Beaches and Hiking
This category recommends just a few of the beaches and hikes on the island of St. John. Whether an easy walk or challenging hike, each item within the list of siteseeing locations gets you out and about for the day and leads to beach or beautiful view. Sometimes you may find that when you get to your destination you get enjoy it all by yourselves for a bit. Just in case - take bug spray when in the woods, or when heading out in late afternoon or evening.
FOR CLARIFICATION, since most beaches and hikes are within the protected lands of the national park, the vast majority of villas in St. John (including ours) are not within easy or quick walking distance to beaches or hikes. A four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended for exploring St. John. Therefore, within this Guidebook we describe distances from our villa to be interpreted as driving distance. Whenever "walk" or "hike" is used, it is to be interpreted as the type of walk or hike to expect (from easy to challenging) from your vehicle once you arrive at the at the destination starting point or parking area.
This beach offers an easy walk across powdery sand at a popular spot for snorkeling on a beach named one of the best in the world. The beach offers a bar, a food shack, and a retail store. Bathrooms and showers also available. The best deal for snorkel rental* is here. (Amenities typically close around 4-4:30; beach does not close)
North Shore Road
About 15 minutes from villa (driving distance).
Easy walk from the parking lot. Bring flip flops, snorkel, cooler, beach chair and pool noodle.
$5 National Park entry fee per person. This is the only beach where the National Park Service charges an entry fee.
Rental gear available = beach chairs, snorkel, mask, fins, and/or flotation vest for swimming or snorkeling - *they do not sell or rent pool floats or umbrellas.
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Trunk Bay
This beach offers an easy walk across powdery sand at a popular spot for snorkeling on a beach named one of the best in the world. The beach offers a bar, a food shack, and a retail store. Bathrooms and showers also available. The best deal for snorkel rental* is here. (Amenities typically close around 4-4:30; beach does not close)
North Shore Road
About 15 minutes from villa (driving distance).
Easy walk from the parking lot. Bring flip flops, snorkel, cooler, beach chair and pool noodle.
$5 National Park entry fee per person. This is the only beach where the National Park Service charges an entry fee.
Rental gear available = beach chairs, snorkel, mask, fins, and/or flotation vest for swimming or snorkeling - *they do not sell or rent pool floats or umbrellas.
Beach, Bar, Lounge, Live Music (some days), Snorkle, Paddle board, Retail. This is a new hot spot for a beach stop, entertainment and turtles. Typically a lot of boats to gaze at too. (Amenities typically close around 4-4:30; beach does not close)
North Shore Road
About 10 minutes from the villa (driving distance).
Easy walk from the parking area. Bring flip flops, snorkel, cooler, beach chair and pool noodle.
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Maho Bay
Route 20Beach, Bar, Lounge, Live Music (some days), Snorkle, Paddle board, Retail. This is a new hot spot for a beach stop, entertainment and turtles. Typically a lot of boats to gaze at too. (Amenities typically close around 4-4:30; beach does not close)
North Shore Road
About 10 minutes from the villa (driving distance).
Easy walk from the parking area. Bring flip flops, snorkel, cooler, beach chair and pool noodle.
This is a nice day trip to hike to the end of Ram Head trail for a high elevation view out in to the Caribbean Sea and catch a glimpse of a sail boat or two. Feel the breeze at the top.
Moderate-to-Challenging hike with sneakers or sneaker sandals needed; Backpack; Water.
Snorkle at Salt Pond after your hike, so bring the beach essentials as well.
Route 107, passed Coral Bay, passed Miss Lucy's restaurant.
Within 15 minutes from the villa (driving distance to the parking area)
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Ram Head Trail
Ram Head TrailThis is a nice day trip to hike to the end of Ram Head trail for a high elevation view out in to the Caribbean Sea and catch a glimpse of a sail boat or two. Feel the breeze at the top.
Moderate-to-Challenging hike with sneakers or sneaker sandals needed; Backpack; Water.
Snorkle at Salt Pond after your hike, so bring the beach essentials as well.
Route 107, passed Coral Bay, passed Miss Lucy's restaurant.
Within 15 minutes from the villa (driving distance to the parking area)
Interesting hike and a panoramic view. Just a short walk across the street from the parking lot of Cinnamon Bay to the trail. Walk through Bay Rum trees and Tyer Palms and up to the Estate dating back to the 1850s. See ruins of the Main House, the Cookhouse, Cistern, Servant’s Quarters of a St. John plantation.
Cinnamon Bay beach is open, but there is currently construction of some type as the effort is underway to rebuild campgrounds and amenities damaged in the hurricanes of 2017. Currently no food, bar, bathrooms, etc.
For the hike: Moderate hike with sneakers or sneaker sandals needed; Backpack; Water. The beach is an easy walk to get to (from the parking area), so if you plan on going to Cinnamon Bay, bring the beach essentials also. This is not a great spot for snorkeling.
North Shore Road
About 12 minutes from villa (driving distance).
America Hill Great House Ruins
Route 20Interesting hike and a panoramic view. Just a short walk across the street from the parking lot of Cinnamon Bay to the trail. Walk through Bay Rum trees and Tyer Palms and up to the Estate dating back to the 1850s. See ruins of the Main House, the Cookhouse, Cistern, Servant’s Quarters of a St. John plantation.
Cinnamon Bay beach is open, but there is currently construction of some type as the effort is underway to rebuild campgrounds and amenities damaged in the hurricanes of 2017. Currently no food, bar, bathrooms, etc.
For the hike: Moderate hike with sneakers or sneaker sandals needed; Backpack; Water. The beach is an easy walk to get to (from the parking area), so if you plan on going to Cinnamon Bay, bring the beach essentials also. This is not a great spot for snorkeling.
North Shore Road
About 12 minutes from villa (driving distance).
Once an active sugar, rum and molasses factory, Annaberg goes back to the 18th-century. It is an interesting walk through the history of St. John and chance to perhaps talk to one of the dedicated volunteers who can give you extensive background of the production and workings of this landmark as you walk the grounds of the remnants of this once fully operational plantation and take in the beautiful blue ocean views.
Flip flops or sneaker sandals.
Off of North Shore Road.
About 15 minutes from the villa (driving distance).
From here you can go to any beach on the North Shore Road.
If you don't have time to spend at this location, you can quickly see a ruin of a Sugar Mill at Susannaberg (off Route 10 / Centerline Road) or Peace Hill.
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Annaberg Sugar Plantation
Once an active sugar, rum and molasses factory, Annaberg goes back to the 18th-century. It is an interesting walk through the history of St. John and chance to perhaps talk to one of the dedicated volunteers who can give you extensive background of the production and workings of this landmark as you walk the grounds of the remnants of this once fully operational plantation and take in the beautiful blue ocean views.
Flip flops or sneaker sandals.
Off of North Shore Road.
About 15 minutes from the villa (driving distance).
From here you can go to any beach on the North Shore Road.
If you don't have time to spend at this location, you can quickly see a ruin of a Sugar Mill at Susannaberg (off Route 10 / Centerline Road) or Peace Hill.
This is a nice beach for snorkeling and is the entry point to the trail head to Ram Head.
We recommend water shoes or something similar to enter the water for swimming/snorkeling. Entry into the water can be a bit rocky compared to powdery sand found at North Shore Beaches.
Route 107, passed Coral Bay, passed Miss Lucy's restaurant.
Within 15 minutes from the villa (driving distance to the parking area).
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Salt Pond Beach
This is a nice beach for snorkeling and is the entry point to the trail head to Ram Head.
We recommend water shoes or something similar to enter the water for swimming/snorkeling. Entry into the water can be a bit rocky compared to powdery sand found at North Shore Beaches.
Route 107, passed Coral Bay, passed Miss Lucy's restaurant.
Within 15 minutes from the villa (driving distance to the parking area).
One of the closest beaches to Cruz Bay. View of St. Thomas. You can get there by hiking (free; wear sneaker sandals) from the top of Lind Point; OR, by parking at the entrance to Caneel Bay ($10 golf cart ride round trip; wear flip flops). Amenities include bar, food, retail, bathrooms (Amenities typically close around 4-4:30; beach does not close).
North Shore Road
About 20+ minutes from the villa (driving distance to the Lind Point parking area; 15 minutes to the Caneel Bay parking area).
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Honeymoon Beach
Main RdOne of the closest beaches to Cruz Bay. View of St. Thomas. You can get there by hiking (free; wear sneaker sandals) from the top of Lind Point; OR, by parking at the entrance to Caneel Bay ($10 golf cart ride round trip; wear flip flops). Amenities include bar, food, retail, bathrooms (Amenities typically close around 4-4:30; beach does not close).
North Shore Road
About 20+ minutes from the villa (driving distance to the Lind Point parking area; 15 minutes to the Caneel Bay parking area).
This is probably the most challenging hike on our list due to it being the longest and steepest. This may be a good hike for a breezy or cloudy day.
We recommend sneaker sandals or something similar.
Your reward for the hike down is the view at the beach at the end of the trail. Be ready for the steep hike back up.
Mid-Island.
Accessible from Route 10 /Centerline Road (about midway between our villa and Cruz Bay). As you are heading on Rt. 10 toward Cruz Bay, the trail head begins on your left side at the bottom of a hill - there will be a sign for it. Park off the side of the road.
Within 15 minutes from the villa (driving distance to the parking area).
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Reef Bay Trail
Reef Bay TrailThis is probably the most challenging hike on our list due to it being the longest and steepest. This may be a good hike for a breezy or cloudy day.
We recommend sneaker sandals or something similar.
Your reward for the hike down is the view at the beach at the end of the trail. Be ready for the steep hike back up.
Mid-Island.
Accessible from Route 10 /Centerline Road (about midway between our villa and Cruz Bay). As you are heading on Rt. 10 toward Cruz Bay, the trail head begins on your left side at the bottom of a hill - there will be a sign for it. Park off the side of the road.
Within 15 minutes from the villa (driving distance to the parking area).
From the starting point of the trail, this is a pleasant and moderate hike of about 15 minutes, depending on your speed, through a wooded area and leads to a beach.
We recommend sneaker sandles or something similar to enter the water for swimming/snorkeling. Entry into the water can be a bit rocky compared to powdery sand found at North Shore Beaches.
Coral Bay area.
To get there, proceed on Rt. 10 / Centerline Road passed Skinny Legs Restaurant. The trail head will be about another 5 minutes drive on the left hand side of the road.
Within 10 minutes of the villa (driving distance to the parking area).
Brown Bay Trail
From the starting point of the trail, this is a pleasant and moderate hike of about 15 minutes, depending on your speed, through a wooded area and leads to a beach.
We recommend sneaker sandles or something similar to enter the water for swimming/snorkeling. Entry into the water can be a bit rocky compared to powdery sand found at North Shore Beaches.
Coral Bay area.
To get there, proceed on Rt. 10 / Centerline Road passed Skinny Legs Restaurant. The trail head will be about another 5 minutes drive on the left hand side of the road.
Within 10 minutes of the villa (driving distance to the parking area).
Coral Bay area.
Within 17 minutes from the villa (driving distance to the parking area).
From the beach parking area, nice easy access to a day at the beach. This is a beautiful snorkle spot as well.
We recommend sneaker sandals or something similar to enter the water for swimming/snorkeling. Entry into the water can be a bit rocky compared to powdery sand found at North Shore Beaches.
Haulover Beach
Coral Bay area.
Within 17 minutes from the villa (driving distance to the parking area).
From the beach parking area, nice easy access to a day at the beach. This is a beautiful snorkle spot as well.
We recommend sneaker sandals or something similar to enter the water for swimming/snorkeling. Entry into the water can be a bit rocky compared to powdery sand found at North Shore Beaches.
Food scene
Our favorites, but there are lots of others to choose from on St. John. We have added a link to each restaurant's website if we could find it.
FOR CLARIFICATION, since most restaurants, stores, attractions, etc. in St. John are not accessible within easy or quick walking distance, a four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended for exploring St. John. Therefore, within this Guidebook we describe distances from our villa to be interpreted as driving distance. In the event "walk" or "hike" is used, it is to be interpreted as the type of walk or hike to expect (from easy to challenging) from your vehicle once you arrive at your destination or parking area.
Cruz Bay.
Asian flare in the heart of town.
https://www.thelongboardstjohn.com/pages/eat
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The Longboard
Cruz Bay.
Asian flare in the heart of town.
https://www.thelongboardstjohn.com/pages/eat
CORAL BAY. A once popular Cruz Bay restaurant that we are so happy has now moved to Coral Bay. Great tuna steak.
Bar special: half price apps from 4-6.
Less than 5 minutes from the Villa. Go to the bottom of our hill and turn left. At the pink restaurant, turn right and it is located on the left just after the church.
http://www.rhumblinesstjohn.com/menu.html
Hours; 4pm – 9pm Closed Tuesday, Wednesday
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Rhumb Lines
CORAL BAY. A once popular Cruz Bay restaurant that we are so happy has now moved to Coral Bay. Great tuna steak.
Bar special: half price apps from 4-6.
Less than 5 minutes from the Villa. Go to the bottom of our hill and turn left. At the pink restaurant, turn right and it is located on the left just after the church.
http://www.rhumblinesstjohn.com/menu.html
Hours; 4pm – 9pm Closed Tuesday, Wednesday
CORAL BAY. Less than 5 minutes from the Villa.
Nice waterside place to get a bite to eat and feel the breeze.
The "Dolphin" grocery store is in the same complex.
Music usually on Friday nights.
Less than 5 minutes from the villa. Go down our hill and turn right. It is on the right just passed Oasis restaurant, Salty Mongoose Pizza, and Cocolobo shopping center. Located in the same parking area as the Dolphin Market.
http://www.aquabistrostjohn.com
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Aqua Bistro (Seafood Restaurant)
Harolds WayCORAL BAY. Less than 5 minutes from the Villa.
Nice waterside place to get a bite to eat and feel the breeze.
The "Dolphin" grocery store is in the same complex.
Music usually on Friday nights.
Less than 5 minutes from the villa. Go down our hill and turn right. It is on the right just passed Oasis restaurant, Salty Mongoose Pizza, and Cocolobo shopping center. Located in the same parking area as the Dolphin Market.
http://www.aquabistrostjohn.com
CORAL BAY. Within 10 minutes from the Villa.
A beautiful setting to have a drink or bite to eat.
Open mike on Thursday nights starting at 5:30pm.
Lunch closes at 3:00 to allow for prep time for open mic night.
Brunch on Sundays.
Less than 5 minutes from the villa. Go down our hill and turn right. Route 107, on the left in the direction towards Ram Head/Salt Pond. Restaurant will be on your left – If you get to the hairpin left turn, you just passed it
https://www.facebook.com/Miss-Lucys-in-Coral-Bay-107027050767945
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Miss Lucy's
CORAL BAY. Within 10 minutes from the Villa.
A beautiful setting to have a drink or bite to eat.
Open mike on Thursday nights starting at 5:30pm.
Lunch closes at 3:00 to allow for prep time for open mic night.
Brunch on Sundays.
Less than 5 minutes from the villa. Go down our hill and turn right. Route 107, on the left in the direction towards Ram Head/Salt Pond. Restaurant will be on your left – If you get to the hairpin left turn, you just passed it
https://www.facebook.com/Miss-Lucys-in-Coral-Bay-107027050767945
CORAL BAY. Less than 5 minutes from the villa.
CASH ONLY
Burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches. Very low key with a bar. There is also a retail store.
Less than 5 minutes from the Villa. Go to the bottom of our hill and turn left. At the pink restaurant, turn right and it is located on the right just after the fire station.
http://www.skinnylegsvi.com/menu-1
Hours; 4pm – 9pm Daily
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Skinny Legs
CORAL BAY. Less than 5 minutes from the villa.
CASH ONLY
Burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches. Very low key with a bar. There is also a retail store.
Less than 5 minutes from the Villa. Go to the bottom of our hill and turn left. At the pink restaurant, turn right and it is located on the right just after the fire station.
http://www.skinnylegsvi.com/menu-1
Hours; 4pm – 9pm Daily
Cruz Bay. Mongoose Junction.
Home of St. John Brewers. Another place for good burgers. Half-price pizza special 4-6 daily.
https://stjohnbrewers.com/st-john-brewers-tap-room/
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The Tap Room
Mongoose JunctionCruz Bay. Mongoose Junction.
Home of St. John Brewers. Another place for good burgers. Half-price pizza special 4-6 daily.
https://stjohnbrewers.com/st-john-brewers-tap-room/
Cruz Bay. Mongoose Junction.
Nice selection of Mexican dishes. Also large screen TVs if you want to watch sports.
https://greengoscantinacom.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/greengosstj_takeoutmenu.pdf
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Greengos Caribbean Cantina
Mongoose JunctionCruz Bay. Mongoose Junction.
Nice selection of Mexican dishes. Also large screen TVs if you want to watch sports.
https://greengoscantinacom.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/greengosstj_takeoutmenu.pdf
Cruz Bay.
Sits close to the beach and The Beach Bar.
Go for the steaks.
http://www.thebananadeck.com/id1.html
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The Banana Deck
Bay StreetCruz Bay.
Sits close to the beach and The Beach Bar.
Go for the steaks.
http://www.thebananadeck.com/id1.html
Cruz Bay. On the beach.
Painkillers and Beach Concerts. The long awaited favorite hangout is re-open! Great happy hour 3-7, $2 Caribe, $3 beers and $4 PainKillers.
http://beachbarstjohn.com/#menu
http://beachbarstjohn.com/#musical-guests
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The Beach Bar
Cruz Bay. On the beach.
Painkillers and Beach Concerts. The long awaited favorite hangout is re-open! Great happy hour 3-7, $2 Caribe, $3 beers and $4 PainKillers.
http://beachbarstjohn.com/#menu
http://beachbarstjohn.com/#musical-guests
Cruz Bay. Near Mongoose Junction.
If you want a fancy night out, this restaurant may be one to try. It's one of the the most upscale restaurants and has a tropical feel with all of its mahogany woods and tropical greenery. Located just down the street from Mongoose Junction.
http://www.morgansmango.com
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Morgan's Mango
18 First StreetCruz Bay. Near Mongoose Junction.
If you want a fancy night out, this restaurant may be one to try. It's one of the the most upscale restaurants and has a tropical feel with all of its mahogany woods and tropical greenery. Located just down the street from Mongoose Junction.
http://www.morgansmango.com
Cruz Bay.
Swanky date night spot for delicious food with Italian flare.
https://www.extravirginbistro.com
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Extra Virgin Bistro
Cruz Bay.
Swanky date night spot for delicious food with Italian flare.
https://www.extravirginbistro.com
Cruz Bay.
Menu is a Spanish / Mediterranean flare. Maybe catch a table to sit close to the street and watch the crowd go by.
http://www.latapastjohn.com/menu
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La Tapa
Cruz Bay.
Menu is a Spanish / Mediterranean flare. Maybe catch a table to sit close to the street and watch the crowd go by.
http://www.latapastjohn.com/menu
Cruz Bay. Beach.
Right on the water, this newly refurbished establishment has recently re-opened. Wine and dine by the water.
The Beach Bar is right next door.
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Joe's Rum Hut
Cruz Bay. Beach.
Right on the water, this newly refurbished establishment has recently re-opened. Wine and dine by the water.
The Beach Bar is right next door.
Cruz Bay.
Down the street from the wharf side area. Convenient to stroll down from the beach and stop at a few shops. Lobster risotto is John's favorite dish.
https://thelimeinn.com/menu
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The Lime Inn
2C Vester GadeCruz Bay.
Down the street from the wharf side area. Convenient to stroll down from the beach and stop at a few shops. Lobster risotto is John's favorite dish.
https://thelimeinn.com/menu
CORAL BAY. Breakfast spot in Coral Bay. In same shopping center as Dolphin Market and Aqua Bistro
Delyvonne Breakfast Bistro
5A Harolds WayCORAL BAY. Breakfast spot in Coral Bay. In same shopping center as Dolphin Market and Aqua Bistro
CORAL BAY. New Pizza Bar on the water that opened in Coral Bay in 2020. Enjoy pizza by the bay.
Go to the bottom on the hill, turn right onto Rt. 107. It's not far on the right side of the road in a yellow building, right by the Oasis Restaurant and Cocolobo shopping center, but before the Dolphin Market.
saltymongoosestjohn.com
The Salty Mongoose
CORAL BAY. New Pizza Bar on the water that opened in Coral Bay in 2020. Enjoy pizza by the bay.
Go to the bottom on the hill, turn right onto Rt. 107. It's not far on the right side of the road in a yellow building, right by the Oasis Restaurant and Cocolobo shopping center, but before the Dolphin Market.
saltymongoosestjohn.com
CORAL BAY. PERMANENTLY CLOSED. Great outdoor spot on the water for a quick stop at breakfast or drinks, homemade cooking and BBQ at night. Different selections daily. Offering "drive-thru brew & sit-down southern comfort".
Go to the bottom of our hill, turn right onto Route 107, then not far on your right look for an outdoor wooden eatery on your right. Located before Cocolobo shopping center and Dolphin Market (You can see it from your deck at night with illuminated lights around their building).
www.oasisstjohn.com
Often times their menu selection is posted on their facebook page.
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Coral Bay Caribbean Oasis
CORAL BAY. PERMANENTLY CLOSED. Great outdoor spot on the water for a quick stop at breakfast or drinks, homemade cooking and BBQ at night. Different selections daily. Offering "drive-thru brew & sit-down southern comfort".
Go to the bottom of our hill, turn right onto Route 107, then not far on your right look for an outdoor wooden eatery on your right. Located before Cocolobo shopping center and Dolphin Market (You can see it from your deck at night with illuminated lights around their building).
www.oasisstjohn.com
Often times their menu selection is posted on their facebook page.
CORAL BAY. Quaint spot for local flavor, smoothies, ice cream, cakes and pastries.
Daily 10am - 8pm. (340) 228-3311
Ekaete Pink Corner
CORAL BAY. Quaint spot for local flavor, smoothies, ice cream, cakes and pastries.
Daily 10am - 8pm. (340) 228-3311
Cruz Bay. Deli sandwiches, salads, dips, breads and pastries.
Located in Mongoose Junction, downstairs.
http://northshoredeli.restaurantsnapshot.com
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North Shore Deli
507 N Shore RdCruz Bay. Deli sandwiches, salads, dips, breads and pastries.
Located in Mongoose Junction, downstairs.
http://northshoredeli.restaurantsnapshot.com
CORAL BAY. On Route 107. Drive down to the bottom on the Rt. 108 hill, turn right. Continue about a mile or so and it will be on your right. Near Calabash Market in the Shipwreck Landing area.
Pizza, Calzone, Salad, Beer, Wine, etc.
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Pizzabar {in paradise}
Route 107CORAL BAY. On Route 107. Drive down to the bottom on the Rt. 108 hill, turn right. Continue about a mile or so and it will be on your right. Near Calabash Market in the Shipwreck Landing area.
Pizza, Calzone, Salad, Beer, Wine, etc.
Great lookout toward St. Thomas with Bar, Food, Music (see their calendar) to enjoy with an amazing water view and colorful sky.
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The Windmill Bar
Great lookout toward St. Thomas with Bar, Food, Music (see their calendar) to enjoy with an amazing water view and colorful sky.
Shopping Centers or Grocery
For grocery stores and shopping, there are no major or "big box" stores on St. John. All are local establishments and most grocery stores would be considered small "mom and pop" sized stores.
FOR CLARIFICATION, since most restaurants, stores, attractions, etc. in St. John are not accessible within easy or quick walking distance, a four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended for exploring St. John. Therefore, within this Guidebook we describe distances from our villa to be interpreted as driving distance. In the event "walk" or "hike" is used, it is to be interpreted as the type of walk or hike to expect (from easy to challenging) from your vehicle once you arrive at your destination or parking area.
Cruz Bay.
A central location to shop, stroll and dine. Lots of businesses to visit and get souvenirs, look at art and jewelry, listen to music and try a restaurant. Restaurants include: The Tap Room, North Shore Deli, 18°64° The Restaurant, Scoops, Sun Dog Cafe, Bajo el Sol Gallery and Art Bar, and Greengo’s Caribbean Cantina.
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Mongoose Junction
513 Mongoose JctCruz Bay.
A central location to shop, stroll and dine. Lots of businesses to visit and get souvenirs, look at art and jewelry, listen to music and try a restaurant. Restaurants include: The Tap Room, North Shore Deli, 18°64° The Restaurant, Scoops, Sun Dog Cafe, Bajo el Sol Gallery and Art Bar, and Greengo’s Caribbean Cantina.
CRUZ BAY. Grocery Store at the traffic circle in Cruz Bay.
There is also another Dolphin Market in Coral Bay, less than 5 minutes from the villa.
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Dolphin Market
CRUZ BAY. Grocery Store at the traffic circle in Cruz Bay.
There is also another Dolphin Market in Coral Bay, less than 5 minutes from the villa.
CORAL BAY. Less than 5 minutes from the villa. Go down our hill and turn right. It is on the right just passed Oasis restaurant, Salty Mongoose Pizza, and Cocolobo shopping center. Located in the same parking area as Aqua Bistro restaurant.
Walk right through the left side of the restaurant area of Aqua Bistro and up the steps.
Nice selection of a variety of foods. Not the best selection of fresh meats. We suggest stopping at St. John Market or Starfish Market for a comprehensive selection of fresh meats - both in Cruz Bay.
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Dolphin Market
CORAL BAY. Less than 5 minutes from the villa. Go down our hill and turn right. It is on the right just passed Oasis restaurant, Salty Mongoose Pizza, and Cocolobo shopping center. Located in the same parking area as Aqua Bistro restaurant.
Walk right through the left side of the restaurant area of Aqua Bistro and up the steps.
Nice selection of a variety of foods. Not the best selection of fresh meats. We suggest stopping at St. John Market or Starfish Market for a comprehensive selection of fresh meats - both in Cruz Bay.
Cruz Bay. At the traffic circle, take the first exit directly to the right of the straight up hill (that would take you to Route 10 / Centerline Road). You will end up on a one way side street where there will a church on your right. Proceed straight down this road, and down a hill, then the Starfish Market will be on your left.
Biggest grocery store on island. Within the store there is a meat & seafood section and deli for freshly made sandwiches, hot entrees, pizza, bread.
This is a shopping complex called the Marketplace that not only has a grocery store, but other shops including: a pharmacy called Chelsea Drug, and deli called Sam and Jacks.
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Starfish Market
Cruz Bay. At the traffic circle, take the first exit directly to the right of the straight up hill (that would take you to Route 10 / Centerline Road). You will end up on a one way side street where there will a church on your right. Proceed straight down this road, and down a hill, then the Starfish Market will be on your left.
Biggest grocery store on island. Within the store there is a meat & seafood section and deli for freshly made sandwiches, hot entrees, pizza, bread.
This is a shopping complex called the Marketplace that not only has a grocery store, but other shops including: a pharmacy called Chelsea Drug, and deli called Sam and Jacks.
Cruz Bay.
At the traffic circle, take the first exit directly to the right of the straight up hill (that would take you to Route 10 / Centerline Road). You will end up on a one way side street where there will a church on your right. Proceed straight down this road, and down a hill, then passed the Marketplace on your left. Keep going passed first gas station on your left, then up and over a steep hill. After the second gas station on your left, St. John Gourmet Market is on your left.
Another good selection of grocery items to choose from. It includes a meat section and deli for freshly made sandwiches, hot entrees.
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Dolphin Gourmet Market - Westin
Cruz Bay.
At the traffic circle, take the first exit directly to the right of the straight up hill (that would take you to Route 10 / Centerline Road). You will end up on a one way side street where there will a church on your right. Proceed straight down this road, and down a hill, then passed the Marketplace on your left. Keep going passed first gas station on your left, then up and over a steep hill. After the second gas station on your left, St. John Gourmet Market is on your left.
Another good selection of grocery items to choose from. It includes a meat section and deli for freshly made sandwiches, hot entrees.
CORAL BAY.
Nice LITTLE convenience store that also has meats, seafood, and prepared foods. Also should be an ATM.
At the bottom of our hill turn right. Go passed Cocolobo shopping center and Dolphin Market quite a ways. It will be a yellow building on your right.
6 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
Calabash Market
CORAL BAY.
Nice LITTLE convenience store that also has meats, seafood, and prepared foods. Also should be an ATM.
At the bottom of our hill turn right. Go passed Cocolobo shopping center and Dolphin Market quite a ways. It will be a yellow building on your right.
Car Rental, Gas Stations & Automotive
A VEHICLE RENTAL IS NEEDED - St. John is very car dependent. Vacation rentals are in mountainous residential areas, not easily walkable to beaches, etc. Taxi's will be as expensive as renting a car. Uber and Lyft do not exist here. Switchbacks are common and can be sharp, tight, steep, narrow, and slick in wet conditions. Some 4x4 such as a Jeep is helpful; a 4-cylinder sedan is definitely not recommended for St. John. A 4-cylinder or vehicle that is not all wheel drive may experience difficulties sliding down or spinning wheels up switchbacks, even on the main beach road where you will do most of your driving.
There are three GAS STATIONS on the island: two in Cruz Bay; and one mid-island (on Route 10). Get gas at one of these locations. There is no gas station in Coral Bay.
OTHER AUTOMOTIVE: Caravan Auto Parts is located between the two gas stations in case you have any car problems. If you have a low tires or need to plug a tire, which does occasionally happen on St. John, and can get back to the villa we may be able to help you with that.
Also listed are Jeep rental agencies - we don't endorse any specific one, just giving you quick access to information for you to decide which is right for you.
Cruz Bay.
This is one of only three gas stations on the island.
At the traffic circle, take the first exit directly to the right of the straight up hill (that would take you to Route 10 / Centerline Road). You will end up on a one way side street where there will a church on your right. Proceed straight down this road, and down a hill, then the Starfish Market will be on your left. Keep going and the gas station will be on your left.
E&C Service Station
Route 104Cruz Bay.
This is one of only three gas stations on the island.
At the traffic circle, take the first exit directly to the right of the straight up hill (that would take you to Route 10 / Centerline Road). You will end up on a one way side street where there will a church on your right. Proceed straight down this road, and down a hill, then the Starfish Market will be on your left. Keep going and the gas station will be on your left.
Cruz Bay.
This is one of only three gas stations on the island.
At the traffic circle, take the first exit directly to the right of the straight up hill (that would take you to Route 10 / Centerline Road). You will end up on a one way side street where there will a church on your right. Proceed straight down this road, and down a hill, then passed the Marketplace on your left. Keep going passed first gas station on your left, then up and over a steep hill is the second gas station on your left.
Race Track
Southside RoadCruz Bay.
This is one of only three gas stations on the island.
At the traffic circle, take the first exit directly to the right of the straight up hill (that would take you to Route 10 / Centerline Road). You will end up on a one way side street where there will a church on your right. Proceed straight down this road, and down a hill, then passed the Marketplace on your left. Keep going passed first gas station on your left, then up and over a steep hill is the second gas station on your left.
Courtesy Car & Jeep Rental
https://courtesycarrental.com
Aquarius Car Rental - St. John, U.S.V.I.
https://aquariusstjohn.com
Conrad Sutton Jeep & Car Rental
King Streethttps://www.conradcars.com
https://www.stjohncarrental.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gmb
St. John Car Rental
https://www.stjohncarrental.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gmb
http://www.aquablucarrental.com
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Aqua Blu Car Rental & Transportation Services
http://www.aquablucarrental.com
L & L Jeep Rental
18 11 Enighedhttp://bookajeep.com
Slim Man's Jeep Rental
5BA Cruz Bay Quarterhttps://www.slimmansjeeprental.com
Mr. Piper's Jeeps
https://mrpipersjeeps.com
C & C Car Rental
https://www.cccarrental.com
Cool Breeze Jeep rentals
North Shore Roadhttp://coolbreezecarrental.com/stjohn_terms_conditions.htm
Hospitality Rent A Car
http://www.hospitalityrentacar.com
Excursions & Special Services
Not all selections that we'd like to share show up in AirBnb, (particularly for charters, fishing, etc.). We have a few more options printed within the villa. We do not endorse any specific business and this listing is not intended to be an exhaustive list. We are providing some quick information to decide if one is right for you based on requests we have had for similar recommendations.
Coral Bay. Office is less than 5 minutes from the villa.
Power Boating, Sailing, Diving.
https://www.busybeevi.com/rates.htm
Busy Bee Charters
Coral Bay. Office is less than 5 minutes from the villa.
Power Boating, Sailing, Diving.
https://www.busybeevi.com/rates.htm
This section of the guidebook is to help you find spa, massage, meditation, yoga and exercise listings. We do not endorse any specific business and this listing is not intended to be an exhaustive list. We are providing some quick information to decide if one is right for you based on requests we have had for similar recommendations.
MASSAGE, SPA SERVICES
• https://www.spalalavi.com – Coral Bay
• https://mangoblissspa.com – Cruz Bay
• https://sugarandspicestj.com/services/ - Cruz Bay
• https://paradisemassagevi.com Christie Brown, Massage - (340) 228-5520
• http://stjohnvimassage.com/About-Us.htm Krista Kremer 340-643-0643
• http://www.linaguildmassage.com Lina Guild (340) 776-6223
• https://www.crandallmassage.com Meagen Crandall 340-227-7435
YOGA, FITNESS
• Paddleboard Yoga https://www.sup-stjohn.com/paddleboard/sup-yoga-on-st-john/
• Coral Bay https://www.spalalavi.com/our-services
• Cruz Bay https://www.pointwellnessspa.com
Spalala
This section of the guidebook is to help you find spa, massage, meditation, yoga and exercise listings. We do not endorse any specific business and this listing is not intended to be an exhaustive list. We are providing some quick information to decide if one is right for you based on requests we have had for similar recommendations.
MASSAGE, SPA SERVICES
• https://www.spalalavi.com – Coral Bay
• https://mangoblissspa.com – Cruz Bay
• https://sugarandspicestj.com/services/ - Cruz Bay
• https://paradisemassagevi.com Christie Brown, Massage - (340) 228-5520
• http://stjohnvimassage.com/About-Us.htm Krista Kremer 340-643-0643
• http://www.linaguildmassage.com Lina Guild (340) 776-6223
• https://www.crandallmassage.com Meagen Crandall 340-227-7435
YOGA, FITNESS
• Paddleboard Yoga https://www.sup-stjohn.com/paddleboard/sup-yoga-on-st-john/
• Coral Bay https://www.spalalavi.com/our-services
• Cruz Bay https://www.pointwellnessspa.com
Bad Kitty Charters
https://www.calypsovi.com/trips
http://toursandwatersportsinthevirginislands.com
Sunset cruises, BVIs, Night Kayaking
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New Horizons & Breakaway Charters
http://toursandwatersportsinthevirginislands.com
Sunset cruises, BVIs, Night Kayaking
SNORKEL TIPS AND SWIM SAFETY
This section on snorkeling applies to any location on St. John, (although a general location [North Shore] was required to be selected in order to create a category.)
There are no lifeguards on any beach.
Stand on sand.
Be aware of weather conditions and high surf alerts.
Be aware of sea urchins (which usually adhere to rocks) and fire worms. It is better not to touch anything in the water. It is better for the marine life and better for you so that you don't step or touch anything that may cause irritation to your skin.
Be aware of your own swimming ability and keep an eye out for others in your group. No need to over-exert yourself. Listen to your instincts and do not go farther out to waters then you think you may be comfortable with. Relax and gently swim along where you have a comfort level. If you feel like you may be getting tired, get out of the water and enjoy the view relaxing on the beach for a bit until you are refreshed.
Bring snacks and water to keep your energy up.
Pack a hat, reef-safe sunscreen and bug spray.
It's not recommended to apply sunscreen to your face before using snorkel gear - this will make the mask slip and slide, rather than adhere to your face.
Get your face wet, and the rim of the snorkel mask wet for best seal against water leakage.
If you have fins to wear while snorkeling, do not put them on until you are in waist deep water. It is dangerous to walk in them, or try to stand in them at the surf.
North Shore Road
North Shore RoadThere are no lifeguards on any beach.
Stand on sand.
Be aware of weather conditions and high surf alerts.
Be aware of sea urchins (which usually adhere to rocks) and fire worms. It is better not to touch anything in the water. It is better for the marine life and better for you so that you don't step or touch anything that may cause irritation to your skin.
Be aware of your own swimming ability and keep an eye out for others in your group. No need to over-exert yourself. Listen to your instincts and do not go farther out to waters then you think you may be comfortable with. Relax and gently swim along where you have a comfort level. If you feel like you may be getting tired, get out of the water and enjoy the view relaxing on the beach for a bit until you are refreshed.
Bring snacks and water to keep your energy up.
Pack a hat, reef-safe sunscreen and bug spray.
It's not recommended to apply sunscreen to your face before using snorkel gear - this will make the mask slip and slide, rather than adhere to your face.
Get your face wet, and the rim of the snorkel mask wet for best seal against water leakage.
If you have fins to wear while snorkeling, do not put them on until you are in waist deep water. It is dangerous to walk in them, or try to stand in them at the surf.
Ferry Schedule and Rates
Picture 1 is the schedule for the FOOT ferry between St. Thomas and St. John. Pictures 2 and 3 are schedules for CAR ferry service between St. Thomas and St. John
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Cruz Bay
Picture 1 is the schedule for the FOOT ferry between St. Thomas and St. John. Pictures 2 and 3 are schedules for CAR ferry service between St. Thomas and St. John