Silky white beaches, cactus groves, rolling hills, inland forests, and wholesome local rum are the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI).
Located between Puerto Rico and the British Virgin Islands, this Caribbean archipelago consists of the three main islands of St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas and 50 smaller islands. This fabulous seascape is a short drive from Florida, Miami and New York City. The United States Virgin Islands are America’s off-season paradise. If you’re going to Puerto Rico and want to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands, here’s a list of things to do.
Best attractions in the U.S. Virgin Islands
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Virgin Islands National Park: This national park covers most of St. John and acres of underwater land. The national park boasts miles of shoreline, coral reefs, and 26 hiking trails. Here you can birdwatch, hike, explore rock art sites, and more.
Bays: The U.S. Virgin Islands are home to many stunning bays whose beauty defies imagination.
Kane Bay is gorgeous and known for sunbathing, walking, snorkeling and scuba diving. Cruz Bay is famous among retirees and is a great place for hiking, kayaking, snorkeling and other outdoor activities.
Isaac Bay is a beautiful sandy stretch that is home to hawksbill turtles. Magens Bay is on the list of the 5 most beautiful beaches in the world because it is very picturesque. There are picnic tables, food vendors, showers, changing areas and water sports operators.
Leinster Bay is a favorite beach of visitors to the North Shore. There are usually very few people and strong water currents. Francis Bay is a great place for bird watching and snorkeling. Other bays you must visit include Cinnamon Bay, Hull Bay, Crown Bay, Hawksnest Bay, Salt Pond Bay, and Maho Bay.
Christiansted National Historic Preserve: There are several structures located here, the most prominent being Fort Christianswern. These yellow-painted buildings are historically important because they witnessed pirate raids, hurricanes, and slavery.
Santa Cruz: It is the largest island in the group of the American Virgin Islands. The island is surrounded by hills, rainforests and picturesque towns. When visiting the island, be sure to visit St. George Village Botanical Gardens, Wim Great House, Salt River Bay National Historical Park, and Buck Island Reef National Monument. Snorkeling and fishing are also available here.
St. John: It is the smallest island, but the most beautiful. Two-thirds of St. John is in the Virgin Islands National Park. You can go snorkeling here, as well as take amazing hikes. Visit Catherineberg Sugar Mill, the ruins of Sinnamon Bay Sugar Mill, and Annaberg Sugar Plantation.
St. Thomas: This island has become a favorite destination among filmmakers and travelers for its scenic, one-of-a-kind views. Of interest to tourists are Blackbeard Castle, Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge, All Saints Cathedral Church, Fort Christian, Magens Bay Arboretum, Magens Bay, Red Hook, Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral, St. Thomas Synagogue, and Coral World Ocean Park.
Best beaches, hotels and restaurants in the US Virgin Islands
Beaches: The US Virgin Islands is known for its pristine blue waters, rustling palm trees, hammock-lined beaches and quaint seaside bistros. If you are looking for a holiday coupled with an amazing beach experience, head to these beautiful beaches.
Honeymoon Beach: It has soft white sand and shallow waters with lots of shady areas from coconut palms. This beach is great for water activities such as kayaking, snorkeling and SUP.
Magens Bay Beach: This is the gem of St. Thomas. With white sand and gorgeous waters, this beach is a great option for families with kids. Here you can enjoy swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, SUP and sunbathing.
Trunk Bay: Located in Saint John, Trunk Bay features sparkling turquoise waters and soft white sand. Beach lovers enjoy its relaxing atmosphere and good facilities.
The Baths, Virgin Gorda: This is one of the most famous beach destinations. You can relax on its immaculate beach and explore the cave system including grottoes, crevices, colorful coves and boulders.
White Cove, Jost Van Dyke: This pristine beach is great for relaxing and sunbathing. We strongly recommend that you try the new cocktails at the Soggy Dollar Bar.
Smuggler’s Cove in Tortola: If you want to enjoy a quiet beach, come to Smuggler’s Cove. This beach is characterized by an abundance of palm trees, colorful fish and serene surroundings. This bay is also popular with swimmers.
Tortola’s Cane Garden: This beach has plenty of water sports and nightlife options.
Anegada Island: This beach boasts a large Horseshoe Reef, the largest coral reef in the Caribbean. Here you will find a quiet and tranquil shoreline to enjoy a beach vacation.
Hotels: The US Virgin Islands has some of the finest hotels in the Caribbean. Some of them have earned gold medals for providing luxury and 5-star services to their customers. Top hotels in the US Virgin Islands include Buccaneer, Cottages by the Sea, Grande Bay Resort, Crystal Cove Villas, Hotel Carvelle, Holger Danske Hotel, Club Comanche Hotel, Estate Lindholm, Secret Harbor Beach Resort, Mafolie Hotel, Galleon House Bed Breakfast Inn and Pools Villa Hotel by Antilles Resorts, just to name a few.
Restaurants: The US Virgin Islands are known for more than just beaches, trade winds and luxury charters. Gastronomic culture is developed here. Here you can find amazing food and drinks – from curry meat to huge shellfish.
For the tastiest dishes, we recommend visiting Miss Lucy’s on St. John and Midtown Restaurant on Tortola, Gladys’ Cafe on St. Thomas, Ital in Paradise on St. Croix and Nile Valley, La Tapa, Thirteen, Havana Blue on St. Thomas, Duggan’s Reef, Callwood Rum Distillery, St Croix’s Cruzan Rum Distillery, Ruby Roti Queen Restaurant on Tortola, Singh’s Fast Food on St. Croix, Daylight Bakery & Diamond Barrel, Gary’s Bakery and St. Thomas’s Frenchtown Brewing, among others.
Things to do in the US Virgin Islands
Snorkeling and Diving: The US Virgin Islands has shallow waters, gentle currents, sandy beaches and plenty of snorkelling spots.
Some of the best diving and snorkeling spots include Cokey Point Beach, Hurricane Hole, Waterlemon Cay, Haulover Bay, Kane Bay, Buck Island, Norman and Indian Island, and Baths.
From giant starfish, sponges, to corals and crustaceans, the U.S. Virgin Islands is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna underwater.
Fishing: The U.S. Virgin Islands are ideal for experienced fishermen and beginners alike. On any given day you can count on catching blue marlin, white marlin, barracuda, jackal, bonefish, sailfish, wahoo, alison tuna, dolphin fish, kingfish, tarpon, conch and lobster.
Other Activities: Most beaches have sun lounger rentals, showers and other amenities so you can spend quality time with family and friends. Hiking is quite popular here. SUP and kayaking are two other water sports you can try your hand at.
The US Virgin Islands has a rich cultural and historical heritage, pristine white sand beaches, turquoise waters and beautiful bays. Vacationers love to come to the US Virgin Islands on charter to explore them aboard a yacht.
