Things to Do in the U.S. Virgin Islands

• Outdoor Adventures
• Cultural & Historical Attractions
• USVI Beaches
• Snorkeling & Diving
• Shopping
• Browse Outfitters

Outdoor Adventures & Island Excursions

Whether you’re trekking along a tropical trail, kayaking through glowing waters or setting off on a boat trip to a remote cay, there are countless outdoor adventures in USVI to explore. Hiking on St. John is one of the best ways to experience the islands’ natural beauty. The Reef Bay Trail in Virgin Islands National Park winds through dense forest, past towering kapok trees, ancient petroglyphs and a tumbling waterfall. Other treks, like the Ram Head Trail, lead to dramatic seaside cliffs with panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea.

For a different perspective, kayaking and paddleboarding bring you up close to the islands’ diverse ecosystems. At night, the bioluminescent bay in St. Croix shimmers as tiny organisms light up the water with each stroke of a paddle. Jet skiing and parasailing in the waters around St. Thomas offer an adrenaline rush with unbeatable views. St. Croix and St. Thomas are known for some of the best sportfishing in the Caribbean, with deep-sea fishing charters heading offshore in search of mahi-mahi, wahoo and marlin.

A day on the water wouldn’t be complete without sailing to nearby islands and hidden beaches. Boat charters cruise to Water Island just off St. Thomas where visitors relax on Honeymoon Beach with a drink in hand. For a mix of history and adventure, visit Hassel Island to hike through old military ruins before a refreshing swim in the clear, quiet waters.

Cultural & Historical Attractions

The U.S. Virgin Islands have a rich history shaped by African, Danish and Caribbean influences, with centuries-old forts, ancient ruins and vibrant local traditions offering a deeper look into the islands’ past. Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas is home to historical sites like Fort Christian, the oldest standing structure in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and 99 Steps, a steep staircase built by the Danes in the 1700s.

On St. Croix, the town of Christiansted features well-preserved colonial architecture, cobblestone streets and Fort Christiansvaern, a bright yellow Danish fort that once guarded the island. Farther west, Frederiksted is known for its colorful waterfront, artisan markets and historical sites like the Frederiksted Fort, which played a key role in the emancipation of enslaved people in the 19th century.

St. John’s history is tied closely to its natural landscape, with the Annaberg Sugar Mill ruins offering a glimpse into the island’s sugar-industry history while overlooking the turquoise waters of the North Shore. The local culture is just as vibrant as the history, with festivals like St. John Carnival and Crucian Christmas Festival showcasing the island’s music, dance and culinary traditions.

USVI Beaches

Magens Bay in St. Thomas is a mile-long stretch of soft, white sand and calm, turquoise water, perfect for swimming and paddleboarding. Visitors can spread out picnic blankets and order glasses of cold rum punch from the beachside bar. The surrounding green hills block the wind, so the waves stay gentle throughout the day.

A favorite for snorkeling, Trunk Bay in St. John has a marked underwater trail that winds through a shallow coral reef teeming with angelfish, parrotfish and sea fans swaying in the current. The water is clear enough to see straight to the bottom, and even those who stay on shore can watch schools of fish darting near the surface. A small snack bar and freshwater showers make it easy to stay all day, breaking up time in the water with stretches of sunbathing.

To see one of the longest and most untouched beaches in the U.S. Virgin Islands, visit Sandy Point on St. Croix. The waves are stronger and the shoreline stays nearly empty, aside from the occasional fisherman or visitor walking along the water. As a protected nesting ground for leatherback turtles, the beach closes seasonally to allow hatchlings to make their way to the ocean, but when open, it offers a quiet escape with nothing but the sound of lapping waves and the calls of seabirds overhead.

Snorkeling & Diving

Warm, clear waters and thriving coral reefs make the U.S. Virgin Islands one of the best places for snorkeling and scuba diving. Just off the coast of St. Croix, Buck Island Reef National Monument is a protected marine area where an underwater trail winds through towering elkhorn coral formations. Here, schools of blue tang and parrotfish move between the reefs and sea turtles glide through the currents.

Shallow reefs and calm waters make Coki Point Beach in St. Thomas a top choice for first-time snorkelers and families. Fish are everywhere — angelfish, wrasse and sergeant majors swim so close they nearly brush against outstretched hands. Vendors along the shore even sell fish food, attracting swarms of brightly colored marine life just a few feet from the sand.

Off the coast of St. John, Carval Rock is one of the island’s coolest dive sites. Towering rock formations rise from the sea, creating dramatic underwater cliffs covered in coral and sponges. Divers encounter reef sharks, eagle rays and large schools of fish as they swim through the clear water.

Shopping

Shopping in the U.S. Virgin Islands blends duty-free deals with locally made goods you won’t find anywhere else. Main Street in Charlotte Amalie is a hub for jewelry and designer fragrances, while nearby Vendors Plaza is known for handcrafted souvenirs, bold-print sarongs and delicious street food.

Traditional favorites like Crucian hook bracelets, island-made hot sauces, hand-carved woodwork and natural skincare products make easy take-home keepsakes. Don’t miss stops like Mongoose Junction in St. John or the Saturday market at La Reine in St. Croix, where you’ll find fresh fruit and local honey.

USVI Outfitters