20 Top Recommendations for Enjoying St. Croix from Locals

Enjoy sailing and swimming at Buck Island.

"St. Croix offers a wealth of diverse experiences," states Joseph Boschulte, tourism commissioner for the U.S. Virgin Islands. Therefore, a visit to St. Croix would be incomplete without a trip to Buck Island, just a short journey from the island's northeast shore. Buck Island Reef features a distinctive underwater "trail" equipped with plaques to assist snorkelers and divers in identifying hundreds of fish species and other marine life that thrive along the mile-long reef. Local companies provide half-day and full-day excursions to explore the island and its protected environment.

Experience night diving at Frederiksted Pier.

"Frederiksted Pier may come as a surprise, but it's among the top diving locations on St. Croix, which is already a fantastic scuba diving destination," says Kristina Leadbeater from PADI. This dive site is impressive at any hour, but nocturnal creatures like octopi make evening dives at the pier an exceptionally unique experience. Note that divers cannot access the pier when cruise ships are in port, so it’s advisable to check with local dive shops for availability beforehand.

Savor a vibrant culinary scene.

Known as the unofficial culinary capital of the Virgin Islands, St. Croix boasts a wide array of dining options that highlight the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean. Savant is regarded as one of the premier restaurants in the area, offering a blend of Asian and island-inspired dishes, while Galangal features a unique French-Asian fusion. With its patio seating and regular live music, Shupe's On the Boardwalk is a popular spot in Christiansted.

Explore Protestant Cay.

A ferry operates continuously between the Christiansted pier and the white sandy beaches of Protestant Cay, making it the most accessible beach for those staying in the historic center of Christiansted, where accommodations like King Christian Hotel can be found. This picturesque cay derives its name from its history as a former Protestant burial ground.

Visit a historic rum distillery.

While St. Croix's Captain Morgan distillery is well-known and a great spot for tasting local spirits, don't miss the chance to tour the Cruzan Rum Distillery as well. With a legacy of rum production spanning over 250 years, this distillery serves as both a historic landmark and an excellent place to sample signature regional rums.

Join locals in celebrating at the Crucian Christmas Festival.

"The month-long Crucian Christmas Festival on the island blends traditional festivities with local customs for an endless celebration," shares Boschulte about one of St. Croix's most beloved annual events. This island-wide fiesta features concerts, parades, cultural activities, and pageants, along with various fairs showcasing the finest local art and culture. Delicious local cuisine is readily available throughout the event as well.

Enjoy a day at Rainbow Beach.

Located about a mile from the cruise ship dock in Frederiksted, Rainbow Beach is one of St. Croix's most stunning and vibrant sandy areas. Here, you can rent snorkeling gear and other water sports equipment, enjoy ample umbrellas and chairs, and indulge in beachside snacks, making it an ideal place for a beach day. Whether you want to relax on the sand or engage in water activities, Rainbow Beach has something for everyone.

Taste local Crucian cuisine.

St. Croix's local cuisine showcases a blend of regional ingredients and cherished Caribbean dishes for an unforgettable dining experience. La Reine Chicken Shack is famed for its delicious johnny cakes and rotisserie chicken, while the vibrant orange Cruzarican Spot food truck offers a rotating selection of island favorites, including potfish served with plantains.

Discover secluded beaches.

"The best beaches are definitely on the east side of the island," says Yadirah Ramos, a local from Neighborhood Establishment, the community development and hospitality firm behind popular spots like King Christian Hotel and Waves Cane Bay. "Shoys Beach, with its white sand, is a local favorite, serene despite its beauty," she adds. Don't overlook the natural allure of Hams Bluff — although it lacks amenities, its vast stretches of untouched sand and breathtaking scenery are remarkable.

Explore St. Croix's botanical garden.

Home to over 1,500 species of tropical plants, the St. George Village Botanical Garden is a perfect retreat for those seeking a peaceful and shaded getaway in St. Croix. Spanning more than 16 acres on the remnants of one of the island's historic sugar plantations, this vibrant garden is only a short drive from Frederiksted, revitalizing a significant historical site.

Discover the Christiansted National Historic Site.

Established in 1952, the Christiansted National Historic Site covers seven acres and includes several historic buildings, such as customs houses and government structures from the colonial era. The striking Fort Christiansvaern serves as the focal point of the site and is the best-preserved of the Danish forts in the U.S. Virgin Islands. This site is ideal for history enthusiasts, and the well-maintained lawns are popular among locals and visitors for picnics and events.

Experience snorkeling in tidal pools.

For a truly unique experience, take your snorkeling gear to the Annaly Bay Tide Pools, where naturally formed pools teem with marine life along a secluded stretch of the island's northern coast. The trek to this gem involves a challenging 2.5-mile one-way hike through the jungle, which helps keep the area less crowded. Adventurous souls will definitely want to include this on their island itinerary.

Explore shopping in Christiansted.

While the cruise ship dock in Frederiksted offers various shops, Christiansted is the place to discover truly unique treasures. Here, you’ll find boutiques specializing in home goods, perfumes, and locally crafted jewelry, including the island’s famous hook bracelet from Sonya's. The vibrant King's Alley boasts a rich selection of stores in Christiansted and is definitely worth a visit.

Experience a sunset sail.

There’s nothing quite like witnessing a St. Croix sunset from the water. Local charters provide a variety of options for both group outings and private sails throughout the year. In winter, visitors can join the historic wooden schooner Roseway for a sunset adventure and even lend a hand in raising the sails.

Enjoy drinks by the ocean at AMA at Cane Bay.

Perched right on the waterfront, AMA at Cane Bay offers fantastic cocktails and some of the best cuisine on the island. With a focus on sustainably sourced local ingredients, the menu showcases both classic island drinks and innovative new mixes. There’s no better way to wrap up a day of scuba diving or snorkeling than at the cherished Cane Bay Beach.

Explore bioluminescent bays by kayak.

Gliding in glass-bottom kayaks through a shimmering sea of stars at Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve. This St. Croix treasure is home to two of the world’s rare bioluminescent bays, where three distinct species of glowing organisms light up the waters at night for an enchanting experience.

Indulge at the Taste of St. Croix.

Each April, St. Croix hosts its renowned culinary event for just one evening, making it a perfect reason to plan your visit around this celebration. Recognized as one of the Caribbean's premier food and wine festivals, Taste of St. Croix has drawn in thousands of enthusiastic food lovers for over two decades. Guests mingle with local chefs, rum makers, and even celebrity cooks while indulging in delightful food and beverages.

Discover Fort Frederik.

Finished in 1760, Fort Frederik stands as one of St. Croix's key historic landmarks from the Danish colonial era. It is notably where the island's governor announced emancipation in 1848 following a significant revolt by enslaved individuals. While Christiansted National Historic Site features more historic structures, the striking red color of Fort Frederik contrasts beautifully with the blue ocean, and its location near the cruise ship dock makes it a convenient stop for day visitors.

Tee off at Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort.

Small but charming, St. Croix features three golf courses, with the one at Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort being a standout favorite. Offering ocean views from thirteen holes, this challenging yet enjoyable course guarantees a memorable outing, whether you're playing or simply riding in a cart.

Explore the depths at Butler Bay.

The vibrant waters of Butler Bay on the western side of the island are a diver's paradise, featuring some of the most intriguing dive sites nearby. Adventurers can explore three separate shipwrecks in one exhilarating dive, including a tugboat teeming with eels and colorful coral, alongside a massive oil barge that hosts breathtaking marine life.