St. John Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Trunk Bay which includes a bay or harbour and a sandy beach
Trunk Bay featuring a sandy beach as well as an individual female
Honeymoon Beach featuring a beach
Caneel Bay which includes a beach
Caneel Bay featuring general coastal views

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 BayOpens in a new window.

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 centre to organise 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 BayOpens in a new window has a fantastic underwater snorkel trail while Maho BeachOpens in a new window 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 PlantationOpens in a new window 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 accommodation 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

Cinnamon Bay featuring forests

Maho Bay Quarter

If you're spending some time in Maho Bay Quarter, Maho Beach and Cinnamon Bay Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Maho Bay Quarter
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Contant Farms

If you're spending some time in Contant Farms, Great Cruz Bay and Turner Bay are top sights worth seeing.

Contant Farms
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Upper Carolina

While visiting Upper Carolina, you might make a stop by sights like Virgin Islands National Park and Ajax Peak.

Upper Carolina
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Rendezvous & Ditleff

If you're spending some time in Rendezvous & Ditleff, Rendezvous Bay and Klein Bay are top sights worth seeing.

Rendezvous & Ditleff
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Lower Carolina

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Lower Carolina and surrounding area, you can visit Virgin Islands National Park and Maho Beach.

Lower Carolina
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Ditleff Point

While visiting Ditleff Point, you might make a stop by sights like Klein Bay and Rendezvous Bay.

Ditleff Point
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 £476 per night from 1 Aug to 2 Aug
£476
1 Aug - 2 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in St. John. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Trunk Bay and Sapphire Beach are located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (424 reviews)
"Convenience and the staff was superb! Will stay again."

Reviewed on 18 Jun 2025

The Westin St. John Resort Villas
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a free ferry terminal shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (516 reviews)
"You are paying for the view and location to the town. Very convenient and beautiful views. No bells and whistles. The restaurant on property was “fine”. The market was “fine”. Customer service was either fantastic or poor. No in between. It all depended on who you were talking to. Because we were ..."

Reviewed on 16 Jun 2025

Gallows Point Resort
Concordia Eco-Resort
Concordia Eco-Resort
3 out of 5
Estate Concordia, St. John, St John
Stay at this 3-star beach resort in St. John. Enjoy free parking, on-site spa services and conference space. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (52 reviews)
"Location Amazing view"

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Concordia Eco-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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a free ferry terminal shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (516 reviews)
"You are paying for the view and location to the town. Very convenient and beautiful views. No bells and whistles. The restaurant on property was “fine”. The market was “fine”. Customer service was either fantastic or poor. No in between. It all depended on who you were talking to. Because we were ..."

Reviewed on 16 Jun 2025

Gallows Point Resort
Calichi at Picture Point
Calichi at Picture Point
4 out of 5
Route 108, Bordeaux Mountain Rd, St. John
Stay at this 4-star villa in St. John. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and in-room massages. Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. Popular ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (70 reviews)
"Calichi Point has been on my places to stay for many years and we finally decided to book our trip to St. John and our stay. 10/10 HIGHLY recommend staying here! The drive up (and down) is on some very windy roads but the view is breathtaking and the privacy can't be beat! With 75% of the island ..."

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

Calichi at Picture Point
Blue Wrasse - Cute Little Cottage with New Deck
Blue Wrasse - Cute Little Cottage with New Deck
St. John, St John
Stay at this cottage in St. John. Enjoy patios, an in-room coffee maker and air conditioning. Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. Popular ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (137 reviews)
"Great views, wonderful natural setting sleeping with the trees!"

Reviewed on 11 Jun 2025

Blue Wrasse - Cute Little Cottage with New Deck
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

Things to do

Cities near St. John