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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.

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.

This elegant place serves superb Italian fare (seeBrandywine Bay, Tortola). The menu changes often, but look for the grilled veal chops with ricotta and sun-dried tomatoes.

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.

You can make a meal out of appetizers such as the octopus salad and crostini with tomato and garlic here.

Pick your own lobster right from the pool or dine on fresh local fish grilled Cajun style or drizzled with a spicy sauce. Meat-eaters can opt for lamb and filet mignon.

Crewed boats leave from Road Town, Nanny Cay, and Soper’s Hole for an offshore cay, Jost Van Dyke, the Baths on Virgin Gorda, or Anegada.

Delicious fresh swordfish and spicy curries served on the waterfront.