Cruz Bay, US Virgin Islands

CRUZ BAY didn't become a port until the mid-1800s, when Danish soldiers from St Thomas used it as an outpost. Unlike towns on the other main USVI, there's not much in the way of architecture, but it's a great place to spend a leisurely day shopping, eating and drinking. As you get off the ferry, in front of you and beyond the collection of taxis is a municipal park and pavilion. With the water on your left, if you walk down Northshore Road you'll see on your right Mongoose Junction, an upmarket outdoor mall, which is worth a look. Wharfside Village Beach, to your right as you exit the ferry dock, is the only beach in Cruz Bay, and while technically you can swim, it's not recommended as this is a busy harbour. You're better off using the beach for powerboat rentals, sea-kayak tours and to book dive trips. Surrounding the beach is the outdoor mall, Wharfside Village. Apart from Cruz Bay, the only other commercial area on the island is Coral Bay, the site of St John's first Danish colony, which now hosts a growing number of restaurants and shops catering mostly to the boating crowd. It's also home to the Emmaus Moravian Church, the oldest church on St John from 1782.