From snorkelling pristine coral reefs at Buck Island to sharing a beer with jungle pigs and sipping craft rum, St. Croix is easily one of the most exciting and underrated spots in the Caribbean. Whether you are planning a quick weekend hop or a full island adventure, here is my complete guide to the best places to stay, eat, and explore on your first trip.
Location and How to Get There
St. Croix is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands and benefits from frequent daily flights from the mainland United States. The big three American carriers (United, Delta, and American Airlines) all run scheduled routes here, making it an easy hop down even just for a long weekend.
If you are planning on visiting the other Virgin Islands during the same trip, it is super easy to catch a quick Cape Air flight to or from St. Thomas, with flights running multiple times daily. I did this on my most recent trip and even got to sit up front right next to the pilot for the scenic 30 minute flight, easily one of the coolest flights I have ever taken!
Speaking of memorable flights, if you really want to check something off your bucket list, you can actually take a seaplane between St. Thomas and St. Croix. While I did not do it this time around, I have taken one before in the Maldives, and there is truly nothing quite like taking off and landing right on the open water.
Getting Around
While there are some taxis and a few public buses, I highly recommend renting a car to truly make the most of your time and give yourself the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
There are plenty of rental car companies situated right at the airport, which makes picking one up super simple. I went with Centreline Car Rentals and had a great experience. They have a booth between baggage claim and arrivals, and within about five minutes, we had the keys to our car, which was conveniently parked right outside in the airport lot. Just a quick heads-up: when returning the car, we had to drop it off at their secondary location right next to the airport and catch a quick shuttle ride back to the terminal, but the entire process took less than ten minutes.
One important word of warning: even though it is a U.S. territory, you drive on the left side of the road here, which can take a little getting used to. Other than that, driving around the island is pretty straightforward. Some of the inland roads can get narrow and winding, so just take it slow and steady. We rarely ran into heavy traffic while driving around, aside from a brief morning rush around Christiansted.
Where to Stay
$ The Fred – Perhaps the most famous hotel in Frederiksted, this lively and budget-friendly boutique property sits right on the beach and is an easy walk to everything downtown has to offer. Fun perk: you can even snag a discount if your name is Fred!
$$ Waves at Cane Bay This boutique hotel is a total hidden gem on the island. Located along the quieter north shore of St. Croix, every single room looks out over an epic backdrop of crashing ocean waves. The 11 rooms are thoughtfully designed with modern bathrooms, covered tile balconies, and retro accents. One of the best restaurants on the island, AMA, is located on site, so do not miss out on booking a dinner here during your stay. You can read my full review here.
$$$ The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort – Situated across 300 lush acres just east of Christiansted, this is easily the most iconic luxury resort on the island. Between its three private beaches, an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, a full-service spa, and multiple fine dining spots, the property is absolutely gorgeous and backs it up with incredible service to match.
Where to Eat
AMA at Cane Bay – With a stellar waterfront setting along Cane Bay and crashing waves just steps from your table, this upscale, romantic spot is easily one of the best dining experiences on the island. The service is top tier, but with limited seating, you will definitely want to book reservations well in advance. You can find it right on the grounds of The Waves at Cane Bay hotel.
The Landing at Cane Bay – This lively beach bar and restaurant is a favourite among locals and travellers alike, and for good reason. Overlooking Cane Bay, they offer an extensive menu, fantastic drinks with a generous pour, friendly service, and a convenient takeaway window if you want to grab food and drinks to take straight onto the sand. They also have vacation rentals right on the property. I ended up stopping here several times during my trip and had a great experience every single visit. The mahi bites, in particular, were incredible.
Rum Runners – Perched right on the boardwalk in Christiansted, this waterfront spot is the perfect place to grab a bite after a day out on the water. Be sure to check out their daily specials board. On my recent visit, I ordered the salmon with coconut curry sauce while my friend got the Baja fish tacos, and both dishes were exceptional. The service was prompt, the food arrived fast, and the location is especially convenient if you book a half-day Buck Island trip with Big Beard’s, since their tour shop is located right next door.
Louie and Nacho’s Beach Bar – Featured on Season 2 of Netflix’s Restaurants on the Edge, this multi-level beach hangout sits right on the water with a broad food and cocktail menu. Naturally, their loaded nachos are the signature order. Located just down the street from downtown Frederiksted, it is a relaxed spot to unwind after a beach day. Head up to the top deck for the best ocean breeze and sunset view.
Armstrong’s Homemade Ice Cream – This legendary, family-run institution has been churning ice cream for over a century, making it a beloved staple for generations of Crucians. The staff is warm and welcoming, and the flavour lineup includes rich traditional favorites alongside unique Caribbean specialties like guavaberry, soursop, and gooseberry. It is the ultimate afternoon stop to cool down between island adventures.
Maria’s Cantina – This was another spot we stumbled upon almost by accident, but we were so glad we did! The place is always bustling, and for good reason. They offer an extensive menu filled with fresh, authentic Mexican dishes and have a spacious outdoor patio for dining. Be sure to check out their daily specials board, although you will definitely want to ask for the price beforehand, as one of the special dips we ordered ended up costing more than our main entrees!
Where to Drink
Rhythms at Rainbow Beach – This is a go-to gathering spot set right along the white sands of Rainbow Beach, and it is popular for good reason. Service is quick and friendly, and the drink menu is massive. You can grab a table out on the shaded deck or sit right with your toes in the sand. The food comes out fast and the facilities are well-kept. It can get lively and crowded when cruise ships are in port at Frederiksted, so keep that in mind if you prefer a quieter vibe. If you are looking for an alternative nearby on ship days, Louie and Nacho’s tends to stay surprisingly calm during the day.
Mt. Pellier Domino Club – Located deep in the lush rainforest on the same property as the famous beer-drinking pigs, this eclectic rustic bar is well worth a stop for a drink or two during your visit. The entire open-air space is covered in dollar bills and memorabilia left behind by travellers from all over the world. They also pour Mamajuana, a spiced Dominican rum drink that has become a fun favourite for visitors and locals alike. The atmosphere is warm, the crowd is friendly, and the service is swift.
What to Do
Take a Sailing Trip to Buck Island – This was the number one recommended activity I came across while researching my trip, and it completely lived up to the hype. Located just a 30 minute sail off the coast of St. Croix, Buck Island features a protected underwater snorkel trail, powdery white sand beaches, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Because it is a protected national monument, you will need to go with a licensed tour operator. While there are a few great outfitters on the island, I highly recommend Big Beard’s Adventure Tours (you can read my full review and guide here). They offer multiple daily departures, including half-day sails and full-day excursions that include a beach barbecue lunch.
Visit the Beer-Drinking Pigs – This was hands down one of the most memorable highlights of my trip. It is such a quirky, unique experience that I have never encountered anywhere else. Located up in the rainforest at the Mt. Pellier Domino Club, you can feed one of the resident pigs for just $2 admission plus $4 per can of non-alcoholic beer. A staff member walks you over and shows you how to safely hand the can to the pigs, and they will crush and chug it faster than you can blink! One of the pigs had a tooth issue, so we got to pour the beer directly into its mouth, which was even funnier to watch. The bar itself is well worth hanging out in for their famous Mamajuana drinks and eclectic decor. They also serve food with daily specials like burger days. Just keep in mind that the venue is cash-only, so bring plenty of bills for entry, drinks for both you and the pigs, and souvenirs like shirts or koozies.
Tour the Cruzan Rum Distillery – This makes for a fantastic afternoon outing. While I have toured plenty of rum distilleries across the Caribbean, this was easily one of the most thorough and informative walkthroughs I have experienced. You get to see the entire production process up close from scratch, learning how they distill the spirits, measure the proof, and barrel-age the rum. At the end of the tour, you get to sample various aged rums and flavoured expressions, along with two handcrafted cocktails of your choice. There is also a great gift shop on site where you can grab island-exclusive flavours and merchandise to take home.
Hike to Annaly Bay Tide Pools – This scenic trail winds through the coastal hills and leads directly to the stunning natural salt pools carved into the volcanic rock at Annaly Bay. The hike takes roughly three hours round-trip. The most convenient place to start is near the Carambola Beach Resort; just pull up to the main security gate and the guards will point you toward the hiker parking area. I strongly recommend starting early in the morning to beat the peak tropical heat and humidity.
Visit Sion Farm Distillery – We stumbled upon this spot entirely by accident and were so glad we did! This craft distillery is home to the world’s only breadfruit-distilled vodka, marketed under the Mutiny Island Vodka label, which comes in several distinct infused flavours. They run guided production tours every hour on the half-hour until around 3:00 PM. We arrived a bit too late to catch an official tour, but you can see right into the pristine distillery floor through a massive viewing window behind the tasting bar. Following a local tip, we ordered a tasting flight to sample the lineup. It was an incredible value and so much fun comparing notes to pick out our favourite flavours.
Go Jewellery Shopping for the Crucian Hook – There is one particular jewellery style that is completely unique to St. Croix, and once you know what it is, I guarantee you will start noticing almost all of the locals wearing it. It features a classic horseshoe or fisherman-style hook closure that is most often worn as a cuff bracelet, though you will see it in rings and pendants as well.
Sonya Ltd. is the original creator and birthplace of the design, and while you can easily order one online, it is well worth stopping into the boutique in person to get sized properly and find your perfect piece. You will find their charming shop right in downtown Christiansted on Company Street.
Fun fact: island tradition says that if you wear the hook facing in toward your heart, you are taken, and if you wear it facing out, you are open to love!
Tips and Tricks for Your First Trip to St. Croix
- While this is a U.S. territory frequented mostly by travellers from the mainland, St. Croix is fundamentally Caribbean at heart and embraces that relaxed island rhythm. The phrase “island time” is not just a passing saying here, it is a genuine way of life. Nobody is in a frantic rush, sit-down meals can easily stretch over a couple of hours, and service operates at an easygoing, unhurried pace. Embrace it, order another cocktail, and enjoy the fact that you are far away from your desk.
- Polite greetings are an essential part of the local culture across all the Virgin Islands. It is customary to say “Good morning,” “Good afternoon,” or “Good evening” before diving into a question, asking for directions, or ordering food. The locals deeply appreciate the courtesy, and it sets a friendly tone for every interaction.
- Traffic flows on the left side of the road, opposite to the mainland United States. The catch is that nearly all the rental vehicles are standard American left-hand drive cars, which can feel a little disorienting at first. On the bright side, having the steering wheel on the left makes it much easier to judge your distance when hugging the hillside on winding mountain roads.
- The official currency is the U.S. Dollar, which makes budgeting simple for American travelers. While the vast majority of restaurants, bars, and shops readily accept credit cards, it is always smart to keep some cash on hand for local food trucks, roadside fruit stands, and tipping excursion guides.
You can find out more about my stay on my “USVI” Highlights on Instagram @chase.the.rainbows.
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