What You Should Explore in St. John
Intrigued by the allure of St. John? The island of St. John is popular among travelers who want a laid back, non-congested beach experience, with plenty to explore. If you’re thinking of spending a day on St. John during your next trip to the Virgin Islands, check out this travel guide to assist in planning your agenda
About St. John
A large part of St. John is protected national park, so the island is not over-developed or highly commercialized. The hiking trails are superb, with spectacular views. The beaches are breathtakingly beautiful, the water surrounding the shores are teeming with vibrant marine life, and there are still plenty of shops and restaurants to visit.
Mapping out a Plan
Going to St. John is a unique experience, where travelers are required to do some planning and map out their favorite destinations. Many choose to rent a vehicle to explore multiple beaches in a day. Others choose to rent a boat charter to approach different coves from the water, and explore at will. The best idea is to research the area and decide what you want to do in advance. Here are some top suggestions:
Eating in St. John
Cruz Bay is a town where you can park and walk to various restaurants and more. Check out the Cruzy Bay beach cam, and try these favorite restaurants:
- Extra Virgin Bistro for fresh fish and locally grown produce.
- High Tide for breakfast, lunch, or drinks at sunset with a beautiful water view.
- The Longboard, a coastal cantina serving creative cocktails during memorable happy hours.
- Banana Deck: Enjoy an open air dining experience under string lights with delightful scenery and top-rated food.
Coral Bay is quieter than Cruz Bay, with fun snorkeling and hiking in the surrounding areas. Check out:
- Aqua Bistro, the seaside restaurant and bar with a delightfully casual environment. The tropical courtyard often features live music.
- Skinny Legs: Try a Mango-Killers, a shaken variation of a Painkiller. Sit at the outdoor patio, then venture down to the water when you’re finished.
St. John Beaches
Spend entire days sunning, swimming, and playing on the beautiful beaches of St. John:
- Hawksnest Beach: Enjoy a calm, quiet beach with beautiful 360 degree views. Hawksnest is close to Cruz Bay, making it easy to venture over when you’re ready to grab lunch.
- Francis Bay Beach: Escape the crowds on Francis Bay Beach, known for its crystal clear water, soft white sand, and sea turtle sightings.
- Trunk Bay: St. John’s most photographed beach is a great place for snorkeling the underwater trail. Word to the wise: Go at a time when the cruise ships aren’t in port, as this beach is ultra-popular.
This article was originally posted on SonicCharters.coms April 2018