Tourist Attractions in Saint Croix

Day 1

All of St. Croix is delightful to visit, but if you only have one day on this United States Virgin Island, plan a walking tour of historic Christiansted, the island's main town. With construction starting in 1735, the town's architecture is mostly 18th-century European in style. The streets slope gently uphill from the harbor, traffic is minimal and the sidewalks are wide.

Start with a stop at the National Park Service Visitor's Center, located in Fort Christianvaern, which is the centerpiece of Christiansted National Historic Site. This mustard-colored landmark has served as a sentinel over Christiansted Harbor since construction began in 1749. Park rangers answer questions, provide brochures and offer tours through the fort, an imposing edifice complete with dungeons, ramparts and cannons.

In front of the fort sits the Danish Customs House. It dates to 1734 and now houses National Park Service offices. The Scale House is nearby. It contains a scale once used to weigh incoming and outgoing goods. On nearby Company Street, the Steeple Building serves as a Christiansted National Historic Site museum depicting island history. Dating to 1753, the building was once a Lutheran Church.

The U.S. Post Office building, located along Company Street between Hospital and Church Streets, served as the Danish West India and Guinea Company Warehouse. It was built in 1749.

Protestant Cay sits just across the water from the fort. Once the burial ground for Protestants who were not allowed in the Catholic cemetery, the small island is home to Hotel on the Cay. It has a small beach, a water sports area and beachfront restaurant where all are welcome. A water taxi service runs day and evening from the Christiansted boardwalk to the cay.

Head up Company Street to Queen Cross Street, where you will find the historic Apothecary Hall Museum. It was once a pharmacy and gracious home set in a courtyard, but now offices, restaurants and shops have taken their place.

Further along Company Street at Prince Street, stop for a look at Holy Cross Catholic Church built in 1828 in the form of a cross.

Turn downhill on Prince Street to King Street. Heading toward the water, you'll see the recently renovated Government House. Now the local government seat, it was once two gracious homes built in 1747, its ascending staircases leading to a gated courtyard and ballroom.

In addition to the above landmarks and sites, the town teems with charming shops, duty free stores, places to eat, picturesque gazebos, and galleries.

Visitors often split their day in St. Croix into a morning of strolling and shopping and an afternoon of sun and snorkeling at Buck Island Reef National Monument. Sign up for a sail at your hotel or at water sports centers located in the towns and at marinas.

Day 2 and 3