WELCOME to the UNITED
STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS!
St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix are the U.S. Virgin Islands. We can satisfy all your senses. Are you ready for a tropical adventure? On the waves, on the sand, exploring, shopping or just enjoying the view, There’s plenty to see and do with fascinating historic ruins, breathtaking scenery and streets filled with duty-free shopping, satisfying dining, thrilling water sports and land sports activities, a wide variety of attractions and more. Listen to the tinkling sounds of a steel pan. Feel the warmth of the sun on a secluded beach. Enjoy the scent of frangipani wafting on the tropical breeze or taste the rich flavors of heady local spices. Any way you choose to experience it, the U.S. Virgin Islands will surely touch your heart.
About the Islands:
ST. THOMAS
Few towns have as many notable historic sights within walking distance as downtown Charlotte Amalie. You can explore them all within a day…unless you’re shopping too. The historic district is also the primary duty free shopping district!
Additional exploration of St. Thomas requires wheels. If you’ve rented a car, use the map to guide you to the many must-see spots around the island. You may want to save your rental car for trips to the beach. Many downtown taxi operators offer reasonable half and full-day island tours of the island’s most popular sites. You’ll find several waiting along the Waterfront and next to Vendor’s Plaza. Island jeep tours are also available.
ST. JOHN
St. John may be small in size, but it’s big on beauty! With stunning white sand beaches, protected bays, scenic roads, tropical forests, lush trails and historic ruins, St. John’s unspoiled loveliness is a tranquil retreat for all who visit its shores. Whether you are a hiker, boater, swimmer, shopper or just like to take it all in, a day trip to St. John should top your vacation must-do list.
ST. CROIX
Mountains, grasslands, forests, beaches, waves crashing on the cliffs and calm waters, historic and high tech, they all describe St. Croix, depending on where and when you are visiting. This fascinating island combines so many drastic extremes; it’s hard to believe they can all be on the same little island!
Although inhabited by local Indian tribes for more than 4,000 years, St. Croix has always been a favorite with tourists, starting with Christopher Columbus in 1493. Some inevitably made the island home, and through the years the island has flown seven different flags. African, European, American and Caribbean traditions blended, and the result is a unique history and culture, a celebration of roots as diverse as the island itself.
Take a Side Trip to the British Virgin Islands
You wind your way between the countless untouched islands, rocks and cays of the British Virgin Islands, it’s easy to forget that you live in the 21st century. Lush tropical mountains looming majestically over spectacular azure seas capture the imagination in this land where time seems to have stood still. Is that a marauding pirate ship hiding just beyond that cove? Does that uninhabited atoll mark the entrance to Jurassic Park? The lines easily blur between legend and reality, historic exploits and modern day adventures. The British Virgin Islands are a captivating blend of both. Although there are more than 60 islets and cays, the four major populated islands offer plenty to see and do, from marine life to nightlife.
Look for the Chef's Hat for food related events and
information throughout all the sections of Places to Explore.