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A stop at the Cruzan Rum Distillery gives you a glimpse into the island’s rum-based history as well as the present. The distillery, now owned by a liquor conglomerate and using modern methods, still has enough old buildings to make it a worthwhile visit. Your tour through the rum-making process ends with a free rum tasting; you can also shop for rum (seeCruzan), rum cakes, and t-shirts at its store.

A day sail is the perfect way to introduce children to sailing. Kids get to hoist sails and assist the captain at the wheel. Once at Buck Island, the crew will help them explore the reef with a snorkel, mask, and fins (seeDay Sails to Buck Island Reef National Monument).

A 25-minute seaplane flight from the Charlotte Amalie waterfront to Christiansted, St. Croix, lets you explore the slower pace of this historic town.

Hop the ferry at Red Hook or Charlotte Amalie to Cruz Bay and spend a day exploring Virgin Islands National Park.

Ferries run from Red Hook and the Edward Wilmoth Blyden ferry terminal in Charlotte Amalie to Road Town or West End in Tortola, which are very different from the USVI towns.

Legend has it that the 16th-century explorer Sir Francis Drake kept tabs on his troops from this spot (seeDrake’s Seat, St. Thomas). Today, it’s often busy with taxi drivers stopping to let passengers enjoy the stupendous view of Magens Bay, St. John, and the entire BVI chain to the east. A small parking lot sits on the north side of the narrow road, with the seat – not the original – just across the road. There can be a lot of traffic, so be careful crossing the street.

This estate overlooking Magens Bay includes a spacious great house and botanical garden with varieties of plants, waterfalls, fish ponds, and a bird sanctuary.

Now hidden behind a hotel façade, Fort Burt was built in the 17th century by the Dutch to protect Road Town. In 1776, the English rebuilt the fort and named it after William Burt, who then served as governor for the chain of Caribbean Islands known as the Leeward. In 1953, the fort was turned into a hotel. It’s worth wandering in to see the thick walls and ramparts, stopping for a drink at the hotel bar. Parking is difficult – it’s easiest to leave your car at the bottom of the hill and walk up.

Kids can clang the jail cell doors, climb the stairs to the fort’s ramparts, and play tag in the huge parade grounds. The small museum has some nifty artifacts for children keen on history. While the kids are letting off steam, adults can enjoy the rampart views (seeFort Christian).

With lots of space to roam, the centerpiece of Christiansted National Historic Site gives kids a glimpse into history and a place to expend some energy. The park rangers are quick to answer children’s questions (seeHistoric St. Croixand;St. Croix).