As the largest of the three main U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix has about the same population as St. Thomas —about 42,000 people—spread out across a much bigger land mass (about 84 square miles compared to St. Thomas’s 32 square miles). The island’s size gives it a pastoral feel, and with fewer daily flights than St. Thomas and a 42-mile swath of open ocean separating St. Croix from the St. Thomas-St. John district, the biggest U.S. Virgin Island offers tranquility and solitude.
Virgin Islands native and renowned recording artist Pressure Busspipe sings in his ode to his home, “Virgin Islands Nice,” that St. Croix is full of pure vibes. Indeed, Virgin Islands culture is alive and well on the big island, known as Twin City thanks to its two main towns, Christiansted and Frederiksted.
Located on the island’s north shore, Christiansted is steeped in history. Standing tall on the waterfront is Fort Christiansvaern, a relic of the Danish colonial era complete with cannons mounted on its battlements.
The sprawling fort’s yellow exterior, green shutters, and white trim are iconic elements of the territory’s historic architecture. This walkable town is home to plenty of shops and restaurants, many of which are housed in charming historic structures whose archways provide the perfect photo op backdrop.
Frederiksted, on the island’s western side, is another waterfront town that also boasts its own remarkable history. The formidable Fort Frederik’s dusky red exterior makes it a can’t-miss landmark. Built in the mid-1700s, this fort plays an integral role in the island’s history as the place where slavery was abolished in 1848 following intense pressure from St. Croix’s enslaved population. Like Christiansted, Frederiksted is a walkable town with shops, restaurants, and plenty of historic sites and architectural details to see. Frederiksted is also where cruise ships come to call when they’re visiting St. Croix.
Like its sister islands, St. Croix’s verdant rolling hills meet stunning stretches of shoreline. In addition to picturesque beaches, the island offers incredible natural scenery like at the Annaly Bay Tide Pools, a hidden gem at the end of a two-mile hike that’s well worth the trek. Here, waves wash up on the craggy shoreline, leaving natural pools in their wake where visitors can soak and cool off. Another must-do while on St. Croix is a visit to Salt River, where a rich history and glow-in-the dark sea creatures captivate visitors.
Elements of Caribbean culture are easy to find on St. Croix, from the island’s quarterly Jump Up celebrations to the rastafarians who call St. Croix home to local foods like kallaloo and
fish and fungi that can be found at eateries across the island. Come to St. Croix and discover the island’s pure vibes for yourself.