Why Go to U.S. Virgin Islands
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
The U.S. Virgin Islands are the Caribbean without the hassle: no passport needed for U.S. citizens, U.S. dollars and your cell phone still works. Yet the culture is all island. Watch moko jumbies, the towering stilt dancers, at Carnival, hear the lilting local Creole, and taste spicy saltfish pates fresh from a roadside stand.
There are three main islands, and the best trips sample all of them. St. Thomas, nicknamed Rock City for its steep green hills, is the most polished, with megayachts in the harbor and upscale shopping along Main Street. A short ferry ride away, St. John is a haven for nature lovers and honeymooners, with more than 7,000 acres of national parkland and some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. To the south, St. Croix shows you the islands' colonial history and the story of slavery through its forts and plantations, and it's home to the Cruzan Rum Distillery.
Hurricanes Irma and Maria hit hard in 2017, but the islands have made great strides and are welcoming visitors again. They're also favorite cruise stops. I'll plan an island-hopping trip or the perfect cruise-day excursion.
BEST FOR
Beach lovers, snorkelers, families, couples and island-hoppers
BEST MONTHS
December–April for the classic high-season experience; shoulder-season travel can be quieter but requires close attention to weather.
EXPLORE
Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook suit St. Thomas visitors; Cruz Bay is convenient on St. John; Christiansted and Frederiksted offer contrasting St. Croix bases.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
U.S. Virgin Islands
North America › Eastern Caribbean › USA
Three Caribbean islands, coral bays and rich history
Beach & Resort
Diving
Sailing
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Choose your base island first: ferries make St. Thomas and St. John convenient to combine, while St. Croix is best planned with its own travel time and activities.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Arrive early on busy cruise-ship days and confirm any beach admission charge.
Magens Bay, St. Thomas
A well-known protected beach with a long sandy shoreline surrounded by green hills.
Wear comfortable shoes for old steps and hilly streets.
Charlotte Amalie Historic District
Explore Danish-era architecture, harbor views and shopping streets in the capital of St. Thomas.
Pair with nearby heritage sights and go early to avoid the midday heat.
99 Steps, St. Thomas
A historic stairway in Charlotte Amalie that reflects the island’s Danish colonial past.
Check national park facilities, entrance fees and sea conditions before visiting.
Trunk Bay, St. John
A photogenic beach within Virgin Islands National Park known for snorkeling opportunities.
Read the interpretive material and approach the site respectfully.
Annaberg Historic District, St. John
Ruins of a former sugar plantation offer a sobering look at the island’s history of enslaved labor.
Waterfront luxury resort on the island’s east end, with a beach setting and convenient access to boat excursions.
The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas
Great Bay, St. Thomas
Beach
Villa-style resort offering room for families and groups, with a beach location and access to St. John’s national park landscapes.
The Westin St. John Resort Villas
Great Cruz Bay, St. John
Family · Beach
Historic beachfront resort with expansive grounds and golf, offering a classic island retreat near Christiansted.
The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort
Christiansted, St. Croix
Beach · Family
Full-service resort overlooking the water, suited to travelers wanting amenities and a convenient base for St. Thomas outings.
The Westin St. Thomas Beach Resort & Spa
Frenchman’s Reef, St. Thomas
Beach · Family
Contemporary beach-focused property with a relaxed atmosphere and oceanfront access on St. Thomas.
Buoy Haus Beach Resort St. Thomas, Autograph Collection
Frenchman’s Reef, St. Thomas
Beach
The only true all-inclusive on St. Thomas, a family-run beach resort on a crescent-shaped bay that has welcomed guests since 1974.
Bolongo Bay Beach Resort
Bolongo Bay, St. Thomas
All-Inclusive · Family · Value · Beach
Beachfront suites on a calm, snorkel-friendly bay on the East End, with sunset views from every room.
Secret Harbour Beach Resort
Nazareth Bay, St. Thomas
Beach · Boutique
Waterfront suites a short walk from Cruz Bay's restaurants and the ferry, an easy base for exploring Virgin Islands National Park.
Gallows Point Resort
Cruz Bay, St. John
Boutique · Beach
An intimate hillside inn set among historic sugar-mill ruins above Cruz Bay, with views over the harbor.
Estate Lindholm
Cruz Bay, St. John
Boutique
A colorful, adults-only boutique hotel on the beach in Frederiksted, steps from the pier and the town's restaurants.
The Fred
Frederiksted, St. Croix
Adults-Only · Boutique · Beach
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in U.S. Virgin Islands
High 87°F · Low 76°F · Rain 4.8 in
Seasonal weather transitions vary across the region; review local forecasts. For a destination-specific November plan, consider St Thomas harbor.
December–April is a popular drier travel period; June–November brings greater tropical storm risk, with the Atlantic hurricane season peaking in late summer and early autumn.
Best Times to Visit U.S. Virgin Islands
WHEN TO GO
06
Walking historic towns
Charlotte Amalie and Christiansted offer walkable heritage blocks, although heat and steep streets matter.
05
Guided boat tours
Licensed operators reach snorkeling and sightseeing stops; sea conditions affect departures.
04
Inter-island flights
Short flights may connect St. Thomas and St. Croix; availability changes by operator.
03
Rental car
A rental car expands beach access on St. John and St. Croix; traffic drives on the left.
02
St. Thomas–St. John ferry
Scheduled ferries link the islands, including routes serving Cruz Bay; recheck departure terminals and times.
01
St. Thomas taxis
Shared and private safari-style taxis serve many visitor areas; confirm the fare before riding.
Combine the transport options below based on your base and daily itinerary.
Getting Around U.S. Virgin Islands
GETTING AROUND
KEEP EXPLORING
You Might Also Like
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico
Cobblestone history, rainforest waterfalls and glowing bays, no passport required.
St. Martin / Sint Maarten, Caribbean
Saint Martin
One island, two cultures and beautiful Caribbean bays