Maho Bay, St. John - beautiful beach in the Caribbean

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US Virgin Islands

Hmm, which of the US Virgin Islands (USVI) to choose for hammock-strewn beaches, conch fritters and preposterously blue water? Easy: any one, though each differs in personality. St Thomas has more resorts and water sports than you can shake a beach towel at and is the most developed island, with dizzying cruise-ship traffic. St John cloaks two-thirds of its area in parkland and sublime shores, ripe for hiking and snorkeling. It leads the way in environmental preservation and draws a more outdoorsy crowd. The largest Virgin, St Croix, pleases divers and drinkers with extraordinary scuba sites and rum factories. It's the furthest-flung island and offers the greatest immersion in local life. Wherever you go, get ready for reggae rhythms, curried meats and mango-sweetened microbrews. These are US territories, but they feel a world away.

Best Things to Do

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Fort Christiansvaern at Christiansted National Historic Site.

    Christiansted National Historic Site

    St Croix

    This historic site includes several structures. The most impressive is Fort Christiansvaern (1749), a four-point citadel occupying the deep-yellow…

  • Bay beach, Magens Bay, Magens, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

    Magens Bay

    US Virgin Islands

    The sugary mile that fringes Magens Bay, 3 miles north of Charlotte Amalie, makes almost every travel publication’s list of beautiful beaches. The seas…

  • Checking out the underwater wildlife in Leinster Bay on Cruz Bay.

    Leinster Bay

    St John

    This bay adjoins the Annaberg mill ruins. Park in the plantation’s lot and follow the trail along the water for 25 minutes. Some of St John’s best…

  • Isaac Bay

    Isaac Bay

    St Croix

    This secluded beach off Rte 82 offers no shade or facilities, and you'll have to hike about 20 minutes through scrub to reach it, but you'd be hard…

  • Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins

    Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins

    St John

    Part of the national park, this site near Leinster Bay is home to the most intact sugar-plantation ruins in the Virgin Islands. A 30-minute self-directed…

  • Honeymoon Beach

    Honeymoon Beach

    US Virgin Islands

    Water Island’s palm-lined main attraction offers fine swimming and snorkeling in calm, shallow water. A couple of beach bars sell drinks, sandwiches and…

  • Cruzan Rum Distillery

    Cruzan Rum Distillery

    St Croix

    To find out how the islands’ popular elixir gets made, stop by the historic distillery for a tour. The journey through the oak-barrel-stacked warehouses…

  • Tillett Gardens

    Tillett Gardens

    US Virgin Islands

    This colorful artists' colony near Tutu Park Mall lures hippies, thinkers, musicians and outcasts with its good-times vibe and welcoming spirit. On any…

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Overlook of Trunk Bay, St. John, US Virgin Islands in the Caribbean

Destination Practicalities

A first-time guide to the US Virgin Islands

Oct 29, 2024 • 11 min read

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