St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands: Sun-drenched shores and nature-rich escapes

Buck Island, U.S. Virgin Islands, officially referred to as Buck Island Reef National Monument, is a 176-acre uninhabited island located approximately 1.5 miles off the coast of St. Croix. The monument was originally established in 1961 to preserve the island's natural resources and ecosystems, including one of the few remaining nesting habitats for brown pelicans and least terns. It was significantly expanded in 2001 to include more than 18,000 acres of underwater lands. More than 50,000 annual visitors attend the monument each year, which is home to one of the United States' only underwater snorkeling trails. A number of pristine visitor beaches are maintained throughout the monument, including the western Turtle Beach, which has been named as one of the world's most beautiful beachfronts by National Geographic.

Danish Custom House, Kings Wharf 2100 Church Street #100, Christiansted , VI

Fort Frederik, St. Croix, also referred to as Frederiksfort, was originally constructed between 1752 and 1760 by Denmark and Norway to protect the region's colonial economic interests from pirate attacks. The fort is best known as the site of the first foreign salute to the newly-formed United States of America in 1776. Today, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a National Historic Landmark, open to the public for guided and self-guided tours. A history museum and art gallery are offered on site at the fort, open Mondays through Saturdays throughout the morning and afternoon hours for a nominal fee.

Frederiksted, St Croix 00840, USVI

Christiansted National Historic Site is a United States historic site that preserves the history and development of the Virgin Islands during the colonial period of the 18th and 19th centuries. The site was originally established in 1952 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, overseen by the National Park Service. It preserves six important historic structures within the city of Christiansted, which served as the capital city of the Dutch West Indies throughout the colonial period. Sites include Fort Christiansværn, the former warehouse of the Danish West India and Guinea Company, and several former government buildings. Visitors can enjoy a self-guided tour of the fort, which showcases exhibits of artifacts related to the region's indigenous people and European settlers.

2100 #100, Church St, Christiansted, 00820, U.S. Virgin Islands, Phone: 340-773-1460

Point Udall is the easternmost point of the United States' lands and territories, named in honor of United States Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall, who served as part of the Kennedy and Johnson presidential administrations in the 1960s. The point is located along St. Croix's eastern end and is commemorated with a sundial monument, indicating the site's status as the first part of the United States to receive the sunrise each day. The monument, named the Millennium Monument, was constructed in 2000. It also serves as a trailhead for an informal trail to the point itself, which features an uplifted volcanic rock surface overlooking the island's brilliant blue waters and barrier reefs.

Rte 82, St Croix 00820, USVI

If you are a photographer, don't miss:

Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve is a National Park Service unit located on the northern side of St. Croix, along its central coastline bay. The park was established in 1992 to preserve the Columbus Landing Site, the site where Christopher Columbus' expeditions first arrived in the Caribbean in 1493 and made contact with the region's indigenous people. Prehistoric and colonial sites are preserved throughout the park, including the 1617 Fort Salé and a primitive ball court. The park is also home to one of the largest remaining mangrove forests throughout the Virgin Islands, as well as one of the island's two bioluminescent bays, one of only seven located throughout the Caribbean.

2100 Church St, Christiansted, St Croix 00820, USVI, Phone: 340-773-1460

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge is a two-mile-long wildlife refuge located along the southwestern coastline of St. Croix. The refuge was originally established in 1984 and is maintained by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service as part of the Caribbean Islands National Wildlife Complex. Expansive stretches of sandy beaches are preserved as part of the refuge, forming an important nesting habitat for leatherback turtles. The refuge is also home to the Aklis Archaeological Site, a four-acre archaeological site that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and showcases indigenous artifacts dating back to the year 400 A.D. Hiking, wildlife watching, and photography opportunities are available to visitors during the morning and afternoon hours on weekends, with closure exceptions during peak nesting season.

3013 Estate Golden Rock, Suite 137, Christiansted, St. Croix USVI 00820-4355, Phone: 340-773-4554

St. George Village Botanical Garden is a 23-acre botanical garden and arboretum located on the grounds of the historic Estate St. George, a former 19th-century Danish sugarcane estate and plantation. The estate was originally developed circa 1750 on the site of a former indigenous settlement dating back to 100 A.D. and operated for 200 years throughout the Virgin Islands. In 1972, portions of its land were donated to the St. Croix Garden Club. Today, the garden showcases more than 1,500 native and exotice plant species, including orchids, bromeliads, ferns, cacti, and succulents. At the site, the St. George Village Museum displays indigenous and colonial artifacts within a restored worker's cottage. A horticultural library is also maintained at the site, showcasing more than 500 volumes.

127 George Rd, Frederiksted, St Croix 00840, USVI, Phone: 340-692-2874

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

Virgin Islands Food Tours is a foodie excursion through Christiansted's historic downtown region, showcasing one of the Virgin Islands' top culinary destinations. The touring company was originally founded in 2016 and showcases the region's social and cultural history while stopping at several noted restaurants throughout the city. All excursions last approximately two to three hours and are led by experienced tour guides, with custom dishes available for tasting at each restaurant stop along the tour's 1.5-mile route. Two beverages are also offered throughout the tour, one alcoholic and one non-alcoholic. Vegetarian tasting options are available for substitute upon request, though the tours are not recommended for participants following strict vegan diets.

P.O. Box 3611 Kingshill, VI 00851, Phone: 866-498-3684

Captain Morgan Visitor Center is a museum and visitor center at the Diageo's Captain Morgan Distillery, the producers of world-renowned rum brand Captain Morgan. The center offers a one-hour visitor experience for tourists ages 18 and older, elaborating on the company's history and the history of the rum distilling industry in St. Croix. A short documentary film is shown during tours, with multisensory elements bringing the visitor experience to life. A guided tram tour also takes visitors around the company's distillery and barreling warehouse, elaborating on daily operations. After the tour, guests are invited to sample the company's award-winning spirits and cocktails at a tasting bar. Captain Morgan branded gifts and souvenirs are available at the center's retail store, including apparel, accessories, and barware.

1, Christiansted, St Croix 00820, USVI, Phone: 340-713-5654

BushTribe Eco Adventures offer eco-friendly tours for participants of all ages and ability levels to sites throughout the St. Croix region. Snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking tours are offered, led by experienced tour guides who elaborate on the region's natural ecology and social history. All tours are designed to be as eco-friendly as possible in order to preserve the island's natural resources for future generations. Tours are available to explore the 60-acre St. Croix East End Marine Park, established in 2003 to protect more than 17 miles of shoreline throughout the island. Off-the-beaten-path tours of other areas are also offered, including kayaking excursions to Salt River National Park and hikes to some of the island's most beautiful waterfalls.

#6 & #7 Salt River Marina Office Rt 80, Christiansted, USVI 00850, U.S. Virgin Islands, Phone: 340-277-2503