👉 Quick Links: Top Attractions | Museums & Heritage | Cuisine & Libations | Outdoor Experiences | Locations & Sights
As a resident of nearby St. Thomas, I`ve had the benefit of exploring much of the remainder of the Virgin Islands. Here are my selections for top things to do in St. Croix after visiting.
Sometimes it’s difficult to accept that St. Croix is a part of the US Virgin Islands. Perhaps it’s because it’s 45 miles removed from the other primary islands of the USVI. Or perhaps it’s because it’s much larger than the others.
Whatever it is, it’s obvious in the culture, the individuals, the landscape, the cuisine, and the numerous other fun things to do in St. Croix.
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Table of Contents
33 Best Things to Do in St. Croix, USVI
Annaly Bay Tide Pools
Descend a cliffside hiking trail to dip into natural pools.
📍 Tucked within the rocky landscape on the northwest coast is a natural aquatic feature formed by the ocean. While reaching it demands an aerobic hike, gazing upon its crystalline waters sheltered in the basin makes the exertion worthwhile. Swimming in its still tranquility early in the day provides a reward for braving the rigorous trail.
🥾 Want Additional Hiking Opportunities in St. Croix? Here are my 7 primary hiking routes located in St. Croix!
Point Udall
Witness the earliest sunrise at the easternmost point in the United States.
📍 Reserve at least one very early morning to drive to St. Croix’s easternmost point and witness the first sunrise across all of the United States. Significance aside, the sun’s emergence from the Caribbean Sea may be the most stunning sunrise in all of the US Virgin Islands.
🤔 Did You Know? A monument erected at Point Udall in 2000 honors the beginning of a new century for the United States.
Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve
Kayak atop the glow of a bay that illuminates living organisms.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 340-773-1460 | NPS Website
Managed by the US National Park Service, the Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve features ecosystems unique to various surrounding islands with a culturally significant past. Indigenous Taino people once thrived here and Christopher Columbus stopped during his second voyage of exploration to the New World.
Salt River Bay is also one of the few bioluminescent bays on Earth – a rare natural event where microorganisms illuminate the water brightly. You can witness this mesmerizing phenomenon here as well as in nearby Puerto Rico’s bio bays.
Mt. Pellier Domino Club
Crush cans by interacting with beer-drinking pigs on St. Croix.
The museum is accessible by appointment only from May to September. [ Source]
Mt. Pellier Domino Club is an iconic dive bar nestled in the tropical rainforest just outside of Frederiksted. It’s a long-established watering hole popular with locals and visitors alike because of the outrageous beer-drinking pigs that call the place home.
For just a few bucks, you can purchase a can of non-alcoholic beer and witness a gleeful pig crush the aluminum with ease and slurp up its contents. It’s a hilarious and interesting experience, to say the least.
Cane Bay Wall
Go Scuba Diving along The Wall directly from Cane Bay Beach.
📍 Google Maps | Hours: 8:30 am – 5 pm daily
Most of the northern shore of St. Croix runs parallel to an underwater ravine dropping thousands of feet below sea level. For some reason, this deep channel comes alarmingly near to Cane Bay Beach – offering an astonishing bonus for snorkelers and scuba divers.
After hiring tanks and other gear from Sweet Bottom Dive Center, just walk off the beach a few hundred feet before sinking to the wall of coral reef underneath. As a professional Scuba Diver living in nearby St. Thomas, I must say, the Wall Dive at Cane Bay Beach has been my single favored dive since transferring to the Caribbean.
🇻🇮 Interested in exploring more of the USVI? Plan a trip to the main islands using our 10-day itinerary in the USVI!
Christiansted National Historic Site
Discover St. Croix’s intricate past within an ancient Danish fortress.
📍 The maps address | Phone: 340-773-1460 | Website information | Hours: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm daily, Closed Saturdays | Cost: $10 adults 16 and older, free under 16
Christiansted National Historic Site highlights life on St. Croix between 1733 and 1917 when the Virgin Islands were known as the Danish West Indies under Denmark. The site is managed by the National Park Service with Fort Christiansvaern as its focal point.
Self-guided tours in the district cover historical sites like the Danish Customs House, Scale House, Danish West India & Guinea Company Warehouse, and Steeple Building standing as landmarks of significance.
✈️ When to Visit: Find out the optimal times to explore by perusing my guide on the prime periods to tour the USVI, which details how tourist volumes fluctuate.
Buck Island Reef National Monument
Travel, relax on the beach, and snorkel at an uninhabited tropical isle.
📍 Google Maps pin | Phone: 340-773-1460 | NPS Website link | Hours: 24/7 | Entrance: cost of a boat tour
You will not discover a more satisfying boat excursion in St. Croix than sailing and snorkeling to Buck Island.
The federally guarded Buck Island is amongst the most beautiful places in the US Virgin Islands while showing splendid underwater scenery. Complete and half-day trips depart from Christiansted Harbor regularly with stops at Buck Island’s Turtle Beach and its elkhorn coral barrier reef.
🏞️ US National Parks in the Caribbean: In addition to the three on St. Croix, other areas in the Caribbean under the governance of the US comprise National Parks such as the Virgin Islands National Park on St. John and the San Juan National Historic Site in Puerto Rico.
Christiansted Boardwalk
Stroll along the liveliest atmosphere in the US Virgin Islands.
📍 For one of the best entertainment districts in all of the US Virgin Islands, head to the Christiansted Boardwalk. You’ll find duty-free shopping, plenty of bars, restaurants, and cafes to choose from, and many boat tours to Buck Island departing the docks.
🏝️ More Nightlife in USVI: It’s difficult to decide which area is better for nightlife in the USVI, Christiansted Boardwalk or Cruz Bay on St. John?
Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge
Visit the longest and most scenic beach in the US Virgin Islands.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 340-773-4554 | US Fish & Wildlife Website | Hours: 10 AM – 4 PM only on Saturdays and Sundays from September through March. Closed all other months and days.
On St. Croix`s western tip is Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge. The park has limited access throughout the year due to frequent sea turtle nesting on its delicate shoreline.
Therefore, when it is accessible, I decidedly suggest you venture out of your way to visit as the sandy beaches are not just the best beach in St. Croix, but also among the best beaches in the US Virgin Islands.
Museums & Culture
Estate Whim Sugar Mill
Discover the history of sugar plantations that once dominated St. Croix’s landscape.
📍 The location can be found on Google Maps. The phone number is 340-772-0598. More details are available on the website. Hours of operation are 10 am – 3 pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The entrance fee is $10 for adults 13 and older, $5 for ages 7-13.
During the peak of the Danish West Indies, sugar was dominant on St. Croix as hundreds of sugar cane plantations dotted the hillsides of the island. Using slave labor, sugar was cultivated into molasses and rum to distribute all over the world. Much of this history is encapsulated at Estate Whim Sugar Mill and Museum – an iconic and well-preserved sugar cane plantation.
Hermit Crab Races
Select your racing crab as it competes towards the finish line.
📍 Throughout St. Croix, numerous bars, restaurants, and resorts serve as hosts to what has become an island regular activity: hermit crab races. It’s fun to experience at least once during your visit with one of the island’s most famous races occurring at Brew STX in Christiansted on Wednesday nights.
Estate Little Princess Plantation
Roam one of the best-preserved sugarcane plantations on the island.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 305-445-8352 | Call for operating hours
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Experiences on Viator
Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts
Appreciate works of art from a variety of Caribbean-born artists.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 340-772-2622 | CMC Arts Website | Hours: 9 am – 4 pm Tuesday – Saturday | Entrance: free, but donations are graciously accepted
The Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts showcases an impressive gathering of artistic works originating from numerous Caribbean Islands. In addition to the art gallery and community center components, the organization also provides classes and happenings that involve the local community.
Search for Chaney
Collect centuries-old porcelain fragments that commonly wash ashore.
Along numerous splendid beaches on St. Croix, chances are you’ll eventually come across small, porcelain shards amid sea glass and shell debris. Locals call these shards ‘Chaney’ – an imaginative blend of ‘China’ and ‘money’.
These shards likely originated from European ships that threw broken plates and teacups overboard to avoid paying taxes on cargo weight upon arriving at St. Croix. Today, local artisans fashion these unusual fragments into lovely pieces of jewelry.
Frederiksted Historic District & Fort Frederik
Go into an 18th-century fortress constructed by the Danish.
📍 The maps website | location page | Hours: 9 am – 4 pm daily, Closed Sunday | Entrance: $5, adults, under 16 free
Fort Frederik is an 18th-century fortification constructed to safeguard Danish interests on St. Croix from pirates, privateers, and other colonial forces while maintaining order among the enslaved population on the island. Now, it serves as the centerpiece of Frederiksted’s Historic District along with an accompanying museum.
St. George Village Botanical Garden
Roam amid indigenous flora established within a preserved sugarcane plantation.
📍 Location shown on Google Maps | Phone number 340-692-2874 | More data found at garden website | Open daily from 9 am to 3 pm | $10 entrance fee for adults, $2 for those under age 12
While the botanical gardens on nearby St. Thomas are a sight to behold, the tranquility of St. George Village Botanical Garden on St. Croix rises above the rest.
Part of what makes this garden unique lies in its setting amid the remnants of an 18th century sugar plantation. Wandering the 16 acres exposes visitors to over 1,000 plant varieties demonstrating the Virgin Islands` diverse horticulture.
Estate Mount Washington
Roam the grounds of one of the largest sugar plantations on St. Croix.
📍 Google Maps | Hours: Private Property that’s generously open to the public. Be courteous and only visit during sensible hours
Estate Mount Washington was one of the original sugar plantations of St. Croix built in the 1700s. Once consisting of 160 acres, the grounds included a Great House, animal mill, rum factory, and many guest cottages. Today, visitors can explore the grounds and wander around the impressive structures that remain from that time.
Food & Drink
Virgin Islands Food Tours
Guided culinary experience providing insights into the food culture of St. Croix.
📍 Google Maps coordinates | Phone: 866-498-3684 | Website
St. Croix has a diverse cultural influence that infuses culinary scenes from around the world. Virgin Islands Food Tours is a Christiansted-based company that provides a guided tasting experience and walking tour. Visitors can enjoy unique dishes from multiple restaurants for a single, affordable price.
Rhythms at Rainbow Beach
Sit at this iconic beach bar.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 340-690-9282 | Rainbow Beach | Hours: 11 am – 7 pm Monday-Saturday, 11 am – 8 pm Sunday
Nestled beside the famous Rainbow Beach, you can splash in the crystal clear waters during the daytime before pulling up a stool at Rhythms to witness the sunset over the Caribbean Sea.
Both locals and visitors frequents the beachfront tiki bar every night to sip cool rum cocktails while enjoying live musical performances and good company – Rhythms at Rainbow Beach is the quintessential Caribbean getaway found only in the islands.
Ziggy’s Island Market
Taste authentic and delicious Caribbean-inspired meals at this understated market.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 340-773-8382 | Hours: Check FB Page for menu and times
Located towards Saint Croix`s eastern extremity is Ziggy`s Island Market – an understated fuel station that inconspicuously houses some of the island`s finest local cuisine. Upon arriving, you`ll discover a small outdoor bar where one can order the chef`s daily special offering. Check their Facebook page to view what`s available and at what time meals are served on any given day.
Sion Farm Distillery
Enjoy home-distilled island-style vodka straight from the source.
You can discover this pastry all through the city focus of Lisbon. In any case, I’d prescribe venturing out into Pastéis de Belém to taste the absolute best ones in the city. It isn`t fairly a day outing from Lisbon, yet it’s a piece of an excursion.
Located on St. Croix, Sion Farm Distillery is home to the only island rum distillery. Locally sourced ingredients are skillfully crafted here, with walk-ins welcome to tour the facilities every half hour. Be sure to linger afterwards, sampling the assorted rum flavors unique to the island in a relaxed setting.
Leatherback Brewing Company
Sip a few local brews at this community-centered brewery.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 340-772-2337 | Leatherback Brewing Website | Hours: 11:30 am – 8 pm Monday-Saturday, 12 pm – 7 pm Sunday
The largest brewery in the Virgin Islands, Leatherback Brewing Company, keeps a wide variety of craft beers on tap.
You can find their most popular brews in the majority of bars, restaurants, and grocery stores across the islands but nothing quite compares to a freshly poured, crisp beer tasted directly from the source brewery.
La Reine Chicken Shack
Savor the best BBQ and rotisserie chicken in the Virgin Islands.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 340-778-5717 | La Reine Chicken Shack on Facebook | Hours: 10:30 am – 6 pm Monday-Wednesday, 10:30 am – 8 pm Thursday-Saturday, Closed Sunday
La Reine Chicken Shack is a St. Croix fixture offering island-style barbecue including incredibly tasty smoked chicken. Infusing Caribbean flavors into a traditional smoking pit method, La Reine Chicken Shack has chicken, ribs, steak, pork, conch, fish, and some of the finest Johnny Cakes in the Virgin Islands.
Outdoor & Adventure
Tan Tan Tours
Embark on an island tour by Jeep to uncover St. Croix`s hidden treasures.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 340-473-6446 | Tan Tan Tours
Tan Tan Tours is a locally owned and operated tour company providing excursions all over the largest Virgin Island. Whether hiking, sightseeing, off-roading, or beach hopping, Tan Tan Tours will transport you securely with a private guide. Give them a call to schedule hiking trips to Annaly Bay Tide Pools and other top things to do in St. Croix!
Caribbean Sea Adventures
Choose your ideal watercraft excursion with Caribbean Sea Adventures.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 340-773-2628 | Caribbean Sea Adventures | Hours: 8 am – 5 pm on a daily basis
Caribbean Sea Adventures is the biggest speedboat tour administrator in St. Croix. The organization offers private, small gathering, and expansive gathering visits through various boats for a value that suits your financial plan. Most visits leave from Christiansted Harbor before voyaging to different goals including Buck Island Reef National Monument.
🛥️ Additional Boat Excursions in the US Virgin Islands: As a local Captain near St. Thomas, boats are my specialty. Check out my complete list of the top boat tours on St. Thomas as well as the best boat outings on St. John.
Frederiksted Pier
Go scuba diving amidst the towering pillars of the immense pier during a night dive.
📍 Google Maps Link | Diving Service Website
Another bucket-list-worthy plunge in St. Croix is night plunging at the Frederiksted Pier. For whatever reason, the underwater sections draw in an immense amount of biodiversity including sea steeds, huge sea turtles, Caribbean reef sharks, frogfish, and other uncommon types. The site is enormously well known with the nearby scuba plunging local area and guests alike.
Hams Bluff Lighthouse
Hike a short uphill trail to a Danish lighthouse with stunning views.
The Hams Bluff Lighthouse was constructed in 1915 – merely two years prior to the purchase of the Danish West Indies by the United States. Somehow, the rusty lighthouse continues standing overlooking the bluffs of the island’s northwest corner.
Ironically, travelling to the lighthouse may prove more problematic and challenging for your vehicle than the hiking trail will be for your physical well-being. Once at the starting point, ascend an extremely brief yet upward path before finding the lighthouse. Take extreme care when climbing up the lighthouse as much of it has corroded through.
🏞️ Hiking in the US Virgin Islands: While we enjoy hiking throughout St. Croix, Virgin Islands National Park on St. John features some of the finest hiking trails in the Caribbean .
Jack & Isaac’s Bay Preserve
Hike to two secluded beaches popular for sea turtle nesting sites.
📍 Google Maps | The Nature Conservancy
Managed by The Conservancy, Jack and Isaac`s Bay Preserve constitutes most of the eastern portion of St. Croix. Within its boundaries are secluded beaches and the premier hiking trails in St. Croix.
I wholly recommend exploring this area early in the morning after witnessing the sunrise at Point Udall
Goat Hill
Ascend a challenging path to panoramic views of the island and beyond.
You could extend your hiking day within Jack & Isaac’s Bay Preserve by continuing on to Goat Hill. This trail mainly heads uphill, though remains relatively short. Upon reaching its peak, you’ll be treated to some of the finest panoramic views of St. Croix and its more distant sister islands located to the north like St. Thomas, St. John, and the British Virgin Islands.
St. Croix Sites & Attractions
Captain Morgan Rum Distillery
Tour the well known rum brand’s most significant distillery.
📍 Location shown on Google Maps | Phone: 340-713-5654 | More details available on the attraction`s website | Hours of Operation: 10:00am – 4:00pm Monday – Friday | Entrance Fee: $15
Few visitors to St. Croix recognize that the island is home to Captain Morgan, the largest brand of flavored rum. Both the Captain Morgan Visitor Center and the Cruzan Rum Distillery offer tasting experiences of their quality rums. However, their hours have changed since the 2020 pandemic. Check their website for up-to-date schedules and tour information.
Protestant Cay
Board a brief ferry ride to a small island in Christiansted Harbor.
Although he moved to the city of Phoenix later during his childhood, Steven Spielberg was born in Cincinnati in 1946. He is widely recognized for creating films such as Jaws,Schindler’s List,E.T., andIndiana Jones. He also wrote several other pioneering and memorable movies. [ Source]
The paragraph describes Hotel on the Cay which is a resort located on the small island of Protestant Cay in the middle of Christiansted Harbor
It’s the solitary beach access in downtown Christiansted so it’s a superb spot to visit if you’re staying in town. A brief ferry ride from the Christiansted Boardwalk brings visitors to the island for a small fee.
Mt. Victory Eco Camp
Experience a relaxed, island-country lifestyle at this eco-lodge set in a tropical forest.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 340-201-7983 | Mt. Victory Website
Mt. Victory Eco Camp is a forested lodge nestled in the rainforests of St. Croix’s northwest corner. Their goal is to provide affordable accommodations so people can immerse themselves in the natural setting of St. Croix. Choices include a tent, cabin, or even an old schoolhouse – the Eco-Camp is a unique offering found nowhere else in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Cruzan Cowgirls
Travel on horseback along the spectacular western beaches of St. Croix.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 340-690-7433 | Website | Hours: 11 AM – 5 pm daily, Closed Saturday and Sunday
Cruzan Cowgirls is the best option for horseback riding along the sandy beaches of St. Croix with a scenic mountainous backdrop. Beginning near Rainbow Beach, the horseback riding tour brings riders along one of the most stunning beaches in the Caribbean while enjoying incredible views of the island.
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What other unique activities exist in St. Croix that I may have overlooked? Be sure to provide a comment below!
Up next, check out my guides to activities to partake in on St. John and things to do on St. Thomas.
