St. Croix is one of the most family-friendly destinations in the Caribbean, offering a balance of adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery. Whether your family is seeking calm beaches, hiking trails, snorkeling excursions, or just a place to slow down and recharge, there’s a part of the island that fits your needs. This guide breaks down the best regions in St. Croix for families, highlighting what makes each area special—and why it’s worth exploring with kids.
West End (Frederiksted & Rainbow Beach)
The West End of St. Croix is where families go to unwind. It’s home to the charming town of Frederiksted, the island’s cruise port and a hub for casual beachside fun. This part of the island is known for its calm Caribbean waters, making it ideal for families with younger kids who want to swim without waves or strong currents. The beaches here are wide, with soft white sand and shallow shorelines.
You can stroll the Frederiksted waterfront, dive or snorkel at the Frederiksted Pier, or enjoy a beachside meal with live music in the background. The area is also home to Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge, a protected beach that offers a pristine stretch of undeveloped sand perfect for nature walks and turtle sightings (when in season). For more active families, the West End offers ATV rainforest tours, horseback riding, and even small museums showcasing the island’s colonial history.
Family Highlights:
- Calm beaches safe for kids to splash and swim
- Wreck and reef dives near Frederiksted Pier
- Horseback riding and ATV rainforest tours
- Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge – longest beach in the U.S. Virgin Islands
- Live music, casual restaurants, and friendly locals
Perfect for: Beach days, easy swimming, outdoor adventure, and scenic family sunsets.
Accommodation options: Cottages, boutique inns, and beachfront guesthouses. Great for families who want to step directly onto the sand.
Christiansted & Gallows Bay (North Shore East)
Christiansted is the cultural and architectural heart of the island. It’s one of the two main towns in St. Croix and offers a walkable layout that makes it easy for families to explore on foot. The town sits along a scenic harbor, with a wide boardwalk lined with restaurants, dive shops, and boat tour operators. This is where many snorkeling and Buck Island trips depart, making it a great base for families who want to explore the water.
Kids will enjoy touring Fort Christianvaern, a preserved Danish fort where they can learn about the island’s colonial history. Parents will enjoy the shopping, art galleries, and waterfront cafés. Just five minutes away, Gallows Bay is a quieter extension of Christiansted with grocery stores, pharmacies, and additional restaurants that cater to everyday family needs.
Family Highlights:
- Tour Fort Christianvaern and explore historic streets
- Walkable town with shops, restaurants, and historical sites
- Boat trips to Buck Island Reef National Monument
- Snorkeling and diving trips depart from the boardwalk
- Enjoy casual meals at waterfront restaurants
- Attend a Jump Up festival if your visit lines up
- Gallows Bay offers extra shopping and convenience stores
Perfect for: Families who enjoy walkable towns, history, casual dining, and organized water activities.
Accommodation options: Boutique hotels, short-term rentals, and resorts just outside town. Great for families who enjoy activity-packed days and walking access to dining.
East End & Point Udall
The East End of St. Croix feels like a different island. The landscape transitions to rugged hills, cactus-covered terrain, and expansive ocean views. It’s much quieter than other parts of the island, ideal for families looking to escape the crowds and enjoy the outdoors. The drive itself is part of the experience—winding roads take you past scenic overlooks and dramatic coastlines.
You’ll find excellent hiking opportunities here, including trails to Goat Hill and Jack and Isaac Bay Preserve, where older kids can enjoy the adventure of a hike followed by snorkeling in a secluded bay. At the very tip of the island, Point Udall is the easternmost point in the United States, and a favorite spot for watching sunrises and taking panoramic family photos. Families can also enjoy spa treatments, a round of golf, or a beach day at one of the low-key resorts. The Divi Carina Bay Resort and Casino offers entertainment for adults, while kids can enjoy nearby nature trails and water sports.
Family Highlights:
- Watch sunrise at Point Udall, the easternmost point in the U.S.
- Hike to Goat Hill or Jack and Isaac Bay Preserve
- Snorkeling and quiet beaches
- Visit the V.L. Baseline Array Telescope
- Play a round of golf or relax at a resort spa
- Try your luck at the Divi Carina Bay Casino (for adults)
Perfect for: Active families, hikers, nature lovers, or those seeking peaceful views and low crowds.
Accommodation options: Resort-style accommodations, private villas, and condos. Best for self-sufficient families and those looking for a peaceful stay.
Mid-Island (La Reine, Sunny Isle & Estates)
Mid-Island St. Croix connects the two main towns and serves as a functional, central hub for island life. While it’s not a tourist destination in the traditional sense, it offers access to local culture, everyday conveniences, and community events. The landscape here is a mix of pasturelands, farmland, and rolling hills, making it more rural in feel but centrally located.
Families can shop at the Sunny Isle Shopping Center or explore the Le Reine Farmer’s Market on Saturdays for fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts. The area is also home to the island’s only brewery, rum and vodka distilleries, and the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport. Every February, Mid-Island becomes the center of activity during the Agricultural and Food Fair (AgFair), which features local food, livestock, exhibits, and music.
Family Highlights:
- Visit the Le Reine Farmer’s Market for local produce and crafts
- Attend the Agricultural and Food Fair (AgFair), one of the island’s biggest events
- Tour a rum or vodka distillery (some allow kids on grounds with adults)
- Stop by the island’s only brewery or shop at Sunny Isle shopping center
- Home to the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport and local hospital
Perfect for: Families renting a car who want a local cultural stop between coasts or staying longer-term on the island.
Accommodation options: Residential-style rentals, Airbnbs, and local guesthouses. Great for extended stays or families who want a home base for island exploration.
North Shore & Cane Bay
The North Shore is a favorite for families who want equal parts beauty and adventure. It’s one of the island’s most scenic regions, known for lush hills, clear waters, and hidden hiking trails. This is home to the iconic Cane Bay Beach, where families can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and shore diving in a protected bay. Older kids and teens can even try diving “The Wall,” a famous underwater drop-off located just offshore. While more remote than Christiansted or Frederiksted, Cane Bay has a handful of casual restaurants and beach bars.
You’ll also find the Annaly Tidepools, reached by a moderate hike through the rainforest. Families can explore Salt River Bay National Historical Park, where you can take bioluminescent kayak tours or visit the site of Columbus Landing. This side of the island offers incredible biodiversity thanks to the nearby Puerto Rico Trench, making it a great place for spotting marine life like turtles, rays, and dolphins.
Family Highlights:
- Cane Bay: perfect for snorkeling, beginner diving, and beach picnics
- The Wall: a famous drop-off for scuba divers (older teens + certified only)
- Visit the Annaly Tidepools—a rewarding hike for older kids
- Kayak or night tour the glowing Salt River Bioluminescent Bay
- See Columbus Landing—where Columbus arrived in 1493
- Spot sea turtles, dolphins, and seasonal whales
Perfect for: Active families, snorkelers, older kids and teens, and nature lovers.
Accommodation options: Villas, small resorts, and beachfront rentals. Ideal for families seeking quiet, nature, and beach proximity.
Buck Island Reef National Monument
Just offshore from Christiansted lies Buck Island, a U.S. National Park that is only accessible by boat and protected for its incredible biodiversity. The island itself is small—only 176 acres—but the surrounding coral reef ecosystem is world-renowned. Families can take a licensed tour boat to explore Turtle Beach, which was named one of the world’s most beautiful beaches by National Geographic.
The reef features an underwater trail, with signage pointing out coral species and sea life, making it both a fun and educational outing. Kids will love the clear waters and gentle waves, while adults can enjoy the snorkeling and views. Because it’s federally protected, only approved tour operators can bring guests to the island, ensuring it remains pristine and safe for marine life.
Family Highlights:
- Guided snorkel trips through underwater reef trails
- Calm, shallow beach entry for kids
- Protected marine environment—ideal for learning and exploring
- Rich with endangered species and educational value
- Must be accessed by tour boats only
Perfect for: Families with kids who love snorkeling and marine life; great half-day adventure.
Final Thoughts
Each region of St. Croix offers something different—from calm swimming beaches and colonial towns to hiking trails and reef dives. Whether your family wants to learn, explore, relax, or just play in the sand, you’ll find a spot on the island that matches your pace.
- For beach-first families with younger kids: Stay in Frederiksted
- For culture, walkability, and water excursions: Choose Christiansted
- For adventurous, nature-loving families: Cane Bay / North Shore is your spot
- For peace and privacy: Go with the East End
- For convenience and longer stays: Consider Mid-Island
No matter where you stay, St. Croix offers warm hospitality, rich history, and unforgettable family experiences.
