Exploring the Christiansted Boardwalk on St. Croix
Spend the day — and night — exploring the lively Christiansted Boardwalk on St. Croix. Here you can shop for unique jewelry made by local artisans, dine at restaurants offering everything from upscale French-Asian fare to casual pub eats, and watch an incredible sunset while sipping cocktails and listening to live music. All with the added bonus of picturesque Caribbean Sea views!
Shopping on the Boardwalk
Chaney Chicks
Purple Papaya
When you’re ready for some island shopping, find fun, affordable souvenirs for the whole family at Purple Papaya, located at the Christiansted Boardwalk. The store is stocked with St. Croix-emblazoned T-shirts galore, along with neon-colored hats, flowy summer dresses and tropical-inspired shirts. And Purple Papaya has got your beach gear covered, selling everything from sunglasses to towels and underwater cameras. Did someone forget their bathing suit? No problem — Purple Papaya has swimwear for adults and kids.
Chaney Chicks
Unique jewelry made from sea glass and chaney — shards of colonial-era porcelain washed up on the beaches of St. Croix — is the specialty of Chaney Chicks, found just off the Boardwalk. Besides wire-wrapped pendants, earrings and colorful rings, you’ll also find sea glass ornaments and tabletop Christmas trees. Chaney Chicks will even craft a custom piece of jewelry with pieces of sea glass or chaney you’ve found while beachcombing, making for a thoughtful memento of your unforgettable trip.
Joyia
Delicate handcrafted jewelry is the hallmark of Joyia. But since its move into the striking pink Wiesner Building near the Boardwalk, the shop has expanded to offer gift items such as candles, crystals and one-of-a-kind jewelry dishes made in collaboration with St. Croix Pottery. You’ll still find Joyia’s elegant line of jewelry, which includes everything from keepsake charm bracelets for newborn babies to stackable rings and bangles featuring Joyia’s signature square shape. Joyia is also known for its permanent jewelry — custom-fit bracelets and anklets that are expertly welded onto your wrist or ankle.
Crucian Gold
Discover beautiful jewelry crafted from gold, silver and copper by a talented group of local artisans at Crucian Gold. Inspired by St. Croix lore, you’ll find charming pieces like a latching sea turtle bracelet or a love knot chain necklace (a tip of the hat to the island’s sailing history). There’s even a collection for little fashionistas, such as the children’s butterfly earrings and heart-shaped charms. Crucian Gold is located on bustling Strand Street, just beyond the Christiansted Boardwalk.
ib Designs
Pick up a beautiful hook bracelet — a St. Croix symbol of love — at ib designs, located near the Boardwalk on Company Street. The jewelry store has been a Christiansted favorite for more than 20 years. Browse the shimmering selection of island-inspired necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings. Purchases from the Fan Coral, Breadfruit and Elkhorn collections help support marine conservation and agroforestry groups.
Undercover Books & Gifts
Farther away from the Christiansted Boardwalk, but worth a quick jaunt, is Undercover Books & Gifts. Snag the perfect romance beach read or a book on Crucian culture at the island’s only independent bookstore. Undercover specializes in books written by Caribbean authors, while also carrying the latest bestsellers. And if you’re in need of a gift, Undercover sells locally made candles, jewelry and toys, along with wrapping paper and cards.
Dining & Entertainment on the Boardwalk
Brew STX
You’ll be treated to incredible harbor views of blue waves and bobbing boats at Brew STX on the Christiansted Boardwalk. The two-story restaurant and microbrewery offers plenty of seating both indoors and outside on the boardwalk itself. Brew STX features creative pub fare that includes coconut curry-lemongrass mussels and the blackened catch of the day, served with poached shrimp and plantains. Try a flight of craft Brew STX beers, including the Boardwalk Blonde. Live music is featured regularly.
Shupe’s on the Boardwalk
The casual sister restaurant of Brew STX, Shupe’s on the Boardwalk is known for its made-to-order burgers that are ground in-house and can be topped with anything from truffle mayo to bacon and grilled onions. Crispy chicken sandwiches and wings are also on the menu, with your choice of sauces that include sriracha, barbecue and honey mustard. Side your meal with an order of hand-cut fries (try the garlic-Parmesan version) and a cold beer. Shupe’s often hosts local bands and DJs.
Grotto at Comanche Inn
Experience an elegant night of dining at 1756 Grotto, located in the historic Comanche Inn on the Christiansted Boardwalk. The restaurant is run by award-winning chef Stephen Coe, known for his victory over celebrity chef Bobby Flay on the Food Network show Chopped: Beat Bobby Flay. Dine in the enchanting garden grotto and delve into the farm-to-fork menu that features Caribbean ingredients harvested on the island, as well as daily catches from local fishermen. Try perfectly executed dishes like the Cajun-spiced tuna tartare, lobster fritto misto or the goat Bolognese.
The Mill Boardwalk Bar Brick Oven Pizza
As its name implies, wood-fired brick oven pizza crafted from house-made dough is the specialty at The Mill Boardwalk Bar Brick Oven Pizza. Join the lively crowd seated on the waterfront deck enjoying cocktails (order the tamarind margarita) and charred, chewy pies like the shrimp scampi or BBQ chicken, topped with Cosa Nostra cheese. Don’t miss the homemade rum cake or Key lime pie for dessert.
Rum Runners
Located right on the Christiansted Boardwalk, the breezy Rum Runners is open all day, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. Specialties include conch fritters with chipotle remoulade and fresh catch of the day fish-n-chips coated in Red Stripe beer batter. Be sure to order the restaurant’s signature RumRunner, mixed with local Cruzan coconut and banana rums, blackberry brandy, pineapple juice and a float of aromatic Cruzan Black Strap Rum. Catch live bands on the weekends.
Galangal
French-Asian fusion cuisine is the focus at Galangal, a fine dining restaurant located in the 1789 Great House, close to the Boardwalk on Church Street. The intimate dining room is decorated with treasures collected by the owners during their travels to Thailand and Vietnam. The thoughtful menu incorporates fresh-caught fish and unique Asian vegetables grown in the restaurant’s own garden. Begin with the Vietnamese summer rolls or crispy fried squid. Then, move on to enticing entrees that include the roasted, Asian-spiced duck or the fragrant red snapper, steamed in coconut-lime broth. Pair your meal with a glass of wine from the carefully curated list.
