US Virgin Islands sightseeing. Travel guide - attractions, sights, nature and touristic places

Many tourists know this island country in the Caribbean Sea as a center of beach recreation and water sports. This is a true magnet for all fans of picturesque nature, diving, and fishing. The U.S. Virgin Islands are also suitable for everyone who wants to stay away from noisy and popular resorts. Every island of the archipelago has its own unique peculiarities that can attract tourists hungry for new experiences.

What you need to know about US Virgin Islands prior to visit - advices

1. The U.S. Virgin Islands is an expensive resort. Nevertheless, tourists must be ready to add tips - 10-15% to all bills. The service fee – 10% – …
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Christopher Columbus was the discoverer of the Virgin Islands – his crew landed on the archipelago for the first time in 1493. This is when the island country got the name that we know today. When Columbus arrived, the islands were already inhabited by local tribes such as Caribs, Arawaks, and Ciboneys. British and French colonizers started appearing here in the first part of the 17th century. They used the islands with their fertile lands for agricultural purposes.

During the Middle Ages, the archipelago changed its rulers several times, so it was under the reign of the United Kingdom, Spain, and France. After that, it was a part of the Order of Malta. In the 17th-18th centuries, Denmark owned several islands of the archipelago. Naturally, such multinational reign couldn’t have failed to reflect in traditions and culture of the Virgin Islands. The United States bought the islands in 1917, and the status of the islands hasn’t changed since then. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

What to see and what to visit in US Virgin Islands with children

The U.S. Virgin Islands – Saint Thomas, Saint Croix, and Saint John – are a paradise for beach recreation, divers, and nature fans. This is a …
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Charlotte Amalie is the capital and one of the most attractive cities for tourists. This picturesque town was founded by the Danes yet in 1672. Port is still the main symbol of the town. It hasn’t changed much over the last centuries if we do not take into consideration the fact that now the port regularly welcomes luxurious cruise ships. If you visit the capital, you can explore the old fort, see many beautiful churches and the luxurious house of the local government. The old fort how hosts the exhibition of the Museum of the Virgin Islands and features a rich collection of ethnographic exhibits and artworks.

Besides the capital, it is worth visiting the small town of Red Hook on Saint Thomas Island. It is well-known far beyond the borders of the country thanks to its miraculous Coral World Ocean Park. In this park, there are an interesting observatory, an aquarium with a transparent tunnel, and several halls with interesting thematic exhibitions. Not far from the ocean park, tourists will find attractive beaches that are particularly popular with fans of scuba diving.

Shopping in US Virgin Islands - best shopping places, what to buy?

The U.S. Virgin Islands are well-known as a paradise for shoppers. Duty-free goods attract tourists no less than warm sea and white sand. Perhaps, …
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Saint John is a small island that particularly appeals to everyone who likes nature and idyllic tropical landscapes. The National Park of the U.S. Virgin Islands occupies a large part of this island that is mostly covered by the jungles. The anthropogenic impact was moderate on Saint John because there were only sugarcane plantations on this island for centuries. Famous financier Laurance Rockefeller visited the island in the 50s of the previous century. The beauty of local landscapes impressed him so much that he bought some plantations and rebuilt them into resorts. Nowadays, the territory, which once was his property, is a protected area.

Saint Croix Island has the least developed tourist infrastructure. There are no large hotels, loud beaches, and crowds of tourists here. If this is exactly what you need, consider spending several days of Saint Croix and admire the beauty of local nature. There are still several old sugarcane plantations on this island, as well as stone mills used to make sugar. As local coastal waters have some incredibly beautiful coral reefs, Saint Croix is perfectly suitable for all fans of scuba diving.

When and where to 'hang out' in US Virgin Islands - festivals and celebrations

Every country has its own holidays, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as a part of the United States of America, share many holidays with the continental …
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Christiansted is a small colonial town with charming old streets and cozy yards. It attracts all tourists interested in sightseeing and romantic pastime. There is also an old fort, beautiful churches of colonial times, and cute houses that are now small hotels and restaurants with the national cuisine. The most popular hotels are located close to the coastline. They are ideal for everyone who wants to focus on beachside recreation.

Large cities of the United States have daily flights to the Virgin Islands. It is easy to reach from the airports of Miami, New York, Atlanta, Boston, and Washington. As these are all direct flights, tourists can reach the islands as quickly as possible. There is one more way to reach these Caribbean Islands – a flight from Puerto Rico. Besides the airplane, this city has regular ferry connection with the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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Famous and uniques places in US Virgin Islands from our review series

Magens Bay

From the series “Top 15 Most Romantic Beaches on Earth”

The Virgin Islands have long been popular among romantic holidaymakers and couples in love. One of the most romantic beaches of the archipelago is on the island of St. Thomas. With the Magens Bay Beach many interesting stories about pirates are connected. It has been remaining a haven for them for many years. If you believe the legends, then a lot of pirate hiding palces with treasures are hidden close to the coast. Unusual shape of the coast reinforces the atmosphere of romance. If you look at it from a height, then the coast line reminds a heart a little.

Close to the coast are dense thickets of palm trees, in the shade of which you can hide in a hot day. It is also worth noting that Magens Bay is the only paid beach on the island. To get to its territory, you need to pay about 4 USD. … Read all

Saint John

From the series “The Most Beautiful Islands on the Planet”

The island of Saint John, located in the Caribbean Sea, is popular with the active recreation and the unusual, picturesque holiday destinations. The tiny island is one of the American Virgin Islands and is the smallest of them. The surface area is 50.8 sq km. Despite the relatively modest size, Saint John is rich in the unique natural sights you can not see anywhere else in the world.

For many years now the archipelago has been explored by archaeologists whose valuable finds are presented in the local museum. In the district of Cinnamon-Bay is one of the most interesting archeological districts, now open to all interested parties. In the district of Riff Bay, you can see the old rock drawings in addition to the picturesque beaches. One of the most important historical sights of the … Read all

US Virgin Islands sightseeing. Travel guide - attractions, sights, nature and touristic places

Magens Bay

Saint John

Sightseeing in popular cities of US Virgin Islands