With its turquoise waters and sparkling white sand beaches, world-renowned snorkeling and rich history, the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) provide the perfect Caribbean island fantasy that travelers long for. From forest-clad mountains to dazzling beach fronts, the islands each host numerous opportunities for visitors to revel in sea, sun and sand.

1. Blackbeard's Castle, St. Thomas

Built in 1679 by the Danish colonizers of St. Thomas, the five-story masonry watchtower became a popular tourist destination for its historical background. Legends claim the tower was a lookout for the famous pirate Blackbeard who often used it for his own piracy. Today the location features a popular hotel and restaurant; visitors can enjoy beautiful views of St. Thomas Harbor and the famous crystal clear Virgin Island waters.

2. Drake's Seat, St. Thomas

Overlooking the gorgeous Magen's Bay, Drake's Seat is one of the most beautiful locations to bask in the beauty of the Virgin Islands' nature. The bench is named after Privateer Drake Francis, who is said to have climbed to this point to identify ships to plunder. Today, the serene spot is simply a an excellent place to enjoy views of the bay's sparkling waters and bright greenery.

3. Magen's Bay Beach, St. Thomas

Known for its sparkling waters and serene environment, Magen's Bay Beach was named by National Geographic as one of the world's most beautiful beaches. The crystal clear waters surrounded by the rolling St. Thomas hills on the heart-shaped beach make for the perfect environment to swim and sunbathe. There is also much to do besides swimming and sunbathing, and visitors to the beach can hike the nature trail, kayak or venture out on a sailboat or paddle boat.

4. Trunk Bay Beach & Underwater Snorkel Trail, St. John

Trunk Bay is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and the most popular beach on St. John. The beach is home to a 225 yard long underwater snorkeling trail, where underwater markers help snorkelers learn about the various species of fish and coral. This beach is a prime location for water sports such as paddle-boarding and kayaking; equipment rentals are located right on the beach.

5. Cruz Bay, St. John

Renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and happy-go-lucky vibe, Cruz Bay is St. John's main town and port. Cruz Bay is the ferry stop entrance to the island, and it provides a multitude of fantastic restaurants, bars villas and waterfront shops (with duty-free shopping!) for vacation-goers to enjoy. From hiking, snorkeling and kayaking to tasting the delicious Virgin Island flavor in one of the port's many restaurants, Cruz Bay offers something for everyone.

6. Mountain Top, St. Thomas

Standing tall at 1,500 feet above sea level, Mountain Top offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the twenty U.S and British Virgin Islands. One of the first attractions to be catered to tourists on the island, the island is most famous for its duty-free island shopping and world- famous banana daiquiri.

7. Annaberg Sugar Plantation, St. John

Famous for its rich history and the stories the stone architecture tells, Annaberg Sugar Plantation was one of the 25 sugar-producers on St. John in 1780. Today the ruins of the plantation are protected by the Virgin Islands National Park and are open to the public. History enthusiasts and tourists alike can view the remains of the slave quarters, windmill and horse mill, all while walking along the beautiful waters of Trunk Bay.

8. Virgin Islands National Park, St. John

Covering two-thirds of the land on St. John, the Virgin Islands National Park is the largest tourist attraction in the Virgin Islands, seeing as many as one million visitors every year. The park was established in 1956 following a generous donation of land by Laurence Rockefeller, and it now includes hundreds of hiking trails, bays, stunning beaches and historical ruins. The national park is especially known for its hundreds of species of plants and tropical wildlife; visitors should look out for the famous green iguanas and geckos that make the occasional appearance. The park is an excellent location for swimming, snorkeling and water sports.

9. Christiansted, St. Croix

The largest town on St. Croix, Christiansted, was once the capital of territory under Danish rule, and the bustling port reflects the magnificent days of Danish prosperity. Modeled after the Norwegian city of Christiania (present-day Oslo), the town features colorful elegant buildings with Danish architectural styles that provide a variety of hotels and villas, dining options and entertainment. Points of interest in the town include the Government Hall, the Christiansted National Historic Site and Protestant Cay.

10. Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

Forest-clad mountains meet dazzling beachfronts on Charlotte Amalie, the heart and capital city of the U.S Virgin Islands. Featuring seas dotted with numerous boats and ships, both big and small, the city is one of the busiest and most beautiful ports on the island. Charlotte Amalie offers a large selection of boutiques and jewelry shops, delicious dining options and pristine beaches for swimming and snorkeling. Driving up and down the mountainous terrain, visitors can drive downtown to view heritage monuments such as Fort Christian and numerous churches which give a glimpse into the island’s past as a Danish colony.