The US Virgin Islands' 10 Best Beaches

Beautiful white-sand beaches are as common to the Caribbean as air and sunshine. To be one of the region's best, a beach should offer a singular attractiveness or distinguishing character that is often indescribable, but yet unmistakable and compelling.

The U.S. Virgin Islands is fortunate to have many such beaches. In fact the amazing diversity that characterizes the territory's three main islands - St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas - extends to the beaches.

From awe-inspiring blue-water spots set deep within lush mountain valleys to miles-long stretches of white sand located in pristine national parks, the U.S. Virgin Islands offers some of the finest beaches found anywhere in the world, not to mention the Caribbean.

While all share the region's brilliant blue waters and soft white sands, 10 stand out among the crowd, offering an almost dream-like natural beauty and charm, as well as a distinct flavor and orientation. Here's our list of the 10 best U.S. Virgin Islands beaches:

Active vacationers will find much to like here, as Cinnamon Bay Beach, one of St. John's longest beaches, features snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking and other watersports. The beautiful white-sand beach is located within the Virgin Islands National Park, and visitors can explore the old beachfront Danish building, which houses a temporary museum displaying some of the National Park Service's archaeological findings from excavations in the area. Travelers can also trek the self-guided, half-mile Cinnamon Bay Trail, where coconut palms and sea grape trees offer shade for long stretches.

This beach is the most popular in St. John, not the least because of its breathtaking beauty. Over a quarter-mile of soft white powdery sand combines with towering coconut palms and aqua blue water to create a natural paradise. Also part of the Virgin Islands National Park, the beach maintains a self-guided, underwater snorkeling trail at Trunk Bay with underwater signs providing information on coral formations and sea life. Facilities include a snack bar/grill, souvenir shop, showers, restrooms, public telephones and lifeguards.

The shallow water beach on this crescent-shaped bay features excellent exposure to bright sun and cooling breezes. The protected cove is accessible via a moderate hike from the main road, but the walk is well worth it as the beautiful white-sand beach offers excellent swimming.