Whether you’re seeking unique adventure activities or relaxing days under a swaying palm tree, the U.S. Virgin Islands offer a little bit of everything for honeymooners. Located in the Caribbean Sea, about 40 miles east of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands are divided into three main islands, St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, in addition to numerous smaller surrounding islands.

The islands, which are particularly known for their white-sand beaches and great diving/snorkeling sites, were formed centuries ago by volcanic activity. Today, they’re quite hilly, offering scenic landscapes for the perfect #honeymoon Instagram. Although previously owned by Denmark as part of the Danish West Indies, the islands are now a U.S. overseas territory.

A St. Thomas vacation offers unparalleled shopping in the capital of Charlotte Amalie, plus off-shore water sports, historical sites, and impressive resorts at which to post up and relax. St. Croix offers some of the U.S. Virgin Islands’s best beaches, including Davis Bay Beach and Buck Island, an aquatic national monument ringed by several sugar-soft beaches. A St. John honeymoon, meanwhile, is perfect for nature enthusiasts. Here, you’ll find secluded beaches such as Trunk Bay as well as Virgin Islands National Park, which has an extensive network of hiking trails and well-preserved natural sites.

Whether you’re into shopping, dining, nightlife, nature, history, or beaches, there’s something for everyone on a U.S. Virgin Islands honeymoon.

When to Go

Like most places in the Caribbean, the U.S. Virgin Islands is subject to the Atlantic hurricane season (June to November). To avoid inclement weather, consider traveling in the spring or early summer, before temperatures and humidity reach stifling levels.

Getting There and Around

Cyril E. King International Airport (STT) is located on St. Thomas and serves as the main airport for the U.S. Virgin Islands. The airport is located on the south-central part of the island, about 10 minutes west of the main town of Charlotte Amalie. From the airport, couples can rent a car, book a taxi, arrange a shuttle, or use public transportation.

What to Do

• Soft Sands and Sailing — It’s no secret that St. Thomas has some of the most stunning and unique beaches in the world. Be sure to experience Coki Beach, a popular spot among locals, and just a funky spot overall to check out. Make your way over to the vast array of tiny beach huts featuring delicious local food before finding a spot in the soft sand. Next, visit Magens Bay, often ranked as one of the world’s top beaches. Be aware: it can get crowded, so go early. But if you’re looking for a spot featuring exceptional Caribbean swimming merged with scenic surroundings, this beach cannot be beat.

  Next, head out with Morningstar Charters for a romantic sunset sail along the shoreline before your evening dinner reservations.

• Exploring Charlotte Amalie — Charlotte Amalie is the main commercial hub of St. Thomas and a wonderful place to spend the day and embark on a walking tour. Learn about the history of St. Thomas at historical sites like Fort Christian, the Weibel Museum and the Seven Arches Museum. Then stroll the numerous parks, alleyways and squares around town for local art, fresh produce, fine clothing, and crafts. Be sure to check out Market Square, Vendors Plaza and Tillett Gardens.

  Tip: With Charlotte Amalie as one of the Caribbean’s busiest cruise ship ports, consider visiting when most ships are not in port for a more intimate and relaxing experience.

• Hiking in Virgin Island National Park — This expansive National Park, which covers nearly two-thirds of the island, features a slew of terrific hiking opportunities (whether solo or through guided treks). Options exist for the experienced, but also for some of the most casual trekkers, so there’s something for everyone.

  We highly recommend hiking the Reef Bay Trail, a three-mile-long path that heads downhill to a sandy beach. It features the ruins of a sugar factory and ancient petroglyphs. Treks to the trail often depart from the visitors’ center in Cruz Bay and include a boat ride back to the start. Other scenic hikes include the Annaberg Plantation Path, Ram’s Head Trail, and Salt Pond Trail.

• Snorkeling and Kayaking — One cannot visit St. John without exploring its underwater wonders. Trunk Bay is a tremendous spot for snorkeling and even features its own underwater snorkeling trail established by the park service. Also, consider heading out with Arawak Expeditions and paddle your way along the northern coast to offshore islands, secluded beaches and excellent snorkeling spots. But don’t forget to visit St. John’s most scenic beaches – particularly Cinnamon Bay, Caneel Bay and Jumbie Bay – for soft white sand and picturesque scenery.

• Buck Island Excursion — Buck Island is a small, gorgeous island located five miles north of St. Croix and is the perfect destination for a day-trip. The island is part of the Buck Island Reef National Monument and offers some of the best underwater sites of the entire region. Hop aboard a charter-boat trip with Caribbean Sea Adventures and explore the coral formations and colorful fish while snorkeling before embarking on a hike to a scenic overlook at the highest point of the island.

• Exploring Christiansted — If you love history and ample shopping, then Christiansted will be perfect for you. The town has Danish roots that date back to the 18th century, when it was a major trading spot for sugar, molasses and rum. Take a day to explore well-preserved historic sites like Fort Christiansvaern before wandering the sloped hillsides and stopping in and out of shops, galleries, and open-air restaurants. Outside of town, consider visiting Cruzan Rum Distillery for a tour before heading over to the Whim Plantation Museum to stroll the beautiful grounds of the restored estate, complete with a windmill, museum, and cookhouse.

Where to Stay

• The Fred — Named for Danish King Frederik V, the Fred is the only hotel on the beach in downtown Frederiksted, St. Croix. It has just 33 rooms, spread out among four restored 18th-century houses, so couples can expect total privacy. It also has a top-notch spa that books up quickly, so be sure to book your couples’ massage in advance.

• Marriott's Frenchman's Cove — Located on the edge of a tranquil harbor near Charlotte Amalie, Frenchman’s Cove is in ideal option for those couples who prefer endless amenities. The property features a white-sand beach, numerous restaurants, a full-service spa, fitness center, water-sports center, plus a convenient ferry to the downtown shopping district. That is, if you can pull yourself out of your spacious guest room or villa, many of which come with soaking tubs, private terraces, and fully equipped kitchens.

• Gallows Point Resort — This picturesque property on St. John is set on a narrow peninsula overlooking Cruz Bay. With just 60 rooms, the meticulous resort is ideal for intimacy and romance. Rooms feature ocean views, king beds, balconies, kitchens, and more. Ask the resort’s activities director to book a memorable excursion, such as horseback riding, sailing, or hiking. Return for dinner at Ocean 362, which offers “island to table” cuisine, plus spectacular sunset vistas.

• The Buccaneer — One of St. Croix’s most historic resorts, the Buccaneer is set on a former sugar plantation that was lovingly resort and transformed into a modern hideout. Rooms are decked out with four-poster beds, marble bathrooms, and local artwork. Don’t miss a round on the resort’s own 18-hole golf course.

Where to Eat

• Ocean 362 - This waterfront restaurant serves delectable seafood dishes, like wild prawn or spiny lobster bisque and curry-poached wahoo, all of which are sourced locally (the chef even makes her own salt). End your night on the third-story bar for innovative cocktails from mixologist Josh Rossiter.

• The Terrace at the Buccaneer Resort - Arguably the best restaurant on the island of St. Croix, the Terrace presents open-air dining with Caribbean Sea views. Get ready for fabulous dishes like lobster caesar salad, grilled sea scallops, and maple-bourbon-brined pork chops with a roasted green apple demi-glace.

• Tavern on the Waterfront - Featuring harbor views in Charlotte Amalie (St. Thomas), this very popular dining spot serves delicious French/Polish cuisine. The property is also home to a notable bar and nightclub, plus Friday night jazz.

• Asolare - A unique Asian-Fusion restaurant on the island of St. John featuring mouth-watering menu selections like sweet and sour duck breast, sesame-encrusted pan seared tuna, and pan-seared crab cakes.