U.S. Virgin Islands

1. Trunk Bay (St. John): Famous for its pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters, Trunk Bay is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. It is part of Virgin Islands National Park and offers a popular underwater snorkeling trail.
2. Buck Island Reef National Monument (St. Croix): Known for its incredible coral reef system, Buck Island is a protected marine reserve. Visitors can snorkel among vibrant coral, tropical fish, and sea turtles in this underwater paradise.
3. Charlotte Amalie (St. Thomas): The capital city of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Charlotte Amalie is renowned for its historic architecture, including the famous 99 Steps and Fort Christian, as well as its bustling shopping scene and vibrant culture.
4. Cruz Bay (St. John): As the main town of St. John, Cruz Bay is a gateway to the island’s natural beauty. It offers charming boutiques, art galleries, and excellent dining, as well as easy access to the Virgin Islands National Park.
5. Magens Bay (St. Thomas): This crescent-shaped beach is one of the most popular in the Virgin Islands. With calm waters and soft sand, it’s ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and picnicking, making it a favorite among both locals and tourists.
6. Coral World Ocean Park (St. Thomas): Coral World offers an interactive experience with marine life, including underwater observatories, touch pools, and the opportunity to swim with sea lions and sharks. It’s a great destination for families and marine enthusiasts.
7. Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge (St. Croix): Famous for its long stretch of secluded beach, Sandy Point is also a vital nesting ground for endangered leatherback sea turtles. The refuge offers a quiet escape and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
8. Annaberg Sugar Plantation (St. John): A historical site, the Annaberg Plantation provides insight into the sugar cane industry and slavery on the islands during the 18th and 19th centuries. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the island’s colonial history.
9. Blackbeard’s Castle (St. Thomas): This historic tower is said to have been used by the notorious pirate Blackbeard. Today, it offers stunning views of Charlotte Amalie and serves as a cultural and historical landmark.
10. Cane Bay (St. Croix): Famous for its excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities, Cane Bay is home to the Cane Bay Wall, where the sea floor drops dramatically, creating a unique dive site with diverse marine life. It’s a popular spot for underwater adventurers.

1. The U.S. Virgin Islands celebrate two different Carnival festivals: Both St. Thomas and St. Croix host their own unique Carnival celebrations, complete with parades, music, and colorful costumes. They happen at different times of the year.
2. It’s the only place in the U.S. where driving is on the left side of the road: Even though the U.S. Virgin Islands is a U.S. territory, locals drive on the left side of the road, which is different from the rest of the country. It’s a quirky remnant of their Danish colonial past.
3. St. John is mostly a national park: Over 60% of St. John is protected as part of Virgin Islands National Park. This means a lot of the island remains a pristine paradise, with lush forests and untouched beaches.
4. The U.S. Virgin Islands were bought from Denmark for $25 million: In 1917, the United States bought the islands from Denmark for $25 million in gold coins. It was one of the most expensive land deals in U.S. history at the time.
5. You don’t need a passport to visit from the U.S.: Even though the islands are in the Caribbean, U.S. citizens don’t need a passport to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands. It’s like a tropical getaway without the international hassle!
6. The 99 Steps are actually more than 99 steps: In Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas, there’s a famous staircase called the 99 Steps, built by the Danes. Fun fact: there are actually 103 steps.
7. St. Croix is home to a beer-drinking pig: At the Mt. Pellier Domino Club in St. Croix, you can meet pigs that drink beer from cans! The tradition started as a quirky tourist attraction, and now it’s a must-see for visitors.
8. The islands are a hotspot for shipwrecks: With dangerous reefs and strong currents, the waters around the U.S. Virgin Islands are known for having many shipwrecks. These wrecks are now popular dive sites for adventurous explorers.
9. The U.S. Virgin Islands have their own version of Black Friday: Instead of the traditional Black Friday, locals in the U.S. Virgin Islands celebrate Tax-Free Shopping Day where tourists and residents alike can shop without paying local taxes.
10. St. Thomas has one of the oldest synagogues in the Western Hemisphere: The St. Thomas Synagogue, built in 1833, is the second oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere and has a unique sand-covered floor, a tradition with deep historical significance.

Famous Men

1. Emile Griffith (1938–2013): Born in St. Thomas, Emile Griffith was a world champion boxer known for his skill in multiple weight classes. He became a six-time world champion and is remembered for his athletic prowess and sportsmanship.
2. Ralph deChabert (1944–): Born in St. Croix, Ralph deChabert is a former U.S. Virgin Islands senator and advocate for civil rights. He worked to improve education, healthcare, and social services in the territory.
3. Tim Duncan (1976–): Born in St. Croix, Tim Duncan is an NBA Hall of Famer and one of the greatest basketball players in history. He played for the San Antonio Spurs, winning five NBA championships, and is widely regarded for his leadership on and off the court.
4. Alton Adams (1889–1987): Born in St. Thomas, Alton Adams was the first black bandmaster in the U.S. Navy. A renowned composer and conductor, Adams helped to develop music education in the U.S. Virgin Islands and made significant contributions to military music.
5. Ralph M. Paiewonsky (1907–1991): Born in St. Thomas, Ralph Paiewonsky was the Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands from 1961 to 1969. He is credited with modernizing the territory’s infrastructure and education system.

Famous Women

1. Ruby Rouss (1917–2013): Born in St. Croix, Ruby Rouss was a civil rights leader and advocate for women’s rights. She played a crucial role in advancing social justice and equality in the Virgin Islands.
2. LaVerne Ragster (1951–): Born in St. Thomas, LaVerne Ragster is a biologist and academic who served as the president of the University of the Virgin Islands. She has been a leader in education and environmental research in the territory.
3. Eulalie R. Rivera (1899–1986): Born in St. Croix, Eulalie Rivera was an educator and advocate for literacy. She dedicated her life to improving the education system in the Virgin Islands and has a school named in her honor.
4. Claudia Gordon (1972–): Born in St. Thomas, Claudia Gordon is the first deaf African-American female attorney in the United States. She has worked extensively in disability rights advocacy and served in various roles within the U.S. government.
5. Elena Christian (1904–1990): Born in St. Croix, Elena Christian was an educator and a key figure in the development of the public school system in the Virgin Islands. A middle school in St. Croix is named in her honor.