The Virgin Islands of the United States, located in the Caribbean Sea, are a group of islands with a rich history, diverse culture, and unique natural features. From the islands’ discovery and colonization by Europeans to their transfer of ownership from Denmark to the United States, the Virgin Islands have a complex and fascinating history.Â
In this essay, we will explore the history, geography, and culture of the Virgin Islands of the United States, and things to do in the Virgin Islands of the United States.
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The Fascinating History of the US Virgin Island St Thomas:
The history of the Virgin Islands of the United States is a story of discovery, colonization, and transfer of ownership. The islands were first discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493 and were later colonized by the Dutch, French, Spanish, and British. In 1917, the United States purchased the islands from Denmark for $25 million, and they became a United States territory.
Since then, the islands have developed a unique economy and culture, with tourism being a major industry. The islands’ history is evident in the architecture, museums, and historical sites that dot the landscape. Now that we covered the history, lets began the list of the best things to do in the Virgin Islands of the United States.
Things To Do In The Virgin Islands Of The United States:
1. Virgin Islands National Park, St. John:
The Virgin Islands National Park contains a lush green tropical forest and white sandy beaches. It is a great place to stroll around and contemplate in god-given nature. The most common activity is hiking around the national park or mountain biking.
Its richness in flora and fauna makes it an optimal place for landscape photography and wildlife photography. During your hike you might see feral donkeys, white-tail deer, and invasive goats.
The Virgin Islands National Park is not only a natural Paradise, but also a place where you can spot historic ruins and watch birds at the birds’ viewing deck on their lovely salt pond.
There are around 20 hike trails in the national park, but I would highly suggest hiking the Reef Bay Trail that lead you to the old Sugar Mill. The hike trail would then lead you to the beach where you can sunbathe and rest by the shoreline.Â
2. Buck Island, St. Thomas:
The Buck Island, St. Thomas might be the best place to visit in the Virgin Islands of the United States. For a starter, it is the home of Turtle Cove and Shipwrecks Cove where you can snorkel and seek for shipwrecks. You can find shipwrecks that dated back to World War II or scuba dive to enjoy its richness in flora and fauna.
The Buck Island is surrounded by Elkhorn coral barrier reef with a rich marine life ecosystem. It is famous for the nest of turtles, such as hawksbill and leatherback turtles. The Bank-barrier reef and its lagoon are protected area, so make sure to keep it clean and well maintained.
Buck Island Reef National Monument in the US Virgin Islands contains coral sand beaches and tropical dry forest that can provide a fun to explore. Hiking the along the shoreline might be the best thing to do in the Virgin Islands of the United States. You can also sunbathe or simply relax in the turquoise of tropical water.
3. Honeymoon Beach In Water Island:
The Honeymoon Beach is one of the best beaches in the St Thomas US Virgin Island. The amenities and what it has to offer for tourist and locals are what make it stand out from the rest.
The honeymoon beach contains a Tiki Bar where you can enjoy your favorite drink at the beach. It also contains volleyball courts, water sport rentals, and a vibrant bay with charter boats.
Therefore, you can rent a boat to stroll around the Caribbean Sea and enjoy a fishing trip. However, the best thing to do in Honeymoon beach is renting a gulf cart and stroll around the island.
4. Cruz Bay:
Cruz bay is one of the best things to do in US Virgin Island St Thomas. Here is why. It is a lively waterfront village that has Caribbean lifestyle and the largest city in St Thomas. Therefore, you can find souvenir shops, awesome restaurants, charter boat tours, and the largest dive shop in the Virgin Islands.
The best time to enjoy the village is during the night where you can enjoy the nightlife and visit countless beach bars. Sip on your favorite drink and mangle among other tourists. It is a great place for solo travelers where they can meet locals and other tourists.
5. Coral World Ocean Park:
At Coki Point beach is where the Coral World Ocean Park is located. Discover the underwater world and witness the marine life in person. Tourist from all over the world flock to it to scuba dive. It is definitely the best things to do in US Virgin Island St Thomas.
It is a perfect spot for snorkeling and scuba diving specially for kids. Furthermore, it is a fun activity for the whole family where you got the chance to swim with dolphins, sea lions, and turtles.
6. Magens Bay In St. Thomas:
Magens Bay is the most popular beach destination in US Virgin Island St Thomas. This mile long of coastline stretch along with white sandy beaches. It contains some coconut palms and sea grape trees where you got to observe the natural canopy in person and relax by the shore.
You can enjoy a hiking trip around the beach to enjoy its tranquility at best. If that does not suite you, you can enjoy some water activities, such as paddleboarding, snorkeling, and bodyboarding. Cruising around the sea is another possibility that you should not miss.
7. Coral Bay:
Coral Bay contains one of the best beaches in the Virgin Islands of the United States, so be ready to explore this tranquilizing atmosphere and enjoy the natural beauty. It is located in the peaceful village of St. John.
The beach is calm, crystal clear and warm, which makes it a perfect spot for a swim or simply sunbath along the shoreline. You can also stay to witness the sunset, the view is spectacular.
It is within distance from St. John important attractions, such as Salt Pond Beach, Rams Head trail, and epic paddling routes, in Hurricane Hole.
8. Point Udall In St. Croix:
The Point Udall is in the easternmost of the United States. It is a cozy atmosphere with tranquilizing ocean views. It contains some beautiful sceneries and picturesque coastline. Furthermore, it also serves as a trail head for many hike trails, such Jack. A Beach, Isaacs Bay Beach, and Goat Hill.
Point Udall is a great place to witness the sunset and experience the Sundial sculpture known as Millennium Monument. This horological device used to tell the time of the day as the sunlight direct to it.
9. Maho Bay:
Nestled along the north shore of Maho Bay National Park, Maho Bay has a taste for everyone. It is the most popular beach and the best place to snorkel with turtles in US Virgin Island St Thomas. There are food trucks in the waterfront where you can try some delicious cuisine and mouthwatering food.
10. Charlotte Amalie:
Charlotte Amalie is the largest city in the Virgin Islands of the United States. It is an optimal place for history lovers where you pass through many historical landmarks, such as Market Square, the St. Thomas Reformed Church, Blackbeard’s Castle, Fort Christian, the Government House, and much more.
The houses alone contains some deep history where they are dated back to the 1600s. The buildings are Danish architecture that were developed by Dutch and Dunes. I am sure you will enjoy strolling around this amazing city.
Conclusion:
The list does not end here. There are more to see and discover in the Virgin Islands of the United States, so make your research before you visit and plan your trip accordingly. I hope you enjoy your visit.
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