With its stunning scenery, rich history, and amazing marine life, the U.S. Virgin Islands are a perfect getaway for adventure and relaxation. From beautiful beaches and top-notch snorkeling to historic sites and wildlife spots, there’s a ton to see and do. Whether you’re into exploring, chilling out, or diving into history, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy. Here are some of the best things to do in the U.S. Virgin Islands you can refer to. Let’s dive in!
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- Explore Virgin Islands National Park (St. John)
- Visit Magens Bay (St. Thomas)
- Tour the Annaberg Plantation (St. John)
- Snorkel at Buck Island Reef National Monument (St. Croix)
- Relax on Cinnamon Bay (St. John)
- Explore Charlotte Amalie (St. Thomas)
- Visit Waterlemon Cay (St. John)
- Dive at Cane Bay (St. Croix)
- Hike to Ram Head Trail (St. John)
- Visit Estate Whim Plantation Museum (St. Croix)
- Relax at Honeymoon Beach (Water Island)
- Enjoy the View from Mountain Top (St. Thomas)
- Explore Coral World Ocean Park (St. Thomas)
- Sail to Jost Van Dyke (Day Trip)
- Visit the Botanical Garden of the Virgin Islands (St. Croix)
Explore Virgin Islands National Park (St. John)
Virgin Islands National Park covers 60% of St. John, offering an extensive playground for nature enthusiasts. Trunk Bay is one of the top attractions here, famous for its underwater snorkeling trail. Here, you can swim in crystal-clear waters and see the vibrant coral and fish species you’re swimming alongside. It’s like having a marine biologist right there with you! After snorkeling, you can relax on the soft, white sand beach and soak up the sun.
If hiking is your thing, the Reef Bay Trail is a must. This trail takes you through lush tropical forests, past ancient petroglyphs carved by the Taino people, and down to the Reef Bay Sugar Mill ruins. It’s a moderately challenging hike but worth every step for the incredible views and fascinating history.
Visit Magens Bay (St. Thomas)
Magens Bay is often considered one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, and it’s easy to see why. It’s the perfect spot for swimming, kayaking, or lounging with a tropical drink.
The bay is surrounded by lush green hills, creating a serene and picturesque setting. Rent a paddleboard or a kayak and explore the bay from the water. Or, if you prefer to relax, grab a beach chair and find a shady spot under a palm tree.
Tour the Annaberg Plantation (St. John)
- Address: 977C+34J, St John 00830, Virgin Islands
- Open hours: 8:00 – 17:00 daily
- Free entry
Step back in time at the Annaberg Plantation, where you can learn about St. John’s sugar plantation history and the lives of the enslaved Africans. The plantation offers well-preserved ruins of the windmill, factory, and slave quarters.
Join a guided tour to understand better the island’s colonial past and the harsh realities of plantation life. The knowledgeable guides will share many fascinating stories and insights. At the plantation, you’ll see stunning views of the surrounding hills and the sparkling Caribbean Sea.
Snorkel at Buck Island Reef National Monument (St. Croix)
Buck Island is a snorkeler’s paradise! This protected marine reserve is home to vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life. Take a boat tour from St. Croix to Buck Island and snorkel along the famous underwater trail.
The trail is marked with signs that guide you through the coral formations and point out different fish species. You can spot colorful parrotfish, graceful sea turtles, and maybe even a shy reef shark. After snorkeling, relax on the pristine white sand beach and enjoy a picnic lunch. It’s a perfect day trip for nature lovers and underwater explorers.
Relax on Cinnamon Bay (St. John)
Cinnamon Bay is one of St. John’s longest beaches. It offers a beautiful blend of sun, sand, and sea, making it a fantastic spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. The waters are calm and clear, perfect for snorkeling and paddleboarding.
The beach is part of Virgin Islands National Park, so it’s well-preserved and natural. You can rent snorkeling gear, kayaks, and paddleboards on the beach. Picnic areas and a small convenience store for snacks or refreshments. Spend a day here soaking up the sun and enjoying the laid-back island vibe.
Explore Charlotte Amalie (St. Thomas)
Charlotte Amalie is the capital city of the U.S. Virgin Islands. This is a bustling hub of history, culture, and shopping that you should not miss. Start exploring the waterfront, where the beautiful yachts and sailboats are docked in the harbor. Then, dive into the narrow streets with colonial-era buildings, colorful shops, and historic landmarks.
The 99 Steps are an iconic attraction. Climb these historic steps, built from the ballast bricks of old Danish ships, and you’ll find yourself at the top of Government Hill with stunning views.
Visit Waterlemon Cay (St. John)
Waterlemon Cay is a hidden gem within the Virgin Islands National Park. This small island, located just off Leinster Bay, is a top snorkeling destination. To get there, you’ll need to hike the Leinster Bay Trail. The trail is about a mile long, and you can enjoy stunning bay views from here.
Once you reach Waterlemon Cay, dive into the clear waters and explore the vibrant coral reefs surrounding the island. The snorkeling here is some of the best in the Caribbean, with an abundance of colorful fish, starfish, and sea turtles.
Dive at Cane Bay (St. Croix)
Calling all divers! Cane Bay on St. Croix is a premier diving spot famous for the Cane Bay Wall, where the seafloor drops dramatically from 40 feet to over 3,000 feet. This underwater cliff is teeming with marine life and colorful coral formations, making it a must-visit for beginner and advanced divers.
If you’re new to diving, several dive shops in the area offer lessons and guided dives. For experienced divers, the Cane Bay Wall offers a thrilling and unforgettable diving experience.
Hike to Ram Head Trail (St. John)
Hike the Ram Head Trail on St. John for some adventure. This trail offers stunning vistas of the Caribbean Sea and the surrounding islands. The trailhead is located near Salt Pond Bay, and the hike is about 2.5 miles round trip.
You’ll pass through diverse landscapes as you hike, from rocky shorelines to arid scrubland. The trail’s highlight is the view from the top of Ram Head, where turquoise waters stretch out to the horizon. It’s a perfect spot for a picnic, so pack some snacks and enjoy the incredible scenery.
Visit Estate Whim Plantation Museum (St. Croix)
- Address: 52 Estate Whim, 00840, United States, Frederiksted, St Croix
- Open hours: 10:00 – 17:00 Wednesday and Saturday
- Website: www.stcroixlandmarks.org
This historic sugar plantation offers a fascinating glimpse into the island’s colonial history. The museum features restored buildings, including the Great House, sugar mill, and slave quarters. Here, you can learn about the plantation’s history and the daily lives of those who lived and worked there.
After your tour, visit the museum’s gift shop. You can find unique souvenirs such as locally made crafts, artwork, and historical books about the Virgin Islands.
Relax at Honeymoon Beach (Water Island)
If you want a peaceful retreat away from the crowds, go to Honeymoon Beach. This hidden gem is just a short ferry ride from St. Thomas.
Honeymoon Beach is known for its pristine beauty and serene atmosphere, making it a favorite spot for honeymooners and nature lovers. You can rent a paddleboard or kayak to explore the bay or simply lounge under a shady palm tree; that’s enough for a chilling day.
Enjoy the View from Mountain Top (St. Thomas)
For panoramic views that will take your breath away, head to Mountain Top on St. Thomas. Located 1,500 feet above sea level, this lookout point offers sweeping vistas of Magens Bay, one of the most stunning beaches in the Caribbean.
On the mountain’s top is a massive duty-free shop, a bar, and an observation deck. Take photos of the turquoise waters and lush green hillsides, or relax with a refreshing banana daiquiri from the world-famous Mountain Top Bar.
Explore Coral World Ocean Park (St. Thomas)
This park is one of the top family-friendly attractions on St. Thomas. You can start your adventure by walking through the underwater observatory. You’ll see sharks, stingrays, and colorful fish swimming around you.
For the ultimate experience, book a dolphin encounter and swim with these intelligent marine mammals in a natural lagoon. Another fun thing is interacting with sea lions and feeding the gentle creatures. Your family will surely have a lot of fun here!
Sail to Jost Van Dyke (Day Trip)
A day trip to Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands is a great choice if you want to experience the best of Caribbean island life. This laid-back island is famous for its beach bars, including the iconic Foxy’s Bar, which is known for its lively atmosphere and delicious rum punches.
Spend your day exploring pristine beaches like White Bay, where you can swim in crystal-clear waters and relax on soft, sandy shores. Don’t forget to sample local delicacies such as fresh seafood and island-inspired cocktails.
Visit the Botanical Garden of the Virgin Islands (St. Croix)
- Address: 127 George Rd, Frederiksted, St Croix 00840
- Open hours: 9:00 – 15:00 daily
- Contact: +1 340-692-2874
- Website: www.thegardenstcroix.org
This peaceful oasis is home to diverse native and exotic plants, including orchids, bromeliads, and tropical fruit trees. The garden also features historic ruins and a restored 19th-century sugar cane plantation house, offering a glimpse into St. Croix’s agricultural past.
Wander along the walking trails and enjoy the scenic viewpoints. You might spot butterflies, hummingbirds, and other wildlife if you are lucky enough. You can also relax on a bench and soak in the peaceful surroundings.
So, that’s everything you need to know about the U.S. Virgin Islands! We’ve covered some awesome things to check out on your trip. Ready to dive into all the fun this beautiful destination has waiting for you?
