20 Best Things to Do in St. Croix, According to Locals

From protected reefs to rum distilleries, here's how to get to know the Caribbean island.

As the largest of the three main U.S. Virgin Islands, it feels like St. Croix could easily be overrun with sun-seekers, or anyone looking for an effortless tropical vacation in the United States, no passport required. Despite being conveniently accessible from the U.S. mainland, though, this island seems to fly under the radar. Those who do make their way here quickly recognize that St. Croix's laid-back character makes it a true gem. 

But don't let the chill island vibes fool you, as there is plenty to do here. From pristine, white-sand beaches and rousing festivals to a budding and buzz-worthy culinary scene, "St. Croix is a treasure trove of diverse encounters," says Joseph Boschulte, commissioner of tourism for the U.S. Virgin Islands.

We tapped local experts from the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), and favorite island hideaways like King Christian Hotel and Waves Cane Bay to share their picks for the best things to do on St. Croix. Keep reading for their tried-and-true suggestions.

Sail and swim at Buck Island.

A trip to St. Croix isn't complete without exploring Buck Island, located just a short distance off the island's northeast coast. Buck Island Reef National Monument, administered by the National Park Service, is a pristine and protected ecosystem. The area is home to a unique underwater "trail," where plaques help snorkelers and divers identify the hundreds of species of fish and other types of marine life that flourish at this 4,554-acre-long reef. Local companies offer both half-day and full-day excursions to the island.

Celebrate with locals at the Crucian Christmas Festival.

"The island's month-long Crucian Christmas Festival combines traditional celebrations with regional customs for a non-stop party," says Boschulte of one of St. Croix's favorite annual events. The island-wide celebration include concerts, parades, cultural activities, and pageants, while numerous fairs celebrate the best in local art and culture. There's plenty of delicious local food available at every turn, too.

Dive at Frederiksted Pier — at night.

"It's totally unexpected, but Frederiksted Pier is one of the best places to dive on St. Croix, which is already an incredible destination for scuba diving," shares Kristina Leadbeater of PADI. While this dive spot is spectacular at any time of day, animals like octopi that come out at night make evening dives at the pier a truly unique underwater experience. Remember that the pier is inaccessible to divers when cruise ships are at port, so check with local dive shops for availability in advance.

Spend a day at Rainbow Beach.

About a mile from St. Croix's cruise ship dock in Fredriksted, Rainbow Beach is one of the island's most beautiful and lively stretches of sand. Easy access to gear rentals for snorkeling and other water sports, plenty of umbrellas and chairs, and options for beachside bites make this the perfect spot to enjoy a lazy day on the sand or an active day in the sea.

Enjoy St. Croix's burgeoning food scene.

As the undisputed food capital of the Virgin Islands, St. Croix offers diverse dining options packed with the best flavors of the Caribbean. Savant is considered among the top restaurants in the region with its Asian and island-influenced dishes, while Galangal showcases a French-Asian fusion flare. Patio space and frequent live music make Rum and Wine Bar Restaurant a favorite in Christiansted.

Sample local Crucian fare.

On the other end of the gastronomic spectrum, St. Croix's native fare pulls from local ingredients and beloved Caribbean dishes for a memorable culinary experience. La Reine Chicken Shack is well known for having some of the island's best johnny cakes and rotisserie chicken, while the bright orange Cruzarican Spot food truck, with its rotating menu of island favorites like potfish with johnny cakes and plantains, is another must.

Related: A Local's Guide to Where To Eat in St. Croix

Explore hidden beaches.

"The east side of the island has the best beaches, by far," says Yadirah Ramos, a St. Croix local from Neighborhood Establishment, the community development and hospitality firm behind beloved island spots like King Christian Hotel and Waves Cane Bay. "White-sand beaches like Shoys Beach are local favorites, quiet despite being so lovely," she says. Consider the all-natural Hams Bluff, too — what it lacks in beach amenities it makes up for with empty stretches of sand and stunning, dramatic scenery. 

Visit St. Croix’s botanical garden.

Over 1,000 species of tropical plants await at the St. George Village Botanical Garden; it's an ideal stop for visitors looking for a serene and shady escape in St. Croix. Covering over 16 acres on the ruins of one of the island's many former sugar plantations, this lush garden is just a short drive from Frederiksted and it brings new life to a historic destination.

Visit Christiansted National Historic Site.

Established in 1952, Christiansted National Historic Site spans seven acres and comprises multiple historic buildings, including customs and government structures from the colonial area. The impressive Fort Christiansvaern is the centerpiece of the site and the best-preserved of the Danish-built forts in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It's the perfect destination for history buffs, and plenty of locals and visitors make use of the area's well-kept lawns for picnics and events.

Shop in Christiansted.

The cruise ship dock in Frederiksted means the island's western side has its fair share of shops, but head to Christiansted for some truly special finds. Boutiques selling home goods, perfume, and locally-crafted jewelry — like the island's iconic hook bracelet from Sonya's — make it a one-of-a-kind spot for shopping. Colorful King's Alley Complex has the largest concentration of shops in Christiansted worth exploring.

Visit Protestant Cay.

A water taxi to and from the Christiansted pier whisks beachgoers to the white-sand beaches of Protestant Cay all day long. It's the most easily accessible beach for visitors staying in the heart of historic Christiansted, where you'll find hotel options like King Christian Hotel, which was recently reimagined and renovated. This beautiful cay gets its name from its past as an age-old Protestant burial ground. During the spooky season, King Christian Hotel organizes ghost tours of Protestant Cay for guests.

Enjoy a sunset sail.

Day trips to Protestant Cay and Buck Island are the best way to experience St. Croix's beautiful beaches and offshore snorkeling and dive spots, but there's nothing like taking in a St. Croix sunset from the water. Local charters offer plenty of options for group excursions and private sailings year-round. During the winter months, visitors can board the historic wooden schooner Roseway for a sunset experience, and a chance to help the crew hoist the vessel's sails.

Sip drinks by the ocean at AMA at Cane Bay.

From its enviable waterfront location, AMA at Cane Bay serves up great cocktails and some of the most delicious food on the island. Sustainably sourced local ingredients shine, while the cocktail menu features both island favorites and new creations. There's no better way to end a day spent scuba diving or snorkeling than at beloved Cane Bay Beach. 

Feast at the Taste of St. Croix.

St. Croix's annual foodie event takes place for just one evening in April every year, but it's well worth timing your trip to coincide with this fete. Considered one of the finest food and wine events in the Caribbean, Taste of St. Croix has been attracting thousands of hungry guests for well over twenty years. Attendees rub elbows with everyone from local restauranteurs and rum distillers to celebrity chefs, all while sampling tasty food and drink. It's just one of the reasons that the U.S. Virgin Islands made it onto T+L's list of the best places to visit in 2023.

Explore Fort Frederik.

Completed in 1760, Fort Frederik is one of St. Croix's most important historic sites from its Danish colonial period. It was also the site where the island's governor declared emancipation in 1848 after a landmark revolt led by enslaved peoples. While Christiansted National Historic Site boasts more historic buildings to explore, Fort Fredrik's stunning red hue is remarkable against the blue ocean, and its proximity to St. Croix's cruise ship dock makes it a much more convenient stop for visitors arriving for just a day. 

Kayak through bioluminescent bays.

Glass-bottomed kayaks float through what feels like a sea of stars at Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve. Home to one of the world's few bioluminescent bays, the waters of this St. Croix landmark are inhabited by three unique species of bioluminescent organisms that alight at night for a magical experience on the water.

Snorkel in tidal pools.

For a one-of-a-kind experience, bring your snorkel gear to Annaly Bay Tide Pools, where naturally-formed pools hide abundant marine life along a remote stretch of the island's north coast. It's a bit of a journey to reach this wonder: the 2.5-mile, one-way jungle hike is challenging enough to keep most people away. That also means it's not overcrowded. Adventurous visitors will want this spot on their island itinerary.

Hit the links at Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort.

Tiny St. Croix is home to three golf courses, but the one at Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort is an easy favorite. With ocean views from thirteen different holes, this challenging-yet-playable course offers a memorable experience even if you're just riding along in the cart.

Dive at Butler Bay.

The waters of Butler Bay on the island's west side hide immense treasures for eager divers, making this one of the most fascinating dive sites near the island. Three distinct shipwreck sites are all accessible in just one adventure-packed dive, including a tugboat that hides eels and colorful corals. The wreck of a colossal oil barge is home to some of the bay's most stunning marine life.

Tour a historic rum distillery.

St. Croix's newer Captain Morgan distillery has good name recognition, and it's a solid place to try local spirits, but plan to take a tour of Cruzan Rum Distillery, too. Producing rum on the island for more than 250 years, this distillery is both a historic site and a great spot to sample iconic regional rum.

For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.