ST JOHN, US VIRGIN ISLANDS

Beaches, Ruins, protected Parks and a wide array of domestic and exotic animals make up St. John-a resort destination in the Caribbean. The majority of the island is protected by the government which restricts the amount of development on the island to preserve the Virgin Island National Park. Some of the best beaches are located on this small island that makes up part of the US Virgin Islands along with St. Thomas and St. Croix.

STAY
Lodging options are extremely limited in St. John. Unless you prefer staying in your standard resort at roughly $3-400/night, your only option is for villa or condo rentals which have a minimum of 1 week stay. This is probably the biggest downside to the Virgin Islands in my opinion since our preference is typically a hotel and not staying in one place for more than 3 days. If you are into staying put, there are a number of villa rentals to choose from online.

We stayed in Chocolate Hole on our most recent trip which is very close to Cruz Bay, the port to get in/out of St. John. Staying close to Cruz Bay is recommended especially if your plan is to go in and out-of-town at night.

EAT
The Fish Trap, Cruz Bay
So good we had to go twice during our stay. Fish and chips and the spicy parmesan bread are what we went with. Whatever you order, make sure to get the parmesan bread-it may have been one of my favorite things I had the entire trip. Really great attentive service, good for small or large groups.

Our Market Smoothies, Cruz Bay
This place is located near the international port and specializes in smoothies with and without alcohol. So you can visit any time of the day. Fresh fruit juices including fresh coconuts can be found at this little shop. Place your order and take a seat while you wait for your beverage of choice. Many options to choose from.

Castaways Tavern, Cruz Bay
This is actually a Sports Bar where we were able to catch some of the World Cup games during our visit, but I’ve listed under EAT because their food is amazing. I ordered just Chips and Salsa expecting something similar to a canned salsa to appear and what came out blew me away-fresh diced tomatoes, peppers and onions with black beans and warm chips. My brother-in-law went with the tacos and those were said to be delicious. Karim went with the Chicken drumsticks which were lollipop style and also good. Unfortunately, the service can be hit or miss. First time was a winner, second not so much.

DRINK
Joe’s Rum Hut, Wharfside Village
The place to visit for Happy Hour-you call your drink for $3/each. The BBC is highly recommended in addition to the Lime in the Coconut. Their food is also really good-from their pizzas to their fish tacos. This should be your first stop upon arrival into St. John. The views of the bay are also amazing at sunset.

The Tap Room, St. John Brewers, Mongoose Junction
Light Beers brewed in St. John and distributed all over the islands. Stop into their Tap Room in Mongoose Junction to taste them all.

Phil’s Margaritas, Cruz Bay
Margarita’s made to order. Let the bartender know how you like them and they will not disappoint. I prefer fresh lime without any mix and they mixed up a good “skinny” version to suit my taste.

Mad Dog-Virgin Gorda
Immediately before you enter The Baths on the right side of the road. Stop in here for a great view from all the open windows. We only grabbed drinks here, but it appeared others ordered food. WiFi access on site and clean restrooms for customers only.

Duffy’s Love Shack, Red Hook-St. Thomas
While waiting for your ferry-make sure to stop by Duffy’s Love Shack. They have novelty glasses for each drink you select. I went for the Lime in the Coconut and it was served in a fresh coconut.

EXPLORE

Cinnamon Bay
My all time favorite beach on the island-clear waters, soft sand, mini island in the distance good for checking out the marine life/snorkeling. There is also a snack bar on site and a rental booth for your water sport needs including paddleboards, kitesurfing, etc. If you are adventurous, go as far west on the beach and hike up through the trees and back down over the rocks to make your way over to what I consider to be the “Private Beach” based on the fact it is roughly a 10 minute hike through the trees/rocks to make it to another beach away from the crowd. Only the most adventurous will hike over-the few other people we saw all came via boat to arrive. There are also ruins located across the road from the main entrance to the beach.

The Baths, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
A must visit when in St. John-nice escape for a day trip. Take the ferry over (90 minutes) from Cruz Bay-passports are required. You will go through the same customs process you would if you were to enter/exit the US. Once you arrive, clear customs and then take a taxi to The Baths ~ $4/person. Our driver also arranged to pick us up to take us back which was really convenient. Entry to the Baths is $3/person. When visiting the Baths, make sure to go all the way to the end to Devil’s Cay for an amazing beach surrounded by the massive rocks. Wearing protective/water shoes is highly recommended for visiting the Baths since there are ladders and rocks you will need to climb.

Not far from the Ferry, there is also Spanish Town-we did not have time to visit, but there is always next time.

Maho Bay
Home of the Kissing Palm trees, Maho bay is a very short beach which during our visit seemed to be where the locals would hang out. There is a small parking lot at the end of the beach, but most cars parked right on the side of the road, just steps from the water. The sand is more granular on this beach. During our visit, we saw a large starfish within steps of the shore.

HoneyMoon Beach
Along the Lind Point trail from Cruz Bay. Clear calm waters with rocks along the end of the beach. Rentals and Food booths on site. Be on the lookout for donkeys in the area. They are harmless, but they are fairly domesticated so they will allow you to get close to them.

TIPS
Fly into St John and take a taxi over to Red Hook (~$15/pp)
Ferrys depart every hour to Cruz Bay $7/pp and $4/bag (suitcase) lap bags are free.

Car rentals are recommended just for going and coming as you please. They are very expensive and 4 wheel drive SUVs are recommended since the roads vary across the island.

Other popular places to checkout on the island which we’ve visited in past visits:
Vie’s Snack Shack and Beach
Annaberg Sugar Plantation