The North Shore beaches are all absolutely stunning, just a short taxi from Cruz Bay. Explore some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean: from remote hideouts like Oppenheimer Beach or Jumbie Bay, to crystal blue waters with amenities (food, drinks, chair and snorkel rentals, restrooms) like Cinnamon Bay, Maho Bay, and Trunk Bay. Learn more at the link below.
This is hands down our favorite hike on the island. It is moderately challenging and takes about an hour each way. This requires a ride to the eastern side of the island, a walk along Salt Pond Beach and steep trail uphill. There is no shade, so bring water. We do not recommend if you are afraid of heights, but text us with any questions.
Explore why Food & Wine said St. John "should be your next culinary destination". Try the Chef's tasting menu at the Lime Inn, indulge in the seafood at Morgan's Mango, grab a poke bowl and frozen painkiller at The Longboard, or try one of Cruz Bay's newly relocated restaurants, La Tapa. Reservations are highly recommended and often needed at Morgan's Mango, the Lime Inn, and La Tapa. The Longboard operates on a first-come, first-serve waitlist.
A hole in the wall, St. John establishment. LB and Andrew will certainly drag you here later in the evening, but it is also a great spot for an extremely casual lunch or dinner. No reservations, and their world famous happy hour runs from 3pm-6pm.
If you rent a car or are extending your stay on St. John, we highly suggest exploring the other side of the island, Coral Bay. There are many intermediate/difficult hikes, private rocky beaches and the world famous Lime Out swim up taco bar – feel free to text LB or Andrew if you are interested in more details. Our favorite restaurant in Coral Bay is Skinny Legs – the best burger on the island. Rhumb Lines and Salty Mongoose Pizza & Rum Bar are two additional favorites.
Set sail for a day trip to Jost Van Dyke's crystal clear blue waters and world famous Soggy Dollar Bar, home of the original Painkiller. Make a pit stop at Willy T's floating pirate ship bar and jump from the deck, if you dare. Visit the beautiful baths of Virgin Gorda. Note: a passport is required to visit the BVIs. We recommend booking via Cruz Bay Water Sports at the Westin for any BVI or USVI boat or catamaran sails. They'll be up-to-date on the latest COVID-19 protocols for BVI entry.
Hike the Reef Bay Trail to wander through Virgin Island National Park, past abandoned sugar mill ruins, water falls, and ending at the mysterious St. John petroglyphs, believed to have been carved into the rocks of the island by the native Taino peoples thousands of years ago.
Visit the ruins of the Annaberg Plantation to explore some of St. John's history. In 1780, there were more than 25 sugar producing factories on St. John, and Annaberg was one of the largest, largely producing molasses and rum. It is home to one of the largest windmill ruins on the island.