Feel at peace on St. Croix
Sun-soaked beaches, sparkling blue waters and lush landscapes are what await you on this island oasis
Tucked away in the Caribbean Sea, 100 miles off the coast of Puerto Rico, is stunning St. Croix—the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands. This 28-mile-long paradise is home to a blend of Danish, Latin and African cultures that gives the island a unique atmosphere. It also boasts picturesque scenery, historical architecture and small-town charm, making it the perfect early summer escape.
Start your day by soaking up the sun on Rainbow Beach, where you’ll find water sports, lounge chairs, umbrellas and a beach bar serving up delicious food. “The water is crystalclear, and we found a lot of neat shells and sand dollars!” says a reviewer from Michigan. “We went midmorning, and we were the only ones out there, which was really nice.”
To see more wonders awaiting you below the water, head over to Cane
Bay for a fun snorkeling experience.
Tigerfan0_0_12 on TripAdvisor.com says, “On both visits we saw stingrays and sea turtles!”
After you towel off, drive 15 minutes south to see the St. George Village Botanical Garden, a former 19th-century sugarcane plantation village spanning 17 acres and featuring a variety of ecosystems. “You walk through many ruins, including the Great House, which holds a seashell museum that we just loved,” says a reviewer from Texas. “I would also recommend spending a leisurely morning walking the trail to see all the beautiful flowers.”
End your day with a stroll down the streets and marina of Christiansted, the island’s largest city. There, you can shop for handmade crafts, try popular Crucian dishes like conch chowder and head to the dock to catch a glimpse of the beautiful sunset.
Don’t miss:
Christiansted Art Walk
Immerse yourself in island culture as you visit the streets of downtown Christiansted for the evening art walk. Held on a select Thursday each month from 5 pm to 8 pm, this free event was created to encourage people to explore galleries and studios for local treasures. You can find everything from sculptures and paintings to jewelry and fabric arts.
Great day trip:
Buck Island Cove
Embark on an excursion to visit the uninhabited Buck Island, a national monument spanning 880 acres of land and sea. Once there, relax on Turtle Beach, explore an underwater trail and hike to the top of the island for breathtaking views.