Fodor's Expert Review West End beaches

There are several unnamed beaches along the coast road north of Frederiksted, but it's best if you don't stray too far from civilization. Most vacationers plop down their towel near one of the casual restaurants spread out along Route 63. Rainbow Beach, a five-minute drive outside Frederiksted, has the lively Rhythms at Rainbow Beach, a casual restaurant decorated with license plates from around the world. There you will also find West End Watersports renting jet skis, flyboards, and stand-up paddleboards by the half hour and beach chairs and umbrellas by the day. The beach is broad and sandy with clear, calm waters. If you want to be close to the cruise-ship pier, just stroll on over to the adjacent sandy beach in front of Fort Frederik. On the way south out of Frederiksted, the stretch near Sandcastle on the Beach hotel, known as Dorsch Beach, is also lovely. Amenities: food and drink; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; walking.