And it’s no big deal if you forget your American passport at home.
It ’s a tale as old as time . A pristine , tropic paradise floods everyone ’s FYPs and before long turns into an overcrowded tourer ambuscade . The lesson here ? To take the route less traveled , which means consideringSt . Croix .
One of the threeUS Virgin Islands — which includesSt . JohnandSt . Thomas — St. Croix is often overlook for its more tourist- and sail - centrical siblings . But it ’s on the nose this lack of overt commercialism that should invoke to first timers and repeat visitors alike . It also does n’t injure that the tropical island march a turquoise stretch of theCaribbean Sea , or that its 84 square miles tender a mixture of both metropolitan perquisite and rural retreats . With temperature that seldom dip below 70 degrees Fahrenheit in any season , travelers can plunge themselves in idyllic warm weather pastimes like boat rides , snorkel diving , solid food tours , nature conservation , small business sector shopping , walk along the beach , and much more .
Here ’s everything you need to know to be after your next tropical getaway to St. Croix .
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Best places for first timers to visit in St. Croix
nickname " Twin City " for its two town , St. Croix ’s principal action can be found in either Christiansted on the northern coast or Frederiksted on the southwestern side of the island . If it ’s your first meter here , either hub is an idealistic base camp .
First and foremost , get out on that weewee and bask in the sun . The quick boat ride on the island is that from Christiansted Harbor toProtestant Cay . After a two - minute ride , you ’ll be let out onto a four - acre island , which is dwelling to a grit beach , little shop , beach bar , and hotel . For a low price , your party can rent lounge chairperson , umbrellas , and towels before set up shop class along the shoreline .
rummy production on the island traces all the manner back to 1760 , so it only seems right to sip like the locals do by inspect theCruzan Rumdistillery . Sign up for a 30 - minute duty tour around the facility come by a sample distribution at the on - web site tasting room .
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After a few drams , take your explorations into town and open your wallet at a slew of handmade jewelry shop class . St. Croix is renowned for jewelry create using pieces of fine china that have washed ashore . It ’s also renowned for hook watchstrap , which were invented atSonya ’s Fine Island Jewelry . Top shops to frequent for necklaces , bracelets , and charms also includeib designs , Joyia , andLady C Designs .
Where to eat and drink like a local in St. Croix
Crucian cuisine pull culinary influence from Denmark , Africa , and across the Caribbean for a riveting array of metier dish . Among the can’t - young woman foods to stress , local recommend everything from the fried sugar treat called Johnny patty — specifically those made by the crew - favoriteLa Reine Chicken Shack — to the pâté handhelds stuffed with beef , conch , or veggie — which reign supreme at the more than 30 - class - oldRosa ’s Booth .
Famous guests like President Joe Biden and Martha Stewart already recognize thatSavantis the perfect place for an unforgettable dark out . The class - owned restaurant is known for eclectic and locally mold cuisine , as well as its gorgeous back patio . If a spot that come with sensational waterfront perspective is up your bowling alley , there’sPolly ’s at the PierandOff the Wall , thoughAMA at Cane Bayundoubtedly have the most breathtaking frame-up . If you ’re count for something more plant - forward , locally tend restaurant likeCafe Roots - N - Kulchah — the Ginger Sop Juice and Black Bean Burger are can’t - missy — and the Caribbean - influencedItal in Paradisemight be up your alley .
Plus , a lite dinner party have in mind you ’re prim out for dance atLevels . The recently repair nightclub is the shoes to go on Friday nights for show by local singers and bands . For a more sit - and - sip experience , theSion Farm Distillerytasting way serve tropic iterations of Mutiny Island Vodka , which is craft using breadfruit .
Photo Courtesy of King Christian
Museums, art, and culture in St. Croix
The heartbeat of St. Croix is hold alive by a divers universe of local Crucians . Immerse yourself in the creative scenery on the island viaArt Thursdays . Held every third Thursday of the calendar month between November and May from 10 am to 8 pm , local Christenstead verandah and stores link up in a communal uplifting of local artisans by displaying hand-crafted jewellery , paintings , photography , woodworking , and ceramic .
“ Hamilton ” fans and more account - incline travelers may be interested to make love that Alexander Hamilton actually spent almost a decennium of his early life populate in St. Croix . Embark on aself - guided tourof the most influential and significant position of Hamilton ’s life-time by sightseeing at place likeFort ChristiansvaernandSt . John ’s Anglican Church .
Meanwhile , if the high-pitched sea are address , an geographic expedition on theRosewaymight just do the trick . wax aboard the century - one-time , 137 - foot schooner ( which splits its time dock betweenBostonand St. Croix ) for a term of enlistment or sunset cruise led by theWorld Ocean School . The interactive journeying admit opportunities for passengers to aid the work party hoist the massive sail and see St. Croix from a different linear perspective .
Art Thursday in Christiansted, St. Croix, USVI
Nature and outdoor experiences in St. Croix
Charters fromCaribbean Sea Adventuresare certain to make gist storage . And of the guided tours , private charter , sport sportfishing , and sunset sails offered by the caller , theBuck Island Snorkeling Touris a can’t - young woman . During the half - day dispatch : Sun bathe on the gravy holder deck , saunter the postcard - desirable shores ofTurtle Beach , and schnorchel atBuck Island Reef National Monument . And if you ’re looking to give back , help to conserve the lulu and wildlife of Buck Island by volunteering or donating to theNational Park Service , which is behind a major endeavor to jump-start healthy coral growth and reduce surrounding contamination .
For an extra - aesthetic cocktail hour , get on a pink 1974 Boston Whaler for a sail around St. Croix withCabana Cruises . Featuring everything from a pastel - imbue exterior , Bluetooth stereo , and phone charge station , the gravy boat tours chain from former sunup rides ( made complete with mimosas ) to longer adventures where outing spread are savor on secluded beaches .
To further take vantage of the gorgeous temps , avail yourself of three golf game courses primed for a quick nine or an all - solar day 36 . Choose betweenThe Buccaneer Golf Course , Carambola Golf Club , andThe Reef Golf Course .
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St. Croix hotels
Downtown Christiansted ’s historicKing Christian Hotelrecently debut its marvelous revival meeting , which is in spades something to write home about . A lynchpin of the Christiansted waterfront since 1743 , the newly minted King Christian Hotel makes a unattackable lawsuit for an idealistic home base base with fashionable interior , spacious balconies , sensational coastal views , and knowledgeable staff . You also do good from on - site cushy comforts like breathless sea vista while brunch atCaroline ’s , caffein boosts fromVirgin Islands Coffee Roasters , and poolside bites plus happy minute cocktails courtesy of the Oaxacan - influenced restaurantEl Leon .
For a more off - the - beaten - path experience , The Waves Cane Bayon the north shoring of Cane Bay is home to the cliffside digs of your dreams . With just 11 rooms on property , your secluded getaway experience includes a stunning waterside restaurant ( that comes with complimentary crash moving ridge and hanging queen lights for a dreamy ambiance ) , idyllic lucky hour cocktail barroom , and on - site innate grotto . If you ’re wait into an extended remote - working experience , one of the Superior Rooms will level up your island fourth dimension with a full kitchenette , WiFi , an Apple TV , and an expansive balcony infinite .
The Moko Jumbies of St. Croix Are a Towering Link to the Past
Spindly and sky-high, the costumed stilt walkers crossed oceans to become a Caribbean festival fixture.
What to know before you go to St. Croix
Best times of the year to visit
To successfully obviate peak tourism season — which falls between December and March — you’ll desire to visit St. Croix from April to June . originally in the yr will result in nerveless weather , while the close to summertime you get , the more balmy your vacation will be .
St. Croix time zone
Upon landing at the island ’s quaint Henry E. Rohlsen Airport , you ’ll also mark your headphone automatically has shifted to Atlantic Standard Time ( AST ) . That ’s one hour ahead from Eastern Standard Time , two hours ahead on Central Time , and three hours forward on Pacific Standard Time .
The weather and climate
The US Virgin Islands are separate as having a tropical climate . With eastern trade wind and mostly crushed humidity , temperatures on median in St. Croix usually rest between 70 and 80 point Fahrenheit . Temperatures are cooler from winter to spring , with median high school around 84 degrees Fahrenheit and moo around 70 degrees Fahrenheit . From summer to diminish , temperature can spike to 90 degrees Fahrenheit with first of 80 degree Fahrenheit . showery seasons lam from May to December , as well as September to November .
Languages
The official language of St. Croix is presently English . The local dialect , spoken by the island ’s native community of interests , is Crucian . Less common language mouth around the island let in French , Spanish , and Arabic .
How to get around
High on the precedency listing for most travelers to St. Croix should be a car lease . On - island risky venture can be hard to navigate if you ’re relying on call a taxi , and drive - shares are not readily available . For those who are quick to take the adventure into their own hands , there are several car rental way likeCenterline Car rental , which has a commodious outpost at the STX Airport , andJohn Hope Automotivefor sumptuousness wheel . Just keep in judgment , things move a small differently here : All motorists in St. Croix drive on the left side of the road !
The currency
Yet another positive for American traveller is that since St. Croix is a US dominion , the currency here is the US dollar .
International adapters you’ll need
St. Croix uses force outlets typecast A and B ( the same as the US ) .
Photo Courtesy of King Christian
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