Three main islands, three personalities: St. Thomas, busy and duty-free, with cruise ships and Magens Bay; St. John, two-thirds national park, with the Caribbean’s most perfect beaches; St. Croix, the largest and calmest, with Danish colonial towns and a reef island. As a US territory, they use the dollar and US phone networks.
Things to do in Virgin Islands
Trunk Bay, St. John
A white crescent of sand inside Virgin Islands National Park, with an underwater snorkel trail marked by plaques. There is a day-use fee for this beach only.
Virgin Islands National Park
Covers about 60% of St. John: the North Shore beaches (Cinnamon, Maho — where sea turtles graze — and Waterlemon Cay), the Annaberg sugar mill ruins and the Reef Bay petroglyph trail.
3Magens Bay, St. Thomas
A mile-long, calm, sheltered beach, often listed among the world’s most beautiful. Small entrance fee per person.
4Buck Island Reef, St. Croix
A national monument off St. Croix with an underwater snorkel trail through elkhorn coral. Reached by licensed boat trips from Christiansted.
See tours and tickets partner link5Christiansted & Frederiksted
Pastel Danish colonial towns from the 18th century on St. Croix, with forts, arcaded streets and waterfront bars.
6Sailing day trip
Catamaran days around St. John and to the British Virgin Islands (passport needed for the BVI).
See tours and tickets partner link
Which island?
| Island | Best for | Getting there |
|---|---|---|
| St. Thomas | Convenience, shopping, nightlife, resorts | Direct flights from the mainland US |
| St. John | Beaches, snorkeling, hiking, villas | 20-minute ferry from Red Hook, St. Thomas |
| St. Croix | Diving, history, quiet | Flights, or the seaplane/ferry from St. Thomas |
Hurricane season runs from June to November. The islands were hit hard by Irma and Maria in 2017 and have rebuilt; check that your hotel or villa is open and take travel insurance that covers storms.
Passport, ESTA and customs
US citizens flying from the mainland or Puerto Rico do not need a passport, only a government ID. Foreign visitors need the same documents as for the rest of the US (an ESTA or a visa). On the way back to the mainland, everyone goes through a customs check at the airport, since the islands are outside the US customs zone.
Where to stay in Virgin Islands
Villas dominate on St. John; resorts on St. Thomas; small inns on St. Croix. All are expensive in high season.
Our 2 hotel picks in Virgin Islands
Photos, facilities and tips →
Luxury$$$$Gallows Point Resort
Cruz Bay, St. John, on the Gallows Point peninsula, a five-minute walk from town
Ocean-view suites with kitchens on a private peninsula at the edge of Cruz Bay, St. John.
Boutique$$$$St. John Inn
Cruz Bay, St. John
A colorful boutique inn five minutes' walk from the Cruz Bay ferry, with breakfast, a pool and free snorkel gear.
Cruz Bay, St. John
$$$$Best for: beaches, restaurants
The ferry town, with bars and the park visitor center.
Hotels in Cruz Bay, St. John partner linkEast End, St. Thomas
$$$$Best for: resorts, St. John ferry
Beach resorts near the Red Hook ferry dock.
Hotels in East End, St. Thomas partner linkChristiansted, St. Croix
$$$$Best for: history, diving
Inns on the boardwalk and departures to Buck Island.
Hotels in Christiansted, St. Croix partner linkWeather in Virgin Islands by month
Compare every destination month by month in the when-to-go explorer.
Virgin Islands: your questions
Do you need a passport for the US Virgin Islands?
Not if you are a US citizen travelling from the US mainland or Puerto Rico: a government ID is enough. Foreigners need a passport and an ESTA or visa.
Which side of the road do they drive on in the US Virgin Islands?
On the left, with mostly left-hand-drive American cars.
Which US Virgin Island is best?
St. John for beaches and nature, St. Thomas for convenience and resorts, St. Croix for diving and a quieter pace.
When is the best time to visit the US Virgin Islands?
December to April, the dry season. Hurricane season runs June to November.
Written by Kylian Dev · Last reviewed October 21, 2026. Prices are in US dollars, before sales tax.