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

This island, the fourth-largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, floats about a ¼ mile (½ km) out in Charlotte Amalie harbor. — 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

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

Remember the final scene from The Shawshank Redemption? This is where it was shot! — Lonely Planet

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