35 Cities That Feel Like a Different Country Without Leaving the U.S.

31. St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands: Danish Colonial Caribbean Jewel

Though a U.S. territory, St. Croix offers an immersive taste of Danish colonial history interwoven with vibrant Caribbean culture. Walk through the cobblestone streets of Christiansted or Frederiksted, and you'll find charming pastel-colored buildings that echo 18th-century Danish architecture, remnants of sugar plantations, and historic forts. Beyond the stunning beaches, the island's unique blend of West African, Danish, and Caribbean influences is palpable in its creole cuisine, "quelbe" folk music, and local dialects. It's a relaxed, tropical escape where a European colonial past is beautifully preserved without needing a passport.