St. Croix Sights: 5 Essential Landmarks

 

Covered with sugar mills and exceptional beaches as well as boasting a capital city filled with candy-colored 18th century architecture, St. Croix claims endless vistas and striking scenes. It’s easy to wander around the island and get overtaken with the charm of it all.  But this U.S.V.I island has a few landmarks that are absolute must-sees for every traveler. Visit these sites for a real sense of St. Croix:

Buck Island Reef National Monument


A stunning uninhabited island just off St. Croix’s north coast, Buck Island consists of 19.015 acres of reef and land and is one of  only three underwater trails in the U.S. Declared a National Monument by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, Buck Island's underwater world is filled with coral and exotic marine life.
The waters shift magically from shades of emerald, to turquoise and aquamarine, and the pristine Turtle Beach on the west end of the island was declared one of the world’s most beautiful by National Geographic.

Point Udall
As the easternmost point in the U.S., Point Udall is the first place on American territory that witnesses the sunrise. The angular stone monuments serve as a sundial that marks the solar time each day. The monument was erected for the millennial celebrations in 2000, to document the first U.S. sunrise at the turn of the century.  The soaring views from the point offer some of the best vistas on the island.

Christiansted National Historic Site
There’s no place more singular and more illuminating of St. Croix’s unusual history than the 18th century Danish buildings that make up the Christiansted Historic Site.  Scattered along the waterfront, five structures showcase Danish colonial life on St. Croix from 1733 to 1913. The butter yellow buildings consist of Fort Christiansvaern (1738), The Danish West India & Guinea Company Warehouse (1749), the Steeple Building (1753), Danish Custom House (1844) and Scale House (1856).  Take a day to roam through the structures and learn about the island’s early history.

Estate Whim Museum
Focused on bringing the 18th century plantation experience on St. Croix to life with demonstrations and dynamic guided tours, Estate Whim Museum is a particular favorite of mine. Consisting of a Great House, sugar mill and factory complex and slave quarters, visitors explore the grounds and hear historic accounts about daily life. Artisans also offer live demonstrations of Crucian culture including candy making, basket weaving and drumming.

Buccaneer Resort Sugar Mill


Over 200 sugar mills blanket St. Croix as a testament to the island’s days as a sugar making king but none are as well preserved and festive as the one at the Buccaneer Hotel. As the Caribbean’s longest running, family-owned resort, the Buccaneer is a landmark in itself and the property’s sugar mill serves as the perfect symbol.
Perched atop a hill overlooking lovely views of Beauregard Bay, the 17th century structure displays ancient limestone and slate walls, totally intact. On Tuesday evenings, the sugar mill is surrounded by the colorful scenes of local musicians and Mocko Jumbies, the traditional stilt walking dancers.