When we first talked about a family vacation, we wanted somewhere warm, safe, and full of things to do with the kids. The U.S. Virgin Islands seemed like a great option—no passports needed and lots of beautiful beaches. But we had one big question: which island is best for families—St. Thomas, St. John, or St. Croix?
Why the U.S. Virgin Islands?
As U.S. citizens, traveling to the Virgin Islands was easy—no passport or long customs lines. Just book a flight and go. That made it perfect for our family. We packed our bags, grabbed the beach toys, and flew off for a tropical adventure.
St. Thomas – Full of Fun and Easy to Explore
Our trip began in St. Thomas. The island was lively and full of things to do. We spent a sunny afternoon at Sapphire Beach, where the kids splashed in gentle waves while we relaxed under the shade of palm trees.
One of the best parts was the Skyride to Paradise Point. The ride up the mountain gave us an amazing view of the ocean, and we all watched the sunset together—it was a moment we’ll never forget.
St. John – Peaceful and Natural
Next, we caught a short ferry to St. John. Right away, the island felt calm and peaceful. Nearly two-thirds of the island is protected as part of Virgin Islands National Park, so everything looked untouched and clean.
Our kids loved hiking the short trails and finding tiny hermit crabs. Trunk Bay became our go-to beach with its soft sand and fun snorkeling spots.
St. Croix – Culture, History, and Ocean Fun
Last on our trip was St. Croix. This island felt more local and less crowded. We visited a historic sugar mill and walked through Fort Christiansvaern, where the kids imagined themselves as explorers from the past.
The highlight was a snorkeling trip to Buck Island. We swam with colorful fish and even spotted a sea turtle.
Island Comparison Table
| Island | Highlights | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| St. Thomas | Skyride, Sapphire Beach, shopping | Families wanting convenience and activities |
| St. John | National Park, hiking, snorkeling | Nature lovers and peaceful trips |
| St. Croix | History, snorkeling, local culture | Adventure and cultural exploration |
Final Thoughts
Each island gave us something different, and together they made our vacation unforgettable. We laughed, explored, and made memories we’ll cherish forever. If you’re planning a family getaway, consider the U.S. Virgin Islands. It’s a tropical adventure that’s closer and easier than you think.
For more information, check out VisitUSVI.com.
