What to do on. St, John

 

Getting Around the Island

Driving around in your rental Jeep and exploring is a blast but sometimes you may opt to take a taxi to go out in the evenings. 

Here are three local options for a taxi: Kevin (340) 227-6566, Laz (340) 473-7766, or Aaron/Piper (340) 344-4234. They know where the St. John Great House is located at 15A-2-8 Rendezvous and Ditleff (Rendezvous Heights) which is next door to Deja View. We are right off of the Gifft Hill Road.

 
 

Planning Your Itinerary

AN OVERVIEW OF THINGS TO SEE AND DO ON ST. JOHN

For a small island there sure is plenty to do on St. John during a vacation. Here are some of the best choices:

  • Obviously, the beach is the number one activity on St. John, especially those along North Shore Road. All are gorgeous and have something unique to offer, from stand-up paddle boarding to complete relaxation.

  • If you can, I highly recommend catching a charter in Cruz Bay or Coral Bay and doing a little island hopping. 

  • Do a kayak tour of Hurricane Hole, located in Coral Bay.

  • Buy a Beach Day Pass @ Honeymoon Beach. Use of Paddle Boards, Snorkel Gear, Kayaks, Beach Lounge Chair, Locker, Lifejacket, and Pool Float. Food and Drinks available to purchase. $49 / Person.

  • Hike on one of St. John’s many trails. Those seeking a challenge may choose to do the Reef Bay Trail, which will take you 3 miles down to the ruins of an old sugar mill and a beach. Here is a great article featuring the 10 Best Hikes on St. John!

  • Snorkeling: The existence of a nearby coral reef means there is a lot of great sea life near St. John. At every single beach you can find people snorkeling.

I have outlined more detailed information on each activity with recommended places to go below.

Click here for even more awesome ideas for things to do on St. John

 

Some of Our Favorite Things

 

The Longboard is one of our favorite restaurants on the island.

 

RESTAURANTS / DINING

St. John is filled with beach bars and other laid back eateries. Here are some of our favs:

  • High Tide: Make this your first stop after arriving on St. John from the ferry. It is a very short walk along the beach from the dock.

  • Skinny Legs: This is a St. John staple for a post-beach burger washed down with a painkiller (the drink of the island). Coral Bay.

  • The Longboard: One of our favorite restaurants in Cruz Bay, the Longboard serves extremely fresh seafood dishes. We particularly love their ahi tuna bowls and delicious cocktails, with their specialty being frozen painkillers.

  • Lovango Rum Bar: Great martinis and pizza. Nice atmosphere and ocean views (open later than most till 11pm).

  • The Windmill Bar/Outdoor Restaurant: Great View! Super Casual. Island food like Mahi sandwich, Jerk chicken, etc. Get there for sunset. 

  • Uncle Joe’s Café/BBQ: Very local in the middle of town. Home cooked Chicken and Ribs. Cooking on the street open Grille.

  • Quiet Mon Pub: Open latest on island till 3am (fun place).

  • Cruz Bay Landing: Usually has live music at night and serves a great breakfast too.

 

Finer Dining Outlets require reservations in advance (well in advance during peak season):

  • ZoZo’s: Zozo’s is located on the water at the iconic and world famous Caneel Bay, St. John USVI.

  • La Tapa: Right on the water (make reservations 340-693-7755). Alex is the French chef/owner and she is amazing. Honestly this is my new favorite since they moved to the beach.

  • Dave & Jerry’s Island Steak House: Great food. One street back from the water. Open Table can reserve.

  • Morgan’s Mango: morgansmangorestaurant@gmail.com. Open late until 10pm.

  • Extra Virgin Bistro: 2 streets back from water.

  • Ocean 362: Great place to enjoy a high up sunset view at the bar. Reservations are required to get a seat in the bar.

  • 1863 Restaurant: At Mongoose Junction 

Click here for the more lowdown on the best places to eat in St. John

 

Boat Charters are one of our favorite ways to explore St. John

 

BOAT CHARTERS

Getting out on the water and exploring is one of the best ways to see St. John. If you charter a boat the captain will take you to the best spots. There are many great boats and charter companies. Below are a few of our favorites!

  • St. John Charters: PowerBoats. Bruce is the owner/captain at St. John Charters .1 (340) 998-4399. He has several nice boats and he is one of the best captains on the island. Let him know you are staying with us.

  • Anchor’s Away: Luxury Lagoon 450S sailing yacht cat. 1 (909) 499-6402 Natalie is the owner. Let her know you are staying with us.

  • Sail Helios: Classic 48ft Hinckley Yawl. Captain Jay.

 

BEACHES

Here are our picks for the BEST Beaches:

 

 SNORKELING

BEST snorkeling spots on St. John: 

 

DAY SPA

If you are looking for Facials, Body Treatments, Massage, Waxing, etc. check out Mango Bliss Spa.

DIVING / WATERSPORTS

 

SHOPPING

  • Mongoose Junction St. John Shop in Cruz Bay. Featuring Fine Shopping in a Caribbean Setting, located near the National Park Visitors Center. Mongoose Junction offers dozens of unique shops & galleries, restaurants & cafes. Since 1978, Mongoose Junction has been the place to be.

  • Wharfside Village near Ferry Dock invites you to come stroll through the colorful Caribbean beach front Shopping Mall featuring custom jewelry, tropical clothing, gift shops, fine art, & locally made products.

 

HIKING

 

PRIVATE CHEFS

If you don’t feel like cooking or going out to eat, another great option is to hire a private chef. We love Chef Vincent "Vinny" Alterio. Chef Vincent or one of his esteemed chefs will provide you with an experience of a lifetime.

 

MASSAGE THERAPISTS

Want to take an extra step towards relaxation and serenity while you are staying at the St. John Great House? Hire one of these massage therapists. They will come to you at the house.