Blackbeard's Castle / Skytsborg Tower

Although the pirate Blackbeard most likely never set foot on St. Thomas, he is something of a patron anti-saint. The center of this attraction, Skytsborg Tower, was used as a military lookout in colonial times, but has come to be called Blackbeard's Castle in the middle of an inn with that name. You can visit it, along with a knot of historical structures on Blackbeard Hill, by a self-guided tour ticketed at the inn. The tour begins with an entertaining pirate re-enactor at the watchtower, which you can climb for great photo opps. Docents are stationed along a trail that leads to downtown. Circa-1860 Villa Notman showcases antique Caribbean furniture. Built in 1822, Haagensen House features gardens, five 19th-century exhibit rooms and a Pirate's Gallery of sculptures depicting the Caribbean's most infamous. The trail ends at Hotel 1829, another 19th century home with an impressive 20-foot amber waterfall.