15 Fantastic Things to Do in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands

The Virgin Islands are one of the most underrated places that Americans can visit easily. This is a guide to the best things to do in St. Croix!

There are three main islands in the US Virgin Islands – St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix.

St. Croix is 100% worth visiting for its beaches, diving and undersea adventures, and unique history. This guide covers some of the best attractions in St. Croix.

Let us know what your favorite things to do in St. Croix are in the comments (including any St. Croix landmarks we missed)!

Best St. Croix Tours (to Maximize Your Time!)

If you’re looking for something more organized when in St. Croix and the surrounding area, here are some awesome USVI tours you should check out. 

These tours will help you maximize your time, which is especially important if you only have a short amount of time on the island! We listed a variety so that you can pick which one is most suitable for you (and many include multiple places!):

1. St. Croix horseback riding experience (top-rated!)
2. Private and Customizable St. Croix island tour
3. Rainbow Beach All Day Relax
4. St. Croix private airport pick-up

Best Things to Do in St. Croix

1. Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Reserve

The Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Reserve is a national park located in St. Croix, Virgin Islands.

This park remains a favorite for visitors and locals alike due to the fact that you will have the opportunity to explore thousands of years of history right here in the Caribbean.

It includes information about some of the earliest Indigenous settlements, as well as those settlements’ connection with European colonial powers.

Aside from history, visitors will also be able to partake in some scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking tours, as well as the living museum in Salt River and the prehistoric complex, which is one of the most important historical sites in the area.

However, the park is closed temporarily due to damage from Hurricane Maria, so be sure to check back soon for more information about openings.

2. St. George Village Botanical Gardens

The stunning botanical collection at the St. George Village Botanical Gardens is a showcase of the Virgin Islands’ natural beauty, settled on the remains of a sugar cane plantation from the 18th and 19th centuries.

There are over 1,000 types of plants, all of which served cultural and historical importance for purposes such as food, medicine, and dye in the Caribbean.

If you want to get a glimpse at this important part of Caribbean history, there are plenty of tours and events that will allow you to do so. The official website provides lists of events taking place every so often, so be sure to check it out around when you want to plan your visit.

Self-guided tours are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and USVI residents, and $1 for children under 12. The garden is open every day from 9 AM to 3 PM.

3. Cruzan Rum Distillery

Founded by Gordon Skeoch and then later run by the Nelthropp family, the Cruzan Rum Distillery, have called St. Croix their home since the 1800s. Back in 1760, cane began to be crushed by a sugar mill at the site of the current distillery.

For the past 200 years, the Cruzan Rum Distillery has played an important role in the Virgin Islands, even including a bit of the island’s spirit in each of its drinks.

Here, visitors will be able to learn how to make cocktails, go on a walking tour, and check out the tasting bar. The walking tour provides information on how molasses turn into rum, and at the end, any visitors of drinking age will get two samples to try!

The hours between May and October are 9-5 PM from Monday to Friday, and from 10-2 PM on Saturdays.

The distillery is open on Sundays from 10-2 PM when a cruise ship is in port, and it is open every Sunday during the high season. Tours take place every 30 minutes.

4. Fort Christiansvaern

Fort Christiansvaern is located at the Christiansted National Historic Site in the US Virgin Islands. It served as a Danish colonial fortification that protected the island from attacks by invaders, and it was completed in around 1749.

The fort remains the largest structure at the park, and it is the park’s primary attraction, featuring exhibits on Christiansted’s history, as well as of life on St. Croix.

Although some changes have taken place with tours due to the pandemic, it is possible to take a tour of the fort every day between 8:30 to 4:30 PM with an entry fee of $7.

There are also sometimes tours led by rangers, but be sure to check out the website for more information. Here, you can explore the fort’s exterior, as well as the weapons that were never fired, and the history of the fort and island.

5. Point Udall

Point Udall is located on the eastern portion of St. Croix, and it is considered to be the easternmost point of the United States.

It was named after the US Secretary of the Interior, Stewart Udall, in 1969. The point is marked by the Millennium Monument, a sundial, which was built in 2000 in honor of the new millennium.

This is the first place where the sun rises on US soil. Visitors not only want to be able to say that they visited the easternmost point of the country; they also want to check out the stunning and tranquil views here of the blue ocean.

There is no admission fee to visit the monument, and you can spend as much time as you would like checking out the area.

6. Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge

Right on the western portion of St. Croix is the Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge, which is one of the most stunning beaches in the area.

It is not too crowded, and the beach is only open on the weekends and when there is a cruise ship in port. It is open from 10 AM to 4 PM on Saturdays and Sundays during the open season.

However, the beach is closed between April and August due to the turtle nesting season. Although it can be difficult to catch the perfect time to visit, the views are incredible, and it proves to be a great place for hiking and wildlife observation due to the wildlife preserve.

Also keep in mind that you cannot anchor anything into the sand, such as umbrellas or chairs. Be sure to follow the rules closely so that you can help to protect the wildlife in the area.

7. Annaly Bay Tide Pools

The beautiful Annaly Bay tide pools are one of the jewels of the island. They are a series of natural pools on the north shore of St. Croix. Keep in mind that in order to get to these pools, you will have to take a difficult hike, but the views are absolutely worth it.

Along the way, you will hike through the rainforests, which provide views of the Renaissance Beach Resort and the Caribbean Sea. The hike is around 2.5 miles, and you will also be able to get a glimpse of wildlife.

Take your time during the climb, and be sure to wear sturdy and non-slip shoes. It is suggested that you take a guided tour if you have never been to the tide pools because there are some important safety tips you should be aware of.

Definitely try to check out the pools in the morning so that you can have some time for hiking and enjoying the pools throughout the day, too.

8. Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts

Located right in Frederiksted in St. Croix, the Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts is every art lover’s dream. With so many galleries and exhibitions to check out, you can easily spend an entire day here, getting lost in all the different art that the museum has to offer.

It is a seaside open-air gallery that features art from all around the Caribbean, as well as local artists.

You can also check out the museum shop, library, and the many events the museum has to offer. In addition, the museum offers classes, workshops, forums, and educational programs for people of all ages.

It is open from Tuesday to Saturday and on days when a cruise ship is in the port from 9 AM to 4 PM.

9. Estate Mount Washington

Right on the southwestern tip of St. Croix along the Frederiksted Coast, you will be able to check out the former sugar estate of Mount Washington.

It is open to the public free of charge, although it seems that the estate is also listed for sale. The estate was an island workhouse in the late 18th and early 19th centuries when St. Croix was the second-largest producer of sugar in the Caribbean.

The home features nine bedrooms and is closed to the public, but visitors will be able to go on a guided tour of the home’s 13 acres, which feature stone ruins of the sugar factory and the animal mill, which is where horses or donkeys would crush the sugar cane.

According to many visitors, this is the most beautiful historic restoration on the island.

10. Christiansted Boardwalk

The Christiansted Boardwalk is right along the stunning Caribbean Sea in St. Croix and is home to tons of shops, restaurants, and spectacular views.

It is especially known as a haven for foodies because of the vast diversity of restaurants and bars. Some of the most popular restaurants and bars to check out along the boardwalk include the Breakers Roar Tiki Bar, Caroline’s Breakfast, and Shupe’s on the Boardwalk.

When you walk along the boardwalk, you may also notice the silvery tarpon that lingers in the water, waiting for you to feed them. You can also check them out when diving or snorkeling. Hanging out in this area is one of the best things to do in St. Croix!

11. Ride a Horse with Cruzan Cowgirls

What better way to enjoy the beachside than on horseback? You can also take a horseback riding tour in St. Croix from Monday to Friday at 11 AM, 1 PM, or 4:45 PM.

Be sure to call ahead for availability if you want to schedule something on the weekends. There are also private and full-day horseback rides available upon reservation, and pricing can be discussed over the phone.

The family-owned business, Cruzan Cowgirls, will ensure that you enjoy your experience in one of the most beautiful places in the world on horseback.

The purpose is also to provide some income to support the abused horses on St. Croix, so you know that your tour will also benefit some beautiful horses in the end!

Click here to check out their Facebook page for more details and pricing.

12. Hams Bluff Lighthouse

Hiking to the Hams Bluff Lighthouse is another popular activity that visitors and locals alike enjoy on St. Croix. The hike is rather intense, but it is short, and the views are spectacular.

It is around 30-45 minutes, and the trail ends right at the lighthouse. Schedule some extra time for the other members of your group and to take plenty of pictures.

The lighthouse was built in 1915, but the lighthouse closed in the 1990s, which has left it in a state of deterioration now. To reach the trail, drive from Frederiksted to the National Guard Training Center, where there are plenty of parking spaces.

The hike is something that just about anyone can do, but be sure to wear the proper clothes and shoes anyway.

13. Scuba Diving with Adventures in Diving STX

This is the newest dive shop in St. Croix, with a specialty in offering visitors and locals snorkeling and diving tours.

In addition, visitors can purchase products meant for snorkeling and diving, such as board shorts, t-shirts, and anything else you might need in the water.

There are multiple courses for you to check out, which will enable you to get a glimpse at the world underwater with no prior experience necessary.

You can even work to get certification in scuba diving with the help of experienced staff. Be sure to check out the package deals for snorkeling and diving so you can try out both at once.

The tours are available from Sundays to Wednesdays from 8 AM to 5 PM, and from Thursday to Saturday from 8 AM to 6 PM. Check out their Facebook page for additional information.

14. D. Hamilton Jackson Park

The D. Hamilton Jackson Park is located right in the center of the six historical buildings that are part of the Christiansted National Historic Site.

These buildings include Fort Christiansvaern, the Guinea Company Warehouse, the Steeple Building, the Customs House, and the Scale House.

The green space and concert gazebo of the D. Hamilton Jackson Park are favorites for visitors because of the stunning views people get of Protestant Cay.

You can spend a day in the sun here, or check out some of the concerts that take place in the park. In addition, there are plenty of restaurants and shops near the pier, so there is plenty to do nearby.

15. Fort Frederik

Fort Frederik is located in Frederiksted, and it was built by Denmark and Norway in the 18th century to ward off pirates.

The fort is the site where the first salute from foreign soil to the newly independent United States was fired in 1776, and it is where the Danish Governor emancipated the slaves in 1848.

Now, visitors will be able to check out the fort’s museum and art gallery, which is open on weekdays from 8:30 AM to 4 PM and Saturdays from 1 PM to 4 PM when cruise ships are in port. The admission fee is $5. 

Where to Stay in St. Croix

A lot of passengers arrive in St. Croix by cruise ship, but if you have flown there and intend to travel the island independently, here are some top-rated lodging and accommodation choices:

• The Fred – Adults Only Hotel (Frederiksted)
• Georges Royal Inn (Frederiksted)
• Sugar Apple Bed and Breakfast (Christiansted B&B)
• Company House Hotel (2-star in Christiansted)

Please let us know the best things to do in St. Croix in the comments… if you have visited! Thanks!

More USVI Travel Resources

• Things to do in St. John
• 7 days in St. John
• Best beaches in St. Croix
• Things to do in St. Thomas
• 7 days in St. Thomas
• Best St. Thomas excursions
• Best St. Thomas beaches
• Best St. John beaches

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