Things to do & places to visit in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

Isn’t it romantic? The Caribbean island of St. Croix is practically the backdrop of a Hollywood love story. White sand beaches and lush rainforests set the scene for tropical bliss. Take in the historic small town charm of Christiansted and Frederiksted, sip your way through a spirited tour of the Cruzan Rum Distillery or explore the ruins of a sugar plantation. And the diving…oh, the diving. Think shipwrecks, think vibrant ocean life, think endless underwater possibilities.

St. Croix #3 destination in U.S. Virgin Islands 2023. The average rating score is 4.54 based on 9.460 traveler reviews, of 30 attractions. Timezone: America/St_Thomas, current date and time: Friday, May 10, 2024, 2:55.

Top things to do (18)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Equus Rides (1.118 reviews)
- One of a kind experience
Spent 2-3 hours Horseback Riding Tours

Equus Rides offers a unique horseback riding experience on St. Croix's magnificent north shore. Join The Cane Bay Cowboy, Stephen O'Dea. Ride trails to hilltops with breath taking views. Mosey or canter along a beautiful beach. Finally, experience the ultimate... A swim in the Caribbean Sea on horseback! Equus Rides caters to riders of all levels. We also have horses available for private parties and wedding ceremonies. Happy Trails! See more..
5.0 Isaac Bay (203 reviews)
- Worth the driving! Hermit Crab + breathtaking ocean view
Bodies of Water

You need a four-wheel-drive vehicle to get here, but it's well worth the trip to this scenic and secluded beach, perfect for swimming, and a barrier reef for snorkeling. See more..
5.0 Isaac Bay (203 reviews)
- Worth the driving! Hermit Crab + breathtaking ocean view
Bodies of Water

You need a four-wheel-drive vehicle to get here, but it's well worth the trip to this scenic and secluded beach, perfect for swimming, and a barrier reef for snorkeling. See more..
4.5 Rhythms at Rainbow Beach (1.122 reviews)
- Beatiful sunset
Beaches

The Best Bar and Top Beach on the island is situated less than a 10 minute walk or short cab ride from the Cruise Dock in Frederiksted. One-of-a kind sunsets and beautiful views! We are the original home of the Lime In The Coconut. Relax on the beach, catch a live performance on our famous stage by the islands best musicians, dance, eat great fare, jet ski, snorkel, visit our T-Shirt shop for authentic souvenirs, and even plan an ATV tour around the island. Just Limin & Stylin at Rhythms at Rainbow Beach! See more..
4.5 Buck Island Reef National Monument (959 reviews)
- Llewelyn Westerman is the captain that you should sail to Buck Island with!
Reefs • Nature & Wildlife Areas

Lying 1.5 miles off the northeast coast of St. Croix, this 880-acre national monument includes 176 acres of land surrounded by 704 acres of water and coral reef system; it is a paradise for snorkelers, and the deep grottos and labyrinths are perfect for experienced scuba divers to explore. See more..
4.5 Fort Christiansvaern (842 reviews)
- History of the Island
Historic Sites

An imposing yellow Danish fort built to defend the Christiansted harbor. See more..
4.5 Point Udall (793 reviews)
- Worth the drive - scenery was GREAT!
Hiking Trails • Monuments & Statues

This rocky promontory, the easternmost point in the United States, juts into the Caribbean Sea and features "The Castle," a huge mansion perched atop the cliffs and which resembles India's Taj Mahal and a Moorish mosque. See more..
4.5 Frederiksted Pier (673 reviews)
- Great diving!
Piers & Boardwalks

A great day or night dive, the pier is home to a thriving population of marine and coral life. See more..
4.5 Rainbow Beach (580 reviews)
- Beautiful beach 5 min from St Croix cruise port!
Beaches

Quick and easy taxi ride from port ($5 per person fare). You can rent two chairs + umbrella for $40 and purchase access to the sports equipment (paddle boards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment, floats). Rocky/shelly at the edge of the water, but not a big deal once you get get through that 2ft strip. It’s fluffy and delightful in the water. Beach bar serving up fun drinks and food. If you like fancy or elaborate, may not be for you. But if you want a local island vibe that is clean and convenient you’ll want to stop here! See more..
4.5 St. George Village Botanical Garden (474 reviews)
- Beautiful non-beach experience!
Historic Sites • Gardens

You can stroll amid the ruins of this 17-acre estate, a former 19th-century sugarcane plantation village, which contains varied ecosystems from semi-arid cactus to lush green rain forest. See more..
4.5 Cane Bay (397 reviews)
- Turtle nursery!
Beaches

Located on St. Croix's north shore, the waters are not always gentle along this palm-tree-lined beach, but scuba diving and snorkeling are very popular here where less than 200 yards out is the drop-off called Cane Bay Wall. See more..
4.5 Carambola Tide Pools (335 reviews)
- Rewarding hike
Hiking Trails

My husband and I just hiked the 2.7 mile (each way) hike to the tide pools. FYI parking situation is a bit tight. I’d recommend doing the hike earlier in the AM for better parking AND much better to do before the hottest time of day, the hike is not for the mobility challenged or young children. Trail is very narrow at times with many steep inclines/declines. There are many opportunities to take photos from the beautiful look outs. The beach before the tide pools is entirely rocky- be careful taking steps. We only went to the first tide pool after being warned by locals the Danger of going beyond that. I think that is a wise idea- people have drowned going to the other tide pools. Not worth the risk in my opinion. I would recommend this challenging hike as the natural beauty of of the cliffs/beach is breathtaking!!! See more..
4.5 Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge (265 reviews)
- Go early morning and access via West Beach on the NW corner of island.
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Isolated and peaceful with zero crowds and an enormous number of active turtle nests (mostly Green turtles but also Leatherback and Hawksbill turtles). TIP: Don't access the refuge at the refuge parking lot on Tranberg Rd since the gate is oftentimes closed. But rather park at the end of the road on the North side of the refuge at the fenced off old abandoned Frederiksted Community Pool on "Veterans Shore Drive" (Google directions for "Cottages By The Sea" and continue past to the pool). This will give you immediate access to the refuge and away from the masses. A short walk down the beach and there is solitude. TIP: Go first thing in the morning immediately after sunrise. You see many more baby turtle tracks in the sand leading to the ocean and as a bonus, the temps will be in the 70's and much less hot. TIP: No shade. No water. No bathroom facilities. See more..
4.5 Protestant Cay (245 reviews)
- Relaxing Beach Day!
Beaches

Spent a half day here with my family. Perfect for younger kids with the calm waters and food/bathrooms nearby. We did a cabana/chair rentals and had a relaxing day with a few rum drinks and tasty BBQ from the outdoor restaurant. Looked like a great spot for snorkeling as well. Boat ride there was easy. Definitely recommend coming to this beach if it is a very windy day or if a front is blowing through or if you just don't want to deal with packing chairs/food and just want a place that has it all. See more..
4.5 Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve (239 reviews)
- Bio Bay Tour
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Dedicated in 1993, this national, ecological preserve and park features the largest remaining mangrove forest in the U.S.V.I., a submarine canyon, plus objects of cultural significance such as a prehistoric ceremonial hall and burial site. See more..
4.5 Buck Island Cove (164 reviews)
- A perfect day.
Reefs

About two miles northeast of St. Croix, Buck Island Cove, with its large and spectacular reef, is a snorkelers dream. See more..
4.5 Shoy Beach (101 reviews)
- Excellent
Beaches

This palm-frond Christiansted beach is great for body surfing. See more..
4.5 Estate Mount Washington Plantation (57 reviews)
- A MUST EXPLORE!
Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas

We were very blessed to have met the owners and their two dogs. Fascinating story they have, along with the beautifully property. Unique mill to others on the island. Highly recommend making time to visit. If your in USPC, the local chapter is very close. See more..
4.5 Leatherback Brewing Co. (53 reviews)
- Don’t miss this great brewery!
Friday: 11:30 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Breweries

The founders of Leatherback Brewing Company share a love of St. Croix and craft beer. Each of the owners had followed his own path into the world of craft beer, but they all agreed that St. Croix was the perfect place to continue the journey. Several styles of beer are being brewed with some featuring local ingredients. Beer is canned and kegged on site. Visitors can tour the facility and learn about the brewing process. The tasting room features an indoor and outdoor bar with a family friendly atmosphere. The company’s namesake, the Leatherback turtle, perfectly embodies the spirit of the company. These majestic sea turtles are world travelers, yet those born here always return, recognizing the special quality of the island. We also recognize that St. Croix is a special place and we support the outdoor island lifestyle on the island. Support for local initiatives that benefit the environment, our neighbors, and the potential of the island have been part of the plan since day one. See more..
4.5 Cruzan Gardens (52 reviews)
- Breathtaking
Gardens

Cruzan Gardens , where quality of life begins in the garden... Cruzan Gardens is the Island's oldest & largest nursery. Located on 14-acres in America's Paradise, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands and have been serving our community since 1963. We offer a full service nursery and garden center featuring fertilizers and pesticides, soil mixes, pots, planters, fountains, matting & irrigation supplies. Cruzan Gardens specializes in Organic insecticides, fertilizers and soils, organic, non - GMO heirloom seeds, and hydroponic equipment. We use it so we stock supplies for farmer to growers, nursery to landscape, we even have Gift Certificates. Our production facilities feature thousands of native and ornamental container stock, propagated and grown out on site, as well as a 10-acre parcel with field grown trees and palms. Including a wide variety of Fruit trees, Palms, Natives - Salt tolerant, Deer resistant, Water garden or just exotic plants. Our knowledgeable sales staff is here to answer all your questions, big and small insuring you success. See more..
4.5 Judith's Fancy (43 reviews)
- Great place for a walk and a view
Ancient Ruins

These impressive ruins of the 17th-century chateau, once home to the governor of the Knights of Malta, are collectively named "Judith" after the first name of a woman who is buried on the property. See more..
4.5 Hams Bluff Lighthouse (41 reviews)
- Loved this little hike
Historic Sites • Lighthouses

We left early in the AM and made the drive. There are many times you think your car can't make it... but you can. :-) Keep going! Closer to the end veer to the right to keep going up. Eventually you'll see an old military fort building, with lots of parking. Beautiful view from there. There is a wood sign someone has painted "Lighthouse Trail", go in there. It was little muddy for us but our children did fine (11, 8, 5). Took us <15 min to hike to the top. Beautiful views. Lighthouse itself is pretty far gone. But gorgeous views both sides. 15 min back- well worth the drive and hike/exploring! Monks Cove is cool to stop on the way back too. Stop where parking is easy, walk left a few hundred yards and you can see where Monks carved out a pool area to swim in! See more..
4.5 Little La Grange Farm & Lawaetz Museum (25 reviews)
- Unique experience
Friday: Historic Sites • Farms • History Museums

A new certified organic farm (est. 2015) at a National Historic Site. This 18th-century sugar and cattle plantation has been turned into a landmark. It features a historical museum of the Lawaetz Family and other prior estate tenants, dating to pre-colonial native caribbean people. See more..
4.5 Davis Bay (25 reviews)
- The home of Renaissance Carambola Resort!
Bodies of Water • Beaches

Beside the crystalline waters of Davis Bay, this beautiful white sand beach lined with palm trees is a great spot for swimming, bodysurfing, snorkeling and scuba diving. See more..
4.5 Buck Island Reef National Monument (959 reviews)
- Llewelyn Westerman is the captain that you should sail to Buck Island with!
Reefs • Nature & Wildlife Areas

Lying 1.5 miles off the northeast coast of St. Croix, this 880-acre national monument includes 176 acres of land surrounded by 704 acres of water and coral reef system; it is a paradise for snorkelers, and the deep grottos and labyrinths are perfect for experienced scuba divers to explore. See more..
4.5 Point Udall (793 reviews)
- Worth the drive - scenery was GREAT!
Hiking Trails • Monuments & Statues

This rocky promontory, the easternmost point in the United States, juts into the Caribbean Sea and features "The Castle," a huge mansion perched atop the cliffs and which resembles India's Taj Mahal and a Moorish mosque. See more..
4.5 Cane Bay (397 reviews)
- Turtle nursery!
Beaches

Located on St. Croix's north shore, the waters are not always gentle along this palm-tree-lined beach, but scuba diving and snorkeling are very popular here where less than 200 yards out is the drop-off called Cane Bay Wall. See more..
4.5 Carambola Tide Pools (335 reviews)
- Rewarding hike
Hiking Trails

My husband and I just hiked the 2.7 mile (each way) hike to the tide pools. FYI parking situation is a bit tight. I’d recommend doing the hike earlier in the AM for better parking AND much better to do before the hottest time of day, the hike is not for the mobility challenged or young children. Trail is very narrow at times with many steep inclines/declines. There are many opportunities to take photos from the beautiful look outs. The beach before the tide pools is entirely rocky- be careful taking steps. We only went to the first tide pool after being warned by locals the Danger of going beyond that. I think that is a wise idea- people have drowned going to the other tide pools. Not worth the risk in my opinion. I would recommend this challenging hike as the natural beauty of of the cliffs/beach is breathtaking!!! See more..
4.5 Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge (265 reviews)
- Go early morning and access via West Beach on the NW corner of island.
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Isolated and peaceful with zero crowds and an enormous number of active turtle nests (mostly Green turtles but also Leatherback and Hawksbill turtles). TIP: Don't access the refuge at the refuge parking lot on Tranberg Rd since the gate is oftentimes closed. But rather park at the end of the road on the North side of the refuge at the fenced off old abandoned Frederiksted Community Pool on "Veterans Shore Drive" (Google directions for "Cottages By The Sea" and continue past to the pool). This will give you immediate access to the refuge and away from the masses. A short walk down the beach and there is solitude. TIP: Go first thing in the morning immediately after sunrise. You see many more baby turtle tracks in the sand leading to the ocean and as a bonus, the temps will be in the 70's and much less hot. TIP: No shade. No water. No bathroom facilities. See more..
4.5 Protestant Cay (245 reviews)
- Relaxing Beach Day!
Beaches

Spent a half day here with my family. Perfect for younger kids with the calm waters and food/bathrooms nearby. We did a cabana/chair rentals and had a relaxing day with a few rum drinks and tasty BBQ from the outdoor restaurant. Looked like a great spot for snorkeling as well. Boat ride there was easy. Definitely recommend coming to this beach if it is a very windy day or if a front is blowing through or if you just don't want to deal with packing chairs/food and just want a place that has it all. See more..