What to Do and Where to Go on Your St. Croix Vacation

Overview
St. Croix is an island situated in the chain of the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. St. Croix's Salt River is the place where Christopher Columbus first arrived in the Americas more than 500 years ago. As a result, the island has been under seven different country flags, including Spanish, Dutch, British, French, Knights of Malta, Danish, and American. The island represents a great part in the formation of the American colonies, and its historical and architectural attractions are some of the most worthwhile in the Caribbean. Beyond that, St. Croix is a fantastic place to vacation for its gorgeous beaches, fabulous amenities, and overwhelming natural beauty.

Sightseeing Attractions
There are many buildings and museums in St. Croix that are representative of the island's colonial past. For starters, the museum at Fort Frederik is full of historical artifacts and treasures and also the site where Governor General Peter Von Scholten read the proclamations that abolished slavery in 1848. The Market Place is great for shopping as well as viewing some of the most interesting architecture on the island. Visitors should also make time to visit Fort Christiansvaern, the most preserved fortress in the Virgin Islands. Other notable attractions include the Old Customs House, the Victorian House, the Scale House, The Old Danish Customs House, the West India & Guinea Company Warehouse, and the St. Croix Leap/Rainforest.

Nightlife
St. Croix is the home of the U.S. Virgin Islands' only casino. The Divi Carina Bay Casino is a popular attraction among St. Croix's tourists, and a great place to experience some of the island's nightlife. For shopping, most tourists love to browse the booths at the Market Place, though Frederiksted and Christiansted are also good places for shopping. Dining is a fabulous experience on St. Croix, with restaurants offering everything from traditional Caribbean dishes to Asian cuisine to typical fast food outlets. The fresh fish dishes are everything you'd expect from a Caribbean island. There are also numerous bars and clubs across the island where visitors can indulge in drinking and dancing to live music.

Outdoor Attractions
The St. Croix beaches are the most popular tourist attraction. For secluded beaches, check out Caribbean Dream Beach and Coakley Bay Beach. Turtle Beach on Buck Island is often busier; however, it was declared a national monument by U.S. President John F. Kennedy. Other popular outdoor attractions on the island include scuba diving, snorkeling, horseback riding, golfing, fishing, swimming, hiking through the rainforest, kayaking, and boating.