The Best Dining Experiences to Pair With Any St. Croix Adventure

There's no better time to enjoy a seafood spread than after you've spent the day with a front-row view of the underwater world. With "Fresh Fish or No Fish" as their tagline, Duggan's Reef in Teague Bay features a menu loaded with local lobster and fresh fish, and is just steps from the Caribbean Sea. Wrapped up in a fun and relaxing atmosphere, it even has a breathtaking view of Buck Island to boot! And while you're there, be sure to try the signature Irish Whiskey Lobster that put Duggan's Reef on the map.

You can always trust lively downtown streets to be lined with quick bites and sweet snacks. St. Croix's downtown Christiansted is no exception. Take a stroll down this bustling main street, and you'll find local favorites like beef pates or roti, which are tortilla-like chickpea wraps stuffed with potatoes, meats, or vegetables and punched up with a kick of Caribbean spice. And to curb your sweet tooth, follow it up with a tasty tart or a few scoops of local ice cream that are easy to grab while you're downtown.

To get acquainted with the local land, tour it's most photo-worthy spots. We suggest scoping out the Old Danish Customs House's stunning architecture, or hiking up St. Croix's far east side to see the Point Udall monument at the most eastern point of the United States.

Once your camera roll is filled with memorable moments, keep the cultural vibe going by trying out restaurants like Harvey's, which offers homestyle Caribbean dishes, like stew oxtail (a local favorite) with a side of fried plantains. Another option we're loving is up-and-coming chef Digby Stridiron's balter, serving classic Caribbean flavors with an elegant and modern twist.

As you probably guessed, a day spent by the water is the perfect time to sip that classic, fruit-infused tropical drink. To satisfy your craving for the refreshing flavors of pineapple and coconut, restaurants like the Beach Side Cafe are not only conveniently located, but offer a curated bar menu that's filled with lighter options that'll keep you feeling confident in your bikini bod. And to continue your bar tour as the day melts into night, BES Craft Cocktail Lounge is a new spot that locals are flocking to.

It wouldn't be a tropical vacation without grabbing a prime seat to look out over piercing blue waters or watch the sky change colors at sunset. In this case, that seat is aboard a sailboat, and the dining experience that Bon Bagay Sailing is rolling out come this November is like no other. Offered in limited quantities, this intimate meal will make for an unforgettable experience that you'll want to share with your traveling companion — best friend or significant other alike. And as a second option, we recommend Turtles After Dark for a similar sunset view from land. No matter which you choose, a dinner like this is the perfect way to go all out for your final meal on the island.

Note: The businesses mentioned in this post are not endorsed by the US Virgin Islands Department of Tourism.