You’ve booked a winter trip to the Virgin Islands and you’ve got a day in St. John. Where do you go first? What are the best local hotspots? Plan your day around these can’t miss cool and exciting places to visit in St. John.
SHOPPING
North Shore Road, 00830, St. John
Taking a break from the sun? Explore the gift shops of Mongoose Junction for some truly unique finds. It’s the most diverse assortment of shops you’ll get anywhere on St. John. Mongoose Junction is the place for shoppers who love discovering things you can’t get anywhere else. From jewelry and watches to t-shirts, art, and houseware, it’s also a place to grab ice cream or a cold island brewed beer, and soak in the great island atmosphere.
Prince Street | Dockside Building, 00831, St. John
Want to take the Caribbean back home with you? While you’re in the area, climb the stairs of the red building on Prince Street to St. John Spice. Here you’ll find Caribbean spices hand-mixed and made on the premises, to pair perfectly with a local cookbook, also available for sale. St. John Spice also offers locally made souvenirs, fragrant teas and coffee, Virgin Islands candles, and vanilla extract made with Caribbean rum.
BEACHES
Scott Bay Beach
Scott Bay Beach is a truly unique spot that’s only accessible by boat. Why visit Scott Bay? For starters, there’s superb snorkeling. Get ready to see starfish, sea turtles, stink rays, an array of tropical fish, and maybe even an octopus.
Maho Beach
Visit Maho for a truly gorgeous beach with fine sand and calm water. Besides the stunning views, there’s also great snorkeling here, with many visitors to this beach spotting turtles galore. There’s plenty of shallow water to wade in for the kids or adults who like to just relax, drink in hand. Food and drinks are easily accessible from the nearby food trucks, and restrooms are also available on the beach.
Cinnamon Bay
Head up to the North Shore for a stunningly beautiful St. John Beach, Cinnamon Bay. The views alone are worth the short drive and long walk from the parking lot. The largest beach on the island, Cinnamon is a half a mile stretch of sand against turquoise waters. If you’re looking to escape the crowds, this lesser-visited beach could mean having a peaceful beach almost all to yourself, with plenty of space to spread out. That’s the way to do St. John.
DINING
Morgan’s Mango Restaurant
Across from the National Park dock, Cruz Bay 00830, St. John
Eat octopus on a starry night at Morgan’s Mango Restaurant. Stop in on Wednesday nights for live, relaxing music. Sit back and enjoy a martini, French gimlet, mango madness, or key lime pie martini.
The Longboard – Coastal Cantina
1C Prince Street, Cruz Bay 00830, St. John
Enjoy a tasty dinner of lobster tacos on homemade corn tortillas made with fresh local ingredients. Be sure to stop in at happy hour to take advantage of drink specials.