EXplore
st. croix
get away, stay local
Consider this your starting point for discovering St. Croix. Explore our recommendations for the best places to eat, drink, dive, relax, shop, explore, and experience the island like a local...
all curated to help you make the most of your stay at Ruff Resort at Victoria House.
discover the west end
Just outside the doors of Ruff Resort at Victoria House is Frederiksted, a historic Caribbean town known for spectacular sunsets, colorful local character, and a wonderfully laid-back pace. Walk to the beach, grab a drink, explore local shops and restaurants, or head into the water to discover the incredible reefs and marine life just offshore. Whether you're looking for adventure or simply a place to slow down, the west end of St. Croix makes it easy to do both.
explore frederiksted & beyond
frederiksted pier
Snorkel, dive, swim, or simply take in the views from one of St. Croix's most iconic waterfront landmarks.
dorsch beach
A quieter stretch of coastline near Frederiksted that's perfect for relaxing and watching the sunset.
west end watersports
Get out on the water with snorkeling, diving, and other adventures along St. Croix's spectacular west coast.
frederiksted beach
A beautiful town beach just steps from the resort, perfect for an easy afternoon in the Caribbean sun.
A quieter stretch of coastline near Frederiksted that's perfect for relaxing and watching the sunset.
sandcastle beach
hamm's bluff
Hike to one of St. Croix's most scenic overlooks for sweeping views of the Caribbean and the island's rugged western coastline.
rainbow beach
Spend the day swimming, snorkeling, enjoying watersports, or settling into the laid-back beach atmosphere.
sandy point national wildlife refuge
Explore one of St. Croix's most beautiful natural areas and, seasonally, an important nesting site for leatherback sea turtles.
tide pools
Explore natural tide pools and the dramatic coastline on an adventure through St. Croix's wild west end.
caribbean museum center for the arts
Experience local art, culture, history, and the creative spirit of St. Croix.
cruzan cowgirls horseback riding
See the island from a different perspective with a horseback adventure along the beach.
yoga & wellness
Slow down, stretch, breathe, and embrace the island's naturally relaxing pace with local yoga and wellness experiences.
frederiksted history
a town shaped by history
Frederiksted is more than a beautiful Caribbean waterfront town. Known affectionately by locals as “Freedom City,” it holds an important place in the history of St. Croix and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
At the heart of town stands Fort Frederik, built in the 18th century to protect Frederiksted from attacks and named for King Frederick V of Denmark. On July 3, 1848, the fort became the site of one of the most significant moments in Virgin Islands history when emancipation was proclaimed in the Danish West Indies following an uprising led by the formerly enslaved Crucian Moses Gottlieb, known as General Buddhoe.
Frederiksted was later devastated during the 1878 Fireburn labor revolt, one of the most significant labor uprisings in Caribbean history. The town was eventually rebuilt during the Victorian era, shaping the distinctive architecture that still gives Frederiksted its character today...including the historic Victoria House.
In 1917, the United States purchased the Danish West Indies from Denmark, and St. Croix became part of the United States Virgin Islands. Today, Frederiksted retains much of its historic character and relaxed pace, while experiencing a renewed energy through ongoing revitalization.
When you stay at Ruff Resort at Victoria House, you're not simply visiting St. Croix...you're staying within a living piece of its history.