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Headed to St John, USVI, aka the smallest of the three main U.S. Virgin Islands, sometime soon? You may be concerned that this tiny island will have you bored after a few days. Surprisingly, there are actually more things to do in St John USVI than can be done in several repeat trips.
I’ve been visiting St John for over ten years now, and still have not run out of new things to do and discover. In fact, St John continues to be one of my favorite places ever.
More than likely, you’ve been drawn in by St John’s famously beautiful beaches and raw natural beauty. You have made the perfect choice, as the island will more than deliver on both of those things. However, you should also look into the many ways to dive deeper into what St John has to offer.
With that, if you’re looking to plan a well-rounded trip, I’ve got the full rundown of the best things to do in St John USVI below. Get ready to discover how many amazing surprises a tiny island like St John can contain! There truly is something for everyone.
34 Best Things to do in St John USVI
1. Drink a Proper Pusser’s Rum Painkiller
No vacation starts on St. John until you’ve had your first painkiller of the trip. The original painkiller cocktail was created at the Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke in the neighboring British Virgin Islands. Therefore, you will see painkillers on virtually every cocktail menu on St John.
Though you will see many versions of the painkiller cocktail, the original was made with Pusser’s Rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, cream of coconut, and nutmeg. Therefore, it’s essential to try an official Pusser’s painkiller at least one time. Though many bars have a Pusser’s painkiller listed on their menu, sometimes you might have to specially request this dark spiced rum.
By far, my favorite painkiller on St John is made at Skinny Legs in Coral Bay. This divey beach bar is a St John staple with delicious burgers and casual sandwiches with chips.
2. Scenic Overlooks on North Shore Road
North Shore Road on St John is famous for the dreamy white sand beaches that run along it. One of the best things to do on St John is to simply drive this windy road while taking in the scenery.
As St John is a lush island, a lot of the views on this twisty, turny road tend to be obstructed by trees. However, this is made up for by the stunning overlooks where cars can pull off the road and snag the perfect vacation photo.
In addition to being windy, North Shore Road is also quite hilly, which is what makes these overlooks possible. The high hills around the beaches provide breathtaking views from above of the turquoise waters you’ll enjoy during your trip. The most famous overlooks on North Shore Road are Trunk Bay, Maho Bay and Caneel Bay.
I will warn you, since the hurricanes Caneel has not been much to look at, but the former two are as stunning as ever. Additionally, the Cruz Bay Overlook near bustling Cruz Bay is also worth a visit, particularly around sunset. It’s beautiful to watch all the boats coming back in during golden hour.
3. View Sea Turtles at Maho Bay
While it’s possible to see sea turtles at various St John beaches, Maho Bay Beach is one of the most popular viewing spots. You don’t have to swim far from the beach to find them, and snorkel equipment rentals are available right across the street at Reef2Peak.
Plus, swimming around at Maho is a joy. Its waters are crystal clear and some of the calmest on St John, with many vibrant shades of blue and turquoise.
Just be sure not to touch the sea turtles, and keep a few feet of distance from them. Maho Bay Beach is busier than ever, which is taking a toll on the turtles. Unfortunately, too many tourists aren’t giving the turtles their space, which is causing them to exhibit signs of stress, like hives and tumors.
Reef2Peak also offers kayak and stand-up paddle board (SUP) rentals at Maho Beach, including see-through kayaks. The easy waters at Maho are among the best on St John for this activity, although there can sometimes be a current. You can even paddle to a few tiny hidden beaches or neighboring Francis Bay Beach, depending on your fitness level.
4. Grab Lunch at Maho Crossroads
The addition of Maho Crossroads has for better or worse made Maho a very popular beach in recent years. This outdoor complex is located across the street from Maho Bay Beach, and features food stalls, shops, and lawn games. It is self-powered and built to have a low carbon footprint, and gives off a cool, laidback beach club feel.
I personally love that there is a full bar where you can get a high-quality painkiller to walk back to your beach chair. However, when I tried to order lunch from the converted VW Bus turned food truck, I was discouraged to find I’d need to wait 45 minutes for a mahi sandwich. I did visit right around noon, so in the future I would try to get in line a little early to avoid the lunch rush.
5. Hike to the Peace Hill Windmill
Located right off North Shore Road, the uphill 100m hike to the Peace Hill Windmill is easy to combine with a beach day. At the top, you will be greeted with the beautiful stone ruins of an old windmill. I recommend taking a little stroll around the small area for 180-degree views of several North Shore Beaches.
The donkeys that live on St John also tend to frequent this area. Therefore, you might get to say hello to one or a few. Just watch out for donkey poop!
The Peace Hill Hike is easy to find off North Shore Road, as you will see signage and its small paved parking lot. Although we’ve never encountered any issues with theft on St John, I don’t recommend leaving valuables in your car. Your car will be parked in plain sight very close to the road, and you won’t be able to see it while hiking.
On the way back down the trail from the windmill, you can opt to turn left on another narrow trail before reaching the parking lot. This will lead you to gorgeous, secluded Denis Bay.
Also Read: The Best Christmas Gifts for St. John USVI Lovers
6. Dine at Skinny Legs
As mentioned above, a visit to Skinny Legs is a must during any visit to St John USVI. It’s a great opportunity to visit eastern Coral Bay if you are staying on the western Cruz Bay side of the island. Plus, if you like burgers, then you will especially love this place.
Skinny Legs is always one of our first stops on our St John trips. I always order the blue cheese burger with bacon and blackening spices. Obviously, I also get a painkiller to wash it down with.
A stop at Skinny Legs is perfect if you want to catch a game, as they are one of the few places that broadcast sports on their TVs. For extra island vibes, I also recommend coming when they are having live music, which is usually a couple nights a week.
Finally, do not leave St John without trying Skinny Legs’ key lime pie. It is beautifully tart and delicious.
7. Shop at Mumbo Jumbo
A stop at Mumbo Jumbo is easy to combine with a trip to Skinny Legs. After all, the shop is attached to the restaurant. I like to take a light browse through Mumbo Jumbo with my drink, while I’m waiting for food to arrive at our table.
We stop at Mumbo Jumbo at least once during every trip, whether to pick up sunscreen or buy a new T-shirt. Some of my recent purchases include a long-sleeved sun shirt and an adorable beach bag. Every year, cute beachy finds from this shop take over more and more of my closet space.
8. Eat Key Lime Pie
Key limes are locally grown in the Virgin Islands, so it’s imperative to try a slice of key lime pie during your visit. While my favorite has always been at Skinny Legs, you can find versions of key lime pie all over St John. Restaurants that serve this tasty treat include The Lime Inn, Morgan’s Mango, and Salty Mongoose, to name a few.
9. Go Snorkeling
St John is a huge destination for snorkeling enthusiasts, and you will see people snorkeling at every beach. I personally was never big on snorkeling until I finally did it on a Bad Kitty BVI tour (discussed below). Since then, I’ve realized the whole other world that is waiting vibrantly beneath the surface.
As St John is surrounded by Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument, diverse sea life can be found at most beaches. For visitors without snorkel equipment, a few beaches have rental stands on site. These include Maho, Trunk, and Honeymoon beaches. There are also some standalone businesses that rent snorkel equipment, like Crabby’s Water Sports in Coral Bay.
Trunk Bay in particular has an underwater snorkel trail that is popular with visitors. However, some snorkelers have been disappointed in recent years to find that much of the reef system was damaged in Hurricane Irma. However, great snorkeling can still be found at many other beaches on St John, such as Hansen Bay, Haulover Bay, and Waterlemon Cay.
10. Spend the Day on the Water
There are so many opportunities for island hopping in the waters around St John. With St. Thomas and other small cays in the USVI’s, or even the BVI’s in striking distance, a boat charter is a must during your trip! Plus, a boat is often the only way to reach some of the best snorkel spots around St John.
There are many day trip options available. You can either join a larger boat tour, or book a private boat for the day. There are definitely more private tour boats available, but they also tend to be pricier. However, if you are willing to splurge, you can customize your whole day.
If you want to save money by joining a larger charter, the downsides are having a pre-set schedule and sharing the boat with more people. However, these are still very well-run and I’ve had a lot of fun on them. Two great companies to check out are Bad Kitty and Kekoa. Both of these have tour options for the US Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands.
There is also a new luxury catamaran called Voodoo that has several options for USVI day trips.
USVI trips often include several snorkel stops, lunch at Lime Out, or a visit to Water Island. BVI trips typically visit the Baths at Virgin Gorda, White Bay on Jost Van Dyke, and one or two snorkel stops. White Bay in and of itself is fun for visiting the famous Soggy Dollar Bar, where the painkiller was invented in the 1970’s.
I’ve done the Bad Kitty twice now, once in the BVI’s and once in the USVI’s. The crew are amazing and know how to put an awesome day together, with snacks and painkillers provided. I cannot say enough good things about Bad Kitty, and a tour with them is worth every penny.
11. Take a Long Kayak Trip into Hurricane Hole
Hurricane Hole is one of St John’s most secluded spots, and its protected waters are fun for kayaking. This area is located within Coral Bay, and is made up of a bunch of tiny bays where boats have historically sought shelter during hurricanes. Kayaking is the best way to explore the little corners of Hurricane Hole up close.
Reef 2 Peak offers kayak rentals and guided kayak tours of Hurricane Hole. We opted for a self-guided half-day tour, and Reef2Peak was kind enough to drop our kayaks off for us at Princess Bay. From there, we could row our kayaks wherever we pleased.
When kayaking without a guide it’s best to know your strengths and only do what you are comfortable with. For us, some sections of Hurricane Hole had a current, so we skipped them to avoid wasting energy. Additionally, if the water is choppy to where you see “white caps” on the waves, this is probably not an ideal kayaking day.
Also, remember to save energy for the return journey and to make sure you don’t paddle out too far. We actually fought a bit of a current at the end of our trip, and had to work a bit harder to get back to shore.
I recommend packing snacks and plenty of water for the trip. We found a lovely rock beach along the way, which was perfect for resting before making our return journey.
12. Watch the Sunrise in Coral Bay
The Coral Bay side of St John faces east, which means it has beautiful sunrise views. Since we usually stay on this side of the island, I’ve enjoyed several quiet mornings sipping coffee as I take in this beautiful sight.
Many vacation rentals in Coral Bay are perched up on hills with sweeping views. This means there are many options if you’d also like to wake up to a magnificent sunrise.
Catching the sunrise in St John does mean waking up before 7 am, and sometimes even 6 am, during your vacation. I promise it’s worth it though. That said, there’s been some instances where I’ve headed right back to bed due to clouds blocking the view.
13. Visit the Floating Taco Bar
Lime Out joined the St John restaurant scene in 2019, when it became the island’s first floating taco bar. Its first location was near Hansen Bay, from which you could paddle out to sit on rafts and eat tacos. We paddled that first season, and were thrilled to find that Lime Out’s tacos and cocktails are delicious.
Although Lime Out has since relocated to Coral Harbor, a visit here remains a fun way to spend an afternoon. Due to high boat traffic in Coral Harbor, visitors are no longer allowed to paddle to Lime Out and must arrive by boat. However, during slow times you can order tacos as takeout to be delivered to you dockside.
The best way to visit Lime Out without your own boat is to visit as part of a day trip. Bad Kitty and Voodoo both offer tours that stop for tacos. If you do a private charter, you can easily request that Lime Out be part of the day’s itinerary.
Book Your Trip to Lime Out Here!
14. Hike the Reef Bay Trail
A morning spent hiking the Reef Bay Trail helps to balance out all the tacos, key lime pie, and painkillers you’ll likely consume. This trail is one of the most popular things to do in St John USVI, and is a little over five miles out and back. It’s a rewarding journey that takes you down a historical path past plantation ruins and lots of native plants.
The Reef Bay Trail begins by heading downhill into a valley, which means you’ll be ending the return hike with an exerting uphill climb. Rest up for this with a leisurely break for lunch at Reef Bay Beach at the end of the trail. It’s an incredibly tranquil, remote spot with beautiful scenery. Just remember to leave with everything you brought, and don’t take anything (shells, plants, etc.) from the trail.
Though this trail is well-shaded, it’s good to wear sunscreen and bug spray. I also recommend bringing a hat and plenty of water.
By the way, if you have time, a short trip down the Petroglyph spur trail is well worth it. Watch for signage marking the Petroglyph Trail to view mysterious ancient rock carvings.
15. Check Out the Salt Pond
The Salt Pond area of St John is located on the southernmost peninsula of the island, near Coral Bay. This very interesting part of the island boasts an underrated beach and one of St John’s most beautiful hikes.
However, let’s start by discussing its namesake salt pond. The pond itself contains brown sea water that gets foamy with salt towards the edges. It’s not the sightliest place, but is essential to the island’s ecosystem. Plus, during prolonged dry, windy periods, you can even harvest your own fresh salt straight from the pond!
Or if you’re feeling blah, try a DIY spa day with the mineral-filled mud of the salt pond. Simply rub it on your skin, let it dry in the sun for a bit, and rinse yourself off in the sea at Salt Pond Beach.
To visit from Cruz Bay, take Centerline Road (or North Shore Road to Centerline Road) and turn right at the main intersection. If you see the Fire Station and Skinny Legs, you’ve gone too far on Centerline.
After turning, follow the beautiful seaside road all the way down until you reach a small dirt parking lot by the Salt Pond Bay Trailhead. It’s then about a three-quarter mile hike down the trail and across the white sands of Salt Pond Beach. Follow the short trail at the end of the beach past some shrubs to reach the Salt Pond.
16. Ram Head Trail
The fun does not stop at the Salt Pond. At the end of Salt Pond Beach, if you turn right at the Salt Pond, you can continue onto the Ram Head Trail. In my opinion, this is the most scenic hiking trail on St John, with absolutely magnificent sea views throughout the hike.
This trail is rocky and dry with very little shade, so remember to bring sunscreen and wear a hat. The Ram Head hike is about two miles out and back, during which you’ll pass a pretty rock beach and see various low-lying cacti.
When you reach the end of the trail before turning back, you’ll be standing on the “ram head” rock formation. The winds are high, but the view is magnificent with 180 degrees of blue ocean all around you. On a clear day, you can make out the shadow of St. Croix forty miles in the distance.
17. Visit Drunk Bay
When returning from the Ram Head, it is easy to stop at Drunk Bay before heading back to Salt Pond Beach. Simply continue past the Salt Pond instead of turning left, and you’ll eventually reach a rocky beach.
A visit to Drunk Bay is worth it to see a side of St John unlike anything else you’ll experience on the island. The beach is remote and windy with wild, unprotected waves rolling in from the open Atlantic. It’s a stark contrast from the gentle turquoise waters of the North Shore.
Drunk Bay Beach is filled with lots of coral pieces strewn about. You’ll notice that many visitors like to create little people out of the coral, called “Jumbies”. Leave your mark by making a Jumbie of your own before turning back.
After all the hiking, Salt Pond Beach is a worthy spot to cool off with a dip. This quiet beach is a tad rugged, but has beautiful calm, crystal clear water.
Join a Guided Hiking and Snorkel Tour to Salt Pond & Drunk Bay Here!
18. Grab Lunch at Miss Lucy’s
After a morning spent at the Salt Pond, lunch at Miss Lucy’s is the perfect next stop. This little seaside open air restaurant is a bit removed from the more popular spots on St John, and is quickly becoming one of my favorite little hideouts.
You will run into Miss Lucy’s soon after leaving the Salt Pond, on the drive back towards Centerline Road. The restaurant will be on your right. The are no other restaurants on the island remotely situated on the water quite like Miss Lucy’s is.
I recommend grabbing a table as close to the sea as possible for wonderful views while you dine. Miss Lucy’s menu features standard island lunch items like conch fritters and fish plates, and is also known for its yummy Sunday brunch menu.
19. Dine During Live Music
Nothing sets the mood on vacation quite like dining during live music does. Therefore, you must check out some of the many talented musicians on St John who perform at various local establishments.
Many restaurants on St John have live music throughout the week, but some spots have it more often than others. Here are a few to check out:
Coral Bay:
- Skinny Legs on various nights of the week
- Salty Mongoose on most Saturday nights. Check their Facebook page for announcements.
- Miss Lucy’s holds open mic night every Thursday from 5:30 pm to 9 pm (or when food runs out)
Cruz Bay:
- Beach Bar features live music many nights of the week. Click here for their schedule.
- Lovango Rum Bar & Distillery has live music regularly on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5-7 pm. They post the schedule on their Facebook page.
Beaches:
- Maho Crossroads features afternoon live music near Maho Bay several days of the week. Check the schedule here.
Since you can’t always predict when live music will pop up on the island, always check a restaurant’s website or social media just in case. Facebook and Instagram in particular are the resources I use most to keep up with current happenings at St John restaurants.
20. Visit the Annaberg Plantation Ruins
During the colonial era, sugar plantations run by slave labor were a huge part of St John’s economy. Although you can find plantation ruins all over the island, some of the most significant are those of Annaberg Plantation.
Annaberg is located on the northern side of St John, past the North Shore Beaches. Both Francis Bay Beach and Waterlemon Cay are nearby, and are perfect to add on to a visit to the plantation.
The Annaberg Plantation dates back to the 18th century, and once consisted of 518 acres. There is evidence that at least sixteen slave cabins once existed on the property.
Today, during a visit to Annaberg, you can see factory ruins, a windmill, and the crumbled remnants of equipment and other structures. There are informational signs posted throughout the grounds to help you understand the history and background of what you are looking at.
21. Hike the Lind Point Trail to Salomon & Honeymoon Beaches
The Lind Point Trail is a two mile out and back hike that is doable for all skill levels. Besides inclines at the beginning and end of the trail, the elevation is relatively flat, although the path can be bumpy and rocky. There are pretty views of Cruz Bay towards the beginning of the trail, and the hike ends with either secluded Salomon Beach or stunning Honeymoon Beach.
You will notice that early on, the trail separates between the Upper and Lower Lind Point Trail, which rejoin later in the hike. The Upper provides an incredible view over Cruz Bay, but requires some additional climbing. No matter which path you choose, be sure to wear sunscreen and bug spray.
You will run into the trail down to Salomon first. This remote beach can only be reached via this trail or boat, so it doesn’t often get very crowded. That said, it is rather small and has zero facilities.
A short hike past Salomon is Honeymoon Beach, which is longer with great facilities, but much busier. Its amenities include Bikinis on the Beach for food and drinks, beach rentals like kayaks and snorkeling, and bathrooms. To enjoy the scenery before the masses arrive, I recommend getting to Honeymoon by 9 am.
Parking is available at the Cruz Bay Visitor Center. If you cannot nab a limited free spot along the curb, simply head into the visitor center to procure a free parking pass for your windshield.
22. Spend Time With Island Animals
You won’t have to try too hard to find fuzzy creatures on St John. Virtually all guests eventually encounter the many goats and donkeys that inhabit the island.
The animals are cute and friendly, and turn up on the beach, road, and even at restaurants. However, please do not pet or feed them from your vehicle. This practice is making the animals too comfortable approaching cars, which has unfortunately led to some accidents.
Super animal enthusiasts should visit the Carolina Corral in Coral Bay for a truly unique experience. The Carolina Corral is a working farm that houses many varieties of adopted animals. Book a half day visit to help care for these critters before going out for a horseback ride along scenic trails.
If you cannot spend a half-day, but still want to see some horses and donkeys, you are free to stop by for a visit. You can also contribute to the care of the animals by making a donation on the Carolina Corral website.
23. Hike the America Hill Trail to Views and Estate Ruins
By far one of the coolest trails on St John is the climb up America Hill. While just under three quarters of a mile in length, the inclines give you plenty of bang for your buck. You’ll be sweating by the time you reach the stunning views at the top.
First, you will need to park at Cinnamon Bay on North Shore Road, or at one of the limited spots just off the road near the Cinnamon Bay Trailhead. Then you will begin your steep ascent up the Cinnamon Bay Trail. About two hundred meters in, you’ll reach the beginning of the America Hill Trail to your left. Then you will continue your climb for another four hundred meters of switchbacks until you reach the top.
The good news is that the climb is so worth it. You’ll run into the pink ruins of the America Hill Estate House, which is being overgrown by island plants with pretty pink flowers.
Just beyond the estate house is one of the best views on St. John. You will find a sweeping overlook of Maho and Francis Bay, and even beyond out to Tortola. Once you’re done taking in this beauty, you can enjoy a relaxed downhill climb to your car, or maybe even across the street to Cinnamon Bay for a swim.
24. Spend the Day at Gorgeous Cinnamon Bay for Peter Bay Mansion Views
Speaking of Cinnamon Bay, a day spent at this beach is worthwhile in its own right. Cinnamon is one of the longest beaches on St. John, and is great for taking walks in the sand.
Adding to the beauty is Cinnamon Cay in the water a short distance out from the beach. However, one of the most iconic views from Cinnamon is that of Peter Bay. This is a community of mansions perched high on a hill to the left when facing the water. Fun fact – Kenny Chesney famously owned a home here.
Cinnamon Bay has decent beach rental, food, and bathroom facilities, especially now that the Cinnamon Bay Campground is open again.
25. Stop at the Coral Bay Overlook
Not to be outdone by the North Shore, there is also a stunning overlook of Coral Harbor from Route 10, or Centerline Road. This is where you can appreciate the beautiful blue water of Coral Bay dotted with the many boats tucked into the harbor.
This overlook is popular, but not quite as high trafficked as the North Shore beach overlooks. It’s a simple dirt parking area where you can quickly pull of the road for a unique perspective of Coral Harbor from above. It’s one of my favorite photo spots on the island, and I continue to stop here on occasion, even though I’ve done so many times.
26. Do a Sunset Sail
There’s nothing like watching the sunset while sailing over the vibrant turquoise waters around St. John. The freedom of a boat allows you to see the sunset from unique locations that otherwise would not be accessible.
Many companies offer sunset sails, along with refreshments like drinks and hors d’oevres. Kekoa is one of my favorite boats that does a sunset sail, and I definitely recommend booking with them if you can. It doesn’t get more romantic than sipping a painkiller on their sleek catamaran while the sky erupts into gorgeous sunset colors.
Plus, Kekoa lets one guest ignite their fake cannon so you can end the day with some pirate vibes. What else could you expect from a boat with black sails?
27. Watch the Sunset from Cruz Bay
We’ve established that watching the sunset over the glistening Caribbean Sea is one of the best things to do in St John USVI. However, if you can’t be on the water, then western-facing Cruz Bay is the next best viewing spot.
I personally love enjoying golden hour with drink in hand at The Beach Bar or Rum Hut. However, for even more sweeping views, you can compete for a spot at the Cruz Bay Overlook. This popular spot is just outside downtown Cruz Bay when driving towards the beaches down North Shore Road.
28. Drink a Virgin Islands Beer
Can’t go anywhere without seeking out some local craft beer? Then head over to The Tap Room in Cruz Bay’s Mongoose Junction. Here, you can experience the tasty concoctions of St. John Brewers, which was created by two scrappy transplants to the island in 2004.
St. Johns Brewers makes all varieties of their beer in tanks onsite, which are available on draft at The Tap Room. You can also find bottles of their beer at many restaurants all around St. John.
29. Take a Day Trip to Lovango Cay
For a day of pure relaxation in luxury that doesn’t sacrifice the rugged natural scenery of the US Virgin Islands, sign up for a full or half day trip to Lovango Resort + Beach Club. All you need to do is purchase a day pass on the resort’s website and then hop on a ten-minute ferry to nearby Lovango Cay.
Once you arrive on Lovango, you’ll be greeted by the resort’s friendly, attentive staff. They will guide you to your reserved beach chair or cabana, marked by your name painted on a rock you can keep as a souvenir. Here, you will find your towel, as well as the food and drink menus. The beach service is excellent, without a hint of snobbery that you might otherwise expect a luxury beach club to display.
In between drinking and snacking, you can enjoy the infinity pool, play cornhole, snorkel, and go hiking around the island for BVI views. For any questions or needs you may have, the staff is more than happy to help as well as offer suggestions on things to do. They truly want you to enjoy your experience.
30. Dine in Style at ZoZo’s
While St. John eateries mostly consist of laid-back beach bars, there are a couple opportunities for fine dining. One of the most popular spots for this is ZoZo’s, which is located at Caneel Bay, right on the water.
Currently, ZoZo’s is doing a nightly four course dinner with seatings at designated times. Dinner is a set price of $130 per person and is served at a leisurely pace over two and a half to three hours. There is a selection of dishes available to choose from for each course.
Reservations are only available thirty days in advance, and are highly recommended. If you wait until the last minute, you may still be able to enjoy the a la carte menu at their bar, where seats are available on a first come, first serve basis.
On St John, the dress code at every establishment is generally very islandy and casual. However, when I go somewhere like ZoZo’s, I like to wear a light dress and my husband normally wears a button down.
If arriving to ZoZo’s by car, you will need to park in the designated spots at Caneel Bay. From there, a complimentary shuttle will take you back to the restaurant. Note that North Shore Road is pitch black at night, so drive with caution. It is also possible to arrive at ZoZo’s by private boat at the Caneel dock (there is not a shuttle from Cruz Bay).
31. Tired of Nature? Head into Cruz Bay for Some Shopping
Exploring local shops is one of the most fun things to do in St John USVI. I recommend heading into downtown Cruz Bay, where most of the shopping on the island can be found.
Cruz Bay is St. John’s main town that most visitors first encounter when taking the ferry over from St. Thomas. It’s the busy, more congested side of the island where most locals live and work.
There are a variety of local establishments to visit, with all kinds of clothing shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries to browse. Mongoose Junction is a great place to start, and we also like to pop into St. John Spice, where you can leave with a taste of the Caribbean.
The best part is that there are plenty of good eateries in the vicinity to hit up for happy hour or dinner when you’re done.
32. Buy Local Pottery
It’s one thing to shop local on St John, and another to buy products that are physically made on St John. Thankfully, the island is home to many local artists who are continually inspired by their surroundings.
One great discovery I recently made on St John is St. John VI Pottery’s gallery in Coral Bay. It was filled with beautiful mugs, bowls, vases, etc. in tropical colors and designs. I knew I was going to walk out with at least one purchase the moment I stepped inside.
If you like unique home décor, then I recommend a browse inside this gallery. You can find very similar items at chic places like Anthropologie or Pottery Bar, but at three times the price. Therefore, you should definitely pop in anytime Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 am.
33. Take a Pottery Class
If you’d like to take a stab at creating some of your own unique designs, St. John VI Pottery also offers pottery classes. Tourists are welcome to sign up for a one or two-hour session.
There are projects available to suit all levels. You can find the current schedule of class offerings here.
34. Disconnect
One of the most essential things to do in St John USVI is to simply disconnect, and be present in your beautiful natural surroundings. It’s not every day that such a wonderful place stays free from overdevelopment thanks to being two-thirds National Park land.
If you are browsing email or Instagram while on the beach, you are doing it wrong. There is definitely a silver lining in the fact that cell service isn’t the greatest on the island.
• • •
St John is certainly no ordinary island, and there are loads of activities to keep you busy on a vacation. Choose to spend full days at the beach followed by painkillers, or get a little bit active during your trip with hiking or kayaking. You’ll never run out of things to do on St John. I’ve been coming to this island for over ten years now and still find new things to try on every trip!
Which of the above things to do are you excited to try on your St. John USVI trip?
Beyond awesome!! I’ve been to St John serval times, but it’s been 18 loooong years since I was last was there. Going in November 2020 with my best friend…can’t WAIT! we’ve stayed at Maho Bay twice… when there were the tree houses, rented a house over in Chocolate Bay twice…and are FINALLY going back. I’m so EXCITED. Thanks for your informative articles…I read them all. Did y’all ever swim around Water limon? It’s amazing. Quite a hike to get there, but well worth it. Thanks again
Thanks so much Susan! How exciting to be finally returning to St. John after all these years! We have not yet made it to Waterlemon, but it’s definitely on the list. Thanks for the suggestion! Isn’t it surprising how much there is to see on such a small island?
We are going to be there at Christmas this year. Is there anything holiday related – church services, special events, that we might be interested in going to?
There usually would be, especially around New Years. Normally there are NYE parties all over the island. However, virtually everything has been cancelled due to COVID this year. In fact, it was just announced today that all bars will be closed over Christmas and New Year’s. That said, the island is usually quite festive, with Christmas decorations all over, so it will still feel like the holidays in the islands!
I just booked my first trip to St John, today! I’m so excited and your articles are so helpful. I’m going with my boyfriend and we’re staying in Cruz Bay. Do you think renting a car is a necessity?
Yay, that is so exciting! A car definitely makes it much easier to explore the island. That said, rental cars on St. John can be expensive, and in Cruz Bay it’s usually pretty easy to get a taxi. The taxis can get you just about anywhere on the island, including the North Shore beaches and Coral Bay restaurants like Skinny Legs. However, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend them for more remote beaches or hikes, since it might be harder to find a taxi to get back to Cruz Bay. It all depends on how far off the beaten path you plan to get!
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Thank you for the great suggestions! We will be travelling to St. John in May and this article was a great find. We have been before, but it’s been 10 years. My husband hasn’t stopped talking about going back and we are finally making it happen!
You’re welcome! I hope you have a wonderful trip!
We were staying in St. Thomas and took the ferry over to St. John just to drive around. We got lunch at Skinny Legs and loved it. That key lime WAS amazing!
It’s the best on the island!