The largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix is known for its beautiful beaches, stellar snorkeling, and scuba diving, friendly locals, and tasty tropical rum cocktails. While the island is only 84 square miles, it offers so many unique things to do. Tourists can spend the day soaking up the sun on the sand, exploring underwater worlds near Buck Island and Cane Bay, visiting historical sights and botanical gardens, going hiking, and even taking a trip to the only sugar plantation museum on the islands. And the two main towns, Christiansted (on the east) and Frederiksted (on the west) are great spots to find delicious food and unique shops.

No matter what attractions visitors choose to do in St. Croix, they're sure to witness white sandy beaches, turquoise water, and a plethora of art, culture, and history. St. Croix is a true gem, and it's shaping up to be one of the hottest Caribbean destinations of 2023. Check out our complete guide and list of things to see and do on this beautiful island.

UPDATE: 2023/08/02 19:17 EST BY NOAH STAATS

There Are More Things To Do In St. Croix!

This article has been refreshed with new stops in St. Croix, as well as tips for a vacation to the Virgin Islands. Whether travelers want to explore a beach, catch a boat to a private island, walk through town, or spend the day in a museum, St. Croix is the spot to be!

Things To Do

There are so many fun things to do and beautiful things to see in St. Croix. Start here!

1 Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge

Tague Bay St. Croix
Jpheym Jason P. Heym / Seascape Pool Center Inc.CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Tague Bay in St. Croix - Virgin Islands

The first thing to do while in St. Croix is to visit the Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge. Here is where someone can experience a habitat for threatened and endangered species, with particular emphasis on the leatherback sea turtle.

There are two miles of sandy beaches, and it is the longest stretch of beach in the US Virgin Islands.

  • Address: 71 Route 63, Frederiksted, St Croix 00840, U.S. Virgin Islands
  • Hours: Saturday - Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM

2 Ride A Horse On The Beach With Cruzan Cowgirls

St Croix from space
NASA, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Aerial view of St. Croix in the Virgin Islands

For those in St. Croix wanting to be with animals and experience the beach, heading over to Cruzan Cowgirls on Cowboy Beach is worth it. Here, people can book a horseback riding experience along the white sands of the island, with a dedicated guide per group.

In addition, Cruzan Cowgirls has been a long-standing business on the island and has great reviews from past users. This is also a small, family-owned and operated business, which is perfect for anyone wanting to support the local economy.

It's recommended to call or book ahead online, which can be done via their website.

  • Address: St. Croix, Cowboy Beach, Frederiksted, 00840, U.S. Virgin Islands
  • Hours: Monday through Friday, 11 AM to 5 PM

3 Visit The Monumental Point Udall

Point_Udall
Aaron CortinaCC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Point Udall in St. Croix, Virgin Islands

One thing to do while in St. Croix is to visit Point Udall, the easternmost point of the United States, including insular areas. It was named in 1969 for Stewart Udall, United States Secretary of the Interior under Presidents John F. Kennedy, and stands as a top-visited sight in the islands.

Point Udall offers panoramic views of St. Croix and the surrounding water, so this is a great photo-op. This location features "The Castle," which is a stone monument where guests can take photos and check out some history of the area.

After all, the United States and St. Croix have close ties and have for many decades, so there are occasional monuments named after political figures from the states.

Another thing to mention is that Point Udall is accessible via car, so this is a close drive from town. There's a bit of a hike to reach it, but it's worth the effort!

  • Address: QC4M+94C, Rte 82, St. Croix, St Croix 00820, U.S. Virgin Islands
  • Hours: Open 24 hours, seven days a week

4 Spend The Day At The Beach

Beach astro shot at Saint Croix
Photo by Der Nas on Unsplash
Beach astro shot at Saint Croix

St. Croix is home to some of the best beaches in the world. They're pristine and beautiful, and between sunbathing, snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing, kayaking, and paddle boarding, they simply offer so many fun things to do.

  • Davis Beach (also called Carambola Beach) is a popular wide sandy beach with some rocky areas. The nearby Carambola Beach Resort offers restaurants, bars, and the chance to rent water sports equipment. Just over the hill are Annaly Bay Beach and Tide Pools. The hike there is challenging, but the effort is worth it!
  • Protestant Cay is a tiny island visible from the dock in Christiansted. A quick $5 ferry takes visitors to the island, where they can sunbathe and snorkel all day. Protestant Cay's very own Hotel on the Cay offers beach chairs and umbrellas to rent, and the hotel also offers a bar and a delicious barbecue restaurant.
  • Buccaneer Beach (including Mermaid Beach, Grotto Beach, and Whistle Beach) can be accessed through the Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort. All are welcome to rent water sports equipment and dine and drink at the resort's restaurants and bars.
  • Shoys Beach is a St. Croix hidden gem. It's gorgeous, one of the largest beaches on St. Croix, and an excellent option for tourists hoping to avoid crowds. Bring everything needed, though. There are no amenities at Shoys Beach.

In the east end, Isaac Bay and Jack Bay are possibly the least crowded beaches on the island. Both offer soft sand, an afternoon away from the crowds, and great snorkeling.

  • Rainbow Beach is one of the more famous beaches on St. Croix. Located just a five-minute drive outside Frederiksted, there are many local bars offering live music and fun weekend entertainment. The water at Rainbow Beach is clear and calm, and the beach is broad, making it a perfect destination for the entire family.

There are many choices for people wanting to go to the beach in St. Croix. However, it might be more worth it to head to Isaac Bay or Jack Bay if the group wants to steer clear of crowding. Because this is a popular tourist destination, escaping the crowds can be a nice idea.

5 Hike, Sunbathe, Or Snorkel At Buck Island

Beach and forest on St. Croix
Photo by Caleb Holden on Unsplash
Beach and forest on St. Croix
  • This is a small island in the northeast.
  • Visitors must catch a boat to get here.
  • Buck Island also has great snorkeling and scuba opportunities.

Buck Island is a small island in the northeast. Popular among bird watchers, a hiking trail leads guests to the island's highest point (328 feet). The views from the top are spectacular, and hikers will even be able to see St. John.

Turtle Beach on Buck Island is the perfect place to sunbathe or relax in the shade. Buck Island also offers a unique snorkeling trail alongside the Buck Island Reef. Snorkelers will get to see coral formations and lots of tropical fish.

To get to Buck's Island, catch a boat. They leave from the Christiansted waterfront and Green Cay Marina daily. Big Beard's Adventure Tours, Buck Island Charters, and Caribbean Sea Adventures are popular companies offering full and half-day trips.

6 Scuba Dive In St. Croix

Boats in harbord Christiansted St. Croix
Deposit Photos
Boats in harbord Christiansted St. Croix
  • The Wall at Cane Bay is one of the best places to scuba in St. Croix.
  • The North Shore tends to be windier than other areas.

The best place to scuba dive in St. Croix is The Wall at Cane Bay. It's world-renowned and offers depths of 13,000 feet. Located on the North Shore, the water is not necessarily gentle (it's windy!), but the scuba diving is spectacular.

Snorkeling is also an excellent option for those without certification. Lively bars and delicious restaurants line the waterfront at Cane Bay, making this a very easy destination to spend the entire day.

Another popular dive spot is Northstar Bay Beach, located between Davis Bay and Cane Bay on the North Shore. About 200 yards out, the ocean depth drops from 30 feet to 10,000 feet.

For those interested in dive tours, try Salt River Bay. Underwater canyons offer tons of marine life. Definitely worth a visit; both the beach and bay are protected by The Nature Conservatory.

7 Visit Fort Frederik

Distant view of a fort on St. Croix
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Distant view of a fort on St. Croix

This mid-eighteenth-century Danish masonry fort is located in Frederiksted. Built to protect Danish colonial interests in the Caribbean, the fort was the center of many important historical events, like the Emancipation Revolt in 1848, the Labor Riot and Fireburn in 1878, and one of the ceremonies transferring the Virgin Islands to the U.S. in 1917.

Over the years, Fort Frederik has been a jail, a police station—even a public library. It's currently a local history museum and is a National Historic Landmark.

  • Address: P488+3HW, Frederiksted, St Croix
  • Hours: Daily, 9 AM to 4 PM (Closed on Sundays)

8 The Caribbean Music Center For The Arts

The Danish flag flies over Christiansted Harbor
Photo by Karl Callwood on Unsplash
The Danish flag flies over Christiansted Harbor

Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts — in Frederiksted on the island of St Croix, US Virgin Islands. The Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts is located in a historic building on the waterfront in Frederiksted.

It's small, but it offers a variety of ever-changing exhibits, a bookstore, and even a gift shop. It also hosts popular events, like jazz concerts. And the museum has classes and workshops, like yoga, drawing, watercolor, and clay studio instruction.

9 St. George Village Botanical Garden

Hills on St. Croix
Photo by Drew Dempsey on Unsplash
Hills on St. Croix

Learn about the natural beauty and history of the Virgin Islands at the St. George Village Botanical Garden. Spanning 16 acres amid the ruins of a 19th-century sugar plantation, the gardens offer hiking trails and mini versions of each ecosystem on the island.

Featuring over 1,000 types of plants, the garden emphasizes the importance plants have as a source of medicine, food, building material, and color dyes. There's even a library with books specializing in Caribbean flora and history and a historical collection of artifacts from the plantation era dating back to the pre-Columbus era.

  • Address: 127 Estate St. George, Estate Saint George, Saint Croix
  • Hours: Daily, 9 AM to 3 PM

10 Estate Whim Museum

Mountain landscape with small beach at the coastline in Frederiksted, St Croix
napa74 via Adobe Stock
Mountain landscape with small beach at the coastline in Frederiksted, St Croix

The Estate Whim Museum in Frederiksted offers a unique history lesson on the sugar plantation industry in St. Croix. The purpose of the estate is to give visitors an idea of what everyday life on the plantation was like.

Guides welcome guests at the Great House (constructed in the 1760s), and then the remainder of the grounds can be explored via a self-guided tour. Guests can expect to witness fully furnished bedrooms, dining rooms, a salon with original artwork, and traditional household items used during this era.

The sugar factory ruins and mills are a big attraction at the museum.

  • Address: 52 Estate Whim, Frederiksted, St Croix
  • Hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 10 AM to 3 PM
  • Cost: $10 per adult

11 Play Golf In St. Croix

Beach with forest in the background on St. Croix
Deposit Photos
Beach with forest in the background on St. Croix

There are three great golf courses in St. Croix. The Carambola Golf & Country Club is an 18-hole course full of lush greenery. GOLF magazine named it one of the best golf courses in the world. It's great for all skill levels.

The course at the Buccaneer Hotel is 18 holes with gorgeous water views of the St. Croix coastline, and the Reef Golf Course is only nine holes. It's the most challenging course on the island, but it also offers spectacular water views of Teague Bay.

The Carambola Golf & Country Club

  • Address: 72 Estate River, St. Croix 00850
  • Cost: rates start at $85 for non-residents (18 holes) ​

Buccaneer Hotel Course

  • Address: 5007 Estate Shoys, Christiansted, St. Croix
  • Cost: rates start at $115 for non-residents (18 holes)

Reef Golf Course

  • Address: 5000 Teagues Bay, Chistiansted, St. Croix
  • Cost: rates start at $45 for non-residents (9 holes)

Related: Escape The Crowds: 10 Underrated Caribbean Islands You Need To Visit Now

12 Visit The Christiansted National Historic Site

Christiansted National Historic Site in Christiansted
Malachi Jacobs / Shutterstock.com
Christiansted National Historic Site in Christiansted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands 

On the 7-acre waterfront grounds of the Christiansted National Historic Site, visitors will find five historic sites: Fort Christiansvaern, the Scale House, the Steeple Building, the Danish West India & Guinea Company Warehouse, and the Danish Custom House.

A stroll through the historic sites tells the story of the Danish era of occupation of the Virgin Islands from 1734-1917. Expect to learn more about the Danish ways of life and international trade, including the slave trade, religious diversity, architecture, crime and punishment, military establishment, and colonial administration.

  • Address: 1 Company St, Christiansted, St Croix
  • Hours: Daily, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

For more information on what to do in St. Croix, visit the St. Croix Visitor Center on Frederiksted Pier. Tourists will get friendly travel tips, maps, and brochures.

Related: Bang For Your Buck: 14 Most Affordable All-Inclusive Resorts In The Caribbean

13 Best Time To Visit St. Croix

Blue waters and lush hillsides on the St. Croix coastline
Shutterstock
Blue waters and lush hillsides on the St. Croix coastline in the U.S. Virgin Islands

With abundant sunshine, blue waters, soft sand, and ocean breezes—there is truly never a bad time to visit this beautiful island. St. Croix offers warm weather year-round. Average temperatures range from the mid-70s to the mid-80s. However, there are slight differences between the seasons. The dry season runs from December through May, and the wet season starts at the end of May and lasts until December.

April through June

The best time to visit St. Croix is April through June. With mild temperatures and little chance of rainfall, tourists can really explore everything the island has to offer. One of the many wonderful Caribbean islands to visit in spring, St. Croix is definitely busy, but the crowds thin out in late April.

June through November

July is the most humid month, while August is the hottest. Temperatures in the height of summer peak in the mid-80s. Expect brief tropical showers. Airfare and accommodation prices drop, which is best for the budget traveler, but just be aware that this is hurricane season. For travelers that don't mind the slight chance of a storm, this is a great budget-friendly time to visit.

December through April

This is peak tourist season. It offers the best temperatures (averages in the mid to high 70s) and very little rainfall. It's the busiest time of year in St. Croix. The cost of flights and accommodations matches the demand. This is the most expensive time to visit St. Croix.

Related: Sailing The Seas: 10 Things To Explore In St. Thomas & The Virgin Islands By Boat

14 Best Ways To Get Around St. Croix

View of a small village near the base of the green hillside in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
Shutterstock
View of a small village near the base of the green hillside in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

By car

The best way to get around St. Croix is by car. Just remember to drive on the left-hand side of the road, and don't leave anything of value in the car. For tourists interested in hiking, consider a four-wheel drive vehicle. Some trailheads start in hard-to-reach areas.

By taxi

Taxis are available for tourists who wish to avoid renting a car. The taxi drivers are mostly reliable and friendly and may even share some local knowledge of St. Croix.

By bus

St. Croix does have a public bus system (Vitran), which takes tourists back and forth between the two main towns: Christiansted and Frederiksted. The air-conditioned buses leave approximately every two hours and stop at cool destinations along the way. Traveling by car, if possible, is recommended.

Related: The 15 Cheapest Caribbean Islands To Fly To This Summer

15 Where To Eat In St. Croix

Waterfront in Christiansted in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
EWY Media / Shutterstock.com
Waterfront in Christiansted in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

Dining out in St. Croix is always an experience; here's where to eat for each meal.

Breakfast

Polly's at the Pier

Fresh and friendly, Polly's at the Pier is a great spot to grab made-to-order breakfast items, like eggs, waffles, and breakfast sandwiches. They have great coffee, a full bar, and beautiful water views.

  • Address: 3A Strand St, Frederiksted, St Croix
  • Hours: Daily, 8 AM to 3 PM
  • Recommended: Coffee and a breakfast sandwich!

Lunch

La Reine Chicken Shack

This one-of-a-kind outdoor restaurant is located on Route 75, close to Centerline Road. La Reine Chick Shack offers a full menu with delicious options like ribs, pork chops, steak, fish, conch, meatloaf, rice and beans, mac-n-cheese, and Johnny Cakes. It even has a full bar!

  • Address: 24-I, Christiansted, St Croix
  • Hours: Daily, 10:30 AM to 5 PM
  • Recommended: The BBQ chicken. It's the best in St. Croix!

Dinner

Savant

Savant serves farm-to-table local produce and fresh fish and lobster every day. Fish is prepared in three ways and incorporated into daily specials. The restaurant offers two styles of dining. The front of the two-story blue building is air-conditioned, intimate, and elegant. The Courtyard has a romantic Old-World ambiance with lights and carved cement walls. Both styles are beautiful.

  • Address: 4C Hospital St, Christiansted, St Croix
  • Hours: Monday through Saturday, 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM
  • Recommended: Caribbean Curry or any of the daily specials!

16 Where To Stay In St. Croix

Frederiksted, port of St Croix, Virgin Islands
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Frederiksted, port of St Croix, Virgin Islands

Accommodations in St. Croix are unique and tend to nod to the island's rich history.

Luxury

The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort

The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort is the first hotel on the island built and operated by a family. Located in Christiansted, the hotel opened in 1974 and is one of the most iconic and top-rated resorts in the Caribbean.

  • Address: 5007 Estate Shoys, Christiansted, St. Croix
  • Amenities: Private beach, infinity pool, fitness center, bar/lounge, water sports facilities on-site, spa and wellness center, restaurants, room service.
  • Cost: $$$

Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort & Casino

The Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort & Casino is on the beach, and this Christiansted hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of the Casino at the Divi Carina Bay, Grape Tree Beach, and The Reef Golf Course.

  • Address: 5025 Turner Hole Rd, Christiansted, St Croix 00820, U.S. Virgin Islands
  • Amenities: Adults only, Water sports facilities (on site), Snorkeling, Beachfront, Outdoor pool, Fitness center, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Room service, Outdoor tennis
  • Cost: $$$

Mid-Level

The Fred

The Fred is an eco-friendly, adult-only beachfront boutique in Frederiksted. A perfect hotel for a couple's vacation in the Virgin Islands, The Fred is the first new hotel to open on the island since 1986 and has already won numerous awards for its hip style and stellar service.

  • Address: 605 Strand Street, Frederiksted, St. Croix
  • Amenities: bar/lounge, free parking, free parking, flat-screen TV, spa and wellness center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, laundry services.
  • Cost: $$

Club St. Croix Beach & Tennis Resort by Antilles Resorts

Another hotel to consider in the mid-range pricing is the Club St. Croix Beach & Tennis Resort by Antilles Resorts. Additionally, Club St. Croix Beach and Tennis Resort overlook a 1000-foot palm-studded beach just 5 minutes west of historic Christiansted.

  • Address: 3280 Estate Golden Rock, Christiansted 821
  • Amenities: Private beach, Snorkeling, Outdoor pool, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Outdoor tennis, Free Wi-Fi, Coffee machine
  • Cost: $$

Budget

Hotel on the Cay

For a truly unique experience, stay at the Hotel on the Cay. With stunning views, affordable rates, and friendly staff, visitors to this private island retreat will experience luxury in the Caribbean without breaking the bank.

  • Address: Protestant Cay, Christiansted, St. Croix
  • Amenities: private beach, bar/lounge, coffee machine, free Wi-Fi, airport shuttle, restaurant, flat-screen TV.
  • Cost: $

Sugar Apple Bed and Breakfast

The next hotel in the budget tier to consider while in St. Croix is the Sugar Apple Bed and Breakfast. Here, people are near the airport, within a 5-minute walk of Holy Cross Catholic Church and St. Croix Government House. Free self parking is available onsite.

  • Address: 27 Prince Street, Christiansted 00820
  • Amenities: Snorkeling, Outdoor pool, Free Wi-Fi, Tea/coffee maker, Free parking, Wi-Fi available in all areas, Flat-screen TV
  • Cost: $

17 Tips For Visiting St. Croix

Christiansted, St. Croix, US Virgin Islands
Shutterstock
Christiansted, St. Croix, US Virgin Islands

When coming to St. Croix, there are some things to consider. First, US citizens do not need a passport to come here, but instead a government ID. It's always good to travel with multiple forms of identification, whether it's a driver's license, passport, military card, or even a student ID. This can also come in handy if someone gets lost or is in danger.

Attire-wise, the island is laid-back, but tourists should cover up after leaving the pool or beach. Generally, guests of St. Croix don't want to have too much skin showing, as this can be seen as disrespectful.

Safety is a top priority in St. Croix, with many businesses and hotels offering security services to guests. However, that's not to say crimes never happen; keep an eye out for strange behavior. If it's dark, don't wander through unknown parts of town where other tourists aren't present.

18 How To Spend The Perfect Day In St. Croix

Sun setting on the beach in St. Croix
Sun setting on the beach in St. Croix

Start the perfect day in St. Croix at Polly's on the Pier. Sip a delicious cup of coffee and devour a breakfast sandwich while soaking up the views of the Caribbean. Full and relaxed, pack a backpack full of beach essentials and catch a boat to Buck Island for the afternoon.

Hike to the island's highest point, enjoy the gorgeous views, and maybe even spot some unique wildlife along the way. To cool off, jump in the water and try the amazing snorkeling trail along the reef to find coral formations and lots of tropical fish. After the hike and the swim, relax on Turtle Beach until it's time to catch the boat from Buck Island back to Christiansted.

In the evening, relax and enjoy the scenery at one of the many bars and restaurants near Cane Bay Beach. Or, for a more fine-dining experience, try Savant. Top off the night by watching a gorgeous sunset and sipping a fruity rum punch. St. Croix really is the perfect slice of paradise.