Margaret’s guidebook
Best Beaches
Trunk Bay is the most iconic of St John's beaches - but also the most traveled. You'll find amenities like food, showers and snorkel rentals here.
69 locals recommend
Trunk Bay
Trunk Bay is the most iconic of St John's beaches - but also the most traveled. You'll find amenities like food, showers and snorkel rentals here.
Francis Bay is typically a calm water beach, facing West so it's a great late afternoon beach, with the last sun of the day. Seagrass beds just offshore are feeding grounds for turtles.
This is a great beach for families with small children.
6 locals recommend
Francis Bay Beach
Francis Bay is typically a calm water beach, facing West so it's a great late afternoon beach, with the last sun of the day. Seagrass beds just offshore are feeding grounds for turtles.
This is a great beach for families with small children.
Salt Pond Beach is a protected beach on the SE side of the island.
16 locals recommend
Salt Pond Beach
Salt Pond Beach is a protected beach on the SE side of the island.
Cinnamon Bay Beach
Food scene
Three words: Floating Taco Bar. Rated top 100 World's Greatest Places by Time Magazine, this place is a must go. https://www.limeoutvi.com/
18 locals recommend
Lime Out VI
Three words: Floating Taco Bar. Rated top 100 World's Greatest Places by Time Magazine, this place is a must go. https://www.limeoutvi.com/
One of our favorites. http://www.latapastjohn.com/
NEW THIS SEASON - La Tapa Plage in Wharfside Village. Opening Date to be announced!
25 locals recommend
La Tapa
One of our favorites. http://www.latapastjohn.com/
NEW THIS SEASON - La Tapa Plage in Wharfside Village. Opening Date to be announced!
This place is happening. Enjoy people watching or a stroll around Cruz Bay while you wait for your table https://www.thelongboardstjohn.com/
30 locals recommend
The Longboard
This place is happening. Enjoy people watching or a stroll around Cruz Bay while you wait for your table https://www.thelongboardstjohn.com/
In the park right at Cruz Bay Ferry Dock, this place is family-friendly.
20 locals recommend
Cruz Bay Landing
In the park right at Cruz Bay Ferry Dock, this place is family-friendly.
Upscale. Great Sunday Brunch. http://www.extravirginbistro.com/
34 locals recommend
Extra Virgin Bistro
Upscale. Great Sunday Brunch. http://www.extravirginbistro.com/
St. John Provisions
Amazing fresh baked breakfast offerings to go
The Tap Room
Mongoose JunctionTap Room/casual dining right in Mongoose Junction
Shaibu's
Vegetarian and vegan lunch offerings at the Marketplace, Dinner at Shaibu in Cruz Bay
Little Olive Food Truck
Best Greek Food Truck!
Shopping
Mongoose Junction is the place to find the best shopping on island. Locals love Big Planet for surf/beach apparel for the family. Made in St John for the softest, coolest hand printed T's and more, made right on the island. Great bars and restaurants, too.
37 locals recommend
Mongoose Junction
513 Mongoose JctMongoose Junction is the place to find the best shopping on island. Locals love Big Planet for surf/beach apparel for the family. Made in St John for the softest, coolest hand printed T's and more, made right on the island. Great bars and restaurants, too.
Hiking
Salomon Beach
1 mile hike from NPS in town to a private beach
Hike to Ram Head from Salt Pond Bay - spectacular views of the South Shore and down island BVI. Full moon hike local favorite.
The hike is exposed and might be too much for the littles.
7 locals recommend
Ram Head Trail
Ram Head TrailHike to Ram Head from Salt Pond Bay - spectacular views of the South Shore and down island BVI. Full moon hike local favorite.
The hike is exposed and might be too much for the littles.
Margaret Hill
Steep hike out of Cruz Bay to a platform overlooking Caneel to St Croix.
Long shaded hike from Centerline Road (mid-island) to beach. Complete with ruins, petroglyphs, and waterfall, recent rainfall permitting.
7 locals recommend
Reef Bay Trail
Reef Bay TrailLong shaded hike from Centerline Road (mid-island) to beach. Complete with ruins, petroglyphs, and waterfall, recent rainfall permitting.
Sightseeing
Explore St John National Park. Book boat charters to see the surrounding islands and cays, snorkel and dive
Annaberg Sugar Plantation
National Park Visitors Center has information about the Park from guided tours to informative literature
9 locals recommend
Virgin Islands National Park Service Headquarters
National Park Visitors Center has information about the Park from guided tours to informative literature
Wharfside Watersports
Rent a dinghy or crewed boat for longer excursions.
Low Key Watersports
1 Bay StExplore Jost Van Dyke, BVI! Snorkel in White Bay and visit the Soggy Dollar Bar. St. John Excursions. Family Activities. Visit White Sand Beaches. Romantic Sunset Sail.
Cruz Bay Watersports
Explore Jost Van Dyke, BVI! Snorkel in White Bay and visit the Soggy Dollar Bar. St. John Excursions. Family Activities. Visit White Sand Beaches. Romantic Sunset Sail.
Groceries
Starfish Market
BIggest grocery store on the island. Less than 1/2 mile away.
Dolphin Market
Grocery store at the roundabout
Car Rentals
Mr. Piper's Jeeps
Courtesy Car & Jeep Rental
L & L Jeep Rental
18 11 Enighed