Christiansted

Christiansted is a town on the island of Saint Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Christiansted was the capital of the Danish West Indies from 1755 to 1871 and is a charming town with distinctive Danish architecture.

Get in

• Island Lynx Ferry +1 340 713-5969. The ferry runs between the Marine Terminal at Gallows Bay and the Marine Terminal at Charlotte Amalie (next to the Seaplane Terminal) on St. Thomas. Arrive at least 45 minutes prior to departure. Rates (2006): Adults: $44 one-way, $78 roundtrip. Senior (over 60): $41.50 one-way, $73 roundtrip. Children 2-11: $39 one-way, $68 roundtrip. Children under 2 years old: $4 one-way, $8 roundtrip.

See

• 1 Christiansted Historic Site, 2100 #100, Church St, Christiansted. Daily 8:30AM-4:30PM. The site consists of seven acres centered on the Christiansted waterfront, or wharf area. On the grounds are five historic structures: Fort Christiansvaern (1738), the Danish West India & Guinea Company Warehouse (1749), the Steeple Building (1753), Danish Custom House (1844), and the Scale House (1856). Alexander Hamilton also lived here before moving to New York. (updated Jan 2020)
  • 2 Fort Christiansvaern, Hospital St, ☏ +1 340-773-1460. Well-preserved Danish yellow brick fort from the late 1700s. M-F 8AM-5PM, Sa Su 9AM-5PM. Closed on Federal holidays. Admission $2. (updated Aug 2017)
• 3 Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, ☏ +1 340-773-1460. The only place in the present-day United States where Christopher Columbus (or at least a landing party under his command) actually set foot. During his visit, it also became the site of the first documented conflict between Europeans and Native Americans (updated May 2020)

Do

• Big Beards Adventure Tours, ☏ +1 340 773-4482, toll-free: +1 866-773-4482. 
• 1 Buck Island Reef National Monument, Buck Island, ☏ +1 340 773-1460. Year round. Information is available at the National Park Service visitor contact station at Fort Christianvaern in downtown Christiansted. Walking trails through frangipani trees, organ pipe cactus, and underwater trails for snorkeling. Picnic areas. Five concessionaires offer trips to Buck Island form St. Croix under permits. There is no overnight camping on the island; the park is closed from sunset to sunrise to protect nesting sea turtles that come ashore at night. Anchorage is available overnight to boaters within the designated area. A permit is required to anchor within the designated area.  
• Divi Carina Bay Casino, 35 Estate Turner Hole, ☏ +1-877-FUN DIVI (3863484). 
• Salt River Bay National Historic Park and Ecological Preserve - The park is a living museum where nature and history blend. It was set aside to preserve, protect, and tell the story of its rich contributions to the nation’s natural and cultural heritage
• S.C.U.B.A., ☏ +1 340 773-5994. 14 Caravelle Arcade. 

Buy

St. Croix is rich with artists. Christiansted is home to many galleries including Island Boy Designs owned by jewelry designer Whealan Massciott (Kenny Chesney is a fan), the Maria Henle Gallery and many more. A stroll around town will reveal these and many more treasures.

Eat

• Rumrunners, 44A Queen Cross St (in Hotel Caravelle on the waterfront), ☏ +1 340 773-6585. Waterfront location..watch the seaplanes take off and land, see Captain Carl Holley bring in the catch of the day, and enjoy a perfect blend of local and American flavors. Perfect for casual, fun dining. Open for breakfast, lunch & dinner 7 days a week, and Sunday brunch with live steel pan music! 

If you want to catch what you eat, go fishing with Carl Holley. His boat, Mokojumbie, ties up on the docks near Rumrunners. He supplies many restaurants with fresh fish daily.

Drink

• 1 Brew STX, 55 King's Alley Walk, ☏ +1 340-713-9820. Microbrewery, pub and restaurant. (updated Aug 2017)

Sleep

• 1 The Buccaneer Hotel, 5007 Estate Shoys, ☏ +1 340 712-2100. (updated Aug 2017)
• 2 Hotel Caravelle, 44A Queen Cross St, ☏ +1 800-524-0410. (updated Aug 2017)
• 3 The Palms at Pelican Cove, 4126 La Grande Princesse, toll-free: +1-800-548-4460. Friendly service. $250-300. (updated Aug 2017)
• 4 Sugar Beach Resort, 3245 Estate Golden Rock, toll-free: +1-800-524-2049. Set on seven acres of lush property - a 500-foot stretch of premier beachfront. All 42 spacious units offer a full view of the stunning aqua waters of the Caribbean, and ground floor units open right onto the palm-lined, white sand beach. $155-415. (updated Aug 2017)

Go next

• Frederiksted – on the western end of the island