USVI National Parks & Monuments
The national parks of the U.S. Virgin Islands protect some of the most significant natural and cultural landmarks in the region. From coral reef systems and mangrove estuaries to sugar-mill ruins and military forts, these parks highlight the region’s ecological diversity and layered history. Whether you’re planning to snorkel, hike, explore historical sites or simply get a better sense of the islands’ landscapes, this guide breaks down what to expect at each national park across St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas.
- Virgin Islands National Park
- Buck Island Reef National Monument
- Christiansted National Historic Site
- Salt River Bay National Historical Park & Ecological Preserve
- Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument
- Hassel Island Historic District
- Know Before You Go
Virgin Islands National Park
Covering nearly two-thirds of St. John, Virgin Islands National Park stretches from the island’s mountainous interior to its quiet coves and shoreline ruins. Dozens of hiking trails carve through this protected landscape. The Reef Bay Trail, one of the most iconic hikes in USVI, spans 4 miles from lush forest to remote beach, passing petroglyphs carved by ancient Taino people, colonial stonework and remains of the Reef Bay Sugar Mill. The trail is moderate to strenuous, with a gradual descent that becomes a steep climb on the way back.
For something shorter, the Lind Point Trail connects Cruz Bay to Honeymoon Beach and Solomon Bay, looping 2 miles through a sun-dappled forest with outlooks of bright blue water. The Cinnamon Bay Trail pushes deeper into the island’s interior, climbing about a mile uphill past old estate walls before linking to other trailheads. If you’re up for a more exposed and dramatic route, the 2.6-mile Ram Head Trail leads you along a peninsula with sweeping ocean views and rocky cliffsides. The Caneel Hill Trail delivers one of the best panoramic payoffs on the island. This steep 4.3-mile round trip rises sharply to a high overlook with views across Cruz Bay and the neighboring islands.
Buck Island Reef National Monument
Just off the northeast coast of St. Croix, Buck Island pulls you into one of the Caribbean’s most vibrant marine ecosystems. The island is surrounded by a barrier reef alive with elkhorn coral, neon-colored fish and calm turquoise water. The park’s underwater snorkeling trail leads you through a coral garden where angelfish weave through the reef and rays drift along the sandy bottom. Above the surface, a short footpath climbs from West Beach to a low ridge, where you’ll get sweeping views of the surrounding cays. Note that Buck Island beaches close after sunset as they are a nesting site for endangered green and hawksbill sea turtles.
Christiansted National Historic Site
In the heart of St. Croix’s harborfront, Christiansted National Historic Site preserves the architectural and political footprint of Danish colonial rule. Fort Christiansvaern stands at the center, a fortress of thick yellow walls built in the 1740s. You can walk through the fort’s prison cells, climb its lookout tower and explore rooms once used for military defense and colonial governance. Just steps away, the Danish West India & Guinea Company Warehouse, Customs House and Scale House speak to Christiansted’s role as a hub of trade. Together, these buildings reflect the economic engine that once moved sugar, rum and enslaved people across the Caribbean Sea.
Salt River Bay National Historical Park & Ecological Preserve
Salt River Bay blends ecological richness with a layered cultural past. This is one of two documented landing sites of Christopher Columbus on what is now U.S. territory. Inland, archaeological remnants reveal settlements dating back over 2,000 years, including villages and ceremonial sites.Inland, archaeological remnants reveal settlements, villages and ceremonial sites dating back over 2,000 years. A short footpath near Columbus Landing climbs to a hilltop overlook with views across the coastline. Kayak through the bay’s mangroves, where fish dart beneath tangled roots and herons walk the shallows. And at night, the bioluminescent lagoon glows with movement, as tiny organisms light up in streaks beneath your paddle.
Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument
Offshore from St. John’s southeast coast, Coral Reef National Monument protects more than 12,000 acres of reef, seagrass beds and mangrove lagoons. This is a space best explored by kayak, snorkel or fin. The quiet coves of Hurricane Hole offer a sheltered paddling route through mangrove tunnels where fish hide and coral polyps cling to submerged roots. The water is shallow, calm and full of motion beneath the surface.
Hassel Island Historic District
Just a few minutes by boat from Charlotte Amalie, Hassel Island reveals the military and maritime history of St. Thomas. Once part of the mainland, it was separated in the 1860s to improve water circulation. Due to storm damage, access is currently limited to guided tours offered by the St. Thomas Historical Trust. These tours cover key landmarks including Fort Willoughby, the Marine Railway and the Garrison House — remnants of the area’s Danish and British colonial history. The walking route spans roughly 2 miles across uneven terrain with little shade, but the coastal views and preserved ruins offer a clear sense of the island’s historical importance.
Know Before You Go
The national parks in the U.S. Virgin Islands remain open access without the need for timed-entry reservations. However, certain guided activities — especially snorkeling charters — do require advance booking with permitted outfitters.
Sustainable travel practices are especially important in these fragile ecosystems. Reef-safe sunscreen is essential — traditional formulas harm coral and disrupt marine life. Stay on marked trails, avoid touching or standing on coral, and pack out all trash. These places are worth protecting, and small choices make a lasting difference.
Visit nps.gov for updates, maps and official park guidelines.
