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Is St. Croix on your bucket list for a chill island getaway? While this tropical gem is a popular cruise port, it deserves its own extended visit. You’ll want time to experience all the best things to do in St. Croix USVI, from beaches to awesome day trips.
Although St. Croix is the largest of the three main US Virgin Islands, it sometimes flies under the radar. The is because the island is located about 40 miles south from its sister islands, St. Thomas and St. John. The latter two are only about four miles apart and are frequently visited together, along with the neighboring BVI.
Therefore, my husband and I decided to finally give St. Croix its own dedicated visit. Ultimately, the trip was completely worth it to witness the landscapes and culture of St. Croix that make it unique. I loved the availability of awesome beach bars by the water, some of which also made amazing sunset spots!
This island truly offers something for every taste, whether you seek to relax, eat local food, or have an adventure. Without further ado, here are the 14 best things to do in St. Croix USVI.
The 14 Best Things to do in St Croix USVI
1. Mermaid Beach at the Buccaneer Resort
St. Croix’s Mermaid Beach is located at the Buccaneer Resort, which is one of the nicest luxury resorts on the island. This beach lived up to its dreamy reputation, with soft white sand gently leading down to small waves.
The scenery was lovely, with the beach being flanked by St. Croix’s rugged hills on either side. However, my favorite section was this tiny little black sand cove, which sat almost hidden on the left-hand side of the beach. If a mermaid truly lived at Mermaid Beach, that is where you’d find her.
The other nice perk about this beach is that it has its own restaurant at the resort. That means there is beach service for ordering food and drinks, even for non-resort guests.
That said, if you are not staying at the resort, you will need to bring your own chairs and sit on the far-left side of the beach. Don’t worry though – that section is still really nice.
Unfortunately, coolers are also not allowed. However, with the parking lot sitting a short distance away, you could consider simply leaving the cooler in the car. Then you could discreetly walk your food and drinks to the beach.
2. Buck Island
If you like to snorkel, then a boat tour to Buck Island is a must. Our tour with Big Beard’s was awesome, first taking our group to one of the most beautiful beaches in existence, Turtle Beach.
This beach had some of the most pristine, crystal-clear water I’ve ever seen. Being that the water was so calm, it was a good space to practice snorkeling for new or rusty snorkelers.
Although I could have stayed at this picturesque beach all day, after 45 minutes it was time to snorkel. We boated over to the other side of the island, which had choppier water and a little seaweed. That said, I wasn’t missing the other side of the island for too long.
What greeted me under the surface were some of the most magnificent coral reef formations I’ve even seen. The corals were HUGE, with many estimated to be as much as 10,000 years old. It’s no wonder that Buck Island Reef is considered a National Monument by the National Park Service.
Truly, this was the best snorkeling I’ve ever done, and I would do it again without question. While we only did a half-day tour, the full-day adds a hike on Buck Island and lunch on another beach.
3. Dine During Sunset on the Christiansted Boardwalk
To dine on the water while witnessing an incredible sunset, head straight to the Christiansted boardwalk. While the boardwalk features several dining options, we particularly enjoyed Shupe’s, where you can essentially build your own burger.
While devouring the juiciest blue cheese and bacon burger, I witnessed the sky as it burst into spectacular hues of red and fuchsia. Eventually, the last light of twilight over the harbor faded into the horizon. Even still, the water shined so clear and bright in the dusk, with light from the boats in harbor reflecting off the surface.
Bottom line – watching the sunset from the Christiansted boardwalk is one of the best things to do in St. Croix USVI, and should not be missed.
4. Try Local Vodka
Sion Farm Distillery makes their own vodka on St. Croix, called Mutiny Island Vodka. This unique vodka is made from breadfruit, a starchy fruit that was historically brought to St. Croix as sustenance for slave labor.
The inspiration behind the name “Mutiny Island Vodka” comes from the HMS Bounty’s 1787-1789 failed mission to bring breadfruit saplings from Tahiti to the West Indies. Upon the return from Tahiti, the ship had barely made it to Tonga when a group of around 25 men could no longer tolerate the oppressive leadership of their commander, William Bligh. As a result, Bligh and his supporters were set adrift in the Pacific, from where they would miraculously make their return to England.
You can stop by the Sion Farm Distillery tasting room, which is situated in a windmill on the Christiansted boardwalk, for a brief tour before trying some vodka. Tours are offered on a walk-in basis, every hour on the half-hour.
5. Point Udall
For a small adventure, drive out to Point Udall on the far east point of St. Croix. Point Udall was named in 1969 for Stewart Udall, who served as Secretary of the Interior under presidents Kennedy and Johnson.
Point Udall also happens to also be the easternmost point of the United States, including all US territories.
As you make your way east, you’ll notice the traffic thin and the landscapes become more arid. Don’t forget to look out your window for some of the best views out to the sea that you’ll experience on St. Croix.
Upon reaching Point Udall, it’ll be hard to miss “Millennium Monument” towering in the center, which officially marks the easternmost point of the United States. This giant stone sun dial was designed by Bill Rich to be unveiled in 2000. It symbolizes the first sunrise of the new millennium over US soil.
Don’t forget to bring you camera to capture panoramic views of glistening blue water for miles.
6. Rainbow Beach Near Frederiksted
Western-facing Rainbow Beach is one of the dreamiest beaches on St. Croix. During the day, this beach caters to sunbathers and jet skiers. In the evening, Rainbow Beach is ideally situated for watching the sunset.
Those arriving onto St. Croix at the Frederiksted cruise port will especially love this beach, as it’s located just a mile away.
Parking can be found along the road just across the street from the beach. It is possible to rent beach chairs and other water sport rentals from West End Water Sports right on site. Two lounge chairs and an umbrella cost $40 for the day.
What I also love about Rainbow Beach is that it’s possible to buy a drink from the neighboring Rhythms beach bar to walk back to your chair.
Alternatively, if you visit Rainbow Beach for sunset, then a visit to Rhythms for a casual dinner is a must. Not only is the view amazing, but their menu features delicious beachy fare like fresh fish tacos and various other finger foods. Make sure you order a side of the parmesan truffle fries, which come decadently dripping in truffle oil.
7. Explore the Rainforest
St. Croix is unique from St. John and St. Thomas in that it has its own small rainforest. Take a drive down Mahogany Road to see a totally different side of St. Croix and to hear echoes of the island’s history.
Along the way, take note of the namesake Mahogany trees that line the road. They were originally planted by the Danish who once colonized St. Croix over 200 years ago.
Don’t forget to make a stop at the Mt. Pellier Domino Club for lunch. Be sure to arrive early on Friday if you want to try the weekly roti special, which is one of the most delicious local dishes in the Caribbean. It will run out!
Feeling more adventurous? Book an ATV tour with Gecko’s Island Adventures to ride through parts of the rainforest, as well as get off the beaten path. The “Original Gecko’s Tour” takes you on a 13-mile route with stops to view magnificent scenery and historical sites.
Also Read: St. Thomas vs St. Croix – Which is the Best Island for You?
8. Beer Drinking Pigs: One of the Oddest Things to do on St Croix USVI
If you are stopping into the Mt. Pellier Domino Club, you might want to inquire about the beer drinking pigs. Yes, this is a thing. It all got started inadvertently one day, when one of the OG pigs grabbed a beer right out of the hands of a visitor and guzzled it down.
Don’t worry – it’s only non-alcoholic beer, which will not harm the pigs, but it’s a crazy sight to behold. Admission is $2 and it is an additional $4 to purchase the pig beer. After that, you will be led to the pen for some mild entertainment.
Basically, as soon as you even hold the unopened can in reach of the pigs, one of them will grab it out of your hand. They crush the can open with their teeth and suck out all the contents before chucking it away. It’s a crazy sight with the foam spilling out of their mouths and you may walk away bewildered at the spectacle you just witnessed.
It’s good fun though! Keep in mind that these pigs are family pets, lovingly cared for, and never forced to drink “beer” if they aren’t in the mood.
9. Dinner at Hamilton’s
Did you know that Alexander Hamilton, aka American founding father and play namesake, spent some of his childhood and adolescence on St. Croix? Alexander spent much of that time working as a clerk, which would later serve him in his role of Secretary of Treasury.
The restaurant Hamilton’s gives a nod to this legacy on St. Croix while serving sophisticated meals in an upscale atmosphere. This restaurant is located in Christiansted and accepts walk-ins, although it’s best to make reservations in advance.
The inside is cozy and intimate, with a nice mix of modern and period touches, like rustic wooden details and a colonial ink font on the menu. I couldn’t get over the script “H” that was seared into the top of my burger bun.
10. Explore Historic Things to do in Christiansted, St. Croix USVI
Whether you take a walking tour or simply wander on your own, it would be a mistake not to explore Christiansted during your trip. The town was once a capital of the “Danish West Indies” or today’s US Virgin Islands, and houses the first National Historic Site in the territory.
Take an afternoon to explore Christiansted National Historic Site and learn about the period of Danish occupation from 1733 to 1917. The top things to do within these historic 7 acres on St. Croix USVI include:
- Take a walking tour. To inquire about ranger-led tours, call this number: (340) 773-1460 (ext. 232)
- Visit Fort Christianvaern, the Steeple Building, and the Scale House
- View the Danish Custom House and the Danish West India & Guinea Company Warehouse
- Pause for a waterfront picnic on the grounds
Additionally, if your craving deeper insight into Alexander Hamilton’s time on St. Croix, sign up for this Hamilton-themed historical walking tour.
11. Watch the Sunrise
I make it a point to get up once to catch the sunrise during every visit to the US Virgin Islands. Not everyone likes an early wake-up call on their vacation, but I find it so rewarding to be virtually an audience of one while the sky erupts into color before my eyes. Don’t get me wrong – I usually go straight back to bed afterwards.
If you also don’t want to miss the beauty of at least one sunrise, it’s easiest if you stay somewhere right on the coast. This allows you to simply roll out of bed and look out from your window or patio.
It just so happens that St. Croix has plenty of condo options that will enable you to do just that. For example, Aaron and I stayed in this modern yet affordable condo along the north shore of St. Croix, where we could see both the sunrise and sunset views every day. Although the beach right outside our door wasn’t swimmable, we adored the constant scene of waves breaking through our patio doors.
12. Visit Cane Bay for Ombre Water and Beautiful Coastal Views
Cane Bay is the beach on St. Croix that most gives me that laidback feeling of being away in the Virgin Islands. The water was calm with so many shades of blue in an ombre pattern, fading from dark blue to aquamarine. As you look west down the beach, there are big hills with lush greenery stretching along the water in the distance.
This side of the island is low key and not overly developed with shopping and resorts. That said, there are some really great beach bars over here, which are perfect for lunch or simply spending an afternoon watching the waves while sipping a drink.
I particularly like The Landing Beach Bar for a good mix of bar food and healthy salads, as well as Off the Wall for simple options like sandwiches and pizza. The latter is also known to be a good sunset spot
Cane Bay is also a haven for divers and snorkelers. Divers will love exploring the famous “Wall” just 300 yards offshore, which is where the ocean floor dramatically plummets more than two miles deep along the Puerto Rico Trench. Snorkelers can see plenty of fish, as well as check out the living coral garden that is part of an ongoing restoration project.
13. Hike to a Remote Beach
If you’d like to get a bit off the beaten path during your St. Croix USVI getaway, one of the coolest things to do is hiking to a remote, rugged beach like Jack and Isaac Bays. The trailhead is just a short distance from Point Udall and is easy to combine with a visit there.
Although the full trail is of moderate difficulty and 3.6 miles out and back, you could make it easier by stopping the trail short at Isaac Bay Beach. This beach requires a short downhill hike of less than one mile, although you could continue for a more challenging hike to even more remote Jack Bay Beach. Where a hat and bring water because there is little to no shade.
We only hiked to Isaac and I personally found the trail relatively easy, even with the uphill climb on the way back. This is also a favorite snorkeling spot, although the water can sometimes get choppy or have a current. Use your judgement, as there might not be anyone around to help if something goes wrong.
Full disclosure, there was sargassum at this beach when my husband and I visited in late May. However, I’m glad I didn’t know before heading out, otherwise we might have opted out of seeing St. Croix’s magnificent south shore.
We enjoyed the peace and quiet while relaxing in the shade beneath low trees and shrubs. I was happy to have sandals to avoid the little prickly spurs hidden in the sand near the vegetation.
Travel Savvy Tip
There are some parking spots next to the trailhead, but do not leave valuables in your car and consider leaving your doors unlocked. Unfortunately, break-ins have sometimes happened. Even if you have nothing to steal, keeping your doors unlocked might prevent someone from shattering your windows.
Don’t worry – we didn’t feel unsafe at all during our hike. These are simply petty crimes of opportunity that unfortunately target unsuspecting tourists.
14. Eat Parmesan Truffle Fries
Have you ever heard of having truffle fries, or truffle anything, at a beach bar? I personally never did before St. Croix, but I certainly wasn’t upset to see them on a few menus.
Even though I tended to find truffle fries at super laidback spots, they always delivered on flavor and deliciousness. I recommend that you also make having truffle fries during your beach vacations a thing!
The most memorable truffle fries I ate during our St. Croix trip was at Rhythms on Rainbow Beach during sunset. We also found them on the menu at Shupe’s, which coincidentally were also devoured during golden hour.
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There are plenty of things to do on this list that’ll ensure you never get bored during a vacation in St. Croix USVI. Whether it’s spending days on the beach, strolling the Christiansted boardwalk at night, or day tripping to Buck Island, there are so many ways to experience St. Croix. It’s hard to fit everything into one week, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself returning to this intriguing island.
