May & Jeffrey

January 25, 2025 • USVI, FL

May & Jeffrey

January 25, 2025 • USVI, FL

Things to Do

Things to do on St. John, USVI

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.

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.

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.


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. 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! Calm ocean that’s is very enjoyable to swim and snorkel in.


St. John Sugar Plantation Ruins

The St. John USVI ruins are remnants of the island's colonial past, primarily reflecting the sugar plantation era when Danish colonists operated numerous sugar mills. These historical sites, including Annaberg Plantation and Cinnamon Bay Plantation, showcase the architectural remains and provide insights into the island's 18th and 19th-century sugar industry. They are now preserved within the Virgin Islands National Park, offering visitors a glimpse into the island's history and cultural heritage.

Shopping

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.


Shop at Wharfside Village


Right off the water when you first arrive in St. John via iconic Cruz Bay, Wharfside Village is a charming area of town full of great local shopping. The small shops located around Wharfside Village are easy to browse and sure to delight your inner shopper, and feature wares like jewelry, clothing, beach gear, home accents, and more.


Shop at Bamboo Studio


Bamboo Studio creates beautiful hook bracelets and personalized jewelry made by our talented artists right here on St. John, USVI.

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 we 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!


The Windmill Bar

The Windmill Bar is part of Neptune’s Lookout, a recreational estate. It includes the Susannaberg windmill which was erected in the 1780s.


We plan to have dinner at this restaurant on Friday night at sunset. Amazing views!

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.


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!!


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

- If you're renting a car, 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!

- Bugs!! – wear bug spray everyday and night (you can’t see them but they are there)

- Everyone speaks english

- USD is the currency on the USVI

- Remember you are on Island time…be patient and have fun!