Mention a national park vacation, and many of us imagine a family loading up the minivan for a multiweek adventure over the summer holidays. And while summer may be a lovely time to explore many of these national treasures, there are some parks that hold another sort of promise during winter. Parks with climates that are less than ideal in summer--such as the Everglades or Death Valley--are still warm enough in winter to cure cold-weather blues. Others plagued by high-season crowds, like Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Yosemite, transform into sparsely populated wonderlands for outdoor activity. Here is one of Mother Nature's choicest winter hideaways--Virgin Islands National Park on St. John and St. Thomas. (For other great national parks to visit in winter, click on the following links: California's Death Valley and Yosemite, Hawaii's Volcanoes, Arizona's Grand Canyon, Wyoming's Yellowstone, New Mexico's Carlsbad Caverns, and Florida's Everglades.)

VIRGIN ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK: In this Caribbean paradise, the big attractions are the blazing sun, white sand, aqua-blue water and all the colorful critters that call this national park home. The park occupies two thirds of the island of St. John and most of Hassel Island on St. Thomas. A 5,600-acre marine environment invites snorkelers, divers and sea kayakers. In the tropical rain forest, trails wind past exotic plants, vibrantly plumed birds and landmarks of pre-Columbian and Colonial human life on the islands. Check out Cinnamon Bay Campground (800-539-9998), with bare sites, tent platforms, cottages and a restaurant and store ($27 to $140 per night). Park entry is free. Some beaches and sites have a per-day use fee. Call 340-776-6201.

Daytime temperatures: 70s to 80s.
Best bet for family fun: the self-guided snorkeling tour at Trunk Bay, where lifeguards are on duty.

Rani M. Arbo is a frequent contributor to FAMILYFUN.

For more information on this and other national parks, click here.

Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated July 2005.