St. Thomas - Best Beach & Car Rental

[Kuzcotopia1]

Good morning! I'm headed to St. Thomas in September and am planning a beach day for my family. At that time, my daughter will be 14 months and I'm looking for the best beach that has plenty of shade trees to sit under or umbrellas to rent. I'm open to Magens Bay but I would prefer something more quiet, relaxing and near local food.

I was looking at this guide for beaches today - Bolongo Bay sounded promising but the actual resort you would sit at is closed beginning 9/6/16 and doesn't reopen until October.

http://www.virginislandsthisweek.com/articles/beaches-on-st-thomas.html

I'm also debating renting a car to drive around the island with. Has anyone done this? Just wondering if it's a stupid idea. I'll be with 4 adults and 1 toddler. I saw that Budget is right at the cruise port.

If anyone would like to throw in fun family ideas also, that would be great! I want to do the ziplining but I don't think my 14 month old would like that. HAHA!

 

[steves100]

Avis Budget just moved right next to the port, really great locale.

We love Linqvist Beach

 

[LLB430]

We were on St. Thomas last week and went to Morningstar Beach (where the Marriott is). We rented an umbrella and two chairs. It was our favorite port day. Nice easy cab ride from the port. It was a little nerve wracking not using a car seat for my 3.5 year old...but it is what it is. We did not get a day pass to the Marriott and am glad we didn't. The beach is public, we used their free wifi, and ordered food from their restaurant.

 

[dtuleya]

We were on St. Thomas last week and went to Morningstar Beach (where the Marriott is). We rented an umbrella and two chairs. It was our favorite port day. Nice easy cab ride from the port. It was a little nerve wracking not using a car seat for my 3.5 year old...but it is what it is. We did not get a day pass to the Marriott and am glad we didn't. The beach is public, we used their free wifi, and ordered food from their restaurant.

How did you actually get to the beach? Pass through the resort or is there a public entrance?

 

[Kuzcotopia1]

How did you actually get to the beach? Pass through the resort or is there a public entrance?

When I've gone to Morningstar I just walked right through.

 

[schmass]

We were on St. Thomas last week and went to Morningstar Beach (where the Marriott is). We rented an umbrella and two chairs. It was our favorite port day. Nice easy cab ride from the port. It was a little nerve wracking not using a car seat for my 3.5 year old...but it is what it is. We did not get a day pass to the Marriott and am glad we didn't. The beach is public, we used their free wifi, and ordered food from their restaurant.

We had this exact same experience in May! Morningstar Beach was amazing and we had a blast there. We had a 3 year old and 9 month old with us, and we all had a great experience playing in the sand and the water. It was our favorite day of the cruise. We were actually headed to Magen's Bay and the cab driver suggested Morningstar - closer and cheaper. We were so happy we went with his suggestion. There was hardly anyone there, too.

 

[Bettyscruise]

Magen's Bay beach has lots of shade, picnic tables, food, rentals and a very gentle water line that is as child friendly as can be. The water is more pool like than ocean wavy. Here's a photo taken just as we arrived. Note the trees and calm water. Beautiful beach, quick and easy to get to but does cost $4 per person.