Teeming with hundreds of stores offering everything from high-end clothing and jewelry to sweet treats and local gifts, Charlotte Amalie is a duty-free shopping mecca. When the sun sets in this largest city in the USVI, hit up Frenchtown for an array of international and gourmet cuisine, or dance to the beat of live island music at the laid back bars located all throughout the city. A former haven for pirates, Charlotte Amalie is a happening place with something fun for everyone in your group.
Nestled between iconic palm trees and crystalline waters, and lined with quaint palm frond huts, this beach on Water Island just south of St. Thomas is arguably one the most peaceful places in the USVI. For a dose of local history, take the short trip south and visit Fort Segarra, a tunnel-filled underground fort built by the U.S. during World War II.
Magens Bay is a scenic haven of calm waters and secluded shoreline, perfect for getting in the swing of island time. Kayak around the bay, relax on the remote beachfront, or enjoy a famous banana daiquiri in the place where it originated. Magens Bay is the most popular beach in St. Thomas and one of the top 10 beaches in the world as named by National Geographic. Featuring almost one mile of soft white sand for locals and visitors to enjoy year-round, Magen's Bay is also home to some magnificent mountain views. This public beach offers calm waters perfect for swimming, as well as on-duty lifeguards, concessions, and paddleboard rentals. The waters are clear, but the sandy ocean bottom is not ideal for snorkeling. For a rejuvenating retreat, escape to the Discovery Nature Trail to explore the coconut grove, mangrove, and arboretum.
Once the capital of the Danish West Indies, Christiansted is a quiet harbor town on the northern coast of St. Croix. Walk the streets and surround yourself with distinctive Danish architecture from the 18th and 19th century. Or, visit the nearby Christiansted National Historic Site and explore five historic structures: Fort Christiansvaern (1738), the Danish West India & Guinea Company Warehouse (1749), the Steeple Building (1753), Danish Custom House (1844), and the Scale House (1856). Each of these building provide a glimpse into the storied past of Christiansted and Danish sovereignty in the Caribbean.
Along with Christiansted, Frederiksted is a bustling St. Croix hotspot, featuring everything from beachside attractions to historical architecture, delicious dining and more. Spend a day on Rainbow Beach and bask in the beautiful scenery while sipping your favorite cocktail, made fresh at the nearby Rhythms Restaurant. Or, venture into town and explore the beautiful flora at the St. George Village Botanical Garden. When the day winds down, be sure to catch an unforgettable view of the sunset from the Frederiksted Pier.
Buck Island is a secluded island off the northern shore of St. Croix. While there’s plenty to do on land—like beachside sunbathing and hiking the lush landscape—Buck Island’s most famous attraction sits just below the water. The Buck Island Reef National Monument is a sought-after dive site for more than 50,000 snorkelers and scuba divers each year. This one-of-a-kind attraction is a must-visit for any underwater explorer, and once you’re there, it’s easy to see why: colorful coral of all shapes and sizes, a vibrant variety of sea life and a marked trail that guides you through all the best spots.
This popular beachside town offers plenty of charm to out of town visitors, but it is also a haven for many former U.S. residents. Coral Bay is an eclectic community that thrives on the true island living experience. Known by locals as the more quaint and quiet version of Cruz Bay, this is the perfect place if you want something fun to do inland, but don't require the features of a big city. Not to mention, Coral Bay was ranked #4 by The New York Times on their list of best places to go.
Snorkeling in the USVI is fairly exceptional overall, but rocky windswept Leinster Bay is the #1 snorkeling spot in St. John. TripAdvisor even named this area, in conjunction with Waterlemon Cay, the #1 St. John attraction for travelers because there's a little something for everybody. You may even have the chance to swim alongside a pair of dolphins during your visit to Leinster Bay.
Home to some of the bluest waters in the Caribbean, Trunk Bay is the crown jewel of the Virgin Islands National Park. Trunk Bay is a photogenic paradise that even features 650 feet of underwater trails with signs for the most remarkable swimming and snorkeling experiences. This heart-shaped bay is arguably one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Just off the eastern coast of St. Thomas sits Christmas Cove, a sheltered oasis on Great St. James Island. Sea turtles and other magnificent marine animals live abundantly in the surrounding waters. That, combined with the ocean clarity make for the most spectacular snorkeling experiences.
Photo by Sebastian Pena Lambarri on Unsplash
