St. Croix: America’s Most Underrated Island, and Why Locals Already Know It

When Beach.com declared St. Croix the most underrated island in the United States, it didn’t surprise those of us who live and create here. This place moves at its own rhythm—welcoming travelers with quiet beaches, layered history, rainforest trails, and food festivals that can turn strangers into friends.

Sun-Soaked Shores, Quiet Corners

You could spend a week tracing the island’s shoreline and still find coves where it’s just you and the sea. Snorkeling above coral, spotting a turtle glide by, or lingering until the sky goes gold is less a postcard and more a daily ritual. For days like that, a simple crossbody bag keeps you hands-free for fins, a paperback, and a little beach-found treasure.

Layers of Culture

Centuries of Danish-Caribbean heritage are written across pastel arches in Christiansted and the red walls of Fort Frederik. The official Virgin Islands madras pattern shows up at festivals and family photos alike—a living thread of pride. We nod to that tradition with the USVI Madras bandeau and a keepsake picture frame to hold a moment you don’t want to forget.

The Flavor of Festivals

Come summer, mangoes take over the island in the sweetest way possible. Mango Melee isn’t just an event—it’s a love letter to backyard trees and sticky-fingered joy. Long after the last slice, you can light our Mango Melee candle and let the room fill with sunshine. Pair it with a quiet morning and a favorite glass mug, and you’re right back on island time.

Pride That Lasts Beyond the Trip

Ask anyone who’s visited—St. Croix sticks with you. Locals carry it every day; visitors tuck it into stories and souvenirs. A Sea Pottery tee nods to our beachcombing culture, while an evening with an STX puzzle lets you piece the island together from your living room.

Take the Island With You

We agree with Beach.com: St. Croix may be “underrated,” but its magic is undeniable. If you’re planning your first visit—or missing the last—our small, thoughtful souvenirs are made to keep that feeling close. Browse more favorites here.