Explore Point Udall

• Point Udall History
• Tips for Visiting
• Getting to Point Udall
• Perfect Pit Stops 

Point Udall History

Point Udall, situated on the east end of St. Croix, is the easternmost point of the United States where the country first welcomes the sunrise each day. In 1968 the site was named in honor of Stewart Udall, an important political and environmental supporter of the United States Virgin Islands who served as the Secretary of Interior under U.S. Presidents Kennedy and Johnson.

What draws visitors to Point Udall are the panoramic vistas. Here you’ll be mesmerized by sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea. The focal point of Point Udall is the Millennium Monument. This large stone sundial was built in 2000 to mark the dawn of the new millennium. Best of all, Point Udall is free and open to the public.

Tips for Visiting

Sunrise is a popular time to visit Point Udall and feel the thrill of being one of the first people in America to see the sun come up. Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before sunrise to allow time to find the best viewing spot and get your camera ready.

Come in the late afternoon and you’ll likely encounter fewer people. But get ready to witness an amazing sunset.

Prepare for your visit by packing water, wearing a hat and reef-safe sunscreen, and bringing along your phone or a camera to capture the spectacular views. Note that there are no restrooms or concessions at Point Udall.

Getting to Point Udall

From Christiansted: Take a 25-minute drive along East End Road for a scenic approach to Point Udall.

From Frederiksted: Take the Melvin H. Evans Highway (Hwy. 66), then connect to East End Road. The entire drive takes about one hour.

Parking and trail: The road leading up to Point Udall is narrow and winding, so be sure to arrive early (especially for sunrise) to snag one of the limited parking spots along the roadside near the site. From there, it’s just a short walk up a trail.

Perfect Pit Stops 

Cramer’s Park Beach

Located just minutes from Point Udall on Boiler Bay, Cramer’s Park Beach is ideal for families. The calm, shallow water is perfect for snorkeling and swimming (you might even spy turtles in the seagrass beds). You’ll also find grills, brightly colored pavilions with picnic tables and restrooms. Plus, there’s lots of shade from the seagrape trees surrounding the beach. Cramer’s Park features a paved parking lot and is ADA accessible via ramps.

Jack and Isaac Bay Preserve

Explore the beautiful Jack and Isaac Bay Preserve, established by The Nature Conservancy in 1999. The rolling 300-acre preserve is bordered by scenic white-sand beaches and turquoise waters dotted with vibrant coral reefs. Hike the moderately challenging 3.6-mile Jack and Isaac Bay Preserve Trail through an upland forest to reach the beach, where you can snorkel among more than 400 species of fish, including sergeant majors and trumpetfish. The beach is home to one of the largest nesting populations of green and hawksbill turtles in the USVI.

St. Croix East End Marine Park Visitor Center

Stop by the St. Croix East End Marine Park Visitor Center to learn about this organization that was established to protect the natural and cultural resources found on the East End of the island, including 17 miles of shoreline and the longest fringing reef in the USVI. Children will love the multisensory exhibits, including those focusing on coral reefs (featuring a simulated reef surrounded by 3D coral and sea sounds) and sustainable fishing, with the Castaway Corner where kids can use a magnetic fishing pole to “catch” different kinds of fish.

Ziggy’s Island Market

Pick up picnic provisions or dine on-site at Ziggy’s Island Market, a combination restaurant, convenience store and gas station. Grab a sandwich or beef pate to-go. Or snag a table and sample specials like the brisket lasagna or ham-and-cheese pot pie. Ziggy’s hosts a lively Sunday brunch featuring a surf-and-turf benedict and a Bloody Mary garnished with house-pickled vegetables.

Grapetree Bay Hotel

Dine with a view at the Grapetree Bay Hotel. This oceanfront hideaway is home to three different restaurants. The poolside Sea Terrace serves breakfast, lunch and Sunday brunch, with casual dishes like the breakfast burrito and mahi sandwich. The upscale Far East Steakhouse is open for dinner Thursday through Saturday nights, offering entrees that include ginger-braised short ribs and a ribeye steak sided with fried rice. The East End Bar is open daily, serving up bar bites like baked potato skins and specialty pizzas, as well as live Caribbean music Thursday through Saturday evenings.

Duggan’s Reef

The family-run Duggan’s Reef is a St. Croix staple, opened in 1983. Perched on the shore of Teague Bay, Duggan’s is known for its seafood sourced from local fishermen. Try the grilled daily catch served piccata style in a lemon-butter sauce. Or order the Irish whiskey lobster, Duggan’s version of a thermidor that’s sauteed in whiskey and spiced rum, then topped with cheese and baked.

See More on St. Croix

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Top restaurants on St. Croix: From local eats to fine dining