Best USVI Attractions & Places to Visit
The US Virgin Islands offer travelers interesting vacation opportunities. While many of these American islands have an urban feel, there is plenty of nature to experience – mingled in with a rich culture and history.
Each island has its own distinct personality. St. Thomas is the most visited of the islands and serves as the archipelago’s entry point. Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the USVI, is a major cruise ship port with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The majority of the larger US Virgin Islands’ resorts are also located on St. Thomas.
St. John is an oasis for eco-tourists, with two-thirds of the island classified as the Virgin Islands National Park. Hiking, snorkeling, diving, fishing, and kayaking are all popular activities in this area.
St. Croix, the largest of the three islands, is less developed as a tourist destination than its sister islands. The historic district of its biggest city, Christiansted, as well as the sugar plantations, gardens, and coastal scenery on the Heritage Trail, are among the major attractions here. Buck Island Reef, the nation’s first submerged monument, is also located on St. Croix.
Best USVI Beaches
You’ll discover a large selection of beaches to enjoy in the area. Whether you’re looking forward to people-watching, or you’d rather find a more secluded spot, you’re likely to find what you want.
Hansen Bay Beach
St. John: 2.6 mi. East of Central Coral Bay
If you like to snorkel, a beach where that is an option is Hansen Bay Beach. The beautiful beach on Hansen Bay is a little slice of paradise. Located inside the harbor, the waters are calm and clear, and the sand is white and warm.
Turtle Beach
Buck Island: 2.3 mi. North of Central Cotton Valley
Another good choice for snorkeling fans is Turtle Beach. You can only reach this beach by taking a boat from St. Croix. You can charter a boat, or take an excursion from Christiansted.
Cinnamon Bay
St. John: 2.6 mi. Northeast of Central downtown Cruz Bay
Located on the northern coast of St. John, Cinnamon Bay provides a long strip of white, sandy beach, surrounded by the natural foliage of the Virgin Islands National Park. A nature trail with information signs on tropical foliage is just across from the campground and begins at the ruins of a sugar mill.
Virgin Islands National Park
1300 Cruz Bay Creek, St. John
Virgin Islands National Park is a huge endeavor, encompassing more than 7,000 acres on the island of St. John. The diverse landscape of the park lends itself to everything from trail hiking to swimming, and even camping.
Before entering the Virgin Islands National Park, most guests make it a point to stop at the Visitor Center, which features exhibits about the area’s history, an activity schedule, maps, and more. Park rangers are on-site to help you plan your outing.
The most visited areas are the parks, which are both beaches and campgrounds. Each park features picnic facilities and wheelchair access. These parks are Trunk Bay (one of the most beautiful beaches in the world), Cinnamon Bay (a favored spot for snorkeling and scuba), and Hawksnest (fun for family events like barbecuing).
Hiking trails, coral reefs, and historic ruins also dot the property, so it can take days and even weeks to explore all that this park has to offer.
Nearby Attractions
Other kinds of local attractions include Cinnamon Bay Plantation Ruins, which is three-quarters of a mile away from St. John. You might also want to think about visiting Catherineberg Ruins, which is another attraction close by.
Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge
Capella Island, 5.2 miles southeast of Charlotte Amalie
Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge wasn’t fully established until 1981. Its main purpose was, and continues to be, as a safe haven for migratory birds that use the island as a winter home, or as a rest area before continuing further, but it can also be enjoyed by visitors.
Visitors who come to Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge will find very few amenities and activities that are largely limited to rustic hiking, bird-watching, and perhaps diving off the coast of the island. The Coast Guard maintains a lighthouse on the refuge, but it is not open to the public. Those looking for a more established park should consider heading to the National Park on St. John.
Nearby Attractions
Other types of nearby attractions include Buck Island Lighthouse, which is a quarter mile away from Buck Island. You might want to also consider heading to Nadir Recreation Area, which is another attraction nearby.
Nature preserves are a great attraction to visit, but there’s more to visit in the Virgin Islands. The following table includes other attractions close by.
Historical Sites
Like learning some of the history of the places you visit? If so, you might enjoy visiting a few of these historical attractions during your vacation.
Petroglyphs
St. John
Believed to be between six hundred and seven hundred years old, these etchings were carved into the rock wall probably by the Taino Indians who inhabited the island before the European Conquests. Today they are just one set of etchings that have been found in several other Taino Islands; including Cuba, the Bahamas, and Puerto Rico.
With interesting views and presentations, guests to the site will have the opportunity to learn quite a bit about the old culture. Be sure to take the opportunity to ask any questions that you have to park staff to gain the most out of the experience.
The petroglyphs are clearly visible just above the waterline in the spring, and since the water level generally does not change, it is very likely you will be able to see all the carvings no matter the season or weather. While you are here, be sure to keep an eye out for more than just carvings, as the area is home to many insects, small mammals, and bats.
Blackbeard’s Castle
0.3 mi. North-Northwest of Central Charlotte Amalie
Blackbeard’s Castle serves as one of five National Historic Landmarks in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Built in 1679 by the Danes, now guests can explore the castle’s private hideouts, botanical gardens, and archeological sites. Housed on the property is also a popular hotel.
Bluebeard’s Castle
0.2 mi. East of Central Charlotte Amalie
Named for an infamous pirate, Bluebeard’s Castle was built in 1689 by the Danes as a fortress. Now, the castle stands on the property of a time-share resort of the same name, as a landmark with little use outside of its historic beauty and majesty.
Fort Shipley Ruins
0.7 mi. South West of Central Charlotte Amalie
Built during the British Occupation, Fort Shirley was meant to fortify the harbor and secure British Naval Supremacy. However, in time the fort would find itself slowly crumbling and forgotten. Luckily for it though, its relative isolation ensured that during stone shortages its walls were not scavenged, at least not by human hands. Weathering and time have taken their toll and today the fort stands as ruins. Travelers to the area are still likely to see the major perimeter of the walls, as well as many artifacts throughout the area.
You will still be able to see the walls of the fort, and several buildings still have their foundations. As you walk through the woods to get here, you may also notice that there are more than just trees. Old buildings have been reclaimed by the island, a striking image compared to Charlotte Amalie just across the channel.
Museums
In case you like to become more aware of unfamiliar places and cultures, you might want to visit a museum during your time in the USVI.
Caribbean World Amber Museum
0.3 mi. Northeast of Downtown Charlotte Amalie
Many travelers choose to visit the Caribbean World Amber Museum. It is found within The Inn at Blackbeard’s Castle and Charlotte Amalie, in northern the USVI. A unique exhibit at the Caribbean World Amber Museum offers a replication of a Dominican Rainforest, filled with amber that has been formed with insects, leaves, and other debris within. Also on display is a collection of amber jewelry, Baltic Sea amber, and Ukrainian amber.
St. Thomas Historical Trust
Kongens Gade, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
The St. Thomas Historical Trust Museum is a small museum set by the St. Thomas Historical Trust as its physical headquarters. Here, visitors may catch a glimpse of the island’s history or arrange for a guided tour from dedicated trust members.
Exhibits at the St. Thomas Historical Trust Museum include a collection of photographs from the 19th and 20th centuries, antique West Indian furniture, pirate and steamship artifacts, and 100-year-old 3-D images. Guests will also be told about the 1867 tsunami that threatened the island.
The Trust Museum, located on the west side of Roosevelt Park, is recognizable by the flags that fly from the balcony. The 1840s building is set inside a garden courtyard through antique iron gates.
Steeple Building
2100 Church Street, Christiansted, St. Croix
Another popular destination is the Steeple Building. It is located in downtown Christiansted. Exhibits at the Steeple Building include ancient Indian artifacts, Victorian and Danish architecture, and a study of the plantation era with a great deal of emphasis on the slave industry.
What began as a Lutheran Church is now a museum called the Steeple Building detailing, among other important topics, the history of the slave trade on St. Croix.
Exhibits at the Steeple Building include ancient Indian artifacts, Victorian and Danish architecture, and a study of the plantation era with a great deal of emphasis on the slave industry.
St. Thomas Historical Trust
Kongens Gade, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
The St. Thomas Historical Trust Museum is a small museum set by the St. Thomas Historical Trust as its physical headquarters. Here, visitors may catch a glimpse of the island’s history or arrange for a guided tour from dedicated trust members.
Exhibits at the St. Thomas Historical Trust Museum include a collection of photographs from the 19th and 20th centuries, antique West Indian furniture, pirate and steamship artifacts, and 100-year-old 3-D images. Guests will also be told about the 1867 tsunami that threatened the island.
Casinos
Looking for a bit of action? Vacationers hoping to test their luck in some gaming action have a few venues where they can do so in this area.
Divi Carina Bay Casino
St. Croix: 1.2 mi. Southeast of Central Cotton Valley
Divi Carina Bay Casino offers dining on-site, which provides added convenience before or after you hit the gaming floor. One of the most well-liked casinos in the Caribbean, Divi Carina Bay is set on a hillside overlooking the Divi Carina resort on St. Croix, USVI. With the addition of the Players Club, this casino now rewards VIP members with coupons, extra prizes, and exclusive offers that make a night of gaming even more thrilling.
Parrot Club
St. John: Downtown Cruz Bay
Parrot Club, which is on the premises of Wharfside Village, is located within downtown Cruz Bay. Amidst the hopping nightlife scene on St. John is Parrot Club, the island’s only gaming center. This keeps things busy because tourists don’t have much choice, yet, the cool atmosphere makes it clear that it would stand out even if it were not the sole option.
Rock Bar Gaming
St. Thomas: Charlotte Amalie, Northern part of the USVI
Rock Bar Gaming has a collection of games for patrons to try out, including Blackjack – Video and Other Games. Every night is a good night at the Rock Gaming Bar. Grab a drink and test your luck as you how fun in the intense atmosphere and listening to the current music hits.