The US Virgin Islands are a popular holiday destination, with St. Thomas and St. Croix being the two main islands. St.
Thomas is the gateway to the US Virgin Islands and is a much-loved holiday destination in its own right. It has a rich history, with Denmark developing plantations, cultivating sugar and using first criminals and then African slaves as labor. At the beginning of the 19th century, there was a decline in the sugar industry on the islands, along with slave revolts. If you're visiting St.
Thomas, there are plenty of things to do. Visit the synagogue, the oldest American synagogue in continuous use and a national historic monument, where the floors are made of sand. Be sure to get out in the water and see all the beaches, especially in St. Thomas (Magens Bay is great for kids) and St.
John (where Trunk Bay is still world famous). See the sprawling botanical garden of St. Croix, and keep an eye out for several types of huge sea turtles, such as hawksbill and leatherback turtles, which are difficult to find. But please don't touch the wildlife. If you're curious about the island's history, stroll through the brick-lined alleys of downtown St.
Thomas during the day, including Market Square. This was the site of the slave trade and of the painful separation of families. Adventurous travelers love zip-lining here, while the more leisurely ones prefer to rent a boat, eat slowly, Western Caribbean lunches, and drink wine. If you need to exercise, look for the famous “99 steps” in Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the Virgin Islands, which lead to Blackbeard Castle. Built in the 1660s by the Danish army, it's a great place to enjoy a view.
Virgin Islands, you should also listen to live music and go out for tropical drinks. John is the least populated of the three islands, so you're likely to stay at your hotel or B& billion while you're there, but spontaneous shows tend to pop up on all of these islands. Thomas, check out live jazz on Sunday afternoons at the Fat Turtle outdoor bar. Snorkeling and diving are top notch here, with beautiful reefs that attract visitors from all over the world (the Virgin Islands Coral Reef Monument is a fantastic place to put on your goggles). And don't miss the sprawling national park of St.
John, where you can snorkel, camp and hike along mountain trails to hidden coves. Whether you opt for an all-inclusive option, a luxury hotel in St. Thomas (which has the fanciest locations), or a quiet bed and breakfast in St. John, there are a lot of places to stay in the US Virgin Islands. The Point Pleasant Resort is far from the hustle and bustle of downtown St.
Thomas, and its location on the east side of the island make it easy to go on trips to St. Croix. The rooms are decorated with good Caribbean taste (wicker furniture, tropical prints) and have large balconies. And at the Ritz-Carlton, a larger and more imposing hotel known for pampering its guests, travelers will find a more refined vision of island design.
Expect private balconies or terraces, marble bathrooms, and contemporary finishes. Meanwhile, the 16 rooms, extensive gardens, and stunning views of Estate Lindholm in St. John is available for those who would like to take the 20-minute ferry. Croix, The Buccaneer remains a popular spot, thanks to its 18-hole golf course, eight tennis courts, and three private beaches. Travelers can also book a room at Starfish Cottage at Judith's Fancy, a cozy space with a full kitchen and wrap-around porch, perfect for large families and groups. When it comes to food in US Virgin Islands, you'll want to search and ask for local fish.
Don't leave without trying specialties such as conch fritters and Caribbean lobster, grouper and flying fish. Also look for grilled chicken, roasted pork, pepper pot and goat stew on restaurant menus. Thomas has plenty of upscale restaurant options such as Oceana which is right on the water and serves bouillabaisse pork rillettes and a fantastic mushroom and leek tatin pie. Travelers can also enjoy classics at Gladys Café where hot sauce is homemade. Croix seems to be having something of a culinary awakening with Balter being one example where diners can find a curated balcony and fresh herbs from restaurant's private garden. A local told Travel+ Leisure that rum is cheaper than Coca-Cola on these islands so drinks are correspondingly strong so many tourists aren't ready for it! Think twice before ordering second round of rum punches for table. Everyone says “good morning” good afternoon and “good night” on these islands so approaching waiter waiter or local without greeting them first is considered height of rudeness. It doesn't matter where you go in US Virgin Islands travelers must fly either two cities St Croix which have airports John however be prepared take 20-minute ferry or chartered boat main islands archipelago especially St Croix also popular ports call cruise ships. Consider taking Caribbean cruise if you're interested seeing this chain islands Currency United States what matters Most stores restaurants accept credit cards but not always American Express In outdoor seats carry cash spontaneous purchases such imitation designer bags. Croix visit Christiansted's waterfront Frederiksted's Strand Street find best memories John check stores Coral Bay Wharfside Village Mongoose Junction. Most visitors arrive between December April looking respite colder climates but local suggests not overlook summer months During June July children don't go school will make friends their own children beach especially places like Magen Bay shallow waves StAnd you can often take your kids beach little dollar Regardless when book your trip expect temperatures between 70 80 degrees throughout year most rain falling during hurricane season peaking fall months. This post may be sponsored or contain affiliate...
