Imagine an idyllic island retreat where fine, white sand beaches, warm turquoise water and peaceful tranquility stretch into the distance with nothing but natural beauty on the horizon. Two-thirds of St. John is a protected national park, making it the most pristine and least developed of the U.S. Virgin Islands. While relaxing on the beach, snorkeling along the coral reefs and hiking through the forest are the main attractions, you will find plenty of other things to do in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands.
Cruz Bay
- Cruz Bay is the island's main town. The town is on the west side of the island, facing St. Thomas just 3 miles away. It's an eclectic mix of hippies, Rastafarians, American expats and locals who enjoy the laid-back Caribbean vibe and seaside bistros serving tasty dishes such as spicy blackened snapper or West Indian cuisine. The occasional live band and a few local bars suffice for nightlife in this mellow area. Cruz Bay is also the main shopping center on the island. The arts and crafts boutiques at Mongoose Junction are the main draw. Nearby Wharfside Village also has a mix of boutiques, cafes and restaurants worth visiting. If you happen to be in St. John on the last Saturday of the month, you'll see this day-long, vibrant market, which begins in the center of town, spill over into the park. It is truly a feast for the senses as drum music, food smells and colorful wares are on display at every turn. Explore the grounds of the 18th-century the Enighed Estate on the hill to the east of Cruz Bay for a look at the historical ruins. Visit the V.I. National Park Visitors Center just north of town to arrange a guided hike or for general park information.
Coral Bay
- Coral Bay is on the St. John's east coast. The name is actually a case of mistaken pronunciation as it comes from the dutch word "krawl," which actually means corral or pen and presumably refers to the sea turtle pens that locals used over 200 years ago when the Dutch first settled the area. Today only a handful of shops, bars and hotels are found on the edge of some of the island's most remote beaches and coastal wilderness. Visit what remains of the hilltop 1733 Emmaus Moravian Church overlooking town. Lameshur Bay Beach and Salt Pond Bay Beach are the other main attractions in the area. Lameshur Bay Beach is known for the Lameshur Bay Plantation Ruins near the beach, good hiking to scenic points such as Bordeaux Mountain and Yawzi Point as well as nice snorkeling and relative solitude on a virgin beach. Salt Pond Bay Beach is a short hike down a hill on the island's southeastern coast south of Coral Bay. Picnic tables, snorkeling, tide pools and endless ocean views make this an excellent stop off the beaten path.
Mid Island
- Bordeaux Mountain, St. John's highest peak at nearly 1,300 feet, is a short mile hike from Lameshur Bay Beach. Take the dirt road to the restaurant and gift shop for some stunning views from the aptly named Picture Point. Visit the Catherineberg Ruins along Route 10 for a look at the 18th-century rum and sugar factory that served as the headquarters for a slave revolt in 1733. Hike the Reef Bay Trail, which Fodor's calls "one of the most interesting hikes on St. John." Guided hikes led by park rangers reveal little-known facts about historic sites like the Reef Bay Plantation and the petroglyphs found on the rocks at the bottom of the trail. For the full experience, make a tour reservation at the Friends of the Park store, in Mongoose Junction. The tour includes a safari bus from the visitors' center, a visit to the Reef Bay plantation and a boat from Reef Bay back to the visitors' center.
North Shore
- The North Shore area of St. John is mostly about enjoying the beaches which offer exciting opportunities to go kayaking or snorkeling. The golden sands and sea grape and palm trees of Hawksnest Beach are surrounded by hills. The cooking grills, picnic areas and easy access from Cruz Bay make it a local favorite. The excellent snorkeling among colorful coral reefs just off shore make it a tourist's dream. According to Fodor's, Trunk Bay is "St. John's most-photographed beach." The underwater snorkeling trail is also perfect for novice snorkelers who want to see grouper, parrot fish, snapper and awesome coral formations without having to stray too far from shore. The North Shore also offers visitors the chance to explore what is left of another 18th-century sugar plantation at Leinster Bay called the Annaberg Plantation. Check the V.I. National Park Visitors Center for information on the guided tours and occasional living history demonstrations at this partially restored historical site. Stop by Peace Hill just off Route 20 for excellent views of Hawksnest Bay, St. John, St. Thomas and the closest of the British Virgin Islands.
