The 10 Best Places to Visit in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Known also as Blackbeard’s Castle, the Skytsborg Historic Park is one of St. Thomas’s most beautiful landmarks. The park contains, alongside life-sized bronze pirate statues, some of the most beautiful architecture and ocean views on the island. Situated scenically on a hilltop overlooking the harbor and surrounding sea, the park sits on five acres and includes multiple manor houses dating back to the 17th century. The houses collectively contain the largest display of authentic West Indian mahogany furniture, which is all handmade. The Villa Notman, Haagensen House and Hotel 1829 are listed on the National Register of Historic Places

Marked paths allow for self-guided walking tours that tell the history of the area. The Skytsborg Tower is of particular interest, having been a 17th century Danish defense tower built to protect the harbor. There are also three pools, many terraces, and tropical gardens to explore throughout.

During early colonization of the Caribbean, tall ships used huge stones as ballast in their hulls, then offloaded them while stocking up on spices and other goods, leaving the stones as a reminder of their visit. Residents of Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas then used these stones to build steep stairways such as 99 Steps up the town’s hills.

Back in its heyday, the Annaberg Sugar Plantation was one of 25 facilities on the island producing sugar, along with molasses and rum. All that remains today are ruins, but they are an important reminder of St John’s past, and visitors can walk a trail that leads through important structures such as slave quarters, windmills, and factory remains.

Located at the top of St. Peter Mountain is the oldest, highest, and one of the most popular attractions on St. Thomas, the aptly named Mountain Top. Mountain Top features a massive duty free shop, a bar known for its banana daiquiris, and an observation deck that offers sweeping views over Magens Bay from 1,500 feet (457 meters.

A historic fortress built in the history-rich St. Thomas town of Charlotte Amalie, Fort Christian has been a cultural highlight here since 1672 and acts as one of the finest treasure troves of ancient artifacts in the small Caribbean island’s long history. This Danish-built fortress serves as a beautiful example of Dutch-Caribbean architecture in the Gothic-Revival style and as a modern-day museum.