Welcome to Paradise, also known as the United States Virgin Islands (USVI). Consisting of three main islands (St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas), these colorful beauties are packed with impressive architecture, bustling harbors and a turquoise sea so captivating you won’t be able to resist visiting. This his natural wonderland is a popular playground for stressed tourists looking to relax and soak up the tranquility, warmth, and beauty of the Caribbean. Here are just of few of the most stunning places to visit.
Trunk Bay was donated to the National Park Service by Laurence S. Rockefeller about 50 years ago. Not a bad gift! This blissful spot soothes the soul with its translucent azure water and sugar-white sandy beach backed by lush green trees. Offshore are pristine coral reefs teeming with colorful marine life.
Whether you’re hoping to hike, swim, snorkel, sail, or laze about on the beach, you’ll find access to it all at the Virgin Islands National Park. Photograph ancient petroglyphs once carved by Taino Indians, use an underwater camera to capture the vibrant marine life around a coral reef, or snap a few shots of ruined sugar plantations. There’s plenty for your camera (and you) to love in this tropical nirvana.
The second largest town on St. Croix, Frederiksted is an eye-pleasing coastal village on the west end of the island. Originally protected by Fort Frederik, this historic town boasts pastel “gingerbread” architecture dating back to Victorian times. The original buildings dated back to the 18th century but were burned down by female laborers during a revolt in 1878. They were later rebuilt, hence the Victorian feel. Our favorite Hotel and Restaurant is called “The Fred”. We highly recommend it for lunch or dinner.
Welcome to Charlotte Amalie, the largest city in the U.S. Virgin Islands. If you’re hoping to shop, eat well, and embark on an exciting day trip (we’re talking snorkeling excursions, underwater safaris, and ecotours), you’ve come to the right place. Locals refer to this bustling area as “Downtown” or “Town.” We pick up our guests at Yacht Haven Grande. Water Island is also a great place to visit as well with a nice beach and bar. Our guest love a new restaurant named “Oceana” not far from water island.
What a lovely backdrop for romantic photos! Whether you’re on your actual honeymoon or enjoying an adult-only afternoon by the sea, Honeymoon Beach is pristine, exclusive, and fabulous, not to mention romantic. It’s one of seven beaches that make up the upscale Caneel Bay Resort, so you’ll have to check in with their staff first and pay a small fee. Caneel Bayhas a dance floor, bar, restaurant and live music on the weekends.
Perhaps the most popular of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Thomas is a tropical paradise. It offers the sparkling waters, bountiful coral reefs, and pristine beaches of other neighboring islands, making it a perfect place for impressive vacation snapshots. It’s a popular cruise ship destination, so be prepared to fight a few crowds, especially when out shopping.
Located in the heart of the Virgin Islands National Park, Cinnamon Bay is the longest beach on St. John. It’s also the most beautiful. Imagine digging your feet into the softest white sand before diving into warm, turquoise waves. That pretty much sums up paradise in our minds, and you’ll find it all right here.
Vibrant Cruz Bay is the entertainment capital of St. John. This busy port is where you’ll find the island’s most happening restaurants, as well as an impressive shopping scene. This is also the meeting point for island tours, as well as water sports and snorkeling and diving adventures.
Built in the late 18th century (1749), star-shaped Fort Christiansvaern was created to protect Christiansted from pirates intent on pillaging, as well as from hurricanes and revolting slaves and other citizens. Today, the Danish-built fort is a national historic site overlooking the tranquil waters of St. Croix.
Be still our overworked hearts. With its drooping coconut palms, luxurious sand, and crystal-clear azure water, majestic Magens Bay is here to soothe what ails us. It has been dubbed one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches, and a mere minute spent on this tranquil strand will cause your shoulders to relax.
Beautiful, serene Coral Bay graces the southeast side of St. John. It’s a popular resort area, and you’ll find plenty of accommodations to choose from in this charming locale. It’s a much quieter option than busy Cruz Bay, but you’ll still find a good selection of shops and restaurants. Rogue donkeys, roosters, and goats make for interesting photo bombers.
Snorkelers unite! Coki Beach is one of the best underwater playgrounds in the area. The fact that it’s located so close to Coral World Ocean Park helps it earn respect with snorkelers and divers worldwide. The beach itself is about as pretty as they come, but if you’re looking to take home some award-winning snapshots, charge your waterproof camera and don a snorkel and mask! This is a must stop as it is just like being in an aquarium!
Did someone say beach vacay? Count us in, especially if it includes a trip to phenomenal Maho Beach on St. John. Resting a 20-minute drive east of Cruz Bay, this tranquil beauty features super soft sand; shallow, kid-friendly water; and amazing marine life. It was named after the maho tree, which is easy to spot due to its large, heart-shaped leaves. We’d be heart-shaped, too, if we could call this paradise home.
It may not be as popular as St. John’s Trunk, Cinnamon, or Maho beaches, but Hawksnest Beach is a hidden gem more than worthy of a visit. Graciously running into the turquoise haven that is Hawksnest Bay, this stunning sandy strand is a perfect place to unwind. Our family fell in love with this beach!