stop off on your drive around St. Thomas! We stopped here on our way to Magens Bay, and we’d recommend you do the same. The overlook has fantastic views of the bay and the BVI’s. There is a pull-off on the side of the road with parking for a few vehicles, and people don’t seem to stay for more than 5-10 minutes, so the parking opens up pretty quickly. After parking, you need to cross the street via a crosswalk to get to the actual seat, but be careful as sight distance isn’t great around the curve, and drivers can be flying through the area. Definitely worth the visit!"
Mike Mc
"Great view of Magen's Bay. Very beautiful even on a rainy day.
Here's info about spot from TripAdvisor...
"The vantage point where Sir Francis Drake was supposed to have looked for enemy ships of the Spanish fleet, this lookout includes a panoramic view of the Virgin Islands where the Atlantic Ocean joins the Caribbean Sea""
Anthony Short
"🌅 Drake’s Seat – The View You’ll Never Forget
👤 By alexvane1 – Google Local Guide
Perched high above Magens Bay, Drake’s Seat is one of the most iconic scenic overlooks in St. Thomas — and it absolutely lives up to the hype.
Legend says this is where the infamous Sir Francis Drake would watch for enemy ships sailing through the Caribbean. Today, it’s where travelers come to take in breathtaking panoramic views of the bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and surrounding islands.
📸 I stopped here just before sunset, and the sky painted the horizon with pinks, oranges, and deep blues. Whether you’re into photography, nature, or history, this spot delivers.
✅ What to Know:
Easy roadside pull-off — no hiking required
Great for sunrise or sunset
Bring water, and stay a while — the view is worth it
Best paired with a trip down to Magens Bay Beach below
If you’re visiting St. Thomas, don’t miss this stop. It’s a quick detour with a lifetime of views.
—
alexvane1
📍 St. Thomas | Local Guide Level [X]
#LocalGuides #DrakesSeat #StThomasViews #MagensBay #IslandOverlook #GoogleMaps"
Alex Vane1
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Drake's Seat is located on Hull Bay Road, a scenic drive from Charlotte Amalie. Many visitors stop here as part of a guided island tour or while driving themselves. Parking is available at a roadside pull-off.
Public transport options to Drake's Seat are limited. It's best accessed by taxi, rental car, or as part of an organized island tour.
Most visitors find it's a quick stop on a scenic drive. Combine it with a visit to Magens Bay Beach or other island viewpoints for a fuller experience.
Yes, there's a convenient roadside pull-off with parking. It's a popular spot, but turnover is quick, so parking usually opens up.
The overlook itself is safe, but exercise caution when crossing the street to access it, as traffic can be fast.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Drake's Seat is a natural viewpoint and does not require an entrance fee or tickets. It's a free roadside attraction.
Drake's Seat is accessible at any time, as it's an outdoor viewpoint. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best views and safety.
There is no admission fee to visit Drake's Seat. It's a public overlook.
Yes, many island tours and excursions in St. Thomas include a stop at Drake's Seat, often combined with Magens Bay and other scenic spots.
Absolutely! Most visitors spend only 5-10 minutes here, making it perfect for a brief stop during a scenic drive.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
Early mornings and late afternoons, especially around sunset, offer the most dramatic lighting for photography.
You'll get a spectacular panoramic view of Magens Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and surrounding islands. +1
Yes, Drake's Seat is renowned for its stunning sunset views, with the sky often painting vibrant colors.
Legend has it that Sir Francis Drake used this vantage point to watch for enemy ships.
The main overlook offers the iconic view. The 'seat' itself is a popular spot for photos, with the stunning backdrop.
🎫 🚗 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend about 5-10 minutes here, just enough time to take in the view and snap some photos.
Drake's Seat is a natural overlook and does not have facilities like restrooms or shops. It's a pure scenic stop.
Bring your camera or phone for photos! Water is also a good idea, especially if you plan to stay a bit longer.
It can get crowded, especially when cruise ships are in port. Visiting early morning or on weekdays can help avoid the biggest crowds.
The primary attraction is the main overlook. While you can stand near the roadside, it's best to stay within the designated viewing area for safety.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that it's an overlook, so supervise children closely, especially near the edge. The short duration of the visit (5-10 minutes) is ideal for keeping young attention spans engaged. Consider combining this stop with a visit to the calmer waters of Magens Bay Beach afterward for a full family-friendly experience.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be prepared for potential crowds, especially during peak cruise ship times. Visiting on a weekday morning or late afternoon can offer a more serene experience for capturing those perfect shots. Don't forget your wide-angle lens to do justice to the expansive scenery.
🚗 Road Trip Explorers
Pair your visit with a drive down to Magens Bay Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, which is located just below the overlook. This combination offers a perfect blend of stunning views and beach relaxation.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of Drake's Seat
Today, the 'seat' is a popular photo opportunity, allowing visitors to imagine themselves in Drake's shoes, gazing out at the same breathtaking panorama. While the historical accuracy of the legend is debated, the allure of the story adds a unique layer to the experience. It's a place where you can connect with the island's rich maritime heritage while enjoying unparalleled natural beauty.
A Strategic Viewpoint
The location of Drake's Seat is key to its historical significance. Perched high above Magens Bay, it provides an expansive view that would have been crucial for spotting approaching vessels. The overlook offers a clear line of sight to the ocean and the surrounding islands, making it an ideal lookout point. This strategic advantage is what likely drew Drake, if the legend holds true, and it's what continues to draw visitors seeking the most iconic views of St. Thomas.
Capturing the Perfect Shot
+1For the best photographic results, timing is crucial. Early mornings offer soft, golden light and fewer crowds, perfect for capturing serene beauty. Late afternoons and sunsets are particularly spectacular, as the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant oranges, pinks, and purples. Many visitors recommend staying for a while to witness the changing light and colors. Remember to bring your camera or smartphone, and perhaps a polarizing filter to enhance the blues of the water and sky.
Tips for Photographers
* Golden Hour: Aim for sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting.
* Wide-Angle Lens: Essential for capturing the expansive panoramic views.
* Composition: Experiment with framing shots using the 'seat' or natural elements in the foreground.
* Be Patient: Allow time for the light to change and for crowds to thin out for unobstructed shots.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit