Discover the Best US National Parks in the Caribbean

The U.S. National Parks system is the envy of the world, and the Caribbean is home to some of the best, including U.S. Virgin Islands National Park and the El Yunque rainforest. Whether you enjoy hiking to waterfalls, snorkeling pristine reefs, or exploring the streets of historic Caribbean port cities, you’ll find something fascinating to do in these remarkable parks!

Virgin Islands National Park, St. John, U.S.V.I.

Two-thirds of the island of St. John is protected national parkland, which includes 7,000 acres of forest, beaches, historic sites, and hiking trails. In fact, some of the finest beaches in the Caribbean are located in the park. Notable spots include Trunk Bay, famous for its underwater snorkeling trail, and Cinnamon Bay, which features a campground just steps from the shore. Additionally, the popular Reef Bay Trail leads to the ruins of a historic sugar mill and ends at a secluded beach, perfect for cooling off before your return hike.

The Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument protects coral reefs offshore of St. John, including the renowned Hurricane Hole, and is also administered by Virgin Islands National Park; park rangers can provide visitor information.

El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico

El Yunque is unique and popular — the only tropical rainforest among U.S. national forests, it attracts countless visitors to Puerto Rico. While most visitors on day trips only see a small section of the park—perhaps stopping at the El Portal Tropical Forest Center or hiking to the El Mina waterfall—the park offers 24 miles of trails to explore. These include hikes leading to the top of El Yunque Peak and the Mt. Britton Lookout Tower.

San Juan National Historic Site, Puerto Rico

This historic site (and World Heritage Site) in Old San Juan preserves impressive fortifications built by the Spanish to defend their valuable Puerto Rico port from attacks by the British, French, and other Caribbean adversaries. The park includes iconic buildings in this ancient walled city (including the walls themselves), such as Castillo San Felipe del Morro (“El Morro”), Castillo San Cristobal, the San Juan Gate, and across San Juan Bay, the Fort San Juan de la Cruz.

Christiansted National Historic Site, St. Croix

There are few places left where you can truly feel as if you’ve stepped back a few centuries, but this historic park in the capital of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, offers just that experience. This site preserves a cluster of 18th- and 19th-century buildings on the Christiansted waterfront, reflecting a period when this was a key Danish trading post in the Caribbean. Key structures within the park include Fort Christiansvaern (1738), the Danish West India & Guinea Company Warehouse (1749), the Steeple Building (1753), the Danish Custom House (1844), and the Scale House (1856).

Buck Island Reef National Monument, St. Croix, U.S.V.I.

Located just off the coast of St. Croix is one of the Caribbean’s best-protected and healthiest coral reefs, where visitors can engage in snorkel tours that include stops on Buck Island itself for beach time, picnicking, and perhaps even a hike to the peak for a panoramic view of St. Croix and the surrounding Caribbean Sea.

Salt River Bay National Historic Park and Ecological Preserve, St. Croix

Infrequently visited and only marginally accessible, the Salt River Bay National Historic Park and Ecological Preserve on St. Croix includes the remnants of the oldest European fort in North America, along with the location of one of Christopher Columbus’s fatal encounters with local native tribes. The most effective way to explore Salt River Bay is through a kayak tour, arranged with local outfitters.

Dry Tortugas National Park, Key West, Fla.

Many think of the Florida Keys as the American Caribbean, so taking a ferry ride out to Dry Tortugas National Park is a must. Similar to Buck Island, this 100-square-mile park is primarily underwater, protecting essential coral reefs and seven small islands. On land, a highlight is visiting Fort Jefferson, a massive 19th-century masonry fort on Garden Key, along with the chance to relax on the many sandy beaches the islands offer.

Culebra National Wildlife Refuge, Puerto Rico

The secluded island of Culebra, located off the east coast of Puerto Rico near Vieques, is surrounded by smaller islands that comprise, along with Mount Resaca and several untouched stretches of shoreline on the larger island, the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge is home to over 50,000 seabirds, and visitors can take advantage of hiking trails and deserted Caribbean beaches.