10 great American beaches

     
 

Trunk Bay, Virgin Islands National Park (Photo: Getty Images)

Virgin Islands National Park, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands 
For: Breathtaking nature

If your idea of romance includes walks through wilderness, where you may never encounter another person . . . the opportunity to camp on the beach, under a canopy of glittering stars . . . some leisurely sightseeing . . . and time simply to chill out, a vacation in St. John—the least developed of the U.S. Virgin Islands—is sure to please. Two-thirds of the island is dedicated to national parkland, and visitors who book well ahead can camp on the pretty beach at Trunk Bay or at equally charming Cinnamon Bay. Grab paddles and get out on the water in a kayak. Charter a boat for some serious deep-sea fishing. At Trunk Bay, put on snorkel masks and fins to tackle the Underwater Trail, complete with signage, in waters as tranquil as a bathtub. Book a sunset or full-moon horseback ride along forest trails on the island’s east end. Rediscover one another.