Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ST. JOHN
St. John, the smallest and least densely populated of
the U.S. Virgin Islands, is a wonder of untouched rocky
coastline, beautiful crescent-shaped bays, and white-
sand beaches. Inland, miles of hiking trails lead past the ruins
of 18th-century Danish plantations to panoramic views. A smattering of
pastel-painted houses, Mongoose Junction shops, and restaurants and
bars populate sleepy Cruz Bay. St. John is definitely sleepy, and that's why
people love it.
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Things to Do
Explore island history at the
Annaberg Sugar Planta-
tion Ruins,
a once-thriving 18th-century mill and plantation. Hike the
22 trails of the
Virgin Islands National Park
to see archaeological sites
dating back to the time of the Taíno people, while enjoying the forest and
birdlife. Reefs and wreck dive spots ring the park's deserted beaches. Sur-
rounded by hills, the golden sands of
Hawksnest Beach
seduce visitors
as the perfect escape. Follow the underwater
snorkeling
trail at
Trunk
Bay
to see grouper, parrot fish, and snappers.
Shopping
Shopping on St. John means a visit to the arts and crafts
boutiques and shops of
Cruz Bay,
most of which are clustered at
Mon-
goose Junction.
Nearby
Wharfside Village
is a complex of courtyards,
alleys, and shady patios with a mishmash of boutiques, restaurants, and
bars. The most shopping fun takes place on
St. John Saturday,
a spicy,
drum-beating feast for the senses, held on the last Saturday of every
month. Vendors hawk handmade items, from jewelry and handicrafts to
food and clothing.
Nightlife & Entertainment
The expatriate hippie crowd has created
a mellow scene at
Cruz Bay,
where a few cafes and dive bars invite those
who want to drink and gossip with the locals or listen to the occasional
live band. Sip trademark
Plantation Punch
(lime and orange juice with
three different kinds of rum, bitters, and nutmeg) at a resort bar in
Caneel Bay
or go celeb-spotting at
Morgan's Mango.
Most people,
however, are simply content to have a long, leisurely dinner.
Restaurants & Dining
St. John's quiet, easygoing pace means that it's
not unusual—indeed, it is perfectly acceptable—for dinner to comprise
the whole of your evening. As a result, there are some posh options, par-
ticularly at the luxury resorts in
Caneel Bay,
where you can eat well on
Caribbean, Creole, and Italian. In
Cruz Bay,
seaside bistros serve spicy
blackened snapper and flying fish, while
West Indian
huts serve top-
notch meals with plenty of local color and flavor.
