St. John USVI: The Complete Travel Guide
In this St. John USVI travel guide I am going to tell you everything about vacationing on the beautiful Island of St. John! Located in the Eastern Caribbean Sea in the US Virgin Islands, St. John is the smallest of the Virgin Islands only four miles away from St. Thomas. With over 60% of the Island being National Park you can imagine how stunning it is!
I spent a week in January exploring the tropical Island with my family. Let me tell you, itโs an easy place to fall in love with…During my time on the Island, I did and saw as much as I possibly could within a week! I visited 11 different white sandy beaches, lots of restaurants, multiple hikes, a full day on a boat, and explored many of the little hidden gems on the Island!
Here in this post, I share with you Island accommodations, how to get to the St. John, car rental info, beaches you should visit, hikes, restaurants, how to spend a day on a boat exploring the BVIs, tips to know before you go and more!! This guide will help you feel fully prepared for your trip to St. John! Let’s get into it-
St. John USVI: The Compete Travel Guide
Why St. John is so unique
Cruise ships are not allowed to dock anywhere on the Island of St. John and with that information alone you can understand why this place is so special. No high rise commercial hotels, no vendors on the beaches trying to sell you things, no touristy excursions, all low key island livingโฆ.there are not many Islands like this left in the Caribbean.
St. John is known for its world class white sandy beaches, amazing snorkeling, great hiking trails and moreโฆIt just has a different feel to it from the other Islands in the best way possible!
How to get there
The travel day to St. John is not as simple as getting on a plane and arriving in paradiseโฆit takes a little more than that but once you arrive you will see why itโs worth it!
For example, my travel day took: a car, two planes, a taxi, a ferry and another taxi.
Iโve created an entire post to tell you step by step how to get to St. John.
Check it out to plan for an easy travel day! – How to Travel to St. John USVI
Should you rent a car?
100% yes rent a car for your vacation to St. John! There is lots to see and explore, having your own car makes this very easy to do.
If you decided not to rent a car, there are taxis you can take to the popular beaches and such if you are in the Cruz Bay area. You will most likely have to share a taxi with others.
Rent your own car so you have the freedom to go wherever you want and do whatever you want to do!! Without a car, you will miss out on so much St. John has to offer.
Do you rent a car on St. John or St. Thomas?
You can either rent a car on St. Thomas and bring it across on the car ferry then also bring it back at the end of your trip. Or you can take the people ferry over to St. John and rent your car on the Island of St. John.
Rent your car on St. John! Your travel day will be much easier. The people ferry runs every hour with plenty of room where the car ferry doesnโt run as often and only has enough room for a certain number of cars. Which means you have to arrive early, wait in line and sometimes it can take up a good amount of your day.
Just go directly to St. John and rent there!
Who should you rent from?
Once on St. John, here are some places you can rent from that are located right in Cruz Bay.
- Sunshineโs Jeep Rental
- L & L Jeep Rental
- Slim Manโs Jeep Rental
- Lionel Jeep Rental
- Ask your Airbnb host if they offer a rental. I did this and they had a Jeep available for me to rent for my stay!
What kind of car should you rent?
Jeep or Bronco! Jeeps are the most popular vehicle on the Island and for good reason, they can handle the Island roads. I also noticed a fair amount of Ford Broncos all over the Island, they are very comparable to the Jeep so that is another great option!
I don’t reccomened renting a small car or a big clunky SUV…You simply will not make it up many of the roads and maybe not even into your driveway.
Once you know you are going to St. John, rent a Jeep or Bronco ASAP! If you are visiting during a busy season, rentals will go quick. Secure one on St. John that you will have for your stay. The prices are reasonable, roughly $600 for a week.
Is it safe to drive on the Island?
Yes! I have driven on many different islands and I think St. John is one of the easier ones! Don’t stress about it, you can do it.
To prepare, check out my post: 16 Tips on Driving in the US Virgin Islands before you go!
Accommodations: Hotel or Airbnb?
Since St. John is 60% National Park, you will not find dozens of hotel options like you can on other islands. There are some very nice ones though!
- The Westin: Located in Cruz Bay, this stunning resort offers different room and villa sizes to suit however many people you are traveling with. Within walking distance to downtown.
- Gallows Point Resort: Located right on the corner of Cruz Bay with amazing views. Another lovely resort within walking distance to downtown.
- Garden by the Sea: A small, boutique style hotel! If you like bed & breakfast style accommodations this place is for you.
- Concordia Eco-Resort: A secluded, beautiful, eco resort in a very quiet area on St. John! A more unique style resort that offers some pretty amazing views.
Airbnb or VRBO are the other options on St. John and there are lots to pick from! This is the route my family and I decided to go and we were all very happy we did.
There were four of us, we stayed at Villa Helios up in Coral Bay. This Airbnb was perfect for us! We could’ve fit double the amount of people we had. The location of this Airbnb is on a quiet part of the Island but still near restaurants and grocery stores. Alex and Nancy the owners, were great! I cannot recommend this place enough.
Should you stay in Cruz Bay or Coral Bay?
Cruz Bay is where you’ll arrive and depart on the ferry. This is the main town on St. John so usually a lot is going on here! You can find many different restaurants, bars, shops, some hotels, condos and more! If you want to be in the heart of all the action and be able to walk to lunch/dinner, etc. you should stay here. You are within very close driving distance to some beautiful beaches. This is a great location!
Coral Bay is the more laid back, isolated option! Located on the southeastern part of St. John, you are about 25 minutes away from Cruz Bay. Even though Coral Bay is very low-key, you still have great dining options, some shopping, grocery stores and stunning beaches very close by. You are just not within walking distance to everything, in Coral Bay a Jeep rental is a must have!
My family and I enjoyed visiting Cruz Bay for the restaurants, bars and shopping but we loved going back to our relaxing Airbnb in Coral Bay. Whichever you pick, you will enjoy! Just remember, Cruz Bay= lively, fun, a lot going on, close to everything. Coral Bay= quiet, secluded, relaxing, need to drive anywhere.
Things to do on St. John
There are endless outdoor activities on the Island of St. John. Weather you like to relax on the beach all day everyday, beach hop, hike, get on a boat, drink, shop, and more!
Beaches
Relax, swim, tan, snorkel, or drink on a beach and do it on a different one everyday if you want! You have got to check out at least a few of St. John’s beaches while on the Island. Here is a list of 11 of STJ’s beaches and what they are each like-
Honeymoon Beach: quiet, beautiful, beach club
White sandy beach with beautiful views!! Blue aqua water that has amazing snorkeling. We did a small hike (Lind Point Trail) to get to it, you can also access it by boat or have a taxi drop you off at Caneel Bay Beach Club. A great place to hangout for the day!
Trunk Bay Beach: Dreamy, easy access, beach bar
St. John’s most popular and most photographed beach! And for good reason…it’s stunning. At Trunk Bay you can find amazing snorkeling!! There is even an underwater trail and sea turtles are often seen here. The beach is big enough to find you own quiet space for the day. When you walk onto the beach, I recommend you take a left and head down that way a little. This is what we did and had lots of space. At Trunk Bay there is easy parking, snorkel equipment rentals, as well as food and drinks available!
Cinnamon Bay: great views, amenities, walkable
St. John’s longest, white sandy beach! This beach is pretty cool…there is a campground here which allows you to actually stay in the National Park. Cinnamon Bay has the St. John beauty and lots of history. When you arrive you’ll see what’s left of an old house that offers a really cool photo-op. There is lots of parking, different water sport rentals as well as food and drinks available!
Maho Bay: calm, turtles, food trucks
Maho!! One of my favorites. Calm, crystal clear, blue water that has so many sea turtles!! Be sure to snorkel here. At Maho Bay you can find beach chair, paddle board and snorkel gear rentals. There are cool shops, food trucks and bars all just across the street from the beach! This beach can get busy, especially on the weekends with locals. Find parking then try and setup for the day across from the food trucks on the far end. That area has a really nice white sandy beach and usually doesn’t get as crowded as the other end.
Hawksnest Beach: easy access, narrow, donkeys
Hawksnest beach is a great option! You will find a parking lot with easy access to the beach. The beach is pretty narrow so you want to arrive early to secure your spot. Calm ocean that’s is very enjoyable to swim and snorkel in. Pack a cooler and spend the day here! We arrived in the morning and found a group of donkeys relaxing on the beach in the shade, pretty cool to see.
Francis Bay: sunny, good swimming, quiet
Head over to Francis Bay for the day to avoid the crowds. A lovely, quiet beach that even offers a small hike. Bring your snorkel gear, drinks and a lunch. The water is calm, it’s great for swimming and you can often see sea turtles. Don’t forget sunscreen, you are in full sun here all day!
Salomon Bay: palm trees, hike-in, relaxing
Another white sandy beach with beautiful aqua blue water. Salomon Bay is located next to Honeymoon Beach. Take the Lind Point Trail to access Salomon Bay, you can also access it by boat or head to Caneel Bay Resort by taxi and do a shorter hike from there. Salomon Bay is a hidden gem of St. John! Be sure to check this one out.
Salt Pond Bay: secluded, snorkeling, seashells
Salt Pond Bay is unique and just stunning. If you are up for a little adventure, park your car in the small lot or along the side of the road and then walk/hike down a path to the beach that takes about 10-15 minutes. You arrive at the most calm, beautiful, sparkling blue, quiet beach. Since you have to hike down, Salt Pond often stays pretty quiet. You will notice people hiking by to get to the Ram Head Trail but the beach in general doesn’t get packed. Bring everything you need with you and hangout here for a day!
Jumbie Beach: intimate, hidden, enjoyable
Right next to Trunk Bay along the North Shore you will find St. John’s most intimate beach, Jumbie Beach! There is a very small parking lot that a handful of cars can fit in. After you park, cross the street and walk down the quick trail to get to Jumbie Beach. This beach is much shorter and smaller than the others but that makes it special! Jumbie beach offers amazing views.
Oppenheimer Beach (Gibney Beach): quiet, lesser-known, views
Located right after Hawksnest Beach, just up the road is where you can find Oppenheimer Beach. There are no crowds here like there can be at some of the other beaches. This beach is chill with only a handful of people on it due to limited parking. Robert Oppenheimer the โFather of the atomic bombโ once had a home on this beach. You can still see standing to this day (in the photo below on the right, his home is the one right on the beach) it’s now a recreation center.
Hansen Bay: east end, water-sports, snorkel
Hansen Bay is not near any of the other beaches I’ve listed. You can find Hansen Bay over on the East end of St. John! The water is calm, great snorkeling, there are options to rent kayaks and such, and you can find sun or shade on this beach! Venture out to the East End of St. John and explore Hansen Bay!
Hikes
Another one of the best things to do on St. John is hike! With it’s mountainous/jungle terrain there are all kinds of different hikes for all level hikers.
Here are some hikes I recommend-
Peace Hill
Only .2 miles out and back, a quick hike up a small hill to a scenic grassy overlook and a old sugar mill tower. You can go inside the tower, walk around and take in the beautiful views. Peace Hill is located near the North Shore beaches. This hike is very easy, when you are nearby be sure to check it out!
Salt Pond/Drunk Bay
The hike to Salt Pond is definitely worth it!! This beach is absolutely beautiful and relaxing. Keep on going until you reach Drunk Bay. The hike is easy, 1.1 miles out and back, only takes about 30 minutes and you get to see some pretty amazing sights!
Ram Head Trail
2.3 miles out and back! Start off at the Salt Pond Trail for this hike as well. This hike has little shade so be sure to do it first thing in the morning and wear lots of sunscreen! You are rewarded with amazing views of the ocean and Island landscape. I think it’s worth taking the time to do this hike. It will take you 1.5 – 2 hours to complete. This is my favorite one we did!
Francis Bay Trail
.7 mile loop trail that is very easy! You are rewarded with old ruins and a beautiful beach. Only takes about 20 minutes total, worth checking out!
American Hill via Cinnamon Bay Trail
1.2 miles out and back, only takes about 30 minutes to complete! Make sure you take the turn up the American Hill trail via Cinnamon Bay trail for the best views. You will hike in a lush, woodsy area and arrive at an old house that looks like it was once pretty amazing. We hiked on a pretty moody weather day but you can still tell the views are just stunning! Try and do the hike on a sunny day for the best views!
Lind Point Trail
The Lind Point Trail can take you to a lot of different destinations!
- Solomon Beach
- Honeymoon Beach
- Caneel Bay Resort
- Cruz Bay Overlook
Park at the Visitor Center just outside of Cruz Bay on North Shore Road, then start your hike to any of the destinations! It’s also possible to walk to the trailhead from town (Cruz Bay). Just be aware, it’s easy to get mixed up on these trails. Ask other hikers if you are confused or lost, people are friendly. The trails here can get a little muddy, flip flops are not recommended.
Boat excursions
While in St. John getting on a boat is a “must do”!! Almost everywhere you look you will see catamarans, sailboats, dinghies and yachts.
Viewing and experiencing the USVI from a boat is a totally different experience, it’s just beautiful and a lot of fun!
Here are some of the different ways you can go about getting on a boat-
Book a private day trip charter (private boat with a captain)
Booking private is the best way to go!! You have the freedom to pick and choose exactly where you want to visit. No sharing the boat with strangers and you really get to know the captain. Believe me you will see some pretty amazing places and overall spending the day on a private boat in the USVI is just an awesome experience.
There is endless beauty and fun over on the British Virgin Islands. Check out Jost Van Dyke, The Baths at Virgin Gorda, Willy T’s, secret snorkeling spots and more! We decided to do this and were all so happy we did. Just don’t forget your passport!
Check out my full post: Private Charter Day Trip to BVI (everything you need to know) about booking your own private charter to the BVIs! This guide is full of information on the “must see” stops, details about the popular BVI destinations, cost breakdown, everything you need to bring with you and more!
Over the Line Charters: This is who we used and I cannot recommend them enough!! They are based out of St. Thomas but will come over to St. John and pick you up. Ask for Jervan to be your captain! A friend recommended OTL to me, my family and I were so happy we used them!
Bad Kitty: They were recommended to us by multiple locals, another great option!
Hangout at a floating taco bar
Lime Out VI is a floating Taco Bar in Coral Bay. If you want to get out on the water but keep it simple this is the way to go! Get a ride out the the floating bar on a dinghy, hangout a while and enjoy delicious tacos and drinks then get a ride back in!
Sunset Sail
Being on the water during sunset is just magical…here are some sunset sail options!
Other things to do on St. John
Here are some more fun things to do and see while exploring the Island!
Annaberg Plantation Ruins
A historic area of the Island that was once a sugar factory. Walk all around the ruins and read about the history of each building, tower, etc. The views from here are just stunning. Give yourself about an hour to explore the Annaberg Plantation Ruins on St. John.
The Annaberg Plantation Ruins are very close to the Francis Bay trailhead. We did the small hike then spent some time exploring the Annaberg Ruins since they were so close by.
Visit scenic overlooks on North Shore Road
Pullover on North Shore Road and get out for an amazing photo-op! The scenic overlook, looks over Trunk Bay Beach with other islands in the background making for a beautiful photo.
To get here: if you leave Trunk Bay Beach and head towards town (Cruz Bay) the scenic overlook pullover spot will be on your right. You will notice a couple pullover spots that fit multiple cars, just stop at one of those!
Shop at Mongoose Junction
Mongoose Junction in Cruz Bay is where you want to go for shopping on St. John! There’s lot of parking options in the area. Spend some time walking around to check out all the different stores.
At Mongoose Junction you can find clothing, jewelry, local art, beach essentials, bars, a brewery, restaurants, ice cream and more! It’s a fun place to explore.
Cinnamon Bay Ruins
Located right across from Cinnamon Bay Beach you will find the Cinnamon Bay Plantation Ruins.
The ruins consist of a horse mill, plantation house, factory building, cook house, slave quarters, a warehouse and two cemeteries. The entire plantation is only a .5 mile loop, it’s very easy to walk and read about the history.
Search for seashells
Searching for seashells is one of the most fun and relaxing activities to do on a beach vacation! St. John has some pretty beautiful shells to find.
I had the most luck finding shells at Salt Pond. Most of the other beaches are so perfectly soft white sandy beaches there aren’t any shells. At Salt Pond, look for them along the water’s edge in the sand, also check where the tiny waves break. There is a line of small rocks and shells you will feel on your feet when you walk into the water, check there! The water is so crystal clear you can see them tumbling around.
Another spot you can find them at Salt Pond is when you are facing the beach, look to the right, near where you walked in off the path to the beach. There is a rocky area that you can walk on (with shoes), little mini beaches form over there, that’s where we found some of the best shells!
Restaurants & bars on St. John
There are lots of restaurant and bar options on St. John! You could go somewhere new for every meal during your stay if you wanted to. We explored a good amount of them on the Island during our stay. Here is what I recommend for food and drink on St. John-
High Tide
High Tide is located right next to the ferry dock in Cruz Bay. A great place to stop in when first arriving at the Island or before you head back to St. Thomas. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner and happy hour!
Skinny Legs
Skinny Legs is located right around the corner from Coral Bay in a quiet area of the Island. This is a fun, laid back place to hangout at. Great drinks, salads, sandwiches and burgers!
The Longboard
The Longboard is a cool, surf-vibe restaurant and bar located in downtown Cruz Bay. They have delicious cocktails, locally caught seafood, fresh greens and great options for everyone! We all loved this place.
Irie Pops
Irie Pops Is the cutest little popsicle shop located in Cruz Bay! Fresh, organic popsicles that are dairy free, vegan, gluten free and tree nut free. They also have ice cream, lots of smoothies and other healthy options. Even boozy smoothies!! A really cute, instagram-able popsicle shop you have to check out.
Pizza Bar in Paradise
Pizza Bar in Paradise is located In Coral Bay. If you are feeling pizza for dinner during your stay, stop in here! A small but delicious pizza joint that offers beautiful views of the ocean.
Aqua Bistro
Aqua Bistro is located in Coral Bay. We never ate dinner here but stopped in for drinks a couple times. Had a local feel to it and nice bartenders.
St. John’s Taproom
St. John’s Taproom is a laid-back brewery right in Mongoose Junction in Cruz Bay! Local craft beers, great food and a fun atmosphere. Try the Juicy Booty IPA, it’s so good!!
Rhumb Limes
Rhumb Limes is a tropical cuisine/ Thai style restaurant located in Coral Bay. The atmosphere is very nice and most people are dressed up a little. The food is delicious! Call ahead and reserve a table or you most likely won’t get in.
Surf Club Cantina
Surf Club Cantina is a tropical style bar right across from the beach in Coral Bay. They have lots of options for everyone as well as a great drink menu! Plus there is often live music!
Colombo’s Smoothies
Colombo’s Smoothies is a smoothie and juice bar that also offers lots of healthy food options! They have coffees, teas, mimosas, and more. It’s sort of in between the drive from Coral Bay to Cruz Bay but closer to Cruz Bay: 71 Estate Carolina Cruz Bay, 00830, U.S. Virgin Islands. It’s a great place to stop in for breakfast, lunch or if you just need a snack.
The Tap & Still Cruz Bay
The Tap & Still is located in Cruz Bay, it’s a fun bar that has the best burgers on the Island!
St. John’s Scoops
St. John’s Scoops is a homemade ice cream shop in Mongoose Junction in Cruz Bay. When you walk by you can smell the sweetness of the delicious ice cream, it’s hard to walk by without stopping in for a sweet treat!
Johnny Lime
Johnny Lime is a Caribbean barbecue restaurant located in Coral Bay. Their food is amazing…they even have great options for non-meat eaters. We all loved this place!
Cruz Bay Landing
Cruz Bay Landing is a restaurant and bar that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can find them in downtown Cruz Bay. Food is great and doesn’t take long!
Grocery stores
The Island has a handful of grocery stores, we found some to be much better than others…If you have a kitchen in your Airbnb or hotel it’s nice to stock up on some food. Here are the ones I recommend shopping at:
Starfish Market
The best grocery store on the Island. Great options for produce, meat, cheese, beer, alcohol, snacks, and anything else you need! Very clean and they re-stock the shelves often! Located right outside of downtown Cruz Bay.
Calabash Market
Located in Coral Bay, they have all the necessities plus amazing fresh fish!! The owners are friendly.
Dolphin Market
Located in Coral Bay right next to Aqua Bistro. We stopped in often, whenever we needed something they had it.
Tips to know before you go
- Bring cash with you!! The ferry, some vendors, and many taxis only take cash. ATMs are not always reliable on the island
- Keep left driving
- The Islanders are friendly
- The beaches are great but the beauty of St. John is at the harder to get to places- be adventurous!
- Get to the beaches early to get a parking spot and good beach spot- we noticed the parking lots fill up fast
- Bugs!! – wear bug spray everyday and night (you canโt see them but they are there)
- Everyone speaks english
- USD is the currency on the USVI
- Remember you are on Island timeโฆbe patient
- Ask the locals for their recommendations
- The sun is very strong wear sunscreen all day and make sure it’s reef safe!
- Cruise ships are not allowed to dock on St. John but they can dock on St. Thomas which is close by. They will take day trips to the popular beaches on St. John like Trunk Bay and Honeymoon Beach. Be sure to check the cruise ship schedule and avoid the busy beaches those days. We did this and simply just went to beaches like Hawksnest, Salt Pond and Jumbie on popular cruise ship days and never saw the crazy crowds.
- If you are looking for parking in Cruz Bay go to EZ Parking almost directly across the street from Woodys Seafood Shack. They have low prices and your car will be safe parked there all day.
How to see everything in a short amount of time
Before visiting the beautiful Island of St. John I did a lot of research and knew I wanted to see as much as I could within one week. I made lists of all the beaches, hikes, bars, restaurants and everything else I wanted to do/see. I printed it off a brought it with me to have on vacation to reference.
My family and I spent most of our days relaxing on a different beach everyday. We would get there early to secure a parking spot and find the best area to claim on the beach.
For hikes we would either do them right when the sun came up to beat the hot temps or do them in the afternoons, both worked out great and we were often some of the only ones on the trails.
For boat excursions try and decided on which days you want to do them and get them booked ASAP! I recommend as soon as you get to the Island or before hand if you can!
Take advantage of the entire day everyday while on St. John! Wake up early, go out to breakfast, for a hike or head right to the beach. Pack a lunch or head into town each day for lunch and try new places out every time. In the afternoons check out some of the Island ruins or go on a small hike. Having a list to reference is super helpful. Refer to it to help decide on which hike to do next or which beach you want to hangout on that day.
Activity Checklist Download/Print-off!
St. John
The Island of St. John is a very special place…truly nowhere else in the world like it. The fact that over 60% of the Island is National Park makes it so untouched and unique compared to the over commercialized, touristy islands.
Exploring St. John was a dream…I cannot wait to return someday soon.
I hope this jam packed guide has been some sort of help to you! I wanted to share everything I experienced, learned and had my own questions on to help other travelers get the most out of their trip to this this magnificent destination.
Have you traveled to St. John USVI? What did you think of this amazing paradise island? Tell me in the comments below and please ask any questions you have about St. John below as well!
Check out my Instagram for more pictures from the Island and a cool video I took snorkeling with a sea turtle at Maho Bay!
Happy & safe travels!
xo, Sierra
Up next: How to Pack for St. John USVI
sierra
Hello there! It's wonderful to have you here. I'm Sierra, a NH native with a love for travel and adventure. I have a constant desire to explore beautiful places around the world and go on awesome adventures! I seek to inspire others to travel to see all the beauty and culture the world has to offer! ๐โฐ๏ธ๐ผ๐ซถ๐ผ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ธ๐ฅพ๐
8 Comments
Robert
Thanks for going so in detail! Definitely going to help us plan our next trip!!
sierra
Thanks for checking it out!!
Brianna West
Wow what a thorough guide! This was a great read and now I really want to visit ๐ didnt know about the cruise ship but thats great!
sierra
Thank you!! I hope you can visit one day!
Jennifer Record
Send me there now! Stunning photos and so much to see, do, and eat!
sierra
Thank you!! You will not get bored on this Island!
Courtney Bedzyk
Thank you so much! This was the best and most thorough guide! It made my planing so easy! We appreciate it!!
sierra
I’m so glad it was helpful for you! Thank you!! ๐ฅฐ๐ซถ๐ผ I hope you have fun in St. John! ๐๏ธ