This small but stunning island is a paradise for nature lovers, beach enthusiasts, and adventure seekers alike. With over two-thirds of its land protected as part of the Virgin Islands National Park, St. John offers a unique blend of pristine beaches, lush tropical forests, and rich cultural history.
Our pick of the best hotels in St. John: 🔥
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: The Westin St. John Resort Villas
- ✨ 5-Star: Gallows Point Resort
- 🏨 4-Star: Coconut Coast Villas
Whether you’re snorkeling in crystal-clear waters teeming with colorful marine life, hiking scenic trails with panoramic views, or simply relaxing on one of the island’s world-famous beaches, St. John promises an unforgettable Caribbean experience. Join us as we explore the best this island paradise has to offer, from its most popular attractions to hidden gems known only to locals.
Quick St. John Area Guide: ☀️
- 🌟 For Vibrant Atmosphere and Convenience: Cruz Bay
- 🐚 For Laid-back Island Charm: Coral Bay
- 🌅 For Upscale Living and Scenic Views: Great Cruz Bay
- 🌿 For Secluded Luxury and Natural Beauty: Caneel Bay Area
- 🏖️ For Off-the-Beaten-Path Tranquility: East End
1. Cruz Bay – The Heart of St. John: Vibrant and Convenient 🌟
🌴 Island vibes: Cruz Bay is where most people start their St. John trip. Everything here is close by. You can walk around town easily, or grab a taxi if you need to go further. The Lind Point Trail starts right in town and takes you to Honeymoon Beach – it’s a nice walk with great views!
Tip: Rent a jeep for a day to see hidden spots. Try Courtesy Car Rental or St. John Car Rental – they’re right in town. The roads have amazing views, especially the drive to Coral Bay.
🏛️ Cool places to see: Always start at the Virgin Islands National Park Visitor Center. It’s full of info about the island’s history and nature. Then head to Mongoose Junction to shop. Check out Bamboula for cool Caribbean stuff, or Bougainvillea Boutique for beachy clothes. Don’t miss the awesome donkey and rooster statues in the center of town – they’re great for photos!
🏖️ Awesome beaches: Cruz Bay has great beaches nearby. My favorites are:
- Honeymoon Beach: Great for snorkeling and kayaking. You can rent gear right on the beach.
- Solomon Beach: Quiet spot for sunbathing. It’s a short hike from town.
- Hawksnest Beach: Good for families, calm water. There are picnic tables and grills here too.
🍽️ Yummy food: After the beach, it’s time to eat! Cruz Bay has tons of places. Try The Longboard for awesome tacos and frozen painkillers. Extra Virgin Bistro has fancy food with a great view. For a quick bite, Cafe Roma does great pizza. And don’t miss Uncle Joe’s BBQ – it’s a local favorite!
Tip: Restaurants get busy in high season. Book ahead to avoid waiting, especially at places like The Terrace or La Tapa.
🌅 Fun at night: Beach Bar is perfect for rum drinks and watching the sunset. They often have live music too. Woody’s Seafood Saloon is great for a laid-back drink with locals. If you want to dance, head to The Tap Room – they brew their own beer too!
Best hotels and villas to stay in Cruz Bay: 🏨
- Coconut Coast Villas – Coconut Coast Villas offers self-catering accommodations with fully equipped kitchens and private balconies or patios. The property features an outdoor pool and provides free Wi-Fi and parking for guests.
- Gallows Point Resort – Gallows Point Resort offers oceanfront suites with full kitchens, living areas, and private balconies or terraces. The resort features an outdoor pool, hot tub, and on-site restaurant, as well as complimentary snorkeling equipment for guests.
- The Westin St. John Resort Villas – The Westin St. John Resort Villas offers spacious accommodations with fully equipped kitchens and private balconies. The resort features a private beach, outdoor pool, multiple dining options, and a variety of water sports activities.
2. Coral Bay – Best Place to Stay on St. John, USVI for Laid-back Charm on the East End 🐚
🐐 Slow living: If you’re looking for the real, unspoiled St. John experience, Coral Bay is where it’s at. Coral Bay’s heart is its picturesque harbor, dotted with sailboats and surrounded by lush green hills.
🏖️ Beach bliss: One of the best things about Coral Bay is its proximity to some of St. John’s most beautiful and less-crowded beaches. Salt Pond Bay is my favorite – a short hike leads you to crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling. And don’t miss the chance to hike the Ram Head Trail for breathtaking views of the Caribbean.
🍔 Foodie finds: For food and drinks, Coral Bay doesn’t disappoint. Here are some must-visit spots:
- Skinny Legs: This legendary burger joint is a Coral Bay institution. Their motto is “A Pretty OK Place,” but I think it’s more than OK. The burgers are juicy, the beers are cold, and the atmosphere is pure island fun.
- Miss Lucy’s: For a taste of local flavors, head here on a Sunday for their famous jazz brunch. The coconut french toast is to die for!
- Aqua Bistro: Perfect for a slightly upscale dinner with a great wine list.
Time Saver: Many restaurants in Coral Bay close early, so plan your dinners accordingly.
🌴 Nature’s playground: Coral Bay is the gateway to some of the island’s best outdoor adventures. I highly recommend kayaking through the mangroves of Hurricane Hole.
🌮 Floating fun: For a unique experience, take a boat trip to Lime Out, the Caribbean’s first floating taco bar.
🎵 Night vibes: In the evenings, Coral Bay’s laid-back nightlife scene comes alive. Concordia Eco-Resort often hosts live music nights, where you can dance under the stars to local reggae bands.
3. Great Cruz Bay – Best Place to Stay in St. John Virgin Islands for Upscale Living with Stunning Views 🌅
🏝️ Perfect location: Great Cruz Bay is nestled on the western side of St. John, just a short drive from the hustle and bustle of Cruz Bay. The area is known for its upscale villas and resorts, many of which offer breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea.
Insider Tip: For the best sunset views, head to the Westin Resort’s beach. Even if you’re not staying there, you can grab a drink at their beachside bar and watch the show.
🏖️ Must-visit spots: Here are a few must-visit spots:
- Chocolate Hole Beach: A secluded cove perfect for snorkeling
- Honeymoon Beach: Accessible via a short hike, it’s less crowded than other beaches
- Virgin Islands National Park Visitor Center: Learn about the island’s history and ecology
- Mongoose Junction: For some retail therapy and local art
🍝 Foodie heaven: My personal favorite is ZoZo’s at Caneel Bay. The Italian-inspired cuisine is to die for, and the sunset views from their terrace are unbeatable. For a more casual vibe, I recommend heading to The Tap Room. It’s a great spot to sample some local St. John brews.
🚕 Easy transport: While you can certainly rent a car, I often find that taxis are a convenient option, especially if you plan on indulging in a few tropical cocktails. Plus, many of the drivers are locals who can give you insider tips on the best spots to visit.
Top Tip: If you’re visiting during peak season (December to April), book your accommodations well in advance. The best spots in Great Cruz Bay tend to fill up quickly.
4. Caneel Bay Area – Perfect Area to Stay on St. John Island for Secluded Luxury Amidst Natural Beauty 🌿
🌳 Nature’s heart: Caneel Bay is set within the Virgin Islands National Park, which means you’re literally staying in the heart of nature. The area is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on St. John, each with its own unique charm. My personal favorite is Honeymoon Beach – a white sand beach with crystal-clear waters that are straight out of a postcard.
🐢 Wildlife galore: On any given day, you might spot:
- Green sea turtles gracefully gliding through the water
- Colorful tropical fish darting around coral reefs
- Iguanas sunbathing on warm rocks
- Mongoose scurrying across hiking trails
- Various species of birds, including the bananaquit, St. John’s unofficial mascot
🥾 Hiking heaven: The Lind Point Trail is a personal favorite, offering stunning views of Cruz Bay and the surrounding islands. For a more challenging hike, try the Reef Bay Trail, which leads you through ruins of sugar plantations and ends at a secluded beach.
🍹 Tasty treats: The beach bar at Honeymoon Beach serves up delicious casual fare and tropical drinks. For a more upscale experience, I recommend heading to nearby Cruz Bay. ZoZo’s at Caneel Bay is a must-visit for its Italian-inspired cuisine and unbeatable sunset views.
Money Saver: Pack a picnic and enjoy it on one of Caneel Bay’s seven beaches. It’s a great way to save money and soak in the natural beauty.
🚙 Explore freely: Getting around Caneel Bay is part of the adventure. While you can take taxis, I suggest renting a jeep to explore at your own pace.
✨ Night magic: One of the most magical experiences in Caneel Bay is night snorkeling. The bioluminescent organisms in the water create a stunning light show as you move through the water.
Top Tip: Bring a red-light flashlight for night snorkeling. It won’t scare away the sea life and will help you see better underwater.
5. East End – Where to Stay on St John, US Virgin Islands for Off-the-Beaten-Path Tranquility 🏖️
🏖️ Beach bliss: The East End is where you’ll find some of St. John’s most secluded and pristine beaches. My personal favorite is Hansen Bay Beach. The powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters are straight out of a postcard. Plus, it’s rarely crowded, so you might just have the whole beach to yourself!
Insider Tip: Visit Vie’s Snack Shack near Hansen Bay for some authentic local flavors.
🥾 Adventure time: For the adventure seekers, the East End offers some fantastic hiking and snorkeling opportunities. Here are a few must-try activities:
- Hike the Brown Bay Trail for stunning ocean views and a secluded beach
- Snorkel at Haulover North, known for its vibrant coral reefs and sea turtle sightings
- Explore the mangroves of Hurricane Hole by kayak
- Visit the Reef Bay Sugar Mill ruins for a dose of island history
🍴 Local eats: When it comes to dining, the East End has a more laid-back, local vibe. Miss Lucy’s is a St. John institution, serving up delicious West Indian cuisine with a side of breathtaking views. Their Sunday brunch is legendary – don’t miss the conch fritters!
🦜 Nature’s playground: For nature lovers, the East End is a dream come true. It’s home to part of the Virgin Islands National Park, which means you’re surrounded by lush tropical forests and diverse wildlife. Keep an eye out for the bananaquit, St. John’s unofficial mascot!
FAQs about trips to St. John ❔
What part of St. John is best to stay in?
Cruz Bay is generally considered the best area to stay in St. John for its convenience, dining options, and proximity to amenities. For those seeking a more secluded experience, the East End or Coral Bay offer tranquil settings with stunning views and access to less crowded beaches.
Is it better to stay on St Johns or St. Thomas?
St. John is better for those seeking a quieter, more natural experience with pristine beaches and extensive hiking trails. St. Thomas is preferable for travelers who want more amenities, shopping options, and a livelier atmosphere with easier access to transportation and a wider range of accommodations.
What is the prettiest beach on St John?
Trunk Bay is widely regarded as the most beautiful sandy beach on St. John, known for its pristine white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. It also features an underwater snorkeling trail and is often considered one of the most picturesque beaches in the Caribbean.
What beach in St John has the best sea turtles?
Maho Bay is renowned as the best beach on St. John for spotting sea turtles, with its shallow waters and abundant seagrass beds. Snorkelers often encounter green sea turtles feeding in the bay, especially during early morning or late afternoon hours.
How far apart are St. John and St. Thomas?
Approximately 4 miles apart at their closest points. The ferry ride between Cruz Bay, St. John and Red Hook, St. Thomas takes about 20 minutes, covering a distance of about 3 miles.
