St. John, USVI Travel Guide

St. John, USVI. The smallest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands, and perhaps the most beautiful. With over 60% of its land preserved by national parks, it’s comforting to know that its natural beauty will be honored and preserved forever. St. John has friendly locals, which include donkeys and sea turtles. Its beautiful beaches perhaps the best of the entire Caribbean. If you’re craving a Caribbean getaway without the hustle and bustle of crowds, St. John is the perfect warm weather oasis. Sit back and relax, you’re on island time now! Here’s my St. John, USVI Travel Guide. Sharing the best places to eat, the most beautiful beaches, and the places to stay with the most wonderful views.

Ultimate St. John, USVI Travel Guide

St. John, USVI Travel Guide

As you guys know, a few weeks ago I was on vacation in St. John, USVI. Let me start by saying that St. John is one of the most beautiful spots I’ve ever been to. It’s casual feel, combined with the fact that it’s not overcrowded with other travelers are a couple of the main reasons I keep coming back. I’ve been three times now, so I feel that I have it completely down with what you need to see and what some of the best spots on the island are! Sit back, grab yourself a cup of coffee (or a glass of wine!), and enjoy because this is a long one! I’m sharing my favorite places to eat, the best beaches, where to stay, and things you have to do while you’re on the island! I hope you enjoy my St. John, USVI travel guide.

 

St. John, USVI Travel Guide

Getting to St. John, USVI

Depending on what airport is closest to you, getting there may look a little different for you than me! The first thing to know is that you cannot fly directly into St. John. They don’t have an airport… or even a stoplight! The easiest way to get there is to fly into St. Thomas (Cyril E. King airport), take a cab/van to the ferry landing (called Red Hook), and then take a ferry to St. John (about a 35-40 min. van ride depending on traffic, 20 min. ferry ride). It might sound confusing or hectic, but I promise it’s easy!

Your cab ride to Red Hook will venture through windy and steep roads if they go the back way when there’s traffic in town, but you will come out alive (deep breaths and buckle up)! An important thing to know is that no flights go into St. Thomas when it’s dark! The past couple times I’ve gone, I’ve taken a midnight flight out of Boston, had a layover in San Juan, Puerto Rico for a few hours, and then have flown into St. Thomas the very first thing in the morning (about a 30 minute flight). I like doing it this way because I feel like I miss out on less by traveling during sleeping hours, and I can maximize my time there. However, check your times and figure out if this would make sense for you! This is a great option for East-coasters, but if you’re from the West coast, it might not make as much sense for you! Airlines that fly directly to St. Thomas include jetBlue, Delta, American Airlines, United, and Spirit Airlines.

As soon as you land, go to baggage, get your bags, and then go directly outside the doors to wait for a cab. There will be plenty of people working outside and flagging down cabs and vans for you, and it’s very organized- just let them know you’re going to Red Hook and how many people you have with you. I have always shared a van with other travelers, and it’s worked out great! Make sure to have cash on you to pay and tip your cab driver (the rate they charge is per person plugs bags).

Once you get to the Red Hook ferry terminal, you can buy tickets and get tags for your bags to be put on the ferry (they put your bags on the ferry for you, but I suggest keeping smaller bags like a purse or carry on with you). They just started taking credit cards, but it’s nice to have cash just in case! Your bags will be put on and off the boat for you. Note: You can also take the ferry all the way to St. John from closer to the airport (Charlotte Amalie to St. John) but I’ve never done this and have heard it can get a little rocky. A good thing to know is that there are only 3 departures a day from this location. This is why I would stick to going to Red Hook where there is a ferry leaving every hour on the hour from early in the morning to midnight. If you have to wait a little while, don’t worry YOU’RE ON ISLAND TIME, plus- there’s a bar at the ferry terminal! πŸ™‚

view of St. Thomas, USVI from sky

sailing in St. John, USVI

Cruz Bay, St. John, USVI

beach day St. John, USVI

Where to Stay on St. John, USVI

Every time I’ve been to St. John, my family has rented a villa through Catered to Vacation Homes. They are essentially a property management company that rents out people’s homes on St. John and also provides transportation to the villa when you arrive. Their guides/employees (not quite sure what to call them!) are so incredibly helpful! They have direct communication with you the entire day of travel to ensure that you’re picked up timely at the ferry landing in Cruz Bay.

On your way to the villa, our past guides have showed us where grocery stores, gas stations, and popular restaurants are. A past guide even let us drop off our bags at our villa when we arrived prior to check in time, and then took us back to where we were picking up our rental car. Life saver. The other amazing thing about Catered To villas are that they have full kitchens (every time we have stayed there have been spices, sugar, food items that other guests have left that aren’t past the expiration date, and many other essentials in the cupboards).

Many properties have full laundry, a cleaning service that comes to clean half way through your stay, and there are almost always beach chairs, towels, pool floats, and beach bags so that you don’t have to worry about packing any of those things! I know that I can take all the help I can get with making my luggage lighter! We would also do breakfast at our villa every morning because we found it easier than going to town, and would also do a couple dinners at home on the grill. Most villas are extremely private and have pools (ours even had a hot tub too)! I highly recommend going this route (especially if you have a large group), but if a villa is not your thing, there are many other options on St. John. I’ve linked some of the ones that have stood out to me below:

Catered to Vacation Home Villas
The Westin
Caneel Bay Resort
Gallows Point Resort
Sea Shore Allure
Book through St. John Villa Rentals

Note: For those who have asked, we have stayed here (our favorite one we ever stayed in because of the unreal views and the huge pool), here, and here on this trip.

Vida de Mar villa St. John, USVI
The view from our Catered To villa rental was so incredibly beautiful!!

Vida de Mar vila beach St. John, USVI

palm trees St. John, USVI

hammock life St. John, USVI
Our villa had its own private beach complete with a hammock. Absolute perfection.

huge hermit crab St. John, USVI

Where to Eat on St. John, USVI

Sam & Jack’s Deli- Love getting sandwiches here and then taking them to the beach for lunch.
The Longboard- The Longboard is one of my favorite spots for afternoon drinks and appetizers. It definitely wins the award for best design aesthetic and “Most Instagrammable” restaurant on all of St. John. The Longboard is an open air restaurant with a large bar and a coastal feel. It’s extremely conveniently located in Cruz Bay, and is just about a one minute walk from the St. John ferry landing. Make sure to try their frozen painkiller, a Moscow mule with their house made ginger beer, their island wings, and their shrimp and avocado bruschetta.
Beach Bar- Has a large drink list and is a nice lunch spot right on the beach; My favorite drinks here are the BBC & the Lime & Coconut. But seriously, did I mention you can drink and eat right on the beach?! Perfection.
Zozo’s- Go here for a romantic dinner and don’t forget to make a reservation! It’s located at Caneel Bay. We had an amazing bone marrow crostini appetizer; Also do yourself a favor and get the veal chop. Finally, don’t skip out on dessert- the key lime pie panna cotta is out of this world!
Extra Virgin- Go here for dinner (Unfortuntely didn’t get to dine here but it has rave reviews. My friend who is an old coworker who lives in St. John mentioned that the chefs moved from Zozo’s to here. Many ingredients are sourced locally which is always a plus in my book).
-Ocean Grill- dinner (Get the lobster ravioli, grilled mahi mahi, or scallops; All are so fresh and absolutely delicious. For a drink I’m obsessed with the champagne cocktail! If you like bellinis you’ll love it).
St. John Waterfront Bistro- lunch; perfect burger spot.
-Vista Mare- dinner; If you love Italian, this is your spot!

Beach Bar St. John, USVI
The view from Beach Bar! If this picture were to keep going just a little to the right, you would see the ferry landing where you’ll arrive when you get to St. John. Not bad, huh?

drinks at Beach Bar, St. John, USVIBeach bar fun.

Beach Bar drinks St. John USVI
Enjoying drinks on the beach at Beach Bar

Cruz Bay restaurants St. John USVI

The Longboard St. John USVI
The Longboard

The Longboard restaurant St. John, USVI
The Longboard’s beautiful coastal inspired decor

drinks at The Longboard, St. John USVI

dinner at Ocean Grill, St. John USVI
Ocean Grill

Must See BeachesΒ 

Cinnamon Bay

My absolute favorite beach on St. John! This beach is free and has parking. There’s plenty of beach/sand for the kiddos to play in. The waves can be a little bit rough at the water’s edge where the waves break so make sure to watch your little ones closely! Cinnamon Bay has bathrooms, some concessions, and water sports equipment available for rent. Check out my post here for more on Cinnamon Bay.

Maho Bay

Very calm water, with amazing snorkeling! Less beach compared to Cinnamon Bay, but is also free. Definitely do yourself a favor and bring snorkel equipment. You just may swim next to turtles or sting rays like we did!

Oppenheimer Beach

Oppenheimer Beach is sometimes referred to as Gibney Beach; This beach is definitely off the beaten path, and there’s not much beach here since some of it is private property (after ducking underneath palm trees to get to the larger section of the beach, you will see that part of it is private property. Keep going to access the public area. We opted to stay closer to the tire swing where there’s a small spot of beach).

This beach has very little parking; Only enough for about two cars. The best way to get here is to get dropped off by a taxi. It’s very quiet, has a romantic feel to it, and is perfect for couples. There’s also a tire swing on a palm tree which could be fun for kids (and adults, let’s be real!!!!). Note: The property is the former home of Robert Oppenheimer, father of the atomic bomb!

Some other North Shore beaches include: Trunk Bay (opt for Cinnamon Bay instead because it’s less busy and free), Jumbie Beach, Hawksnest, and Honeymoon.

Cinnamon Bay beach, St. John USVI
Cinnamon Bay

RosΓ© at Cinnamon Bay St. John, USVI

Maho Bay beach St. John, USVI
Maho Bay

Maho Bay Beach, St. John USVI
Maho Bay

Oppenheimer Beach, St. John, USVI
Oppenheimer Beach

Oppenheimer Beach, St. John USVI
Oppenheimer Beach

Oppenheimer Beach, St. John USVI
Oppenheimer Beach

Oppenheimer Beach Virgin Islands
Oppenheimer Beach

crab on St. John, USVI
No chance of getting crabby when you’re at Maho Beach πŸ˜‰

Oppenheimer Beach, St. John, USVI
Oppenheimer Beach

Things To Do

-Snorkel at Maho Bay beach. You may even see a sea turtle or sting ray like we did!
-Go on a day sail to Jost Van Dyke (Make sure to hit up Soggy Dollar Bar- a bar literally on the beach and famous for its Painkiller cocktails).
-Take a day trip to the Baths at Virgin Gorda; With a passport, take the Inter Island Boat Service ferry out of Cruz Bay. (only on Thursdays & Sundays. It’s $90/person round trip plus customs fees but soo worth it to do at least once. Ferry schedule can be found here). Bring as little as possible or a backpack! You won’t want to hold onto much when going through the caves. The beach on the opposite side of Devil’s Bay through The Baths is absolutely breathtaking.
-Venture to the Coral Bay side of the island and get smoothies at Colombo’s Smoothies (plus they put in free rum if you want it)!!!!
-Horseback trail rides with Carolina Corral
-Go hiking to the Annaberg Sugar Plantation Ruins (more info here)

Sandy Spit, Virgin Islands
A day trip with Singing Dog Sailing to Sandy Cay & Sandy Spit is a must. Read more about it here.

Sandy Spit, Virgin Islands

Soggy Dollar Bar, Jost Van Dyke
Soggy Dollar Bar in Jost Van Dyke

Soggy Dollar Bar, White Bay, Jost Van Dyke

The Baths, Virgin Gorda
The Baths of Virgin Gorda

Devil's Bay, The Baths, Virgin Gorda
The beautiful beach once you get through the Baths!

The Baths, Virgin Gorda
The Baths of Virgin Gorda

The Baths, Virgin Gorda
The Baths of Virgin Gorda

Helpful to Know About St. John, USVI

-Cell service is terrible and wifi is really spotty throughout the entire island so if you’re someone who plans on working a little bit while you’re there, you should make other plans! Besides, it’s nice to unwind and that’s the whole reason you’re going on vacation πŸ™‚
-The power can go out pretty frequently, but not to worry! It’s almost always restored VERY quickly. On all of my trips there, it’s only happened twice and was restored within the hour.
-The locals are SO nice! Don’t be afraid to chat them up, and don’t be alarmed if they talk to you. One of the locals I met told us all about when he used to work in Cambridge, MA (basically Boston) and on Nantucket!
-Food in grocery stores is about 3x what you pay in the United States because of the cost to get it to the island.
-Gas is also more expensive so don’t be shocked when you see it at almost a whole dollar more than the continental U.S.
-The roads can be very windy and steep, and you drive on the opposite side of the road in St. John (but the steering wheel is still on the same side). Because of this, there are many blind turns and hills. If you’re not an experienced driver who would feel comfortable driving, make sure to stay in an area where there are adequate cabs (Cruz Bay, Great Cruz Bay, Chocolate Hole, Rendezvous, Hart, etc.)
-Dress is very casual! If you’re wearing pumps you will definitely stand out (and save yourself the space and just leave them at home, ladies!)
-That being said, it is definitely frowned upon by locals to wear only a bathing suit around town or in establishments. Pack your cover ups!
-Book your villa early (a year in advance would not be frowned upon) if you’re going that route! They fill up very quickly!
-I definitely recommend wearing bug spray if you’re staying in an area close to the water.

Cruz Bay, St. John, USVII mean, how does this not make you smile?! πŸ™‚

beautiful colors of St. John

flowers of St. John, USVI

pineapple, St. John USVI

iguanas St. John, United States Virgin Islands

morning coffee on St. John, USVI

hammock on St. John, USVI

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ABOUT

Hi there! My name is Mackenzie. I live in Portland, Maine with my husband and was born and raised in Maine. After spending 7 years in Boston, MA to build my career and venture outside of my home state, I realized that it felt time to move back home, and here I am! I enjoy romanticizing where I'm from and teaching others to do the same. For sponsorship opportunities, please email Mackenzienoelmurphy@gmail.com

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50 Comments

  1. 5.16.16
    Shan said:

    Wow, this looks absolutely incredible. Your photos are stunning.
    I really enjoyed reading this post, so detailled and helpful to anyone looking to travel there. I’m the same as you when travelling. I prefer to travel at night to get the most out of my vacation.

    Love Shan xxx

    • 5.16.16
      Mackenzie said:

      Aw thanks so much, Shan!! So glad you enjoyed this post and thanks so much for reading πŸ™‚ xoxo

      • 6.8.20
        Donna said:

        Hi! Just read your blog! We’re going at the end of august🀞🏻Any reason why you crossed out the Westin on places to stay? Saving this tho thank you!!

        • 6.8.20

          Oh yay, you’re going to love it! And I’m so sorry for the confusion! Not intentionally crossed out. Sometimes my blog crosses it out if the URL goes to a dead link. I’ll try to fix πŸ™‚ Have the best time on your trip!

  2. 5.16.16
    sarah said:

    So glad you enjoyed your trip! It looks like you had a ton of fun! I love the pineapple with sunnies hehe
    xoxo Sarah
    http://www.thehouseofsequins.com

    • 5.16.16
      Mackenzie said:

      Aww thanks Sarah!! And thanks so much for reading πŸ™‚ xo

  3. 5.16.16
    Jessica W said:

    Your trip looks incredible! Now I desperately want to go to St. John! I also love the picture of the pineapple with the sunglasses! So cute.

    xo Jessica
    http://www.whatsfordinneresq.com

    • 5.16.16
      Mackenzie said:

      Thanks Jessica! It’s truly an amazing place. If you ever get the chance you have to go!!! Thanks for reading!!! xoxo

  4. 5.16.16
    Lauren said:

    That water is unreal!!! It looks like such a perfect spot to vacation. I’ll be adding it to my list of places to visit πŸ™‚

    Lauren
    http://www.anexplorersheart.com

    • 5.16.16
      Mackenzie said:

      Thanks for reading, Lauren!! It’s definitely one of my favorite spots. If you ever get the chance to vacation there you have to go!!!! xoxo

  5. 5.16.16

    GORGEOUS PHOTOS! I’m so jealous but after reading this post I felt like I was with you the entire time!
    http://stopdropandvogue.com/

    • 5.16.16
      Mackenzie said:

      Aww thanks so much Taylor!!! Glad it felt like you were there! Definitely go there if you ever get the chance! Thanks for reading πŸ™‚ xoxo

  6. 5.16.16
    Kait Elizabeth said:

    Gorgeous blue water! This looks like an amazing trip! Hugs, Kait
    http://www.makeminemaroon.com

    • 5.16.16
      Mackenzie said:

      Aw thanks, Kait!!! The pictures don’t even do it justice. It’s so breathtaking! Thanks for reading πŸ™‚ xoxo

  7. 5.16.16

    All of your photos turned out so great! I love your white bikini, too! St. John is on our ‘to go to’ list and hopefully we can cross it off soon while hitting up some of your suggested spots! πŸ™‚

    xox,
    Kristin

    • 5.16.16
      Mackenzie said:

      Aw thanks, Kristin!! I wish I could link the bikini but it sold out from ASOS. I so hope you get to go soon!!! It’s absolutely amazing xoxo thanks for reading!!!

  8. 5.16.16
    Ruthie said:

    Ok that’s it!!! I’m booking the next flight to St. John!! Seriously looked amazing. Loved your captures. Just beautiful. That water!!

    • 5.16.16
      Mackenzie said:

      Aw thanks, Ruthie!!! It really is such a special and breathtaking place!! Thanks for reading πŸ™‚ xoxo

  9. 5.16.16

    These pictures are stunning! I so want to plan a visit there πŸ™‚
    xoxo, Jenna
    Boston Chic Party

    • 5.16.16
      Mackenzie said:

      Thanks so much, Jenna!! Definitely go if you ever get the chance! Thanks for reading πŸ™‚ xoxo

  10. 5.17.16
    Raina said:

    Wow, St. John is absolutely beautiful! Love all your pictures!! Thanks for sharing πŸ™‚

    xo Raina
    http://www.themamaqueen.com

    • 5.17.16
      Mackenzie said:

      Aw thanks, Raina!!! So glad you enjoyed them! Thanks so much for reading. xoxo

  11. 5.17.16
    Willow said:

    St. Johns is on my bucket list and you gave some really great tips! I had no idea it would be good to book the trip a whole year in advance!

    • 5.17.16
      Mackenzie said:

      Aw thanks Willow!! Thanks for reading xo

  12. 5.17.16
    Sophia said:

    This location looks so pretty. Especially the water. It looks like you guys had a great time.

    • 5.17.16
      Mackenzie said:

      Thanks for reading, Sophia!! The photos don’t even do the water justice. It was soooo gorgeous! xo

  13. 5.17.16
    Suzette said:

    Your post makes me want to visit St. Thomas! I’ve never been there. Looks so serene and beautiful.

    • 5.17.16
      Mackenzie said:

      It’s amazing, Suzette!! You have to go if you ever get the chance! Thanks for reading!! xo

  14. 5.17.16
    Lauren said:

    Beautiful! Def pinning this and adding to my must-go list!

    • 5.17.16
      Mackenzie said:

      Aw thanks so much, Lauren!! Glad you loved it! xoxo

  15. 5.17.16

    WOW! What GORGEOUS photos, and I love all of the travel tips you share here. I have not yet been to St John USVI but it looks absolutely stunning. What a wonderful vacation spot!

    • 5.17.16
      Mackenzie said:

      Thanks so much for reading, Marilyn!! You have to go if you ever get the chance!! It’s absolutely stunning. Such a relaxing vacation spot!!! xoxo

  16. 5.18.16
    Rebecca said:

    OOOOH my goodness that looks amazing!! I’ve never been to the Virgin Islands, and now that’s all I want to do. Looks like you had an amazing trip! And gorgeous photos- I love how vibrant they are!

    • 5.18.16
      Mackenzie said:

      You have to go, Rebecca!! It’s truly one of the best spots I’ve ever been to! Thanks so much for reading πŸ™‚ xoxo

  17. 5.18.16
    Ashley Steer said:

    I. NEED. A. VACATION. Beautiful photos. Beautiful post. I can’t wait to finally get to somewhere warm and lovely like this!

    • 5.18.16
      Mackenzie said:

      Aw thanks so much, Ashley!!! I’m already counting down the days until I can go on vacation again ugh but it will be awhile haha. Thanks so much for reading! xo

  18. 5.19.16
    Heather said:

    St. Johns is one of my favorite places I’ve traveled. So beautiful!

    • 5.20.16
      Mackenzie said:

      Isn’t it amazing?!!! I can’t stop thinking about it, even though I’ve been home a couple weeks haha Thanks for reading, Heather!!! xo

  19. 5.20.16
    Mariam said:

    What a wonderful travel guide!! We are considering St. Johns as a next vacation destination! The pictures look so lovely

    xo Mariam
    http://www.thepetitebijou.com

    • 5.20.16
      Mackenzie said:

      You have to go!!! You would love it. Can’t say enough good things about it! Thanks for reading, Mariam! πŸ™‚

  20. 6.8.16
    Hannah said:

    Absolutely stunning! I’ve had this on my list for a while now!

    • 6.8.16
      Mackenzie said:

      Thanks girl!!!! It’s absolutely stunning there, you have to go!