Magens Bay Beach has been called one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world by National Geographic Magazine. It has a long and appealing history. Local legend states that Sir Francis Drake used Magens Bay as an anchorage for his ships while he watched from a nearby hilltop for ships that he could plunder. Later, the local sugar cane plantations used Magens Bay as a shipping point for sugar, molasses and rum. The remains of an old brick road can still be seen from the south end of the beach. Later, Magens Beach was obtained by the Fairchild family and then donated to the people of the Virgin Islands for their enjoyment.

Magens Beach is heart shaped and is about 1 mile long. The bottom is sandy and slopes gently down. With the exception of a few weeks a year when the usual northeast winds shift to the west, the are no waves or currents at Magens Beach. While there is plenty of beach to sun on, there are also plenty of shaded areas under the trees. Life Guard service is provided from 6 AM to 6 PM Monday through Sunday year round. On the southern and northern ends of the beach are rock formations in the water that provide good snorkeling. NUDE BATHING is not allowed on Magens Beach. However, it is allowed at Little Magens Beach which is a short swim away.

Magens Beach is under the management of the Magens Bay Authority, a semiautonomous branch of the VI government. It charges a $1.00/person and $1.00/car entrance fee. The money goes for the upkeep of the beach, life guards, showers, toilets, grounds and landscaping. It is money well spent.

Magens Beach offers the following amenities for locals and visitors alike: Bar, Boutique, Snack Bar, Sail Boat & Sail Board Rentals, Chaise Lounge Rental, Mask, Fins & Snorkel Rental.

Magens Bay is St. Thomas' most popular beach. The beautiful one mile stretch is a public park and was donated to the people of the Virgin Islands by Arthur Fairchild. It is the only beach on St. Thomas that has an entry fee; funds are used to maintain the facilities and the beach. The water is usually very calm with no waves or current. The exception being a few times between January and March when trade winds shift creating mild waves. The bay deepens gradually from shore making it perfect for small children, for floating along and for swimming. Snorkeling is possible along the rocky coast, but Magens Bay is not known for good snorkeling. The beach is a popular stop on island tour itineraries and can get busy on days when there are several cruise ships in port. Most beach goers pick a spot close to the bar, restaurant area, so typically if you walk down the shore a bit away form the concession area you will find fewer people. Magens Bay is popular on weekday afternoons with residents relaxing after work and getting in some exercise. It is common to see mom's pushing strollers while power walking, men and women jogging, kids riding bikes and people swimming laps between 5 and 6pm. On Sundays and holidays the beach is a favorite destination for residents; and parties ranging from small picnics to loud gatherings are common on those days. Lifeguards are on duty everyday.