Vivacious and Vibrant U.S. Virgin Islands

Seventh Stop: American Eden, Earthly Paradise, State Side De-stresser

This is the perfect destination for you beach lovers out there (and those who are already over this freezing Pennsylvania weather)! Only 2 hours off the coast of Florida, this destination is close enough to be within reach, but far enough that you feel like you're in your own personal paradise! With three main islands, each with their own hot spots and personal treasures, there is sure to be a sunny haven for everyone who ventures a visits.


1) Saint Croix Island
The first island we're going to visit is Saint Croix, the largest of the three islands in the U.S. Virgin Islands. As you can see on the map of the territory, these islands relatively close together, allowing the traveler to explore each aspect of these heavenly islands. While most known for their beaches (Saint Croix alone has a staggering 35!), the islands each offer an array of unique attractions.

Cane Bay Beach

Only one and a half miles off the northeastern coast of Saint Croix is Buck Island Reef National Monument, or Buck Island for short. This uninhabited island is only 176 acres, and it is considered a protected area by the U.S. government, so all of its beautiful wildlife is flourishing! One of the best things to do on this island is exploring the coral reef ecosystem that surrounds the coast. Both experienced divers and first time snorkelers can enjoy this underwater treasure that boasts of an impressive variety of fish and turtles.

Both photos via Trip Adviser

 

If underwater activities aren't your passion, the island also has casinos, distilleries, full golf courses, and a surprising number historical sites and museums. Since I'm not one to pass up a museum, I had to look into at least one! I chose the Lawaetz Family Museum, which showcases the once prominent Danish-Crucian Lawaetz Family's 18th century estate house, filled with the antique furnishings and surrounded by gorgeous gardens. 

 2) Saint Thomas Island

Perhaps one of the more famous of the islands, this lush, middle sized getaway is known for their 10 immaculate beaches and overwhelming presence of pirate history. Their most infamous beach is Magens Bay, a one mile stretch of calm waters and a buzzing atmosphere. Available to those who choose to spend their day there are beach chairs and floats are available for rent, a snack bar with pizza, burgers, and other beach-day foods, and (unlike most of the other beaches on the islands), there are lifeguards are on duty every day, making it a safe place to swim.

Magens Bay

If you want a more relaxed and serine day at the beach, try the Secret Harbour Beach! This calm oasis located right off the Secret Harbour Beach Resort includes a floating swim platform and beach chairs available for rent, so you can lounge in the beach or on the platform as it softly rocks you into paradise.  

Secret Harbour Beach

For the pirate lover, this island is home to the infamous Blackbeard and Bluebeard Castles.

Blackbeard's Castle, originally named Skytsborg (Sky Tower) by the Danes, was built in 1679. According to legend, the infamous pirate Edward Teach (nicknamed Blackbeard), used the tower to watch for ships entering the harbor. Bluebeard’s Castle was a Danish fortress built in 1689, and is named after the fictitious pirate, who was said to have built the castle to lock away his beautiful wife.

Blackbeard's Castle

3) Saint John Island 
Like her two sister islands, the island Saint John is home to a multitude of beaches- 9 to be exact. However, that is not the only allure of this island. Saint John is the home of 20 hiking trails, ranging from Peace Hill, which is only .1 miles, to Caneel Hill Spur Tour, which is 2.4 miles. These trails include a variety of wildlife, but be careful, there are poisonous plants you'll want to avoid.

View from Caneel Hill Spur Tour

If you'd rather a calm stroll without fear of stumbling upon a plant that can kill you, the island also has the Pastory Gardens. This botanical garden includes a 18-hole miniature golf course with putting greens, a butterfly habitat and flavorful restaurants.