The Ultimate St. Croix Family Guide
Planning a trip to St. Croix with kids? This St. Croix family guide is your one-stop hub for everything family-friendly—from the best beaches and snorkeling spots to stroller-friendly hikes, kid-approved restaurants, and where to stay. Whether you’re bringing toddlers or teens, we’ve got you covered.
Jump To:
- Top Things to Do
- Best Beaches
- Snorkeling with Kids
- Family Hikes
- Where to Eat
- Regions Overview
- Top-Ranked Family Stays
- Local Tips
- Getting Around
- Best Time to Visit
- What to Pack
Top Things to Do
St. Croix is full of family-friendly fun, from cultural sites to tropical adventures. Kids can learn history at old forts, snorkel with sea turtles, and hike to hidden coves. With plenty of calm beaches, nature centers, and scenic drives, there’s something for every age.
- Snorkeling at Buck Island: A shallow, kid-friendly reef with boat tours available.
- Exploring Fort Christiansvaern: Easy-to-navigate and fun for little explorers.
- Hiking at Jack & Isaac Bays: A nature walk to a secluded beach with tide pools.
- Animal Sanctuary Visits: Safe, interactive experiences for animal-loving kids.
Best Beaches for Kids
St. Croix’s beaches offer calm waves, soft sand, and easy parking—perfect for families. Whether you want to build sandcastles or spot colorful fish right offshore, these beaches deliver. Some even have facilities, shade, and gentle surf ideal for toddlers and beginner snorkelers.
- Shoy’s Beach: Calm waters, light foot traffic, and plenty of space for families.
- Sandy Point: Gorgeous stretch of soft sand with nesting sea turtles in season.
- Smugglers Cove: Secluded and peaceful, with minimal crowds and easy access.
Top Ranked Family Stays
From beachside resorts to quiet vacation rentals, St. Croix offers a range of family-friendly lodging. Many properties include pools, kitchens, cribs, and beach gear, making it easy to relax with kids in tow. Some are even close to kid-friendly restaurants and attractions.
- The Buccaneer: Full-service resort with kid activities and a family pool.
- Vacation Villas in Cane Bay: Walking distance to snorkeling, peaceful at night.
- Carambola Beach Resort: Secluded with plenty of space to play and explore.
Snorkeling with Kids
St. Croix is home to some of the Caribbean’s most accessible snorkeling. From protected bays to offshore reefs, families can easily find spots where kids can swim safely and see marine life. Rentals and tours are widely available and many sites are shore-accessible.
- Cane Bay: Easy walk-in snorkeling with shallow reefs just off the beach.
- Buck Island: Shallow reef tour with colorful fish and coral—perfect for kids.
- Frederiksted Pier: Calm, clear waters and lots of sea life under the dock.
Family-Friendly Hikes
St. Croix offers several family-friendly hikes that are scenic, short, and great for kids of all ages. Trails like Jack & Isaac Bays or the Southgate Coastal Reserve offer gentle terrain and rewarding views, including beaches, wildlife, and tidepools. Many paths are stroller-accessible or manageable for younger hikers with supervision. It’s a great way to explore the island’s natural beauty while keeping the adventure low-stress and fun.
- Jack & Isaac Bays Trail: Easy walk, great for kids 5+, ends at secluded beach.
- Southgate Coastal Reserve: Flat trail with wildlife and mangroves—suitable for ages 3+.
- Salt River Bay Trail: Educational hike with historic markers and views—good for all ages.
Where to Eat
St. Croix offers a great mix of casual local favorites and laid-back beachside cafés that work well for families. Many restaurants offer open-air seating, kid-friendly menus, and relaxed vibes—perfect after a beach day or morning hike. From grilled chicken at roadside shacks to island-style breakfasts near the pier, you’ll find plenty of places that welcome little travelers. It’s easy to enjoy fresh food without the fuss.
- La Reine Chicken Shack: Casual local spot with picnic tables and space for kids to roam.
- Polly’s at the Pier: Great for breakfast/lunch, relaxed vibe near the water.
- Turtle’s Deli: Quick sandwiches, kid portions, and beachside seating.
- Cheeseburgers in Paradise: Family-friendly with outdoor seating and casual menu.
Regional Breakdown
Each part of St. Croix offers something unique. The north is laid-back and lush, the west has beautiful sunsets and culture, and the east side is wilder and more rustic—perfect for explorers. Knowing where to stay can help you plan your activities with ease.
- North Shore – Great snorkeling, quiet resorts, scenic views
- West End – Historic towns, calm beaches, best sunsets
- East End – Nature trails, fewer crowds, remote beaches
Local Tips
- Drive on the left (U.S. Virgin Islands rule)
- Currency is USD; most places take credit cards
- Standard U.S. power plugs and voltage
- Locals are friendly—“good morning” and “good night” are culturally important greetings
Unique Local Experiences:
- Jumping off Frederiksted Pier: A favorite pastime for local kids (when cruise ships aren’t in port!). It’s a fun and free activity that offers a unique perspective of the marine life below.
- Snorkeling the Frederiksted Pier: Even if you don’t jump, the pier is an incredible snorkeling spot! Locals often recommend entering on the south side on a non-cruise ship day. You’ll see a surprising variety of marine life, including colorful fish and even turtles, weaving in and out of the pylons.
- Annaly Bay Tide Pools (Requires a Hike!): For adventurous families with older kids, the hike to the Annaly Bay Tide Pools is a rewarding experience. These natural, clear, turquoise pools are truly a “hidden gem.” Local Tip: It’s about a one-hour hike, so wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and be prepared for some rock scrambling. Jeep tours are also available if hiking isn’t for your family.
- Mount Pellier Domino Club (The “Beer-Drinking Pigs”): A quirky and memorable stop that’s definitely off the beaten path. Kids love seeing the “beer-drinking pigs” (they drink non-alcoholic beer!). It’s a unique local dive bar experience that offers a glimpse into island life.
- Cruzan Cowgirls Horseback Riding: Experience St. Croix’s lush rainforest and even ride horses into the ocean! They offer customizable trails and a relaxed atmosphere, often focusing on animal rescue.
- St. Croix Farmers Markets: Immerse yourselves in local culture and find unique tropical fruits you might not see at home. The farmer’s market at Southgate (Saturday mornings) is smaller but convenient. Local Tip: Go early for the best selection, as local fruits sell out quickly!
- Local Food & Drink Tours: Consider a guided food tasting and cultural walking tour in Christiansted. It’s a great way to try authentic Crucian dishes like stew chicken, roast pork, and local bush tea, while learning about the island’s history. Look for places like La Reine Chicken Shack for a taste of local favorites.
Educational & Cultural Insights:
- Christiansted National Historic Site & Fort Christiansvaern: Explore a real Danish fort and learn about early colonial life. Fort Christiansvaern often has a Junior Ranger program for kids.
- Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve: This area has over 2,000 years of history and is home to one of the few bioluminescent bays in the world. A nighttime kayak tour of the bio-bay is a magical experience (best a few nights after a full moon).
- St. George Village Botanical Garden: Stroll through the ruins of a 19th-century sugarcane plantation village and learn about the island’s plant life.
- Support Local Artists and Storytellers: Look for opportunities to engage with local artists and hear stories about Virgin Islands folklore and history. Some initiatives focus on children’s literacy through storytelling.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit St. Croix is from December to April—during the dry season with cooler breezes. July is hot but also a festive season with local parades. Hurricane season runs from June to November, so plan accordingly if booking during that time.
Getting Around
A rental car is highly recommended for families—it’s the easiest way to access beaches, hikes, and towns. Taxis are available but expensive. There’s no Uber or Lyft. Roads are paved but can be narrow, and driving is on the left. The airport is 20–30 minutes from most major resorts. While parts of Christiansted and Frederiksted are walkable, a car (especially a Jeep for some of the bumpier roads) is generally recommended by locals to fully explore the island at your own pace.
What to Pack
- Reef-safe sunscreen and rash guards
- Snorkel sets or water shoes for rocky areas
- Light hiking shoes or closed-toe sandals
- Stroller if traveling with toddlers (some trails and towns are walkable)
- Books, games, and beach toys
- Bug spray and sun hats
We hope you found this St. Croix family guide useful. For more general travel info, visit the Wikivoyage page on St. Croix.