Elizabeth Preske

Associate Editor

There's something to be said about returning to a place that you used to call home. Last week, I returned to San Francisco for the second time since moving way. In my early 20s, I lived in the city's SOMA neighborhood while interning for a nonfiction book publisher. When I think about my time there, I have very vivid memories—of hiking up Twin Peaks, of day tripping in Marin, of my 7x11 dorm room that I shared with three other women—but the streets surrounding my SOMA hotel looked practically unrecognizable. While waiting for a street light to change, I looked up at a Target and stared at it for a few seconds before remembering that I used to shop there about three times a week.

The city is an ever-evolving entity, and things inevitably will look different when you come back after a years-long hiatus. And yet some things never change. Before stopping by my favorite ice cream shop in SF, I settled in at Dolores Park, where my friends and I used to picnic on lazy weekend afternoons. As I gazed out at the city below, a street vendor strolled past, offering up coconuts filled with rum. A group of friends sat nearby, loosely circled around boxes of pizza and cans of beer and seltzer. In this moment, San Francisco was exactly as I remembered it. While I felt like a stranger once again, the beauty of it was that I could see the city with fresh eyes, and fall in love with it all over again.

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Destination of the Day

US Virgin Islands

The U.S. Virgin Islands are famed as "America's Paradise," and you will feel transported to a state of bliss from the moment you land at Cyril E. King International Airport. While you may not need a passport, there are still other travel elements to consider when planning your visit to the U.S.V.I.

Where to Stay

The first decision to make when deciding where to stay in the U.S. Virgin Islands is to choose which island is the right fit for your vacation desires. The U.S.V.I. is composed of three main islands, each of which is known for its unique allure: St. Croix (the culinary scene), St. John (pristine nature), and St. Thomas (exciting nightlife). In St. Croix, we recommend checking in at the Sugar Apple Bed and Breakfast in Christiansted. The legendary Caribbean inn boasts a unique charm and is in the perfect location for travelers to check out St. Croix's famous restaurants and cafes. If you're opting for a vacation in St. Thomas—and looking for luxury and relaxation—then look no further than the Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas (and book yourself a spa day). Finally, for total immersion in nature and the accompanying tropical bliss, rent one of the many spectacular villas available for weekenders in St. John.

Things to Do

There's no shortage of things to do while visiting the U.S.V.I. The islands are famous for sailing, thanks to both the archipelago's ideal conditions (the ever-reliable trade winds), as well as the island chain's mountainous tropical beauty (best observed aboard the bow of a boat, cocktail in hand). While we advocate a sunset sail, you could also opt for a day trip to one of the smaller islets in the U.S.V.I. or venture out to Water Island. Considered the fourth major island in the U.S.V.I., Water Island doesn't offer much in tourism, as of yet—though it is a worthwhile option for a day trip from St. Thomas. Even if you're only visiting for a short period of time, it's possible to get a sense of everything the islands have to offer with our 48-hour itinerary.

The Best Beaches

Whether you prefer snorkeling among tropical sea fans and coral reefs or windsurfing in a protected turquoise bay, the U.S. Virgin Islands has a beach for every type of traveler. From protected islands off the shores of St. Croix to pristine bays and white-sand beaches on St. John, we've compiled the 12 best beaches to visit during your next vacation to these divine island idylls in the Caribbean Sea. Pack some sunscreen and get ready to hit the sand!

Vacation Like a Pro

Visit in the off-season. Despite what residents of northern climes might think, the summertime in the U.S. Virgin Islands actually isn't too swelteringly hot—thanks to trade winds, the islands enjoy temperatures in the 70s to 80s throughout the year. Additionally, fall offers remarkable deals on airfare and luxuriously crowd-free beaches and restaurants.

Katherine Parker-Magyar
Contributing Writer

Your Packing List

Bring a swimsuit, coral reef-friendly sunblock, and sun-protecting hat.

Though spring is considered the dry season, consider packing a lightweight rain jacket, just in case.

A scarf or sweater is helpful in the evenings.

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Get Inspired

Probably the most iconic physical landmark of the entire Drakensberg region of Southern Africa, the Amphitheatre is a vast cliff face in the Royal Natal National Park. Stretching for over 3 miles in length and standing some 4,000 feet tall, it is more than 10 times bigger than the famous South Western face of Yosemite's El Capitan. For some, admiring the Amphitheatre from ground level is sufficient; for others, a hike to the top of its highest peak (Mont-Aux-Sources) is the best way to appreciate its astonishing beauty.

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