ST. CROIX, US VIRGIN ISLANDS

St. Croix is the largest of the three main U.S. Virgin Islands with its 84 square miles (218 square kilometers) of rolling hills and sandy beaches, yet it receives fewer visitors than its sister islands of St. Thomas and St. John. The island is a pleasing middle ground between St. Thomas's focus on mass-market tourism and St. John's back-to-nature ambience. An occasional cruise ship calls in quaint Frederiksted, located at the western end of the island. The ship's passengers, along with hotel and vacation villa visitors, spread out across the island to enjoy beautiful vistas, boutique shopping and outdoor pursuits.

St. Croix is home to nearly 55,000 people, nearly the same as 28-square mile St. Thomas. With a refinery and other smaller industries providing employment, there is less focus on tourism than on the other two islands. Since the population density is low, it is rare to find crowded streets in the Christiansted and Frederiksted shopping areas. Parking can be a problem in Christiansted, however. The town serves as the seat of... more