St. John

Travel Guide
Trunk Bay featuring a sandy beach as well as an individual femail
With no airport or major ports, this isolated island requires visitors make an effort to get here. Those who do are rewarded with stunning beaches and lush forests.

With almost two-thirds of St. John protected as national parkland, a huge chunk of this tropical island remains blissfully undeveloped. Find your own perfect piece of coastline, hike through the hills of the Virgin Islands National Park or get into the Caribbean spirit with cocktails at the island’s main town, Cruz Bay.

Most visitors to the island arrive at the town of Cruz Bay on the west coast. Amble along the pier and find a table at one of the lively waterfront bars. Browse designer clothes at the shops of Mongoose Junction. For something a little more outdoorsy, go to the visitor center to organize snorkeling and hiking excursions for the rest of your trip.

Spend time soaking up the sun beside the sea. Many of the best beaches on the island can be found along the north coast. Drive north from Cruz Bay for between 10 and 15 minutes to reach Cinnamon Bay, a lengthy stretch of golden sand backed by leafy palm trees. Also on the north coast, Trunk Bay has a fantastic underwater snorkel trail while Maho Beach is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts, with rays and turtles commonly spotted here.

Put your swimming costume away for a few hours and head for Annaberg Plantation on the north coast of the island. On a hill above yet another gorgeous beach, the estate’s old stone windmill, factory ruins and dungeon are a reminder of the slave trade that was prevalent here during the 18th and 19th centuries. Back in Cruz Bay, find restaurants serving Caribbean-style cuisine.

Reach St. John by taking a ferry from St. Thomas. Most accommodations are located in and around the town. Peak tourist season here is between mid-December and mid-April, while hurricane season lasts from June to November. Avoid the crowds by going between April and June.

Where to stay in St. John

The Westin St. John Resort Villas
The Westin St. John Resort Villas
4.5 out of 5
300B Chocolate Hole, P.O. Box 8310, Great Cruz Bay, St. John
The price is $339 per night from Sep 27 to Sep 28
$339
per night
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in St. John. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions Chocolate Hole Beach and Great Cruz Bay ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (349 reviews)
"Enjoyed our stay overall…beautiful facilities, room was clean and comfortable. Pool was perfect and it was convenient having excursions leave from the resort. One minor thing - did not like being charged for pool activities."

Reviewed on Aug 19, 2023

The Westin St. John Resort Villas
Inn at Tamarind Court
Inn at Tamarind Court
3 out of 5
Rte 104, St. John, St John
Stay at this 3-star hotel in St. John. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Mongoose Junction and Battery are located nearby. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (116 reviews)
"We spent four lovely days at the Tamarind Court If your looking for a chill vibe this location definitely for you. The rooms are newly renovated clean and comfortable. The restaurant food was really good and reasonable for St John’s prices, the staff was friendly and very helpful. The location is ..."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2023

Inn at Tamarind Court
Gallows Point Resort
Gallows Point Resort
4 out of 5
3 AAA Gallows Point Road, P O Box 58, St. John, St John
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in St. John. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free ferry terminal shuttle. Popular attractions Cruz Bay Beach and St. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (452 reviews)
"Would stay again."

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2023

Gallows Point Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Gallows Point Resort
Gallows Point Resort
4 out of 5
3 AAA Gallows Point Road, P O Box 58, St. John, St John
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in St. John. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free ferry terminal shuttle. Popular attractions Cruz Bay Beach and St. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (452 reviews)
"Would stay again."

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2023

Gallows Point Resort
BRAND NEW "Nautilus" Beachfront Villa - just steps away to Private Bay
BRAND NEW "Nautilus" Beachfront Villa - just steps away to Private Bay
Cruz Bay Quarter
Stay at this beach villa in St. John. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Chocolate Hole Beach and Chocolate Hole are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Perfect
"This was the best experience we've had with a vacation rental! Thank you so much!"

Reviewed on Aug 29, 2023

BRAND NEW "Nautilus" Beachfront Villa - just steps away to Private Bay
Dolphin Suites
Dolphin Suites
2 out of 5
18-27 boulon center, 2, St. John, St John
Stay at this condo in St. John. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Battery and St. John Spice are located nearby. Discover ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"I must admit I was a bit concerned about the property after reading a previous post. But, please let me share that this property is amazing. The Wiz as we called him, was very knowledgeable about the property. We called him the Wiz because we never saw him (Wizzard of Oz) but he helped us with the ..."

Reviewed on Jul 16, 2023

Dolphin Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of St. John

4.9
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
29
" "5 - Excellent 93.54838709677419%
4 - Good
2
" "4 - Good 6.451612903225806%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Feb 25, 2020

St. John has some of the most beautiful beaches! Trunk bay, honeymoon and we did waterLemon cay

5/5 - Excellent

BJRomero
Feb 8, 2020

Saint John had the best views in the cleanest beaches. Everything was large screen and Clearwater White Sands. There was nobody trying to sell me anything on the beach or anywhere on the island for the matter.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 21, 2020

We have been to St. John 4 times. Each time seems to be more amazing and beautiful than the last. Wonderful !!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 5, 2020

Love this island- I’ve vacationed here since I was a kid (in the 1970’s) and I love coming back. Truly paradise!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Dec 19, 2019

Beautiful island without the hustle and bustle of St. Thomas. Very laid back easy going. A great place to relax and enjoy beautiful beaches!!

5/5 - Excellent

JoannaSMarsh
Aug 5, 2019

St. John is a very special place that will be able to avoid commercialization over time with the National Park there. It's way safer, and more charming than many islands,& it has some quirky people that I hope will continue to preserve the vibe.

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