Quick answer: some of St. Croix’s best experiences cost nothing. Every beach is public, the sunrise at Point Udall and the sunset at the Frederiksted Pier are free, the snorkeling off the pier is world class, and the island’s hiking trails and town waterfronts are open to everyone. Bring your own gear, water and snacks and you can fill several days without spending a dollar on admission.
Beaches (all of them)
Under Virgin Islands law the shoreline is open to the public, including beaches in front of hotels. Favorites include Rainbow Beach north of Frederiksted, Shoys Beach on the East End and Sandy Point Beach in the southwest. Sandy Point sits inside a wildlife refuge, opens on weekends from 10am to 4pm and closes for leatherback turtle nesting season (roughly April through August), so check before you go. More ideas: Best Beaches Near the Frederiksted Cruise Pier.
Sunrise and sunset
- Sunrise at Point Udall. The easternmost point of the United States. Get there early on a clear morning.
- Sunset at the Frederiksted Pier. The West End faces the sunset, and the pier is the classic place to watch it.
Snorkeling from shore
If you have a mask and fins, the pilings of the Frederiksted Pier are a famous snorkel spot, and Cane Bay on the North Shore has reef right off the beach. Stay clear of the pier whenever a cruise ship is docked or moving, and only swim in calm conditions.
Hikes
- Jack and Isaac Bay Preserve. Trails on the East End down to two quiet beaches.
- Hams Bluff. A rugged northwest walk with big ocean views.
- Annaly Bay tide pools. A tougher rainforest hike to coastal rock pools. Free if you go on your own, but go with someone who knows the trail, and stay out of the pools in big surf.
Town walks
- Christiansted. Walk the Christiansted Boardwalk, the Danish-era streets and the grounds around the fort. Window-shop the island jewelers while you’re there: see our Christiansted jewelry guide.
- Frederiksted. Stroll the waterfront by Fort Frederik and the pier, then on to Rainbow Beach.
- Salt River Bay. Drive out to the overlook at Salt River Bay, where members of Columbus’s 1493 expedition came ashore.
Free music and art
- Sunset Sounds at Loops Beach. Local musicians play reggae, Caribbean rhythms and jazz on a monthly Sunday evening. Admission is free; bring a chair.
- Art Thursday in Christiansted. Galleries open their doors on the third Thursday evening of the month. Browsing is free.
Dates are on St. Croix Today.
Plan the rest of your trip
- All things to do on St. Croix
- Places to eat (and the best value spots)
- Island Guide: official resources
