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Spectacular white sand beaches, providing superb sunning and snorkeling, rim this 15-sq mile (39-sq km) atoll. The reef fringing the island keeps the waters calm and the fish plentiful. Some beaches have fanciful names such as Cow Wreck, so named because a ship full of bones destined to become buttons washed up on the reef. Casual restaurants serving seafood and more sit along the sands, well back from the water.

A windmill towers over the 18th-century Annaberg Plantation, casting its long shadow on the jail cell, the old kitchen, sugar factory, the remains of the slave quarters, a garden, and other reminders of the days when slaves fueled St. John’s agrarian economy. Although it can get crowded at times, most days you’ll find plenty of solitude and space to enjoy the plantation’s fabulous view across the sea to nearby Tortola. In summer, red flamboyant trees add splashes of color to the landscape.

The waves sometimes roll at Apple Bay, particularly during the winter season, making this one of the better surfing spots in the Virgin Islands. When it’s calm, the water is fine for swimming. Nearly a mile (1.6 km) in length with white sand as well as some rocks, Apple Bay Beach never gets crowded, so pull over and pick your spot. There are a couple of small but distinctive lodging and restaurant options located at either end of the beach, with the absolutely outrageous Bomba Shack bar (seeBomba Shack, Tortola) near the western end.

Look out for darting fish and colorful reefs from the portholes of the submarine (seeAtlantis Adventures, St. Thomas).The captain and crew narrate the trip.

Head 90 ft (27 m) down into the briny deep on this 48-passenger submarine and view colorful reefs and watch marine life swim by through large portholes. Not for the claustrophobic. The trip also includes a boat ride out to the submarine (seeAtlantis Adventures).

This small island is home to the BVI’s largest airport, officially called Terrance B. Lett-some International Airport (seeTerrence B. Lettsome International Airport, Beef Island,Tortola) after a former member of the BVI Legislative Council. Pay your 50-cent toll to cross the Beef Island Bridge by putting the money in a cup extended by the toll collector. Beef Island’s long, lovely beach draws numerous swimmers and shellers. Its Trellis Bay is also the jumping off point for ferry trips to smaller islands, and has a small collection of shops and restaurants.

From this popular overlook (seeBordeaux Overlook, St. John), you can admire Coral Bay below, and to the east the glorious turquoise sea, Norman Island, Peter Island, and the other islands along the BVI chain to Virgin Gorda. A tour bus favorite, the area can get quite busy with taxis and motorists trying to avoid people who wander into the road. The area also has a restaurant open for lunch and one open for dinner, plus a few gift shops.

Make sure your brakes work before you drive way downhill to Brewers Bay. Both Brewers Bay East and Brewers Bay West Roads, leading to the bay, are super steep. The beach itself is a long stretch of sand with calm water that sees few people other than those visiting Brewers Bay Campground. This collection of tents and shelters nestles at the water’s edge. The campground’s small restaurant serves modest meals; but it’s best to bring lunch and snacks because the eatery keeps irregular hours. Excellent swimming and snorkeling are enough reasons to make the trip.

The North Coast Road runs right through Cane Garden Bay, a small community that’s home to a handful of guesthouses, and a few casual West Indian restaurants that can really get hopping when music plays. Make a stop at the venerable Callwood Rum Distillery (seeCallwood Rum Distillery, Tortola), where the Callwood family has brewed rum for decades. Boaters like to anchor offshore for a stretch on the long sandy beach and, of course, to enjoy the restaurants and nightlife together with hotel guests.

Take a trip back in time to the Lawaetz family estate (seeCarl & Marie Lawaetz Museum) in Little LaGrange, managed by the St. Croix Landmarks Society with Lawaetz family members often serving as tour guides. Carl Lawaetz, originally from Denmark, bought the property in 1896 after serving six years as its overseer. Marie arrived from Denmark in 1902 after Carl courted her long distance. Their gardens and furnishings, now antiques, remain to remind visitors of another era.