Magens Bay (St. Thomas)

There's no beach on St. Thomas (or maybe even the entire Virgin Islands archipelago) that's as celebrated as Magens Bay. So let us add our own poetic schpeel: This north coast beach could potentially be the most photogenic and swimmable shore of the Virgin Islands. But years of positive reinforcement has led to an intense popularity with tourists who are all too willing to pay the entry fee to enjoy Magens' charms.

A TripAdvisor user gushes: "The water is warm and so still, it's like a big bathtub; perfect for lounging and lazing." A satisfied visitor tells IgoUgo.com: "There are mountains surrounding the area, making it secluded. The beach was very clean, just breathtaking." On epinions.com, a vacationer recounts: "What's nice about the beach is the fact that a short walk to either end of the beach can bring more solitude." And the praise goes on and on…

You can experience Magens for yourself any day of the week, but be prepared to pay approximately $4 per person to enter. For the most privacy, visit in the early morning or later afternoon -- but before the evening's gnats come out to bite.