Mountain Top: St. Thomas's Panoramic Peak

Mountain Top, perched atop St. Peter Mountain, has been a premier tourist attraction in St. Thomas for over half a century. This landmark offers visitors stunning panoramic views of more than 15 islands, including Magens Bay, St. John, and the British Virgin Islands. Originally opened in 1963, Mountain Top quickly became known for its world-famous banana daiquiri, a concoction created in 1953 by British Sea Captain George Soule. According to legend, Captain Soule searched the Caribbean for the perfect cocktail and found it at Mountain Top, blending Cruzan Rum, sugarcane extract, bananas, lime juice, and a secret banana liqueur. In addition to the views and the daiquiris, Mountain Top features a large duty-free shopping area. Here, visitors can find a wide array of items, including locally made crafts and souvenirs, sportswear, swimwear, and luxury goods like jewelry and spirits. The site also features life-size pirate statues and a replica of a Cruzan Rum bottle for photo opportunities. Mountain Top faced a setback in the 1970s when a fire destroyed much of the property. However, it was rebuilt and continues to welcome visitors from around the world. Today, Mountain Top remains a must-see destination on St. Thomas, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, shopping, and Caribbean flavors.