Located over 1,000 miles southeast of Miami, Florida, the US Virgin Islands (USVI) has a distinct flair unlike anything else you might encounter in the Caribbean’s cerulean seas.
It’s rich with opportunities for both adventure and sheer relaxation—from lounging away in a hammock to snorkeling among flourishing sea life to trekking through jungle ruins. Should you gaze upon the pastel architecture on the bustling island of St. Thomas, traverse the sparkling beaches of the verdant St. John, or taste the local cuisine on the largest island of the archipelago, St. Croix? Experience all three, and much more, as part of a travel itinerary you won’t soon forget.
Tourists welcome
Traveling to the US Virgin Islands is particularly breezy thanks to its American territory status, a title it has held since 1917. No passport is needed, nor is there the hassle of exchanging currency—these islands proudly accept US dollars. The weather is warm and sunny year-round, with temperatures only dipping as low as the 70s on average in the winter, making it a popular escape for snowbirds in search of warm refuge.
The simplest way to access the USVI is by air via St. Croix’s Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, from which you can take a charter boat or ferry to the other islands, or you can opt to venture here by seacraft from nearby destinations like Antigua or Puerto Rico. Cruise ships that depart from Florida also make ports of call on the island of St. Thomas. However you choose to arrive, the breathtaking contrast of clear blue waters and stark-white sand will make for a gorgeous welcome mat.
A place to rest your head
As a popular destination for worldwide travelers, the islands are blooming with accommodations to suit year-round tourism. Book a stay at an all-inclusive resort in the territory’s capital, Charlotte Amalie—the jewel of St. Thomas—or select a more private, romantic hotel in St. John just a short drive from the aptly named Honeymoon Beach. Alternatively, consider historical accommodations in the towns of Frederiksted and Christiansted on St. Croix, which offer authentic cultural experiences that allow you to live as the locals do.
Local flavor
Gastronomy in the USVI is as diverse as the islands th
