Top 10 Things To See And Do In The US Virgin Islands

The three main islands of the US Virgin Islands archipelago are St Thomas, St John and St Croix, and all three are their own unique paradise. Vacation in the lap of luxury on St Thomas amidst yachts and Louis Vuitton. If you are a nature lover, St John is the island for you with over 7,000 acres of preserved land. If you head through the Atlantic and enter the Caribbean, you will come to St Croix where you can step back in time and learn much more about the history of the region. Five-star resorts to hostels, gourmet dining to street food, Cartier to handmade baubles, the US Virgin Islands has it all.

Beaches

The location of the US Virgin Islands provides access to the Atlantic Ocean to the north and the Caribbean Sea to the south. The water is turquoise tranquility and the sand is soft and white. If you are looking for surfing, check out Hull Bay Beach on the north side of St Thomas, where the Atlantic gives you better waves, or Sapphire Beach on the calmer south coast. On St John, go to Cinnamon Bay or Caneel Bay if you are more interested in water sports, and if you are looking for a more reserved beach day, visit Salt Pond Bay and spend the day with the wild donkeys. Cane Bay Beach is the favorite spot on St Croix.

Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve

Established by the United States Congress in 1992 and also maintained by the US National Park Service, Salt River Bay National Park and Ecological Preserve provides a safe environment for many threatened and endangered species and to visitors offers the opportunity to experience these and other marine wildlife. History buffs like to visit this national park as the landing site of Columbus in 1493.

Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, 2100 Church St, St Croix, USVI +1 340-773-1460

Hiking

Beyond the surfing and swimming and other water sports, adventurers can also hike some beautiful trails in the USVIs. Each of the three islands has trails that are well-groomed or ones that are for the more rugged traveler. Check out Reef Bay Trail on St John where you will find rivers and waterfalls. On St Thomas, Magens Bay Trail is an exhilarating tropical hike. If you are heading to St Croix, contact the St Croix Hiking Association for suggestions on the best trails.

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

The US Virgin Islands are home to some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving spots in the world. According to Frommer’s, the best snorkeling spots are Coki Point Beach on St Thomas and Maho Bay, Hurricane Hole, Waterlemon Cay/Leinster Bay and Haulover Bay, St John. St Croix has a couple good spots at Cane Bay and Buck Island, which is off of St Croix. Some great diving spots are Cow and Calf Rocks on St Thomas and The Cane Bay Wall, St Croix.

Dining

All that beautiful ocean and sea means an abundance of fish and seafood. On St Thomas fall for Hook, Line and Sinker by trying not only their seafood like the lobster curry, but have that cheeseburger in paradise here. While visiting St John, go to Cruz Bay and feast on the Caribbean fusion cusine at Morgan’s Mango. On St Croix you must try the chicken and johnnycakes at La Reine Chicken Shack.