With Greatest US Virgin Island to Go to on the forefront, this beautiful archipelago within the Caribbean beckons vacationers to its enchanting shores, pristine seashores, and vibrant tradition, every island distinctive and stuffed with wonders to find. This narrative will take you on a journey to discover one of the best island to go to within the US Virgin Islands.
The US Virgin Islands comprise three principal islands: St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, every with its distinct allure, breathtaking landscapes, and thrilling experiences. From the historic websites and colonial cities to the secluded seashores and turquoise waters, each facet of the USVI is ready to be explored.
Selecting the Greatest Island for Your US Virgin Islands Getaway
The US Virgin Islands are a preferred vacation spot for vacationers, providing a singular mix of beautiful pure magnificence, wealthy historical past, and vibrant tradition. With three principal islands to select from – St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas – every providing its personal distinct character and points of interest, deciding which island to go to generally is a daunting process. Nonetheless, by contemplating the distinctive qualities of every island, you’ll be able to select the one which most accurately fits your wants and preferences.
Seashores and Scenic Views
The seashores of the US Virgin Islands are famend for his or her crystal-clear waters, powdery white sand, and picturesque coral reefs. Every island has its personal share of beautiful seashores, however some stand out for his or her distinctive options and points of interest.
The seashores of St. Thomas are a few of the hottest within the US Virgin Islands, with well-liked spots like Magens Bay Seashore, Trunk Bay, and Coki Level Seashore providing a variety of actions from snorkeling and swimming to sunbathing and people-watching. The island’s scenic views are equally spectacular, with the historic city of Charlotte Amalie providing a glimpse into the island’s wealthy historical past and tradition.
St. John, then again, is thought for its undeveloped and untouched seashores, making it a tranquil and serene vacation spot for these looking for a peaceable getaway. The island’s well-known Trunk Bay Seashore is a must-visit, with its beautiful coral reef and crystal-clear waters making a snorkeler’s paradise. The island’s scenic views are equally breathtaking, with the Virgin Islands Nationwide Park providing a wealth of climbing trails and scenic vistas.
St. Croix, the biggest of the three islands, is dwelling to a few of the most stunning and secluded seashores within the US Virgin Islands. The island’s southern shore is dotted with pristine seashores like Cane Bay and Frederiksted Seashore, whereas the island’s northern shore affords a extra rugged and rocky shoreline with scenic views of the encircling waters.
Outside Actions
The US Virgin Islands are a haven for out of doors fanatics, with a variety of actions to swimsuit all pursuits and talent ranges. From snorkeling and scuba diving to climbing and kayaking, every island affords its personal distinctive set of out of doors adventures.
St. Thomas is a well-liked vacation spot for water sports activities, with well-liked actions like jet-skiing, parasailing, and paddleboarding. The island’s scenic views are equally spectacular, with the historic city of Charlotte Amalie providing a glimpse into the island’s wealthy historical past and tradition.
St. John, then again, is a haven for nature lovers, with its undeveloped and untouched seashores making it the right vacation spot for climbing and exploring. The island’s Virgin Islands Nationwide Park affords a wealth of climbing trails and scenic vistas, with well-liked spots like The Reef and Cinnamon Bay providing beautiful views of the encircling waters.
St. Croix is a favourite amongst journey seekers, with its rugged shoreline and scenic views making it the right vacation spot for kayaking and paddleboarding. The island’s historic city of Christiansted affords a glimpse into the island’s wealthy historical past and tradition, with well-liked spots like Fort Christian and the Steeple Constructing providing a glimpse into the island’s colonial previous.
Distinctive Sights
Every island has its personal distinctive set of points of interest that make it stand out from the others. From historic websites to pure wonders, every island affords its personal distinctive mix of tradition, historical past, and pure magnificence.
St. Thomas is dwelling to a few of the hottest points of interest within the US Virgin Islands, together with the St. Thomas Skyride and the Magens Bay Seashore. The island’s historic city of Charlotte Amalie affords a glimpse into the island’s wealthy historical past and tradition, with well-liked websites just like the 99 Steps and the Fort Christina providing a glimpse into the island’s colonial previous.
St. John is a nature lover’s paradise, with its undeveloped and untouched seashores making it the right vacation spot for climbing and exploring. The island’s Virgin Islands Nationwide Park affords a wealth of climbing trails and scenic vistas, with well-liked spots like The Reef and Cinnamon Bay providing beautiful views of the encircling waters.
St. Croix is a favourite amongst historical past buffs, with its historic city of Christiansted providing a glimpse into the island’s wealthy historical past and tradition. The island’s historic websites like Fort Christian and the Steeple Constructing provide a glimpse into the island’s colonial previous, whereas the island’s pure wonders just like the Buck Island Reef Nationwide Monument provide a glimpse into the island’s beautiful pure magnificence.
Lodging and Eating
Every island affords a variety of lodging and eating choices to swimsuit all budgets and preferences. From luxurious resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses, every island has its personal distinctive set of choices to fit your wants and preferences.
St. Thomas is dwelling to a few of the hottest resorts within the US Virgin Islands, together with the Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas and the Marriott Frenchman’s Reef. The island’s historic city of Charlotte Amalie affords a variety of eating choices, together with well-liked spots like The Blue Moon Restaurant and The Fish Entice.
St. John is a favourite amongst eco-tourists, with its undeveloped and untouched seashores making it the right vacation spot for these looking for a peaceable getaway. The island’s Virgin Islands Nationwide Park affords a variety of lodging, together with budget-friendly guesthouses and luxurious resorts. The island’s eating choices are equally spectacular, with well-liked spots like The Fish Entice and The Seashore Bar providing a variety of recent seafood and native delicacies.
St. Croix is a haven for foodies, with its historic city of Christiansted providing a variety of eating choices, together with well-liked spots like The Steeple Constructing and The Previous Stone Farmhouse. The island’s lodging are equally spectacular, with budget-friendly guesthouses and luxurious resorts just like the Buccaneer Seashore Membership providing a variety of choices to swimsuit all budgets and preferences.
St. Croix: The Scenic Island
St. Croix, the biggest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, is a haven for these looking for a tranquil and scenic getaway. This enchanting island boasts breathtaking seashores, a wealthy colonial historical past, and beautiful pure landscapes, making it an excellent vacation spot for nature lovers and historical past fanatics alike. Guests can bask on the island’s picturesque shores, discover its historic websites, or immerse themselves within the outside by climbing, snorkeling, and experiencing the island’s distinctive allure.
The Island’s Seashores
St. Croix’s seashores are amongst its most putting property, providing a variety of serene stretches of sand for absorbing the solar, swimming, and snorkeling.
- Cane Bay Seashore, a secluded cove surrounded by coral reef and crystal-clear waters, is ideal for enjoyable and observing marine life.
- Magens Bay Seashore, a pristine shore with calm waters, gives a tranquil ambiance for sunbathing and swimming.
- Cheney Bay Seashore, a secluded spot with restricted entry, is good for these looking for solitude and serenity.
Colonial Historical past and Historic Websites
St. Croix’s wealthy historical past dates again to the Danish colonial interval, evident in its well-preserved historic websites and landmarks.
- Fort Christian, constructed by the Danish in 1672, stands as a testomony to the island’s colonial previous and affords breathtaking views of the harbor.
- The Previous Scale Home, a historic construction relationship again to the 18th century, showcases the island’s industrial heritage and the significance of the sugar trade.
- The Christiansted Nationwide Park, which incorporates historic buildings and ruins, gives perception into the island’s colonial and agricultural historical past.
Scenic Views and Outside Actions
St. Croix is a paradise for out of doors fanatics, providing a variety of actions and breathtaking views for exploration and journey.
- The island’s scenic vistas, such because the Buck Island Reef Nationwide Monument and the Christiansted Harbor, could be admired by boat or on land by climbing trails.
- Mountaineering trails, just like the Buck Island Path and the Cruzan Botanicals trails, provide an opportunity to discover the island’s distinctive wildlife in an unspoiled habitat.
- Snorkeling and diving alternatives are plentiful, because the island’s crystal-clear waters and coral reefs assist an unimaginable array of marine life.
St. Thomas: The Procuring and Crusing Hub
St. Thomas is probably the most populous island within the US Virgin Islands and is thought for its vibrant procuring scene and beautiful pure magnificence. The island affords a singular mix of procuring, crusing, and snorkeling alternatives, making it an excellent vacation spot for vacationers. Whether or not you are seeking to bask in duty-free procuring or discover the island’s historic websites, St. Thomas has one thing for everybody.
Vibrant Procuring Scene
St. Thomas is a consumer’s paradise, with a variety of shops and boutiques providing the whole lot from designer clothes and accessories to native handicrafts and souvenirs. The island is known for its duty-free procuring alternatives, permitting guests to buy luxurious items and electronics with out incurring import taxes. Main procuring facilities like Charlotte Amalie and Fort Christian provide an in depth number of shops, eating places, and bars.
– Tax-Free Procuring: St. Thomas is without doubt one of the few locations on the earth the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in tax-free procuring on a variety of things, together with jewellery, perfumes, clothes, and electronics.
– Native Markets: Go to the native markets in Charlotte Amalie to find distinctive handicrafts, souvenirs, and native produce.
– Designer Shops: The island is dwelling to a number of designer retailers, providing the newest kinds from well-known style manufacturers.
Crusing and Snorkeling Alternatives
St. Thomas is surrounded by crystal-clear waters and coral reefs, making it an excellent vacation spot for crusing and snorkeling fanatics. The island’s west coast affords beautiful seashores and bays, good for crusing, kayaking, or just enjoyable within the solar.
– Magens Bay and Water Island: Discover the island’s scenic shoreline by crusing or kayaking to Magens Bay and Water Island, recognized for his or her pristine seashores and crystal-clear waters.
– Snorkeling Spots: Uncover the island’s vibrant marine life at snorkeling spots like Trunk Bay, Coki Level, and Hull Bay.
– Boat Excursions: Take a guided boat tour to discover the island’s shoreline, marine life, and historic websites.
Historic Websites, Greatest us virgin island to go to
St. Thomas has a wealthy historical past, with quite a few historic websites and museums showcasing the island’s colonial previous. Go to Fort Christian, the oldest standing construction on the island, and discover the 99 Steps, a historic staircase that provides beautiful views of the harbor.
– Fort Christian: Discover the historic Fort Christian, which served as a fort, jail, and even a hospital throughout the colonial period.
– The 99 Steps: Stroll up the historic 99 Steps and luxuriate in breathtaking views of the harbor and the encircling islands.
– Property Botanical Backyard: Go to the Property Botanical Backyard to discover the island’s distinctive wildlife.
Island Comparability Desk
When planning your US Virgin Islands getaway, it is important to contemplate which island most closely fits your pursuits and preferences. Every of the three principal islands – St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John – affords a singular expertise, from beautiful pure points of interest to wealthy historical past and tradition. On this part, we’ll present an in depth comparability of the three islands, serving to you make an knowledgeable determination on your subsequent journey.
Seashores
Whereas all three islands boast breathtaking seashores, there are some notable variations. St. Croix is thought for its secluded coves and secluded seashores, typically surrounded by lush greenery and scenic views. In distinction, St. Thomas options well-liked seashores like Magens Bay, which affords calm waters and powdery sand. St. John, then again, is dwelling to Trunk Bay, a picturesque seaside with a coral reef good for snorkeling.
| Island | Seashores | Historical past | Outside Actions | Procuring |
| — | — | — | — | — |
| St. Croix | Secluded coves, calm waters | Danish colonial historical past, Christiansted | Kayaking, snorkeling, climbing | Native markets, craft retailers |
| St. Thomas | Fashionable seashores, Magens Bay | Seventeenth-century Danish fortifications, Charlotte Amalie | Crusing, scuba diving, boat excursions | Responsibility-free procuring, high-end boutiques |
| St. John | Trunk Bay, Coral Reef | Historic websites, Annaberg Plantation | Snorkeling, climbing, paddleboarding | Artisan retailers, native markets |
Historical past
Every island has its personal distinct historical past, formed by varied cultures and occasions. St. Croix, the biggest island, boasts a wealthy Danish colonial heritage, with many historic websites, together with the Christiansted Nationwide Historic Website and the Steeple Constructing. St. Thomas, a former Dutch colony, options Seventeenth-century fortifications in Charlotte Amalie, its capital. St. John, with its distinctive mix of Danish and African influences, affords a glimpse into the island’s complicated previous.
Whether or not you are in search of journey or leisurely pursuits, every island affords a variety of out of doors actions. St. Croix gives alternatives for kayaking, snorkeling, and climbing, whereas St. Thomas caters to crusing fanatics and scuba divers. St. John, a haven for nature lovers, invitations exploration of its lush rainforests, scenic seashores, and vibrant coral reefs.
Procuring
St. Thomas, recognized for its duty-free procuring, boasts a variety of high-end boutiques, jewellery shops, and memento retailers. St. Croix, with its native markets and craft retailers, affords a extra laid-back procuring expertise. St. John, with its emphasis on artisan items and native produce, invitations guests to find distinctive treasures.
Lodging and Transportation
When planning a visit to the US Virgin Islands, choosing the proper lodging and transportation choices is essential to make sure a cushty and gratifying expertise. Every island affords a variety of choices to swimsuit completely different budgets and preferences. From luxurious resorts to budget-friendly lodges, there’s one thing for everybody. Equally, getting across the islands is made simple by varied transportation choices, together with automotive leases, ferries, and taxi providers.
Lodging Choices on Every Island
St. Thomas, the procuring and crusing hub, affords a variety of lodging, from luxurious resorts just like the Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas to budget-friendly lodges just like the Bluebeard’s Fortress Resort. The island’s capital, Charlotte Amalie, has a wide range of choices, together with the historic Hassel Island Lighthouse Resort. However, St. Croix, the scenic island, is thought for its extra laid-back ambiance and affords a variety of lodging, together with the historic Christiansted Resort and the extra luxurious Resort on Frenchmen Avenue.
Lodging Choices on St. John
St. John, a quieter island with a robust concentrate on conservation, has a restricted vary of lodging, lots of that are villas and resorts. Guests can select from villas just like the Caneel Bay Resort, which affords a variety of rooms and suites, or go for a luxurious trip rental just like the Property Lindholm. For these on a tighter funds, choices just like the St. John Inn Motel provide a extra inexpensive alternative.
Lodging Choices on St. Croix
St. Croix, the biggest of the US Virgin Islands, has a variety of lodging, from budget-friendly choices just like the Cane Bay Resort to luxurious resorts just like the Divi Carina Bay All Inclusive Seashore Resort. The island’s historic city, Christiansted, has a variety of lodge choices, together with the historic Resort on Frenchmen Avenue.
Lodging Choices on St. Thomas
St. Thomas, the procuring and crusing hub, affords a variety of lodging, from luxurious resorts just like the Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas to budget-friendly lodges just like the Bluebeard’s Fortress Resort. The island’s capital, Charlotte Amalie, has a wide range of choices, together with the historic Hassel Island Lighthouse Resort.
Getting Across the Islands
Getting across the islands is made simple by varied transportation choices. On St. Thomas and St. John, a automotive is one of the simplest ways to discover, and automotive leases are broadly obtainable. On St. Croix, a automotive can be advisable, however public transportation choices like buses and taxis are additionally obtainable. Ferries join the islands, making it simple to island-hop and discover the US Virgin Islands.
Transportation Choices
- Automotive Leases: A automotive is one of the simplest ways to discover the islands, particularly on St. Thomas and St. John. Automotive leases are broadly obtainable, and main firms like Hertz and Avis have areas on the islands.
- Ferries: Ferries join the islands, making it simple to island-hop and discover the US Virgin Islands. The key ferry line is Inter-Island Boat Companies, which operates between St. Thomas and St. Croix.
- Taxis: Taxis are broadly obtainable on all three islands and provide a handy option to get round, particularly for shorter journeys.
- Public Transportation: On St. Croix, public transportation choices like buses and taxis are additionally obtainable.
Different Transportation Choices
For these in search of a extra scenic or distinctive option to discover the islands, various transportation choices like bike leases, kayak leases, and even horseback driving can be found. Guests can lease bikes and discover the scenic trails on St. Croix, or lease a kayak and paddle by the crystal-clear waters on St. John.
Meals and Drink
The US Virgin Islands provide a various and vibrant culinary scene that is influenced by its wealthy historical past and geography. With a singular mix of Caribbean, American, and worldwide flavors, you will discover a variety of eating choices to swimsuit each style and funds. From recent seafood and native specialties to worldwide delicacies and craft drinks, the USVI’s culinary panorama is a significant draw for foodies and vacationers alike.
Native Delicacies and Seafood
The USVI’s delicacies is characterised by its use of recent seafood, domestically sourced substances, and conventional cooking strategies. Seafood performs a starring position in lots of native dishes, together with recent fish, conch fritters, and fish soup. Different native specialties embody fungi (a sort of cornmeal mush), johnnycake (a candy bread), and pepper pot soup. Do not miss the chance to strive a few of the islands’ freshest seafood at native eating places and eateries.
- Contemporary fish: Attempt the islands’ well-known grilled or broiled fish, typically served with a facet of island-style rice and beans.
- Conch fritters: A Caribbean traditional, these crispy fried balls of conch meat are a must-try.
- Fungi: This conventional cornmeal mush is usually served with johnnycake or used as a base for different dishes.
Craft Breweries and Distilleries
The USVI is dwelling to a rising variety of craft breweries and distilleries, every providing a singular tackle native flavors and traditions. Whether or not you are a fan of hoppy beers or spirits made with island-grown substances, you will discover one thing to fit your tastes. Go to native breweries like St. Croix’s Rain Barrel or St. Thomas’s Beer Island to pattern a few of the islands’ greatest craft beers. For spirits fanatics, look no additional than locally-made rums, together with these from Cruzan Rum and St. Croix’s Herve’s Distillery.
| Brewery | Location | Notable Beers/Spirits |
|---|---|---|
| Rain Barrel Brewery | St. Croix | St. Croix Pale Ale, Cruzan Craft Ale |
| Beer Island Brewery | St. Thomas | Island Hoppiness Ale, Beer Island IPA |
| Herve’s Distillery | St. Croix | St. Croix Distilled Rum, Darkish Rum |
Particular Occasions and Festivals
The US Virgin Islands are recognized for his or her vibrant cultural heritage, which is mirrored within the quite a few particular occasions and festivals held all year long. These occasions provide a singular alternative to expertise the native tradition, strive conventional delicacies, and have interaction in energetic music and dance. From meals and wine festivals to cultural celebrations, every island has its personal distinct occasions that aren’t to be missed.
St. Croix Meals and Wine Expertise
The St. Croix Meals and Wine Expertise is a premier culinary occasion that takes place yearly, showcasing the island’s wealthy gastronomic heritage. This occasion options a wide range of actions, together with wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, and conventional meals distributors. The occasion is a good alternative to pattern native delicacies, study concerning the island’s culinary historical past, and mingle with fellow meals fanatics.
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*The occasion is normally held within the spring, and it takes place on the island of St. Croix.
*Guests can anticipate to take pleasure in a variety of native delicacies, together with conch fritters, johnnycakes, and saltfish desserts.
*The occasion additionally options dwell music and leisure, including to the festive ambiance.
St. John Pageant
The St. John Pageant is a cultural celebration that takes place yearly on the island of St. John. This pageant is marked by vibrant music, colourful costumes, and energetic performances. The occasion is a celebration of the island’s wealthy cultural heritage and is a must-attend for anybody all for experiencing the native tradition.
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*The pageant normally takes place in the summertime and options a wide range of actions, together with music performances, dance competitions, and cultural reveals.
*Guests can anticipate to see conventional costumes, that are an integral a part of the island’s cultural heritage, and check out native delicacies, together with jerk hen and rice and peas.
*The pageant is a celebration of the island’s African, European, and indigenous influences, making it a singular cultural expertise.
St. Thomas Carnival
The St. Thomas Carnival is a vibrant pageant that takes place yearly on the island of St. Thomas. This occasion is marked by colourful costumes, energetic music, and energetic performances. The Carnival is a celebration of the island’s wealthy cultural heritage and is a must-attend for anybody all for experiencing the native tradition.
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*The pageant normally takes place in the summertime and options a wide range of actions, together with music performances, dance competitions, and cultural reveals.
*Guests can anticipate to see conventional costumes, that are an integral a part of the island’s cultural heritage, and check out native delicacies, together with conch fritters and jerk hen.
*The pageant is a celebration of the island’s African, European, and indigenous influences, making it a singular cultural expertise.
Cultural Significance
Every island within the US Virgin Islands has its personal distinctive cultural heritage, which is mirrored within the particular occasions and festivals held all year long. These occasions provide a glimpse into the native tradition, traditions, and historical past, making them a must-attend for anybody all for experiencing the islands’ wealthy cultural heritage.
The St. Croix Meals and Wine Expertise is important as a result of it showcases the island’s wealthy gastronomic heritage and gives a chance to pattern native delicacies. The occasion additionally options wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, and conventional meals distributors, making it a singular culinary expertise.
The St. John Pageant is important as a result of it celebrates the island’s wealthy cultural heritage and is a celebration of the island’s African, European, and indigenous influences. The pageant options vibrant music, colourful costumes, and energetic performances, making it a singular cultural expertise.
The St. Thomas Carnival is important as a result of it celebrates the island’s wealthy cultural heritage and is a celebration of the island’s African, European, and indigenous influences. The pageant options vibrant music, colourful costumes, and energetic performances, making it a singular cultural expertise.
Planning and Preparation
When visiting the US Virgin Islands, it’s important to plan and put together forward of time to make sure a secure, gratifying, and hassle-free journey. Satisfactory preparation might help decrease sudden bills, misplaced time, and potential well being dangers.
Planning for a USVI trip requires analysis and understanding of the islands’ local weather, climate patterns, and hurricane season. It additionally includes contemplating well being and security pointers to forestall accidents and diseases.
Understanding the Local weather and Climate
The USVI is located within the tropics and has a tropical marine local weather. The climate is usually heat and sunny all year long, with common temperatures starting from 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 30°C).
- The islands expertise a moist season, with the vast majority of rainfall occurring between August and October.
- The dry season, spanning from November to July, is characterised by decrease humidity and fewer rainfall.
- Summer season months (June to August) are sometimes hotter and extra humid than winter months (December to February).
Climate and Hurricanes
The hurricane season within the USVI runs from June 1 to November 30.
Hurricanes generally is a vital menace within the USVI throughout the summer time and early fall months, and it’s important to know the extent of threat.
- Regulate climate forecasts and updates from native authorities about the potential of hurricanes and different extreme climate circumstances.
- Fastidiously plan your journey to keep away from the height hurricane season, if attainable.
- Keep knowledgeable about emergency procedures and evacuation routes in case of a hurricane warning.
Staying Protected and Wholesome
To make sure a secure and wholesome journey, take essential precautions in opposition to heat-related diseases, sunburn, and water-borne infections.
- Pack important medicines, sunscreen, and protecting clothes to defend your self from the solar.
- Keep away from touching or consuming unknown or undercooked meals, which may enhance your threat of water-borne ailments.
- Take common breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas to forestall warmth exhaustion and sunstroke.
Ultimate Conclusion: Greatest Us Virgin Island To Go to
As you embark in your USVI journey, do not forget that every island has one thing particular to supply. St Thomas, the procuring and crusing hub, showcases vibrant commerce, beautiful seascapes, and alternatives to snorkel and dive amongst vibrant coral reefs. Whether or not you are looking for a tranquil escape, a historical past lesson, or an adrenaline rush, the USVirgin Islands have one thing for everybody, making every go to an unforgettable expertise.
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What’s the greatest time to go to the US Virgin Islands?
One of the best time to go to the USVI is between December and April, when the climate is dry and nice, with common temperatures starting from 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 30°C).
How do I get across the USVI?
You will get across the USVI by renting a automotive, taking taxis, or utilizing public transportation, corresponding to ferries and buses. A few of the islands are simply accessible by foot or by bike, providing a leisurely option to discover.
What are one of the best seashores within the US Virgin Islands?
The USVI boasts a few of the world’s most beautiful seashores, together with Magens Bay Seashore in St Thomas, Trunk Bay Seashore in St John, and Cane Bay Seashore in St Croix. Every seaside has its distinctive allure and points of interest, so remember to discover all of them.
