Why St. Croix Should Be Your Next Island Getaway

Start by booking a few nights at Hotel on the Cay (pronounced "key"), which marries the accommodations of a luxury resort with a little local zest. Though set on its own private island (Protestant Cay), the hotel is just a ferry ride away from the shops, bars, and buzz of Christiansted boardwalk. It also offers an all-you-can-eat beach barbecue on Tuesday nights — steel band, dancers, and Moko Jumbies (there to protect you from evil spirits; you're welcome) included. Rooms start around $100 a night.

Cruzan Rum is practically its own vacation in a bottle — but you don't have to take my word for it. Head to the Cruzan Rum Distillery in Frederiksted and see (well, taste) for yourself. The distillery tour (only $8 for adults) walks you through the history and production process of the rum, with a sampling for those 18 and older included at the end. If you're already an expert in rum production, you can skip the tour and test out cocktails at the visitor center (or in any bar on the island).

Just off the coast of St. Croix, Buck Island National Reef Monument is known for its crystal-clear waters and the many sea creatures who call it home. Big Beard's Adventure Tours offer both full- and half-day excursions out to the island (ranging from $75-$105 for adults), giving you plenty of time to snorkel along its underwater trail and maybe meet a sea turtle or two along the way.

Its tagline is "Where the Tan Tan Trees Grow, We Go!" And it's no exaggeration — Tan Tan Tours take you to every corner of the island, showing you ancient sugar mills, sweeping ocean views, and even a few beer-drinking pigs (all in an open-air Jeep). Tours range from $100 per person (stopping at the Annaly Bay Tide Pools, which the guides will happily help you scale in your flip-flops) to $160 (for an eight-hour tour plus lunch), but they're absolutely worth the investment.

Simply put, Rainbow Beach is paradise. It's the kind of place you see plastered across postcards and travel sites — turquoise waters and snow-white sand — though, miraculously, it's never flooded with tourists. Spend a day (or several) on this slice of Caribbean heaven, and stop by Rhythms at Rainbow Beach for a frozen cocktail while you're there (the Lime in the Coconut is divine).

Looking for a reason to blare the Hamilton soundtrack during your vacation (and really, aren't we all)? You've got it. The founding father spent eight years of his youth on St. Croix, and his time in the West Indies helped shape his perspectives on international trade, fiscal policy, and the abolition of slavery. Follow in young Alexander's footsteps via self-guided walking tours, or let the Crucian Heritage and Nature Tourism (CHANT) group lead the way.

Of course, you'll need a little sustenance to soak up all that rum. Luckily, St. Croix is full of top-notch restaurants and bakeries that should do the trick. Grab breakfast at Angry Nate's, eat Cuban sandwiches at Ziggy's Island Market, and try the margarita rum cake at Sweet Bites Cake Shop. If you're looking for something a bit swankier, try Zion Modern Kitchen. Be sure to take the time to chat with your waitstaff at each spot — they've always got great tips on what to explore (and might even share a bag of mangoes with you!).

Set on 16 acres of a former sugarcane plantation, St. George Village Botanical Gardens feature sugar mill ruins and more than 1,000 varieties of tropical plant life (entry is $8 for adults). The gardens also include a small museum — housed in a restored worker's cottage — if you'd like to learn a bit more about the plantation's history and heritage.

Mango-lovers should try to visit during the annual Mango Melee and Tropical Fruit Festival, an activity-filled celebration of sweet, Summer fruits that usually takes place in early July.

In addition to toting you to Buck Island, Big Beard's Adventure Tours offer Sunset Sails around the harbor, too ($35 for adults). Sit back and watch the sun melt into the horizon while sipping complimentary rum or fruit punch. Save this one for the last night of your trip, as it's the perfect way to end your St. Croix vacation.