What To Do on St. John: A Travel Guide
Welcome to St. John, a tropical paradise nestled in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Known for its stunning beaches, lush greenery, and vibrant marine life, this island offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking to unwind, St. John has something for everyone.
From snorkeling in crystal-clear waters to hiking scenic trails and exploring hidden gems, our travel guide will help you make the most of your visit to this enchanting destination. Get ready to discover the best activities, dining spots, and accommodations that St. John has to offer.
Here is what to do on St. John!
Beaches
It's no surprise that St. John is known for its breathtaking beaches and that's what we want to start with!
With over 11 beaches to choose from, you'll have plenty of options for soaking up the Caribbean sun and taking a dip in the turquoise waters. Depending on the type of experience you're looking for the day though, will determine which beach you want to go to and which one you'll want to avoid.
You'll find that you can find beaches that offer relaxing vibes with beautiful views, ones with exciting water activities like kayaking or snorkeling, and even secluded beaches for a quiet and peaceful day.
Here is a quick list of the best beaches on St. John and why you'll want to visit them:
- Honeymoon Beach (quiet and beautiful)
- Trunk Bay (easy access and has a beach bar)
- Cinnamon Bay (amazing views and amenities)
- Jumbie Beach (intimate and hidden)
- Oppenheimer Beach (lesser known, so no big crowds)
- Hansen Bay (water sports and snorkeling for adventure)
- Maho Bay (calm and you may see turtles)
- Hawksnest Beach (easy access that could include donkeys)
- Francis Bay (excellent for swimming)
- Salomon Bay (hiking and/or relaxing)
- Salt Pond Bay (secluded and great for snorkeling)
No matter which beach you choose, make sure to pack your sunscreen and snorkel gear! You won't want to miss out on the colorful marine life and crystal-clear waters that St. John's beaches have to offer.
Outdoor Adventures
If you're looking for some adventure, St. John has plenty of outdoor activities to choose from.
Snorkeling: With its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, St. John is a snorkeler's paradise. Head over to Trunk Bay or Waterlemon Cay for the best snorkeling spots on the island.
Hiking: Explore the lush vegetation of St. John by taking a hike on one of its many nature trails. The most popular trail is the Reef Bay Trail which takes you through scenic views and historic ruins.
Kayaking: Go on a kayaking adventure through the island's mangrove forests and explore hidden coves and beaches. You can rent kayaks from several locations on the island.
Scuba Diving: For those looking to go deeper into the Caribbean Sea, scuba diving is a must-do activity in St. John. The island has multiple dive sites for all levels of experience.
Snorkeling
For snorkeling on your own, you'll of course need to bring your own gear, or you can rent it at one of the many beach shops.
If you opt for this route, one of the best beaches to visit with your gear would be Salt Pond Bay. You can also use this park map to find the best locations for snorkeling on St. John.
Not only is it secluded, but it also has a beautiful coral reef that's easy to access from the shore.
If you want to go with a guided tour, there are plenty of different options on the island.
Hiking
If you're up for a hike, St. John has some of the most scenic and rewarding trails in the Caribbean.
Here are a few to choose from with their approximate distance:
- Peach hill (.2 miles)
- Francis Bay Trail (.7 mile loop)
- Salt pond (1.1 miles)
- American Hill (1.2 miles)
- Ram head (2.3 miles)
You can also check out this guide on the 7 best hikes on St. John for more detailed information on each trail and their difficulty levels.
Kayaking & Scuba Diving
Some of the best places to kayak or scuba dive are along the island's coast and in its bays.
You can rent kayaks from several locations such as Cinnamon Bay, Honeymoon Beach, and Maho Bay. For scuba diving, you can book a tour with one of the many dive shops on the island.
Dining
After all that adventure (or relaxation), it's time to refuel! St. John offers a variety of dining options ranging from casual beachside eateries to fine dining restaurants.
Here are just a few of our favorite places to eat on St. John after you adventures:
- Miss Lucy’s (Casual, East End)
- Lime Out - Floating Taco Bar (Casual, Coral Bay)
- Skinny Legs (Casual, Coral Bay)
- Johnny Lime (Casual, Coral Bay)
- The Longboard (Casual, Cruz Bay)
- Irie Pops (Casual, Cruz Bay)
- Pizza Bar in Paradise (Casual, East End)
- St. John Brewers - The Taproom (Casual, Mongoose Junction)
Don't forget to try some of the local Caribbean dishes, such as conch fritters and jerk chicken. And for a sweet treat, make sure to stop by "St. John's Scoops" for their delicious homemade ice cream.
Accommodations
When it comes to accommodations, St. John has a wide range of options to fit every budget and preference. From luxury resorts to cozy villas and beachfront campsites, you'll find the perfect place to stay on this beautiful island.
It ultimately comes down to what type of experience you are looking for.
If you want to be close to the action, stay near Cruz Bay where you'll find a variety of restaurants and shops. For a more secluded and peaceful retreat, opt for a villa or cottage on the East End of the island.
If you want to stay at a luxury estate rental on St. John, there is no better place than the Finisterre Estate. It offers breathtaking views, privacy, and luxurious amenities for the ultimate Caribbean getaway.
Other Must Dos
If you can’t already tell, there is no shortage of things to do on this small island. Some of our other top favorite things to do on St. John are:
- Stop at the different scenic overlooks
- Shop at Mongoose Junction
- Cinnamon Bay Ruins
- Historic Ivan Jadan Museum
- St. John Experience Gallery
Oh, and don't forget to visit the ancient petroglyphs on St. John!
The Ultimate Caribbean Escape Awaits
St. John offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making it an unparalleled Caribbean destination. Whether you're lounging on its pristine beaches, diving into crystal-clear waters, or hiking through lush trails, the island promises an unforgettable experience.
From exploring rich historical sites to indulging in mouth-watering cuisine at local eateries, there is no shortage of activities and sights to savor. If you're wondering what to do in St. John, this guide has covered the essentials to ensure an extraordinary vacation.
So pack your bags and get ready for the ultimate Caribbean escape at St. John!
Happy Planning,
The Team at Finisterre