The Easternmost Point Of The United States Is On A Tropical Island With Panoramic Ocean Views

As you stand on the overlook and take in the panoramic views on the eastern end of St. Croix, it's a little hard to comprehend that you're technically still in the United States. After all, it's a tropical island with rolling green hills surrounded by crystal clear water stretching out in vibrant shades of blue. That exact spot isn't just pretty scenery, though. It holds more significance. St. Croix is located in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and one of the unique things about this island is that it's home to the easternmost point of the United States — Point Udall. 

This tropical island has been a part of the United States since 1917. That move made it one of the Caribbean islands that Americans can visit without a passport. That also then made St. Croix the easternmost point of the U.S. The site didn't get its current name until 1968, though. That's when it was named Point Udall to honor former Secretary of the Interior, Stewart Udall, who served under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson, and was a champion of St. Croix's environment.

Another big addition came to Point Udall more than 30 years later. A massive stone landmark was installed at Point Udall that stands 18 feet tall. The Millennium Monument is a sundial to commemorate the new millennium in 2000, when a huge celebration was held at Point Udall given it was the first U.S. spot to ring in the new millennium. Since then, Point Udall has become one of the top three attractions in St. Croix on Tripadvisor. People love the scenery, and this reviewer shared, "The view is spectacular and it is rarely busy with tourists. You can see Buck Island clearly from here."

Since the sun rises in the east, and this is the easternmost point in the United States, those who wake up early to visit Point Udall get to be the first in the country to see the rising sun. The giant sundial is fitting for the spot that gets the day's first sunrise, and its strategic design also has an intentional meaning. The inscription on the Millennium Monument's plaque reads, "The alignment of the shadow pole and marker pin designates the azimuth of the sun on January 1, 2000. The shadow of the pole on the true north line designates local noon daily." That timing stays consistent since St. Croix is on Atlantic Standard Time, and doesn't utilize Daylight Savings Time. That means their clocks never fall back or spring forward.

This Tripadvisor reviewer visited during sunrise and described the experience, saying, "What begins as a dark silhouette of hills and ocean slowly gains definition as the first light appears over the horizon. Blues begin to separate from the darkness, the clouds pick up color, and eventually the Caribbean and surrounding hills are illuminated by the morning sun." He also shared tips for those hoping to capture the beauty of it. "Photographers should also bring their widest lens and, if possible, a tripod."

While early morning gives you the bonus of seeing the sunrise in the easternmost point of the U.S., you can of course visit any time of the day. Less people tend to come later in the day. It can also be a nice spot to see the colors changing in the sky during sunset, and locals mention it's a great spot to stargaze, too. 

There are a few things to know before you go. The whole island is less than 30 miles long, but you'll still want to plan plenty of time to make the drive. To get there, you'll have to drive as far east as you can possibly go. The two towns on the island are Christiansted and Frederiksted, the latter of which is located on the westernmost part of the island. If you're arriving on a cruise ship, that's where you'll dock. The drive from the west end could take you about 50 minutes, and the roads wind through the mountains as you get closer. In the U.S. Virgin Islands, you also have to drive on the left side of the road. If you aren't accustomed to that, take your time and go slowly. Those who feel uneasy about making the drive can instead book a guided tour through a local company.

You'll want to pack all you need for your journey east. This isn't a ticketed attraction. That's great, because even though Caribbean vacations can sometimes be expensive, this experience won't cost you one penny. That also means there aren't amenities such as restrooms or concession stands, so plan ahead. There's free parking along the road and the roundabout near the monument, and visitors are advised to not leave valuables in their vehicle if they plan to hike down any of the trails here.  

Beyond Point Udall, St. Croix is a stunning tropical island with colorful towns, the famous Caribbean turquoise sea, and beautiful beaches — among them is one of the world's best beaches with clear waters and sea turtles. The island that can be seen from Point Udall is also where you can access the Buck Island Reef National Monument, where you can snorkel along an underwater trail. Add in watching the first sunrise over the U.S., and St. Croix makes for a scenic Caribbean getaway.