U.S. Virgin Islands

Staff feed the sea creatures and give talks about marine biology throughout the day. — Lonely Planet

The beautifully restored great house of the island’s oldest sugar plantation was built to last, with 3-foot-thick walls of coral, stone, and molasses. — Frommer's

This 16-acre garden of tropical trees, shrubs, vines, and flowers was built around the ruins of a 19th-century sugarcane workers’ village. — Frommer's

A Japanese-inspired amphitheater, permeated by the scent of gardenias, is set into a natural valley, with seating space for 1,196. Performances usually begin at 8pm. — Frommer's

This vintage factory distills the famous Virgin Islands rum that some consider the finest in the world. — Frommer's

Today its gardens, restaurant, and event space is pillowed in oversize rain-forest foliage, with a tropical bird aviary and self-guided nature trails through a jungle of orchids. — Frommer's

It's now a national historic site, the best preserved of the few remaining Danish-built forts in the Virgin Islands. The park's visitor center is here. Rangers are on hand to answer questions. — Fodor's

Deeded to the island as a public park, this heart-shape stretch of white sand is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. — Fodor's

St. John's most-photographed beach is also the preferred spot for beginning snorkelers because of its underwater trail. — Fodor's

In its heyday, the Annaberg Plantation produced sugar, molasses and rum. — U.S. News & World Report

Several years ago, while surveying the property, the owners discovered the ruins of a sugar plantation beneath the rain-forest brush. — Fodor's

Buck Island has pristine beaches that are just right for sunbathing, but there's also some shade for those who don't want to fry. — Fodor's

This rocky promontory, the easternmost point in the United States, is about a half-hour drive from Christiansted. — Fodor's

The fort, completed in 1760, houses an art gallery and a number of interesting historical exhibits, including some focusing on the 1848 Emancipation. — Fodor's

This west-facing beach in front of the eponymous resort could hardly be more tranquil. — Lonely Planet

Fly skyward in a seven-minute gondola ride to Paradise Point, an overlook with breathtaking views of Charlotte Amalie and the harbor. — Fodor's

Very few tourists who aren't guests of the hotel ever venture to this northwest St. John beach, and as a result, it's one of the more romantic spots on the island. — U.S. News & World Report

On the island's breezy North Shore, Cane Bay does not always have gentle waters, but there are seldom many people around, and the scuba diving and snorkeling are wondrous. — Fodor's

The first Danish Lutheran church on the island when it was built in 1753, the Steeple Building is now used as a museum. — Fodor's

On the north coast and just west of Magens Bay, Hull Bay is usually a gem of solitude when Magens is overrun. — Lonely Planet