Top Things to do in St. John
What to do and see in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
Ecotourism is alive and kicking on St. John. There's more than enough to do on land, from watching for wildlife in the national park to hiking miles of trails or strolling sandy white beaches. Hit the water for amazing snorkeling, swimming, even underwater photography—of course. This is the Caribbean, after all.
Restaurants in St. John
1. Hurricane Hole
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
A storm-protected bay in the arms of mangrove trees with a lively and colorful nursery of fish.
Reviewed By noseeums2019
My fiance and I rented a tandem kayak from Crabby's in Coral Bay and spent the day kayaking around Hurricaine Hole and out to Princess Bay. Gorgeous trip. We were on our own the whole day. We stopped in Borck Creek and found a secluded stop to get out of the kayak and snorkel. Absolutely beautiful starfish we saw here. Then we kept going to Princess Bay, checking out the Mangroves and then stopping at Whitesand Bay on our way back to Coral Bay. We were completely alone and the views were so amazing. Bring snacks and drinks!
2. Salomon Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 184 reviews
Reviewed By cebirch25
This beautiful and tranquil little beach is just a short hike off Lind Point Trail. Its definitely worth the hike and you are rewarded with a calming, beautiful beach. We loved this place, even had a little picnic on the beach.
3. Ram Head Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 327 reviews
Reviewed By leighi2019 - Greenville, United States
Awesome Hike with Awesome Views! I recommend tennis shoes or hiking boots. Best for early morning or late afternoon as it gets hot-amazing views. Landscape dotted with cactus along the way. Our favorite hike while in St John! Hit the Salt Pond beach afterwards! Others have provided information on where to park and how to get to the hike. Very cool to cross over the Blue Cobblestone Beach on the way up!
4. Maho Bay Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,679 reviews
Reviewed By LR417 - Barnegat, United States
This beach is absolutely beautiful. However, snorkeling is only average as there is virtually no coral. No schools of brightly colored tropical fish. However, turtles, sting rays and some large fish were sighted. The beach offers a bar, refreshments and rudimentary bathroom facilities. The taxi ride from the ferry in St John also offered glimpses of other pretty west side beaches.
5. Bajo El Sol Gallery, Art Bar & Rum Room
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 49 reviews
Located at Mongoose Junction, Bajo El Sol Gallery & Art Bar is a hybrid art gallery, bookstore, café, rum and cocktail bar. As a gallery and events space, Bajo El Sol is dedicated to offering the best in Virgin Islands fine art and cultural expression. At the Art Bar you'll also find Puerto Rican espresso coffee, chocolates, wine, craft cocktails, lite savory bites and locally made pastries. You’ll also find the largest selection of aged rums in Cruz Bay, which can be sampled in curated tasting flights. Curator Priscilla Hintz Rivera and writer David Knight Jr. took the helm of the established gallery in 2016. Hintz Rivera and Knight both grew up in the Virgin Islands and the Caribbean region, and they love engaging visitors about Caribbean history and the dynamics of the current society on St. John. Visit us during one of our many events for an immersive experience; we frequently host artist talks, poetry readings, film screenings and much more.
Reviewed By nikkisW6430RI - St. John, Caribbean
Had David to help us, let him choose our flights based on our specific tastes and he nailed it. Service was fantastic, rum was better....got my Grandma a beautiful piece of jewelry by a local artist.
6. Hansen Bay Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 288 reviews
The beach offers a very calm bay with excellent snorkeling, turtles, stingrays and an array of assorted fish. Food Truck and clean bathrooms available along with ample parking.
Reviewed By JudyK288 - Boston, United States
Private beach where you are greeted by a friendly owner who will offer free parking and then suggest a donation when you leave. This was a nice way to conduct business. They provide a couple of porta potties and some chairs on the beach. There are some small palms for shade on the beach. The snorkeling was just amazing here with turtles, squid, rays, a shark and plethora of tropical fish (tangs, sergeant majors, parrot fish, etc). All the way on the other side of the island from Cruz Bay, past Skinny Legs.
7. Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By D5296VDmarieg - Eden Prairie, United States
This parish is my absolute favorite. The staff, the choir, the Deacons, and the amazing Father Anthony make this so joyful.
8. Inter Island Boat Service
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 117 reviews
Passenger ferry between the United States Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands. Routes include Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Tortola, St. John and St. Thomas.
Reviewed By Mermaidtraveler - Charleston, United States
I love taking Crown Bay Ferry and I use it as often as I can on my many visits to St John. Novelle and his crew are kind and personable and fun. So nice not to have to long bumpy ride to Red Hook. Just a 5 minute taxi ride to Crown Bay, get a drink at Tickles and have a lovely ride with handsome and gracious Novelle over to ST John. Great start to your trip!
9. Coral Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 204 reviews
A home decidedly away from home for a number of U.S. expats who now reside in this eclectic community.
Reviewed By Cosmopolitan724616 - Wailea, United States
Peaceful, gorgeous location. aqua bistro for the best food take out we thought. zemi had the coolest most unique jewelery on the island, and the best prices. beaches are just about as close from this side. you do need a vehicle, a jeep most likely. miss lucy's is great for a laid back meal on the water. flyaway charters leaves for private boat snorkel tours out of coral bay and was the best snorkeling we have done anywhere. we hit cruz bay about once a week for a meal, gas and extra food shopping but didn't miss the crowds of tourists at all. if you are coming to party stay in cruz bay. if you want to enjoy the natural splendor of st john and try to enjoy the local culture when you travel, coral bay will give you more of that.
10. Trunk Bay Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,000 reviews
The good news: this world-class stretch of white sand and turquoise water is St. John's most photographed beach, which features a marked underwater trail for beginning snorkelers. The bad news: because of its popularity, it can get very crowded with cruise ship passengers and members of sightseeing tours.
Reviewed By Sinceshea - New Jersey, United States
We go to trunk bay from St Thomas quite often for the beautiful clear water, terrific snorkeling path and amenities such as bar, showers and lunch if desired. The snorkeling trail is comprised of monuments affixed to the ocean floor explaining what sights are in immediate view, i.e. coral, fish species etc. The monuments are some 20 feet deep however can be clearly seen in the crystal clear waters. Sargassum (sea weed) has plagued a number of beaches in the VI but not Trunk. After your visit to the beach, you can shower up and hit the great happy hour spots on St John. It’s a great day! Returning in 6 weeks again for the 5th time.
