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4-Day Cruz Bay Itinerary

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Wanderlog staff
Updated
• updatedAug 20, 2025

Cruz Bay in 4 days

If you only have 4 days to spend in Cruz Bay, we’ve narrowed down the top places you should check out to get the best experience of your time here.
With favorites like Honeymoon Beach, Skinny Legs, and Cruz Bay Visitor Center, we’ll make sure you don’t miss out on all the must sees. We even included some of our favorite food spots around the area, like Shambles Island Bar and Grill and Morgan's Mango so you can get the best taste of Cruz Bay while you’re here. To see our full list of food recommendations, check out our best restaurants post. If you're traveling on a budget, you can check out our cheap eats post.
Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Cruz Bay?
  • 1-Day Cruz Bay Itinerary
  • 2-Day Cruz Bay Itinerary
  • 3-Day Cruz Bay Itinerary
  • 5-Day Cruz Bay Itinerary
Visiting Cruz Bay? See our Cruz Bay Trip Planner.
Feel free to follow our itinerary exactly or tailor it to your own needs — happy wandering!
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Table of contents
  • Cruz Bay in 4 days
  • Most popular attractions
  • Off the beaten path
  • Center of town
  • Proximity is everything

Day 1

Most popular attractions
For day 1, we strategically grouped the most popular attraction, Annaberg Sugar Plantation, with surrounding point of interests to start your trip off with a bang. Combining the average time spent at each location and traveling time in between, it should fill up about 7 hours of your day.
1

Virgin Islands National Park

4.9
(1720)
•
3.9
(164)
National park
Outdoor Activities
Hiking Trails
Virgin Islands National Park, located on St. John Island and part of St. Thomas Island, as well as Hassel Island, is a protected area that spans nearly two-thirds of St. John and its surrounding coastal waters.
One of the best parks I have been to. So much fun, so much to see and do! The big lake is everything here, so bring your water shoes
Brian M — Google review
Stunning park. Amazing snorkeling 🤿 We saw octopi, sharks, schools of beautifully colored fish, spotted eagle rays, Cuddlefish, pufferfish, eels, swam with turtles, hiked, and ate some great food. The beaches are absolutely gorgeous.
Devyn F — Google review
The most beautiful islands in the World. Peaceful, friendly towns, exquisite beaches, warm, tropical Caribbean breezes, and endless blue seas to make you change your mind about going back home.
Ken V — Google review
A combination of two things I love….beaches and National Parks. Great day of snorkeling, hiking to Rams Head, and exploring the park. A little disappointed some of the restaurants we were looking forward to were closed but it is hurricane season so we understood why.
Courtney W — Google review
Beautiful bus ride with a tour guide around the park! It was an excursion through the Carnival Cruise Line.
Donna H — Google review
...a significant journey to get there...but island time upon arrival is alluring...sights set upon next sojourn...💚...
Choy L — Google review
Loved it here! We drove all around and explored as much as we could in one day and it was memorable. The views are breathtaking, the beaches are gorgeous, and the ruins are great for pictures. The roads are very windy but they’re paved so you feel a bit safer driving through it all.
Lacey M — Google review
Greatly enjoyed this visit to VI NP. After speaking to one of the two interpretive Rangers for the park, they are very understaffed. The new Park HQ and visitor center is very nice and worth a visit. Hopefully the bathrooms will get some attention next. Additionally, updated signage will help visitors navigate the massive park. Most beaches and facilities are free, with Trunk Bay as an exception. You can only (realistically) walk to Solomon and Honeymoon beaches via the trails from the visitor center. The others all require a taxi ($9 pp/ one way) or a rental car. Trunk Bay is $5 pp, with very limited parking.
Glenn H — Google review
St John, U.S. Virgin Islands•https://www.nps.gov/viis/index.htm•+1 340-776-6201•Tips and more reviews for Virgin Islands National Park
11 min · 1.9 mi
2

The Windmill Bar

4.6
(1216)
•
4.0
(120)
$$$$affordable
Bar & grill
Bar
The Windmill Bar, located in Cruz Bay, is a new sports bar venture set to open in mid-November. Operated by Christie Register, Andy Peter, and Ronnie Jones, it aims to fill the void left by the closure of Dog House Pub in 2019. Perched on a hilltop with stunning views of the island's north shore, it offers great food and breathtaking sunsets. Visitors can order food at the bar and enjoy it while taking in the picturesque scenery.
The food is fine, prices are high, but the location and views are outstanding! We caught a sunset here and this is one of the best spots on the island to catch one. You can see for miles, and across many of the other islands. Grab a drink and an app and chill as the sun slides away. There's a small playground for the tots, and a trail that leads back to the north to another disc golf field you can chill at if this area is too crowded. Parking is about $5.
Greg E — Google review
We, two couples, visited the Windmill Bar based on recommendations. It's perched on top of the mountain overlooking the ocean - the view is amazing. The ruins on the site are very cool and add to the flavor of the venue. We had the buffalo chicken dip and peel-and-eat shrimp, just a snack to go with our beverages. It was all fantastic and well worth the visit.
Sam A — Google review
We had to go be on the live camera! Best views ever! Fish sandwich was great. The "shaved prime rib" was eh. Tasted like a steakum. They forgot my cheese also. The waitress had to go get the cheese slices. Drinks were good. Some really cool ruins on the property as well.
Caitlin C — Google review
The only reason I've given 3 stars 🌟 to food is because they were still on a seasonal menu which is super light. All starter foods but also not great options. Other than that this place is A MUST SEE. You know the feeling of euphoria you get after a good, long hike and you see the beauty at the top? That's this place. Except you don't hike, you take a taxi. The view is phenomenal and majestic and something magical to behold. If you choose to only go for photo ops, cool. It's worth it. Go and sit on the edge. Don't get a seat in the middle. Take in the view. Go at sunset. Omg it's gorgeous 😍 I promise, you won't be disappointed. FYI taxis hate to take you here because it's out of the way but ummmmmm soooooo! GO. They usually have live music. Good view, good vibes, live music, WINNING!
Van — Google review
We were here a couple of times on our trip to St. John. Beautiful view! They had live music both times we were there. GF had the rice bowl. I had chicken sandwich with bacon. Both were delicious. Drinks were excellent as well. But beware because the prices add up quick. They also charge $5 to park.
Pat B — Google review
The views don’t get better than The Windmill Bar! The food was also great! A chill atmosphere with friendly staff, The Windmill Bar offered great local seafood, a little history, and spectacular views. Highly recommend including this location for lunch after a day at the beach and ensure you go on a day where you can take in the views.
Taylor D — Google review
The views were spectacular and the staff was one of the friendliest we encountered on the entire island. Food was somewhat high priced with portion sizes on the smaller side, though it was good. Painkillers were definitely flowing here. We loved it so much that we visited twice during our week long trip, with live music both times. My only regret is missing out on bingo!
Anthony D — Google review
Great service and atmosphere. The musician the night we were there (10/30) was also wonderful. You will not be disappointed once you see that view! Everything else is just a bonus. It is worth the drive!
Moira G — Google review
17 A, Cruz Bay, 00830, U.S. Virgin Islands•http://www.windmillbar.com/•+1 340-244-6002•Tips and more reviews for The Windmill Bar
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1
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2
Children
0
Travelers
2
30 min · 1.5 mi
3

Hawksnest Beach

4.8
(394)
•
4.6
(635)
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Bodies of Water
Hawksnest Beach, located on the North side of the island, is a picturesque sandy beach with clear waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. It's known as one of the best snorkeling spots in the Virgin Islands National Park, offering opportunities to observe beautiful elkhorn coral and colorful fish. The beach also provides access to nearby secluded spots like Gibneys Beach/Oppenheimer Beach and offers a somewhat challenging swim around the rocks.
Definitely our favorite beach on St John. There was also a great spot on the right hand side of the beach for snorkeling. We saw all kinds of turtles and pretty fish. Parking is kind of limited, which is kind of nice because the beach doesn't get too busy/crowded.
Laura C — Google review
Very nice beach Crystal clear Emerald water at the beach.
TNBIGMAN — Google review
Excellent beach with crystal clear water. You can swim over to gibney/oppenheimer beach from there and back.
Muris D — Google review
Beautiful beach. There is a large reef area straight out about 50 feet from the shore. The water here has some stronger waves but there were lots of fish and the beach was nice.
Matt L — Google review
Went on a cloudier day but it was still SO GORGEOUS! Spacious but not too wide or large. There are bbq grills that work with coal, and easy parking in front . Loved it here!
Isabelle — Google review
Hawksnest Beach is a great beach if you want calm waves, snorkeling and crystal clear water. The difference between Maho Bay and Hawksnest Beach is that Hawksnest beach is much wider and has more beach so there are more places to find both sun and shade, it also has good snorkeling (but not great), it’s more convenient due to its close distance to Cruz Bay. It has restroom facilities and picnic tables and good parking. There is no hike to the beach. However, on some days the waves can actually get quite rough. Definitely one of my favorite beaches on St John!
Bronwyn R — Google review
Beautiful Sandy Beaches smaller once you are actually on the beach than you may expect but this beach is not too crowded, maybe because you need too take a boat from Saint Thomas to Saint John, then à taxi/bus to beach. The water is nice and warm. A great place to relax the day away. FYI I actually did see Hawks... thus the name of the beach. I really loved this beach.
Jim T — Google review
Gorgeous beach, with slightly less crowds than most—this little gem has some of the neatest waves crashing throughout. With a nice little sheltered picnic area and working facilities that weren’t damaged by the hurricanes like most of the others.
Ohio W — Google review
St John 00830, U.S. Virgin Islands, USA•Tips and more reviews for Hawksnest Beach
11 min · 1.4 mi
4

Trunk Bay

4.9
(470)
Beach
Trunk Bay is a must-visit snorkeling spot located on St. John's East End, at the edge of the Virgin Islands National Park. Accessible via a narrow path from the roadside parking lot, this beach offers stunning underwater structures and corals that make it a bucket-list destination for snorkelers.
Stunningly beautiful. Great snorkeling. Not crowded at all really since there are so many choices of beaches. We did get there early-ish. 9 am or so.
Lisa H — Google review
An incredible beach and well worth the effort if you are taking a cruise to St Thomas. I made a video about going to St John / Trunk Bay. It's one of the most beautiful beaches you can visit. Such an amazing place!
Alex Y — Google review
Paradise om Earth ? You found it !Trunk Bay is nothing short of majestic beauty. The moment you arrive, you are greeted with crystal-clear turquoise waters that look like they’ve been painted by hand, and the softest, finest white sand that feels like silk under your feet. This is truly one of the most breathtaking beaches in the Caribbean — perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply soaking in paradise. We spent hours enjoying the pristine water and the postcard-worthy scenery. The panoramic views, whether from the shore or looking out at the lush green island just offshore, are unforgettable. It’s the kind of place that makes you wish time could stop. A couple of practical notes for future visitors: Transportation: If you’re coming by cruise ship into Cruz Bay, taxis are the main way to reach Trunk Bay. While they’re efficient, the drivers can sometimes be a bit abrupt or even rude. One important thing to remember: they will not wait for you if you are not back at the vehicle at the exact time they say. Plan your beach time carefully to avoid being stranded. Food & drinks: There is only one food shack on the beach. While convenient, the prices are quite high compared to what you’d expect. Definitely bring extra cash (not all places take cards) and, if possible, pack a few snacks and water beforehand. Even with these small inconveniences, Trunk Bay is absolutely worth the trip. It is a slice of paradise that combines natural beauty, tranquility, and the magic of the Caribbean. If you’re visiting St. John, don’t miss it — this is one of those places that stays with you forever.
Marian R — Google review
This has to be one of the most gorgeous beaches in the world. There is an extra fee for this beach. It's $5 a person. Totally worth it. There's also food and drinks available. There's a snorkel tour underwater that you can do by yourself.
Caitlin C — Google review
Beautiful, blue water, clean sand, and hardly any crowds. It's about 5 bucks a person to enter here - but it's worth the price. The parking lot is small, which cuts down on the crowds here. There is an underwater snorkeling trail marked out by a few buoys you can follow out to Trunk Cay. It's not the best in the world, but it's very accessible an in a calm, easy bay. There are nice bathroom and shower facilities here as well.
Greg E — Google review
Beautiful beach, great snorkeling. Hard to describe in words! Food and drinks were awesome and this is part of the park services ! Well done!
Courtney S — Google review
The most beautiful place I’ve ever visited so far! We took a cruise from the US and ported in St. Thomas. We wanted to check off a bucket list place by visiting St. John. A U.S. National Park. The timing was perfect on a beautiful day, the first week in September. I would definitely do a destination trip to this island as I would love to explore it more. Must see if you love God’s nature on land and sea.
Amy H — Google review
One if the calmest beaches in St Johns. Get there early and find a good spot. Great for snorkeling and just hanging on the beach. If you are staying in St. Thomas take the ferry over to St. John.
Hugo G — Google review
St John 00830, U.S. Virgin Islands, USA•Tips and more reviews for Trunk Bay
23 min · 2.4 mi
5

Maho Bay

4.8
(845)
•
4.5
(467)
Beach pavillion
Outdoor Activities
Park
Beaches
Bodies of Water
Maho Bay is a must-visit snorkeling spot located on St. John's East End, at the edge of the Virgin Islands National Park. Accessible via a narrow path from East End Road, this tranquil bay offers stunning underwater structures and vibrant corals. Snorkelers can explore rocky patch reefs adorned with sea fans, gorgonians, mustard corals, brain coral, and fire corals in 5 to 15 feet of water.
This was our favorite beach during our trip. We only went to St John for 1 day. I wish we could've gone back for more. There was so much wildlife to see at this beach. Fantastic snorkeling along the northeast side. We saw lobsters, moray eels, sting rays, conches, along with an abundance of tropical fish. We also saw several sea turtles over the grass beds in the middle of the bay. Not overcrowded. Beautiful calm water. Free access and parking (besides the ferry ride to St John). Bathrooms could have been cleaner, but that was the only negative.
G B — Google review
Beach is really nice and water is very calm. A little bit of a hike to get out here with very steep narrow roads, so not for the squeamish. Good amount of sea life, we saw small fish, a shark and a star fish. Turtles are pretty far out all the way to the far end of the bay so a bit of a hike in somewhat cloudy water. Lots of shade available, sun won’t creep out over the mountains until 1-2pm.
Noah R — Google review
By far my most favourite spot on the US Virgin island . The bay area accommodates 30 plus mornings for boats and very protected from the easterly winds. Great spots to park you dingy and enjoy all the amenities of the beach . Plenty of parking for cars coming from Cruz Bay, be aware of the park ranger they cruise the area handing out tickets, or at time she comes on the loud speaker asking people to move first lol. Great girl The beach area offers a cool little area for shopping, cocktail bar mixing the infamous painkillers , small taco place and bathrooms are available ..need to rent paddle boards ? They have clear ones along with kayaks, chairs, snorkel sets,and many other cool beach gear . Closes at 5 so get your full day in Did I mention the mass amounts of turtle you will see..amazing 😎 Luv it will be back , make sure you check it out 🤙☘️
ScottF — Google review
Good beach, sea grass for snorkeling to see Turtles. The only problem is if you go to see Turtles and then the water is cloudy from rain, rough water or northern swelling, well you won't see anything. We had a great time. Rentals are pricey but there are chairs, water couches and any other gear. Limited food and bar for drinks. Easy access from road, limited parking. We arrived at 8am. That was maybe too early. Didn't seem to really fill up until closer to 9/10. Worth visiting once and try your luck to see the Turtles. Unfortunately we weren't lucky this time. Have to come back and try again. 🐢
Matt C — Google review
Great visit but was super crowded.. honeymoon beach was more relaxed, but…. If you want to snorkel and see fish, Maho is a good spot Also always ask the waitress at the bar “ do you have a juicy booty?”
DJ. S — Google review
Took a day sail and asked our captain to take us snorkeling with turtles. First place we went was maho, where we saw many turtles of all sizes, along with rays and several pretty large starfish. Very cool, highly recommend this beach if turtles are your thing
Steve H — Google review
Such a beautiful beach. Snorkeled and saw multiple sea turtles and a sting ray. Bring a good book and get ready to relax. Food trucks offer up some good eats...and did I mention the Painkillers? Life doesn't get much better than this. AMAZING!
Melissa D — Google review
Maho Bay is AMAZING. We snorkeled with multiple sea turtles, the water was super clear and calm. Couldn't really imagine a better place to snorkel. Definitely go here if you get a chance, it's amazing.
Gabe L — Google review
9743+RW5, Rte 20, St. John, St John 00830, U.S. Virgin Islands•Tips and more reviews for Maho Bay
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Where to eat

Even the most seasoned adventurers need a break to chow down some food. Close to The Windmill Bar, these restaurants are about a 3-minute walk away.

Shambles Island Bar and Grill

4.5
(336)
•
4.1
(134)
Restaurant
Shambles Island Bar and Grill is a vibrant and colorful restaurant and bar located in St. John USVI. It's known for its lively atmosphere, live music nights, creative cocktails, and friendly activities. The place offers a great spot to catch your favorite sports game while enjoying reasonably priced food, including vegan options. Situated near other local spots like The Windmill Bar and Local Flavors, it's becoming a popular corner of St.
Love this place. Super chill, great and friendly staff. They really enjoy it when you are happy, and they do their best to make that happen. BBQ is awesome, and the atmosphere matches the friendly service and food. Seems more like a local hangout, which we love. Oh yea, prices are lower than most on the island.
Shawn S — Google review
The ribs are genuinely the best I’ve ever had and are always consistently good. Sometimes service can be a little slower, but the good vibes are worth it! We also love seeing Mimi.
Morgan — Google review
While we were exploring St John's we came by Shambles and it cute decor was so inviting we had to try it out cause there was 8 of us and we were hungry, we were sat at this really cool table shaped like a boat and it sat all of us comfortable and still able to have conversations amongst ourselves and not yelling to hear each other. The food was absolutely delicious and I got the grilled cheese and it came on delicious Texas toast and I got provolone and bacon and hands down the best I've had, between the 8 of us we all cleaned our plates and immensely enjoyed it all! The service was great and we didn't want for anything cause they're all so attentive to the customers and our needs. Great establishment and I highly recommend checking them out, you won't be disappointed!
Kimberly L — Google review
Awesome place to have a drink and a snack. Jo was awesome, and we will probably stop in every time we are in the area. This place gives key west vibes and is a welcoming place for the whole family. We stopped by after leaving a place to eat up the road because it felt awkward, but this place will make you feel like you should have been here an hour ago. The worst part about shambles was leaving!
Chris P — Google review
What a gem on St John! After calling around quite a few places, trying to arrange a birthday cake for our son, we found Shambles... and they did not disappoint! They made us an incredible salted caramel cheesecake- then brought it out as a surprise with music and all! We ended up having lunch and the pulled pork with bbq sauce was about the best I've tasted. Service was wonderful. Highly recommend!
Heidi W — Google review
Great place, great food and service was excellent. Anybody looking for a good selection of tasty food I'd suggest hitting this place up. It is right across the road from the windmill bar. The windmill bar has the best view of the whole island.
Anthony T — Google review
Loved it! We had an awesome experience at Shambles. It has a fun island dive bar vibe with great food. I’m a big rib fan and have had them all over, and these were some of the best I’ve ever had. They were fall off the bone tender and full of flavor. I was planning to order the fried mahi sandwich, but the bartender recommended the ribs with such genuine passion that I trusted her. She was absolutely right. I wish I remembered her name because she was very kind. My wife had a burger, which she let me try, and it was also excellent. Definitely not a frozen patty. There was even a sweet cat named Mimi hanging out, which added to the charm. 10/10 would recommend.
John D — Google review
Such a great place to get a simple but delicious meal! We got pizza for dinner and then decided to go back for lunch another day. Such a fun unique place. They also gave us cards to get a free topping at their sweet shack! Give it a try!
Kalyn F — Google review
Route 10 St. John, Cruz Bay, 00830, U.S. Virgin Islands•http://www.shamblesvi.com/•+1 340-777-4015•Tips and more reviews for Shambles Island Bar and Grill

Morgan's Mango

4.5
(818)
•
4.4
(2567)
$$$$expensive
Restaurant
Morgan's Mango is a popular restaurant that has recently undergone an exciting transformation, enhancing its already stellar reputation. The updated menu features a diverse range of Caribbean-inspired dishes with a modern twist, showcasing the island's rich culinary heritage through an eclectic mix of flavors and ingredients. From fresh seafood to innovative cocktails made with premium spirits and local elements, every bite at Morgan's Mango is a celebration of the vibrant and diverse tastes of the Caribbean.
Our group of 4 had a reservation Morgan’s Mango for dinner and just as well. A very busy spot, and great ambience! I had an Irma 2017 cocktail. A tasty fruity orgeat rum drink. My wife had a tuna ( good except stringy ) and swordfish main. I had a vegan soup and mahi mahi for my main. Mine was excellent For dessert, my buddy had bread pudding and I had the best Key Lime pie ever!
Randy G — Google review
My boyfriend and I came here on our first night in St. John. We didn’t have a reservation, so we grabbed seats at the bar—and I’m so glad we did! The atmosphere was welcoming, the service was excellent, and the food ended up being the best we had during our entire trip. My boyfriend ordered the coconut shrimp, and I had the catch of the day (Salmon)with the ginger-lemon-soy sauce, absolutely delicious! I also tried the Mango Colada, which was perfectly balanced not watered down like at other places, and you could actually taste the alcohol. We took home a slice of the Key Lime pie for dessert. Hands down, this was our favorite spot out of everywhere we ate during our stay. Highly recommend!
Lea W — Google review
We ended up switching our dinner plans after strolling past this spot—and it turned out to be the best decision of the night. Everything we tried was outstanding. We started with the tuna tartare, red snapper ceviche, tostones Ramos, and the Tango salad. Every bite delivered, but the tartare was next level—easily one of the best we’ve ever had. For entrées, we shared three: the tuna special in a mango red curry miso soy sauce served with asparagus and vegetable risotto, the grouper, and the fish of the day in a ginger lemon soy sauce. The tuna, caught just hours before, was the unanimous favorite at our table of four. You must finish this meal with the key lime pie. Worth the $16. Truly unreal. If you’re on the island, this place is a must. Fresh, inventive, and perfectly executed.
Carla C — Google review
We had an incredible experience at Morgan’s Mango in St. John! The Tuna Tartare, Lobster, and Key Lime Pie were absolutely amazing—each dish was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. Our server Jason was on point the entire night, attentive and personable, which made the evening even better. 10/10 recommend this spot if you’re visiting St. John!
Sara M — Google review
Originally we were supposed to go to Dave and Jerry's Steakhouse. However, they are still closed for the season. Morgan's Mango was mentioned as a backup and boy are we pleased. Rule #1: They open at 5:30pm Rule #2: Make a reservation. It gets crowded quick. Rule #3: There is no wrong order. Everyone on the island is all about seafood. It makes sense. Where else to get good, quality, and fresh seafood than the islands? Well, I dont eat seafood. However, I love steak and Morgan's was perfect. It was the biggest filet ever for me. 9 Oz. Grilled to perfection (the 2nd time). The Yukon Gold mashed potatoes 🥔 were plentiful and delicious. The mixed, seasonal veggies consisted of beans, Brussel sprouts, broccoli 🥦 and mushrooms 🍄 and carrots 🥕 Service was great. Our waitress was an island transplant Michigan. She was great! The noise level is moderate. It gets loud but it's not unbearable. They are famous for their key lime pie. It's worth it. Order it.
Van — Google review
All of the good things said about this place are accurate! Best Key Lime pie I’ve ever had, we stopped by twice more on our trip to get a piece to go. Amazing. Went on Lobster Special night and it was perfectly cooked, great rice. Scallop special was great. The soup/bisque was SO good. It’s a must on St. John.
L P — Google review
Morgan's Mango is always a great time. Lori was our server and she was awesome. Carlos and his staff are always on top of everything. Lobster was delicious. Best Key Lime Pie I've ever had. Looking forward to returning next year already.
Mike M — Google review
The empanada and scallop appetizers were a delicious way to start our meal. My wife had the coconut-panko grouper and it was out of this world! My ribeye was cooked well but lacked seasoning. Excellent service.
Eric M — Google review
St. John, 18 First Street, Cruz Bay, St John 00831, U.S. Virgin Islands•http://www.morgansmango.com/•+1 340-693-8141•Tips and more reviews for Morgan's Mango
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Day 2

Off the beaten path
For day 2, if you don’t mind the extra trek, today covers more off the beaten path places like Skinny Legs. Not quite as popular as Annaberg Sugar Plantation, but still highly rated among many travelers. Accounting for getting around and average time spent, today’s activities could take about 8 hours.
1

Skinny Legs

4.6
(1476)
•
4.3
(2323)
$$$$affordable
Bar & grill
Skinny Legs is a popular bar and grill located in Coral Bay, St John. It's known for its laid-back and funky vibe, combining a restaurant with a retail store. The menu features fresh salads, mouth-watering burgers, sandwiches, and homemade chili. Notably, they serve burgers with chips instead of fries to minimize environmental impact. Additionally, they offer daily specials and tropical drinks alongside cold beer.
So our Skinny Legs trip was kind of an accident – we drove all the way over to Salt Pond Beach b/c it was raining in Cruz Bay and we were told the “dry” side of the island is always better when that happened. It was raining harder at Salt Pond by the time we got there! So rather than trek down a muddy trail and sit in the rain, we backtracked for lunch at Skinny Legs. We weren’t the only ones with that idea; the place was heaving. Fortunately they have a lot of parking, we kind of wedged our jeep between two boat trailers in the harbor parking lot next door. After tracking down the guy who had the waitlist (turned out to be the owner!) we tucked ourselves away in a corner of the bar with a couple of beers and waited for our table. As we watched the staff bob and weave through the hectic crowd, it occurred to me that they all seemed to have really good attitudes for being as busy as they were. The bartender always delivered our beers with an unhurried smile, even though he had a stack of drink orders. The waitstaff very politely excused themselves as they zipped around the space. It was really impressive. We finally sat down after about a half-hour wait (which is what we were quoted). The service continued to be friendly and relaxed, and the burgers were ah-may-zing! Very happy the weather gave us an excuse to try Skinny Legs; it will be definitely be on our must-visit list next time we’re in St. John.
Ray G — Google review
YOU HAVE TO GO HERE WHILE IN ST. JOHN. You won't regret it!!! My father-in-law recommended this place, and we actually showed up on a day they were closed, and decided to go back on a different day during our trip. The drive was 10000% worth it!! I went in thinking burgers are burgers, but I was wrong. I got the raspberry colada and it's my favorite drink now. Hands down. I also ordered the special burger of the day, which had pepper jack cheese, grilled pineapple, and mango chutney on it. My family's been planning to recreate this since our visit. The atmosphere is great, with little chickens running around. We also went to the gift shop attached to the restaurant and got some merch while we waited for the food. Will definitely revisit when we're back in paradise and bring a flag or license plate to leave our mark!
Kelly J — Google review
This is a great local bar/pub with a lively laid back atmosphere. Theres a few TV’s around the bar area, plenty of tables too. Theres food looked terrific & drinks were not only well priced but darn good. There’s a wonderful store attached to Skinny Legs & the owner is wonderful. There’s prices are excellent for St John clothing & jewelry. Probably the best prices by far of anyplace I’ve been to on the island of St. John. There’s parking in the front (store a few steps down) and parking in the read (pub area).
Lisa B — Google review
So nice we went twice! We made two separate trips during our vacation and both times we tried the drinks of the day and the special burger of the day, both were always exceptional! The open air atmosphere gives island vibes and feels like your favorite dive bar. Chips are standard fare ruffles and tend to be a little soggy (humidity maybe?) but the burgers are always great!
Eric B — Google review
We stopped in for dinner on a Tuesday night. Seated immediately. Service was great. I had chicken sandwich and Rum Punch. She had Mahi Mahi with no bun and Painkiller. Both were standard for the island. Great atmosphere. Lots of parking. Large gift shop.
Pat B — Google review
Great atmosphere, very beachy. Service was iffy and slightly unattentive, the mahi mahi was over cooked and lacked any flavor. Chili dog was good and nightly special burger was good. Drinks were delicious. Over all we would rate it mid
Rick B — Google review
Look, is it the greatest burger you’ve ever had? Probably not, but it’s a solid 8/10. You’re here for the company, the vibes, and the fact that a place in Coral Bay has existed since the 90s. Bring a flag/pennant of your college, it’s probably already here but in case it’s not, you’d feel great for putting it up on the wall.
Paul M — Google review
We stopped by for lunch one afternoon during our trip. Such a cute place! Really nice environment and great service. We both got spiked lemonades which were extremely tasty. I got the mahi mahi sandwich and my boyfriend got a burger and both were great! We wanted to come back a second time while we were here but just didn't have the time. Will come back in the future when we inevitably visit the island again.
Devyn F — Google review
87XQ+2G3, Connections East Shopping Center, 9901 Estate Emmaus, Coral Bay, St John 00830, U.S. Virgin Islands•http://skinnylegsvi.com/•+1 340-779-4982•Tips and more reviews for Skinny Legs
9 min · 3.7 mi
2

Annaberg Sugar Plantation

4.7
(546)
•
4.4
(445)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Sites
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Annaberg Sugar Plantation, built in 1718, is an 18th-century sugar plantation with well-preserved ruins including a windmill tower and factory. The site is part of the Virgin Islands National Park and offers visitors a glimpse into the island's colonial past and post-emancipation culture. The Cinnamon Bay Nature Loop provides easy access to the plantation ruins, with a wheelchair-friendly boardwalk looping through the area.
Excellent historical location. Very moving to see many parts of this plantation. The Friends of the Virgin Islands have demonstrations 3 days a week. It was our lucky day. We were able to try fresh bread, and got to tour the kitchen-which showed the wealth of the previously enslaved owner who bought the plantation that once owned him. It was so incredibly informative.
Kathryn B — Google review
The parking lot is down by the beach. An uphill hike to the plantation. If you are not good on stairs, you can walk the road to get there. Those views are jaw dropping! Great panorama of the British VI, plenty of history of the plantation. Beautiful quiet place.
JitkaKac — Google review
My Bride and I opted for self-guided activities on this trip. Driving is challenging. If you are used to driving to the right, you will be mentally challenged. On top of this, the roads are narrow, steep (almost make San Francisco look flat). Hairpin turns galore. Now combine all of the above. That is your driving experience in the Virgin Islands National Park at St. John's, U.S. Virgin Islands. The park itself is replete with trails of varying difficulty, There are markers enough for guidance. We would have spent more time at the plantation, but it started raining heavily. Walking through, visitors may learn much from the information boards. I did not like the "woke" flavor of their content.
Leon D — Google review
This is a beautifully preserved plantation with an incredibly sad history. It feels like sacred ground and should be treated as such. We are so glad we didn't miss this visit. So much hardship in such a beautiful place. Highly recommend visiting this historic site.
Lisa H — Google review
A must see! Not a very big place. You could spend 1 hour tops there. Free parking. The garden keeper was very nice! We were able to try sugar cane, bananas, and were given leaves to make tea or just to smell. Really cool experience. The views were amazing and the buildings out of a movie.
Stephanie C — Google review
Nice easy walk, no parking though at the top, taxi drop off only for your awareness.
Lacey H — Google review
Not a bad hike to get there! Totally worth seeing for great water views too.
Hannah Y — Google review
History was amazing and everything explained on plaques around buildings. Alot I didn't know about the Virgin Islands.
Joanne B — Google review
977C+34J, St John 00830, U.S. Virgin Islands•https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/annaberg-sugar-plantation.htm•+1 340-776-6201•Tips and more reviews for Annaberg Sugar Plantation
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15 min · 2 mi
3

Maho Bay Beach

4.8
(238)
•
4.7
(2845)
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Maho Bay Beach, located on the northern side of St. John within Virgin Islands National Park, is a popular destination for snorkeling enthusiasts. The beach offers crystal clear waters and a white sand shoreline, with two stunning reefs bordering the bay. Visitors can easily spot sea turtles near the seagrass areas and swim alongside them in the shallow waters.
Incredible! Much less crowded than Trunk Bay! Wonderful place to snorkel. We saw turtles, barracuda, sting ray, and tons of interesting fish! We loved or new friend, James! He makes the best tasting drinks. Make sure to find him at the bar a little further down from the entrance! Get The Lime in the Coconut! Lots of shade. You can rent everything you need for a fun beach day. There are 2 different vendors who sell chairs so check prices. Avg price is between $15 and $20 per chair. Shop it out first to get the best price! Didn’t see the donkeys this visit! Maybe later in the week!
Sandy S — Google review
Beach was a bit busy and parking was tough but we found a spot. And then found a good spot off to the far right in the shade. Beach was amazing and the family was able to snorkeling and got to see turtles, and fish along with crabs tying to exchange shells.
Crystal B — Google review
Beautiful and not terribly crowded beach area. The limited parking (pretty much just the side of the road) limits the crowding, and the beach is just feet away from the road. Snorkeling here was not great for us. There's no coral - just turtle grass here. So we saw about 2 fish while out here and nothing else. One guy claimed to have seen a sea turtle - which seem to be common here.
Greg E — Google review
Maho. Just go. Get there early. Smaller than Trunk and Cinnamon, but parking is close and the beach is beautiful. More sheltered than Cinnamon which means less wind and less waves. Saw a four foot string ray and some smaller rays. Plenty of turtles! There have cabanas with picnic tables for free if you get there early. They have a beach bar and souvenir shop too. I recommend a Lime In The Coconut.
BlueBox M — Google review
I've been to many islands and many beaches, and to me.This is the most beautiful beach in the world. It is stunning the water the surroundings. Perfect day for snorkeling and exploring. you can swim around and see all types of fishies and turtles. Across the street, they have food, trucks and dream trucks, perfect for a day at the beach. I recommend this beach to everyone. It's a once in a lifetime, please to visit
Odalys G — Google review
This beach is very awesome, beautiful and secluded. Gifts and eats after located across the street. The sand is white, the water is emerald, very good place to spend the day on a beach.
TNBIGMAN — Google review
Great beach the wake is very mellow there are sea turtles an sea rays not much fish but very beautiful area to spend a few hours on St.John
Jetano D — Google review
Perfect beach for people with mobility issues due to calm waters to swim in and easy sand to walk on.
Muris D — Google review
St John 00830, U.S. Virgin Islands, USA•Tips and more reviews for Maho Bay Beach
17 min · 0.86 mi
4

Cinnamon Bay Beach

4.9
(153)
Beach
Cinnamon Bay Beach is a must-visit for active vacationers and beach enthusiasts alike. As one of the longest beaches on St. John, it offers a range of water sports activities such as snorkeling, windsurfing, and kayaking. Nestled within the Virgin Islands National Park, visitors can explore an old Danish building housing a temporary museum displaying archaeological findings from the area.
Beautiful beach, crystal clear waters, restrooms and anything you might need close by. No entry free. Honestly I think I liked this spot better than the famous Trunk Bay.
Sandra P — Google review
It’s not the most beautiful beach I’ve ever seen… but it’s trying its best. Kinda like me before coffee. 🤣 Cinnamon bay is not as beautiful as Trunks Bay, the road leading to it is dangerous at times. Narrow roads and sharp turns are not made for a beginner driver. But here are some of the bright points. Here you don't have to pay for entry unlike Trunks bay and it looks more organized. The water are the same color of jade and turquoise mix and the sand is white. What else can you ask for? Maybe a cold local 🍻
Dan S — Google review
This is one of the most well-equipped beaches on this side of the island. They have nice bathrooms, open air showers, foot shower stations, places to change, a place to buy drinks, a campground, etc. It does tend to be more crowded than some of the other beaches. Even though the parking lot is small, the taxis drop a lot of people off here.
Greg E — Google review
Beautiful beach, gift shop, food truck, restrooms lots of parking 200 yard walk to the beach but it's worth it. Water is incredible...
TNBIGMAN — Google review
So much yes! If its windy sit on the left side of the beach. The closer you sit to the water the less wind-sand you get to the face. There were even little sand-devil (whirwinds) on the beach, which was cool to watch from the water. The sand is white. The water is so clear. Not a lot of vegetation or coral in close at this beach, which makes it perfect for swimming. They have a beach bar, and I highly recommend the frozen painkillers. You can also rent chairs and snorkel gear.
BlueBox M — Google review
Great beach! Easy to get to, loved to trail to the ruins!
Hannah Y — Google review
It is a lovely beach with perfect snorkeling opportunity.
Muris D — Google review
Celebrated as "one of Top 10 beaches in the world" i concur that this is a true spot of paradise on Earth - crystal clear blue water, white fine-grain sand, low tides and simply excellent conditions for bathing and snorkling. Just a tad too windy for my taste and you have to get a car to get here as the drive to this secluded spot through bamboo forrests(!) and palm trees is quite long.
Morten K — Google review
St John 00830, U.S. Virgin Islands, USA•Tips and more reviews for Cinnamon Bay Beach
21 min · 5.3 mi
5

Virgin Islands National Park Service Headquarters

4.6
(183)
Visitor center
The Virgin Islands National Park Service Headquarters is a must-visit for anyone planning to explore the park. The center offers safety tips and information for visitors, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Although parking may be limited, the open-air feel of the center and helpful rangers make it worth a visit. The park itself features steep hills, rocky trails, and stunning beaches perfect for snorkeling.
Extremely thankful to have these guys keeping the island safe and as wild as possible. Thank you
Santiago O — Google review
The NPS folks are great at preserving the beauty and history of Virgin Islands National Park. They are stretched thin and don’t offer all of the services they once offered. Between two category 5 hurricanes and Covid they have fared very well. The staff all care about the Park and the people of St. John.
Wilson W — Google review
The visitors center reopened a few days before we came, woohooooo! Not much parking at the visitors center there were still workers working on stuff around the visitors center though. The visitors center had a nice open air feel to it and the Ranger there was awesome. Junior Ranger books are still being printed out but was able to do other fun activities. We will definitly be back to visit St John again on another trip. 1 day is not enough to beach hop. Car ferry was $65 round trip or $50 one way. Be prepared to pay cash only and be comfortable back in your car onto the ferry/barge. There is also a $4 port fee that you pay for from St Thomas.
Bernie N — Google review
This is a desert island of steep hills, rocky trails, little shade. Be prepared and be fit if you plan to hike. The scenery is amazing, beaches picture perfect sand and water. Lots of snorkeling in water even kids can explore safety. Parking is difficult everywhere on the island but taxies are plentiful. Bring lots of sunscreen and water. Vote to fully fund National Parks.
Karrie P — Google review
A hidden treasure of the National Park service maintained by the very dedicated staff and residents St John Island. Beaches and water unrivaled around the world. High on the bucket list to experience.
BRITT B — Google review
Great center. Nice exhibits with a friendly and helpful staff.
Phillip V — Google review
Awesome group of people who helped out after Hurricane Irma. Special shout out to Ms. Golda who is an Interpretor at the park and who helped out when people were evacuating after the storm.
Joel T — Google review
Very helpful guide inside. Bathrooms outside. Picnic area, too. Lind Point trail to lookout is a great view!
Loretta P — Google review
86M4+4G5, Cruz Bay, St John 00830, U.S. Virgin Islands•https://www.nps.gov/viis/index.htm•Tips and more reviews for Virgin Islands National Park Service Headquarters
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Where to eat

When you need a food break from visiting all the attractions today, these fan favorite restaurants are about a 4-minute walk away from Virgin Islands National Park Service Headquarters.

Margarita Phil's

3.7
(115)
•
3.8
(512)
Temporarily Closed
Restaurant
Margarita Phil's is a charming Mexican restaurant located in St. John, Virgin Islands. Despite being somewhat underrated, it offers excellent food and unique drinks. The cozy beachside retreat captures the essence of a tropical gem with its warm ambiance and delightful oasis vibe. While the service may be a bit inexperienced due to being understaffed, the staff does their best to provide good service. The restaurant is an ideal escape from loud main restaurants, offering a peaceful atmosphere during peak hours.
I’ll be honest, we only had drinks at Phil’s (1/1/24), but they were awesome! And we got to see lots of food coming out of Chef Charles’s kitchen, so we’ll be back on our next visit for the full treatment! Zach, the guy waiting all the tables and running the bar, was gracious to a fault. We had a huge mango margarita that we split, then followed that with a blended raspberry margarita. Both were amazing, fresh, and delicious. Despite being so busy, Zach took a few minutes to share his love of tequila, and showed us their growing collection. It was a great way to finish our evening. We’d go back for the bar alone, but as I said, the food looked great, so we’ll probably have dinner, as well.
Steve K — Google review
So the other reviews were right about the service being slow, but it wasn’t THAT slow. And it is a beautiful island with a laid back vibe. The staff was very friendly, and the food was fantastic. Water is $3/bottle. No free water, no free chips and salsa. Our bill for a family of 4 was $155. Everyone loved their food. We didn’t try the margaritas, but many people coming and going sung their praises.
Gena N — Google review
We had a great time at Margarita Phil’s. The burritos and margaritas were really good. The service was excellent and we’ll visit here again for sure. The margaritas are huge and wonderful and you’ll love them.
Rusty R — Google review
This little cafe in Cruz Bay is exactly what you're looking for when you want some taste of home Mexican cuisine. The Margaritas are amazing and you can even get one To-Go. Zac is an amazing host and will make sure you leave happy and satisfied. The food is great and the portions are huge! If you're hungry in St John, this is the place!
John L — Google review
We visited Margarita Phil's on a whim, but after lunch and 2 blended raspberry margaritas we were in heaven!!! The manager, PJ, visited with us, and by the time we left, we really enjoyed our time with him! We had to go back the day before we left St. John and were really excited to see PJ again. I'm pretty sure he slipped me a little extra tequila in a giant glass and I could only drink one!! Great place with AMAZING food and drinks!
Ann D — Google review
Vegetarian friendly. Many veggie options. Prices are a bit high but you get a lot of high quality Mexican food. Great presentation on the dishes (veggie chalupa, nacho grande, and cheese stuffed jalapeño pepper poppers). Servicevwas faster than other restaurants on the island.
Chris — Google review
If you are looking for great, made from scratch Mexican food, this is the place! Amazing little place with the perfect atmosphere. Friendly, helpful, fantastic staff. And delicious margaritas!
Curt W — Google review
We ordered chicken quesadillas, beef tacos and margaritas. Everything was delicious! Food was not greasy (many Mexican restaurants put too much grease), place was very clean, and the margaritas were amazing. Service was very good too! The place was more empty than other around, which was weird because food is so good!
Monica K — Google review
86J4+VQX, N Shore Rd, Cruz Bay, St John 00830, U.S. Virgin Islands•Tips and more reviews for Margarita Phil's

Rhumb Lines Cuisine in Indigo Grill

4.5
(232)
•
4.5
(127)
Permanently Closed
$$$$affordable
Pacific Rim restaurant
Rhumb Lines Cuisine in Indigo Grill is a popular dining spot in St. John, offering a diverse menu with Caribbean and Pacific Rim influences. The restaurant features a range of appetizers such as summer rolls, fusion chicken cool cups, and shrimp & corn fritters, as well as soups and salads like fresh mango gazpacho and trans-Pacific ceviche.
What a delightful meal at Rhumb Lines! The food was very good. We enjoyed the cracked pepper crusted tuna, mango gazpacho, pistachio crusted goat cheese , both the shrimp and tofu Pad tai (both excellent) and the fresh fish. The inviting decor and the special attention from Star and Archie made this dinner of our favorites on the island!
Kandi S — Google review
This was our first meal on the island and was also our last meal! Everything was so delicious. Highly recommend!! We got the chicken pad thai, pot stickers, blackened mahi, and their steak. Amazing atmosphere, with two cute cats running around. The mosquitoes were tearing us up and they had bug spray there!
Kalyn F — Google review
The absolute best restaurant on the island. Laid back atmosphere, service was phenomenal, the food and drinks were all excellent. We had the chicken pot stickers and 2 bacon wrapped shrimp as appetizers. We had the New York Strip special for dinner with shrimp to make it a surf and turf, with mashed potatoes and mixed greens. The steak was cooked absolutely perfect, medium rare and medium. We had the peanut butter cup cheesecake for dessert. The sauces that came with everything matched well with the food and were all delicious. I highly recommend this place and the love that the locals told us to be sure to make a reservation. Being from the midwest, I know steak and would put this above most high end restaurants back home for sure and at a fraction of the cost.
Geoff W — Google review
Really unique atmosphere. There was an awesome cat wandering around. I got pad thai with tofu. It was good, but the spice level was high, so it was hard to finish. My husband got steak that was overcooked even though he requested medium rare. They offered to remake, but he ate it anyway. Staff was friendly and attentive.
Maggie C — Google review
Our New Year's Eve dinner, and it was so wonderful! Fun, eclectic vibe, Asian influence meets boho/hippie, we loved the colors and textures and lights. The shrimp pad thai was AMAZING! Friendly kitties made us smile, as we were missing our own cat. We loved it so much, we reserved it for our last dinner on St John, but there was an illness, and they closed that night. Can't wait to go back next time!
Melethia M — Google review
Rhumb Lines Coral Bay - Eaten here 4 times during our two week stay. BEST FOOD we’ve had on the island! We’ll have one more evening there before departing. Their Thanksgiving meal was amazing. The Pupu platter options are excellent. The bacon wrapped shrimp…OMGsh so good. Do not miss this eclectic, cool restaurant. So good!
Keely C — Google review
We stopped in on a whim, but were welcomed. It was off-season so there was plenty of room, but I recommend a reservation during peak season. I can't imagine this place isn't packed with how good the food is. All we had was an appetizer but it made an impression-- definitely recommend making the trip to eat here. The menu, ingredients, flavors and creativity were above and beyond.
Casey N — Google review
We absolutely loved Rhumb Lines. Everything was delicious and my salmon entree was exquisite. Don’t forget to leave a bit of room for their light and not overly sweet key lime pie! The servers, although I was told they were short staffed, were friendly and attentive. The broad-smiling bartender even stopped by just to make sure we were all set. The ambience is subdued and surroundings beautiful. Highly recommend!
Sandraknight1 — Google review
3 Estate Emmaus, Coral Bay, St John 00830, U.S. Virgin Islands•https://www.facebook.com/rhumblinesstjohn/•+1 340-776-0303•Tips and more reviews for Rhumb Lines Cuisine in Indigo Grill
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Adults
2
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Travelers
2

The Terrace

4.1
(252)
•
4.5
(853)
$$$$very expensive
American restaurant
The Terrace is a sophisticated restaurant in the Virgin Islands, offering a blend of French and international cuisine. Situated on a hill, it provides stunning views of Cruz Bay, creating an idyllic setting for diners. The menu features a fusion of Caribbean and global flavors, promising an exceptional dining experience. Whether it's a romantic dinner or a special celebration, The Terrace offers an elegant backdrop for unforgettable moments and delectable meals that celebrate both taste and atmosphere.
Amazing! Ask for Mike as a server. A true professional. We had a great view of the water. Most importantly, the food was outrageous!
Eric M — Google review
The food was excellent. Small portions overall but hey it’s a high-end restaurant. We had their special lobster bisque which was amazing. Their scallops on the small plates menu is only 2 scallops, but they’re absolutely incredible. Seared on the outside and buttery on the inside. The yellowfin tuna we got split, cooked rare, and it was also very good. Downsides: they charge you $8 for a bottle of distilled water, and will also charge you $8 to split your entree. But overall I still give it 5 stars
Patrick B — Google review
Lovely dinner. We first stopped here in 2022 and decided to stop back. Hostess was kind and quick to help, server was excellent, a lovely person, and service was quick/attentive. My wife got the Caribbean lobster tail half, which we both enjoyed. I had the mac and cheese with shrimp and mushrooms, excellent beyond words. We finished the meal with the cinnamon cheesecake. It was perfect and one of our favorite deserts of our trips thus far. A little pricey but expected. Overall was a lovely experience that we would happily repeat.
Nick V — Google review
We celebrated a birthday here. It was the best food we had during our stay on st john.
Steve M — Google review
We were able to get last minute reservations via email for dinner on a Tuesday night and thoroughly enjoyed our experience! Our family of four got a table on the porch overlooking Cruz Bay - highly recommend! Server was very attentive and friendly. Food was excellent- from macaroni and cheese to the filet to the lamb chop special that night. The truffle fries are fabulous! The desserts, however, were OUTSTANDING! Really pleased with our dinner at The Terrace! Will definitely return.
Jennifer B — Google review
The Terrace restaurant was absolutely amazing exceeding my expectations. My boyfriend and I both loved our meals - absolutely delicious! The view is very nice right on cruz bay for a romantic evening. Our server was exceptional. She was so warm, nice and friendly just like all the other servers we encountered while on St. John. This restaurant is a must go for excellent food. We are so glad we came!!
Lianna G — Google review
We had a wonderful dinner at The Terrace last evening, and were lucky to get a table on short notice. We were even treated to a spot on the terrace, which was quite unexpected given the late timing of our reservation. The service was on point, my martini was perfect and the view was nice. The only detractor was the somewhat loud live music emanating from the bar across the street, obviously beyond the control of management. Our entrees were great, including my wife's filet and daughters Mac & Cheese. The tuna was a bit dry and not top Sashimi grade but still good. All in all a winner in our opinion... and we will certainly return.
Rad D — Google review
The Terrace greatly exceeded our expectations! The food, service, and atmosphere was phenomenal. Our waiter, Mike, was attentive and friendly. By far my favorite restaurant on St. John. Have traveled here 4 times and never tried it, but this will definitely be a repeat spot now!
Jordan K — Google review
3 FA Cruz Bay Quarter Cruz Bay, St John 00830, U.S. Virgin Islands•http://theterracestjohn.com/•+1 340-779-8550•Tips and more reviews for The Terrace

Johnny Lime

4.8
(217)
•
4.6
(58)
Pizza restaurant
Barbecue restaurant
Johnny Lime is a Caribbean barbecue restaurant located in Coral Bay, known for its authentic Caribbean BBQ and warm hospitality. The menu features smoked meats like pulled pork and jerk chicken, as well as fresh Mahi Mahi. The lively ambiance makes it a great spot to unwind after a day of exploring. With themed nights throughout the week and outdoor picnic tables right on the bay, it's a popular choice for both lunch and dinner.
Lunch was amazing! I live in the South and this BBQ was better than most Southern BBQ restaurants I’ve eaten at. The ribs were flavorful and moist and truly no sauce needed. The rib rub they use is perfect! I urge you to get the sweet potatoes- they are unbelievably good! Mac and Cheese is very, very good! 1 meal with 2 sides and a Mac and cheese is plenty of food for 2 people to share.
Susan Z — Google review
A truly outstanding dinner. It had something for everyone. My husband had the jerk chicken which he said was amazing. I selected the veggie platter which had a sample of almost all of their sides. It was truly incredible. So much creativity and flavor. I also had the "Danger" cocktail which had a wonderful spicy flavor with fresh squeezed watermelon juice. It was refreshing and not too sweet. We finished our meal with the cardamom Cinnabon which was honestly one of the best desserts. So many beautiful flavors combined together. We couldn't have loved our meal more. Do yourself a favor and try it out! This is a place that knows the art of cooking.
Sarah N — Google review
Relaxing spot with pretty views. Great cocktails and the food was incredible! We had the pulled pork and jerk chicken. Both were so moist and smoked to perfection. The tamarind sauce was a nice balance of tangy and sweet. My husband claims the potato salad to possibly be the best he has ever had and the smoked butternut squash and rice and beans were also so flavorful. Glad we found it our first night on the island so we can come back before we leave.
Grace H — Google review
Food was so delicious, we had to go twice! We had the brisket, pulled pork sandwich, mahi mahi sandwich, yuca fries, Mac and cheese, and potato salad between our 2 meals. We also had the cinnamon roll dessert with lime icing which was perfection. Everything we tasted was delicious here! Props to the kitchen! The flavors were fresh, drinks were tasty, all was spot on and the sauce over the yuca fries was so good! The atmosphere was fun and music was great. The bar manager (sorry I’m terrible with names) was a cool dude, super friendly and chatted with my kids. Will absolutely return next time we visit St. John, as it has been our favorite food of the whole trip! Do not miss this place!
Brittany — Google review
Go! Fabulous food, great place to sit and enjoy. We had yucca fries, pulled pork, ribs and fresh salad. The ribs were great, tender and flavorful with a touch of fruit. No sauce needed, so you know they're good. Pulled pork a slightly different, delicious flavor. I like the effort at different tastes. The greens were welcome for some light vegetable flavor
Gellers — Google review
Stopped here for lunch and loved it. Friendly staff (unlike some places we stopped on the island), great vibes, and great food. Lots of outdoor seating with fans and shade. Clean bathroom also available. Lots of easy parking in big parking lot.
Brad M — Google review
Friendly staff, amazing bbq chicken. Their house sauces were excellent as well! Glad we swung in, some of the better food we've had on the island.
Brad S — Google review
High quality, wholesome, BBQ with a few vegetarian options. The latter options were the Mac and Cheese, Smoked Butternut Squash, Salad, and Rice and Beans - each well portioned and priced. The smoked meats were just out of this world. The brisket moist and tender, the chicken well flavored. It's a street-side joint with outdoor seating - with sufficient cover to find a shaded spot. Service was friendly and prompt. Overall, A+!
Jay H — Google review
Carolina, St. John, St John 00831, U.S. Virgin Islands•https://www.johnnylime.com/•+1 340-513-0032•Tips and more reviews for Johnny Lime
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Day 3

Center of town
For day 3, we recommend exploring the center side of town. Start the day off with Cruz Bay Landing, then wind down and take it easy by the time you get to Inter Island Boat Services. All together, your day would be filled with about 7 hours of non-stop fun.
1

Cruz Bay Landing

4.5
(829)
•
4.6
(1288)
$$$$affordable
Restaurant
Cruz Bay Landing is a restaurant and bar located in the heart of Cruz Bay, St. John. It offers a quiet and relaxed atmosphere to enjoy a meal, with popular dishes like seared scallops and Mahi Mahi. The establishment overlooks Cruz Bay and provides a great spot to savor the beauty of St. John while indulging in American and Caribbean cuisine. With its diverse menu, it's an ideal place for breakfast or any other meal of the day.
We were three weary travelers from the Upper West Side NYC who landed at Cruz Bay Landing, tired, and hungry. We had outstanding service, fantastic food, and they even made a special meal for our son. You can’t beat this atmosphere, and if you love wild birds, this is your place! The dishes were delicious, and the frozen drinks are so incredible. Hats off to the chef! Wonderful service, friendly staff, and we will definitely go back again. Thank you so much!
Kevin F — Google review
Really cool little stop while in St. John. Ordered the Asian Tuna Salad for me and Bacon Cheeseburger with fries for my partner. The tuna steak was really delicious, the salad part needed some spunk to it so I requested an extra dressing and the addition of Feta cheese and it made all the difference! Would definitely suggest the salad with the additions. Very generous portion. The burger was also a great portion. It was ordered to be cooked medium and came out more medium well, so suggestion would be a medium rare if you like a more tender burger! Staff was very nice but it was definitely understaffed. We waited 15 minutes after being seated just to be addressed as there was one bartender and only one server noticeable on a Saturday at 4:30. We did see another couple leave that was there prior to us arriving and was waiting to be served also so might just need some fine-tuning as far as having enough staff available. The atmosphere was nice. Restaurant also sells clothing and has a store attached. I would certainly return and possibly try other items off the menu. Enjoyed eating on the patio!
Ilena V — Google review
A quaint little place to grab breakfast before hitting the beach. Outdoor tables and chicks to feed. Always quick and a great coffee selection. Ate here two days in a row.
Anne J — Google review
This is a review for the venue and coffee shop and bar only. We did not eat here! The coffee shop was nice, all the basics plus coffees with Carib flair. Staff in shop and at bar were terrific… friendly, fun, personable and fast! The outdoor bar is nice size and comfortable. Drink was small, but good! Nice outdoor seating area. Little park with local vendors selling souvenirs adjacent to dining area…. Good place to stop for a morning coffee and/or cocktail on St. John!
Jim N — Google review
While visiting St John, I came here for lunch and dinner. That's how good it was. Just really good food in great ambiance. Right?I recommend coming here for dinner So you can watch a beautiful sunset while you eat. Everything we had was great and the service was awesome. Can get a little hot but they have fans to try and make your experience more pleasant.
Odalys G — Google review
Hands down, the best place for breakfast on St. John's. I'm not even going to entertain another option. We took a taxi here everyday for breakfast from the Westin. They didn't disappoint at all. I hate I can't remember my waitress's name because she was nothing short of awesome. Ask about food, she answered. Ask about entertainment, she knew. As about souvenirs, she directs you. Ask about a hike, she details them for you. Each day, she was helpful. A Cruz Bay gem. Everything she suggested, we did. Ok back to the food. Amazing! The 1st day I ordered the Short stack pancakes 🥞 Never again. 2 of the biggest pancakes ever. I didn't even eat dinner because I was still full. From that point on, I ordered a single pancake 🥞 😋 So good. So fluffy. The bacon 🥓 is top tier. Very thick and fried to perfection 👌🏽 The home fries are seasoned just right. Not spicy was let's you know it's a member of the spice family. My husband floated between the classic breakfast and the meat lovers omelette 😋 Both were great! Ummmm, long story short; EAT HERE
Van — Google review
I didn’t personally care for the fish, but the portions were good. There was live music. My wife would want me to be kind, so Ill say that the live music inspired me to pursue my dreams. If that person was being paid money to do, um, That… then how can I ever tell myself that Im not good enough to do something. It’s possible it transcended sound and impacted my taste buds, and if so, my apologies to the chef for the 4-stars instead of 5.
TheAprone — Google review
We’ve been here a couple of times for breakfast. Always good food and the service is fantastic. Great atmosphere, especially at the bar or tables on the patio.
Pat B — Google review
6 D Cruz Bay Town, St John, VI 00831, U.S. Virgin Islands•http://www.cruzbaylanding.com/•+1 340-776-6908•Tips and more reviews for Cruz Bay Landing
1 min · 100 ft
2

High Tide

4.4
(290)
•
4.3
(1600)
Restaurant
High Tide is a restaurant located in Cruz Bay, St. John's, situated in the Warfside Shopping area and near Slim Jim's parking. It offers a casual dining experience right by Cruz Bay Beach, serving a variety of dishes from hamburgers and mahimahi sandwiches to surf and turf and Caribbean lobster. The restaurant is known for its happy hour with options like Painkiller cocktails while enjoying sunset views over the bay.
We loved sitting at the Hight Tide happy hour after coming back from the beach. They do a great happy hour, strong $5 run punches, and the view is unbeatable. We sat right on the beach until it was time for dinner. We ate a few times here too. The fish and chips on the lunch menu…delicious!!! Perfect texture, super moist, and a decent portion. The dinner food was a little pricey and not my favorite on the island, but I would definitely eat here again if I return to St.John!
Chloe S — Google review
We came here for the conch fritters, and they did not disappoint. Every single dish was phenomenal. The service was great and the views of the sunset were incredible. I would recommend this place to anyone if you want the island vive, this is the place to be!!!. We loved our drinks and if you are visiting St. JOHN make it a point to stop in and enjoy the island vibe.
Odalys G — Google review
Good table, good drinks, Espresso Martini, Dark and Stormy. Appetizers of shrimp cocktail and Caesar salad. Mains, Fettucini Alfredo, shrimp stir fry and chicken stir fry. Key lime dessert. Our table was adjacent to the steps down to the beach where smokers decided to stand. Be nice if the staff asked the smokers to move a little further away.
Randy G — Google review
Have to write this one consistent with the general online historical rating… 4a-stars …. A typical bae g bar and tropical location with a vibrant bar scene, good drinks, and decent food. We rolled in on a weekday early afternoon, looking for a late lunch and a cocktail. The staff was friendly, we received everything ordered quickly! A champagne, Apperal spritz, and a piña colada, set up the lunch… We followed with the mahi-mahi fish tacos, which were delicious. The onion rings on the side were piping hot and terrific. Service was good, and everyone there was having a good time. Nothing fancy, nothing gourmet, just decent beach side grub, worth a stop in if you’re looking for good drinks and a decent beach bar scene and a good bite to eat.
Jim N — Google review
This place came highly recommended and it did not disappoint. We stopped over for breakfast and the beach view next to our table was exactly what I expected. Service was great, and my traditional American breakfast was perfect! ⛵️🏝️🥐🍳🥓🥞🍹
Wendy S — Google review
Tried the conch fritters, fish tacos, and amazing view. Prices for the items were very reasonable. I loved the atmosphere and everyone was so very friendly! I didn’t want to leave. 😊
Jessica R — Google review
Great ocean front views. Blackened Mahi mahi with coconut rice and vegetables was great. Also the spicy seafood pasta was delicious. Highly suggest getting the high tide drink and coconut lime slushy. Our server was not the most attentive but she wasn’t bad. We didn’t make reservations and only had to wait 10min for a table. Also came back here the day after to get more drinks at the bar since they were so good.
Tara — Google review
Our party of 4 came in for snacks after the day at the beach. We opted for nachos (upcharge for beans and jalapenos), wings, and 4 salads, 2 wedges, and 2 caesars (we added grilled protein to all of them). A good experience, great view of the bay as the sun was coming down. I'd recommend this establishment. They do auto grat, which was interesting but apparently standard.
Steve M — Google review
4-B Wharfside Landing Cruz Bay, St John 00830, U.S. Virgin Islands•http://hightidevi.com/•+1 340-714-6169•Tips and more reviews for High Tide
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3 min · 0.14 mi
3

The Beach Bar

4.6
(775)
$$$$affordable
Bar & grill
Live music bar
Restaurant
The Beach Bar in Cruz Bay, U.S. Virgin Islands is a popular spot among locals and visitors alike. It's one of the top 10 best restaurants in St. John, offering a unique menu and drinks. Located right in Coral Harbor, it provides a great atmosphere to hang out, chat with people, enjoy live music, and take in the beautiful scenery.
This place was a highlight of the scene at St John. Always lively and the best nachos I’ve ever had and I’m from Southern California! We ate the nachos here two days in a row. The drinks are great. Had to get a Tshirt with their edgy Sun. Right in the water. Beautiful views and breezes, cold drinks and delicious food. What more could you want?? 🏝️🍹
Anne J — Google review
A fun relaxed vibe with live music some nights. Good place to get a bit tipsy and enjoy the sunset. Food is mostly just bar food but can’t complain about the tuna bites and chicken fingers/french fries/ fried shrimp. Great place to just drink, snack and listen to music
Heidi S — Google review
We visited here while our Cruise Ship was docked at St. Thomas. We took the Ferry from the St. Thomas, Red Hook Ferry Terminal to Cruz Bay Terminal in St. Johns. It's a short walk along the beach from the Cruz Bay Ferry Terminal. Enjoyed the day at a picnic table located right on the beach with the water almost reaching our table. Had Conch Fritters, Crab Stuffed Ragoon's a few cold beers and a pain killer while playing a few rounds of corn hole. Staff was very accommodating and had a great time. Can't wait to visit again soon.
Scott F — Google review
Everything tuna on the menu was great! We had all 3 of the tuna apps and was very happy with the taste. Drinks were good, service was good, sunset views were spectacular. They also have this app that lets you view live footage so we were able to share with friends back home.
Tara — Google review
We were there on a Saturday night. Good sized crowd but we were able to find a table on the beach. Service was good. Only thing on the menu that is gluten free are the nachos. I had the chicken tacos and they were pretty decent. Drink prices were high as with anywhere else on the island. Atmosphere is nice, but I don’t need to go back.
Pat B — Google review
This place is awesome. The service is great and the food is delicious. We did a boat tour and got dropped off after a full day of snorkeling and touring St John and came here. Waiters took amazing care of us and our entire family loved the food. The view of the water was an added bonus. Will be back if ever in St John’s
James R — Google review
The staff is on top of it all!! The food is amazing. The best lime in the coconut drink in the Virgin Islands!!! Wow
Wenceslao B — Google review
After a full day of travel, our family needed some good food, stiff drink and a gorgeous sunset. The Beach Bar checks ALL the blocks. Located on what has to be the best view of the sunset on the island, we enjoyed everything about our dinner. Parking was very good and nearby, which was provided by “Honk” for a very reasonable price. Our service was awesome, the entire staff was phenomenal. We had chicken tenders with fries for the kiddos, meanwhile mommy knocked by a couple of their signature cocktails “Painkillers.” Which after drinking them, you will feel NO pain at all. Overall a rating of 10/10 would recommend and eat here again and again. If you happen to be in the Virgin Islands, please check out The Beach Bar, you will not regret it. Enjoy!
John I — Google review
4A Wharfside Village, St John 00831, U.S. Virgin Islands•http://beachbarstjohn.com/•+1 340-777-4220•Tips and more reviews for The Beach Bar
5 min · 0.28 mi
4

Irie Pops

4.9
(99)
•
4.5
(62)
Cafe
Gift shop
Irie Pops is a popular popsicle shop in Cruz Bay, St. John, known for its delicious and healthy frozen treats. The owners, Will and Laura Fernandez, started with a bright popsicle cart before opening their storefront in 2019. Their offerings include fresh squeezed popsicles, slushies, dairy-free soft serve ice cream, and colorful homemade popsicles that are dairy-free, vegan, gluten-free, and tree nut-free.
Love this place! I got the kiwi pop and it was SO good. The perfect refreshing treat on a hot St John day. They have so many popsicle flavors everyone is sure to find something they like. Truly, they have like 30+. You can also get a cocktail with a popsicle in it. They are not super expensive which is rare around here! Such a cute place right in the heart of Cruz Bay 11/10.
Claire M — Google review
Cutest little Pop shop! Super refreshing for those hot days on the island. We went a few time and tried a new pop each time! They also have refreshing drinks! Very friendly and accommodating. This is a much stop during the day!
Wowitsc C — Google review
Fantastic place to get ice cream bars (fruit bars), that are local to the island and made fresh daily. They were delicious. The problem we had, as well as the group of kids in front of us, was trying to pick which flavor we wanted to try … They have so many! We settled on a couple of fruit bars and they were terrific. I also picked up one of the frozen drinks a piña colada type slushy, which was also terrific. Staff was great, we had a wonderful time in the store, and the confections we enjoyed were amazing. Highly recommend this place on St. John, US Virgin Islands!
Jim N — Google review
Best soft serve ice cream! I could not believe it was non-dairy,!! It was better than regular ice cream! We absolutely loved it! And we are heavy dairy consumers. Popsicles were amazing especially with the waffle wrapped on it !!
Russell M — Google review
We were visiting over Easter 2025 - the store was closed but the owner noticed our kid’s disappointment when we walked to the door and saw the “closed” sign. He quickly rushed out to open the store on his day off (and a holiday!) and quickly brought enormous smiles to our 3 kid’s faces! The popsicles were delish and the coffee was amazing! Thank you for making our day!
Jeanne W — Google review
So delicious! Milk and Cookies as well as Strawberry and Banana were both amazing.
Ben B — Google review
2nd day in a row coming to this place and I am truly obsessed. I have no doubt I’ll be adding more pictures of all the different flavors I try. I am lactose intolerant so the fact that a dessert shop is all dairy free is just beyond excellent for me. The chocolate sea salt was a fan favorite with my parents for no sugar and works for my mom who is pre diabetic. So friendly and such a fun find for our return to St. John. Will probably be going back every day for the rest of our trip! Can’t recommend enough!!!
Julia S — Google review
Literally 5 minutes after leaving we wanted to go back and get more. For one, this is genius! It was so nice to have something close but also not heavy like ice cream. The shop is adorable. I got the SOFTEST tee shirt. Make this a must do on your St. John to do.
Caroline C — Google review
N Shore Rd, St. John, St John 00830, U.S. Virgin Islands•http://iriepops.com/•+1 939-410-8389•Tips and more reviews for Irie Pops
1 min · 300 ft
5

Inter Island Boat Services

4.7
(185)
•
4.8
(378)
Boat tour agency
Transportation
Ferries
Inter Island Boat Services is known for their friendly and professional staff. They offer a convenient online booking system where customers can reserve and pay for their spot in advance. The Mona Queen ferry, although on the smaller side with seating for 30-40 people, is used for the round-trip from Crown Bay to Cruz Bay. However, Inter Island Boat Services also has larger vessels in their fleet.
This is a great day trip to Jost Van Dyke! Soggy Dollar and Gertrude’s have the best food Make sure to walk with your passports for all passengers when you buy your tickets. Outside of that a very straight forward process and experience
DJ. S — Google review
Really wonderful!! We took the boat from Red Hook, St.Thomas to Virgin Gorda & it was just amazing!! The staff is beyond great, friendly & helpful & the boat ride was fun!! Easy process & will definitely book for another trip again!!
Andrea S — Google review
This is a must if you are traveling from St Thomas airport to St John, Cruz Bay. 1.5 miles from airport and so much easier than taking a taxi to Red Hook then to Cruz Bay. We also took this ferry from Cruz Bay to Virgin Gorda and it was a seamless experience!
Sara ( — Google review
Hands down my favorite way to get to Cruz Bay from the airport. No 45-minute taxi ride with a half-dozen hotel stops along the way, just an easy 5 min in the taxi to Crown Bay and then a nice breezy boat ride along the south shore of St Thomas with experienced and professional crew. If you have a mid or late afternoon flight out, it’s a pleasant return trip also. Thank you Inter-Island!
Fiona R — Google review
Friendly and helpful crew. Rode from Crown Bay to St. John Cruz Bay after arrival at airport. Nice way to avoid crowded van ride to Red Hook. Would have saved time too but boat left 20 minutes late in order to wait for 4 passengers coming from airport.
Jeffrey S — Google review
Friendly and professional crew. Easy booking online to reserve a spot and handle payment ahead of time. We took the ferry from Crown Bay to Cruz Bay round-trip and both trips were on-time. They used the Mona Queen ferry which is a smallish ferry with seating for 30-40 people but they have larger vessels in their fleet. Older boat but perfectly fine for the 35 minute trip to/from St John with 1/3 of seats outdoors. This ferry takes you the closest to the airport (only a 5 minute drive from Crown Bay) so you avoid longer taxi rides to Charlotte Amalie or Red Hook. The ocean can be rough so the downside of this Crown Bay service is a longer boat ride if you are susceptible to motion.
Timothy H — Google review
Absolutely the best ferry service from St Thomas to St John! Capt Henry and his crew are kind, friendly and most importantly competent. 5 min van ride from STT to Crown Bay marina. And if you arrive early, stop by Smoke-up Fusion BBQ food truck for great food.
Dawn S — Google review
We had a great experience with these operators. The booking was simple and they communicated with us the entire time. Our party was the only booking that day and I thought they would cancel on us, but they instead offered to take us a bit early. I would gladly choose this company again.
Nicole F — Google review
1A Cruz Bay Bulkhead, Cruz Bay St. John, Virgin Islands 00831, U.S. Virgin Islands, USA•http://www.interislandboatservices.com/•Tips and more reviews for Inter Island Boat Services
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Where to eat

Under a 1-minute walk from The Beach Bar, here are a few close by recommendations for when you get hungry exploring around.

The Banana Deck

4.4
(343)
•
4.4
(976)
$$$$affordable
Caribbean restaurant
American restaurant
Nestled in downtown Cruz Bay near the ferry dock, The Banana Deck is a newer restaurant offering a romantic, treehouse-like ambiance with its elevated wooden outdoor deck and open-air dining room. Guests can enjoy the gentle bay breezes and watch anchored boats while surrounded by verdant hills. The restaurant is famous for its hand-cut ribeye steaks but also serves local favorites like shrimp curry, Caribbean-style chicken, and lobster dinners.
The Banana Deck isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a tropical fever dream with a side of steak. This place screams vacation vibes, and the menu? Let’s just say it’s like someone read your mind about everything you never knew you wanted to eat. First off, Caribbean Chicken. Panko-crusted, stuffed with ham and Swiss, then topped with a pineapple Swiss cheese cream sauce. It’s basically a Swiss roll that got a Caribbean makeover and ended up on my plate. It’s sweet, savory, and so good I considered writing it into my will. The Shrimp Curry is a spicy little number served with rice and fried plantains. Fried plantains! It’s like the banana’s cooler, more delicious cousin decided to crash the curry party, and honestly, I’m here for it. Now, about the Ribeye Steaks. They’re not just steaks—they’re a lifestyle. You’ve got 12 oz, 14 oz, or 16 oz options, and let’s be honest, bigger is better when you’re on island time. Oh, and you can load your baked potato with bacon, cheese, and scallions because calories don’t count in paradise. Pro tip: spring for the Gorgonzola Pine Nut Butter. It’s life-changing. And we need to talk about dessert. The Xango is banana caramel cheesecake wrapped in a tortilla and deep-fried. Deep-fried cheesecake in a tortilla? If that’s not genius, I don’t know what is. It’s like your sweet tooth went on spring break and decided never to come home. The atmosphere is laid-back, the drinks are cold, and the food is so good it might ruin all other dining experiences for you. If you’re in St. John and not eating at The Banana Deck, are you even doing the island right? 10/10, would eat my weight in Xango again.
Micah G — Google review
A Stellar Island Find - Don't let the casual name fool you – Banana Deck offers a dining experience that punches well above its weight, especially when it comes to their standout Sunday Brunch or an evening ribeye stake that has this discerning Colorado steak lover singing its praises. Go see Sydney or Panyai who expertly slings drinks with a smile here, this place is a gem with live music on Thursday nights. The Sunday Brunch is a delightful experience, particularly the build-your-own Bloody Mary & Mimosa bar. It’s a fun and interactive way to customize your brunch beverage to your exact liking, setting a relaxed and convivial tone for the afternoon. However, the real showstopper for me, a self-proclaimed steak aficionado hailing from Colorado where top-tier steakhouses are the norm, is the ribeye steak. To say it's the best on the island is not hyperbole – it truly stands up against some of the finest I've had in renowned steakhouses back home. The cut was magnificent, cooked to absolute perfection, and bursting with flavor. For a Colorado guy who rarely orders steak outside of highly-rated establishments, this ribeye at Banana Deck has set a new benchmark for island dining. Beyond the exceptional food and drink, I can attest to the friendly and efficient service, reflecting the overall welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're looking for a lively Sunday brunch with customizable cocktails or a dinner featuring a truly outstanding ribeye steak, Banana Deck is a must-try. It’s a testament to quality and flavor that even a steak-snob like myself can wholeheartedly endorse. Don't miss out on this island treasure!
Brook S — Google review
This place was fantastic on all levels. The island atmosphere was great, it has multiple levels right across the street from the ocean. The food was amazing and came out hot, delicious, and on time. The staff was super friendly and knowledgeable. We enjoyed a Sunday night out and even spotted a wild peacock while enjoying some dinner and listening to some live music. The red snapper and Caribbean chicken were wonderful!
Dave P — Google review
The best food we've tried in St.John!!!!the service was fantastic, everyone is nice and helpful, the drinks and food is really delicious!!! Highly recommend
Tanya G — Google review
Still dreaming about the seafood au gratin. Husband had the snapper special and loved it. 4 stars because of the $$$. We should've asked how much the specials were because they were almost $60 each! Everything on St. John is expensive but don't make our mistake and blindly order the "specials". The prices do not match the ambiance. It's very casual and low key. Also, very little shade. Service was great though. Overall a nice dinner but the bill was a bit shocking.
A N — Google review
Enjoyed the Banana Deck as our first stop on the island in 2022. Decided to make it our last dinner this year. We did make a reservation prior. Team was very friendly and prompt. We got the conch fritters (excellent), grouper/shrimp/crab in white wine sauce, and a Mahi sandwich. Every dish was well prepared and delicious. View is very nice, especially around sunset when we came, as it overlooks Cruz Bay. As with most open air restaurants, recommend bug spray ! Overall, experience was pleasant and we will certainly be back next time we're local.
Nick V — Google review
We had an amazing time at Banana deck - we had a group of 10 and came back two nights in a row. The red snapper curry with plantains was AMAZING, and the ribeye can’t be beat. The wait staff was the kindest, and Chris, the owner, was so sweet and hospitable. Overall, a 5 star experience, great food, and great location with the live music across the street. Thank you! Can’t wait to come back! Also - the banana desert was the bomb.
Eann T — Google review
Fun treehouse like setting. Popular, so make a reservation for dinner or show up very early for seats at the bar. The staff was awesome, great drinks and great atmosphere, view of the water through the treetops. We had the grilled chicken sandwich and the fettuccine Alfredo w/shrimp. The pasta was the best single dish we had all week. Pricey, but worth it!
TOG T — Google review
Bay St, Cruz Bay, St John 00830, U.S. Virgin Islands•http://www.thebananadeck.com/•+1 340-693-5055•Tips and more reviews for The Banana Deck

La Tapa

4.4
(216)
•
4.5
(877)
Restaurant
La Tapa is a restaurant located in Cruz Bay, St. John's, in the Warfside Shopping area. It is known for its seafood, Italian, Mediterranean, and Spanish cuisine. The food truck can be found parked at Slim Jim's parking lot just a few steps away from the restaurant. La Tapa offers a unique dining experience with its diverse menu and inviting ambiance. Whether you're looking for street food or fine dining options, this establishment has something to offer for every palate.
I was visiting the island and it was my birthday. My son made reservations for La Tapa and it did not disappoint. We loved everything from our drinks to our meal to the service and the views were fantastic. We were able to see the sunset.Just a great place in the island totally recommended.
Odalys G — Google review
Food was excellent! Five star for a little island. Unfortunately, the service was the polar opposite. *Our server was not educated by the kitchen about the ingredients she had written down for her plate explanations. *Our server says to us while ordering our first two tapas, “Is that all you are getting? The chef wanted you to order all of our tapas at once”. What?! *Between our two orders of a tapas each, we sat at the table for more than ten minutes with no food or drinks while our carafe of sangria sat at the bar wait station. *and while waiting for our dessert, we watched our server fail at opening a bottle of wine and have to leave the floor to get another server to open the bottle. This caused our dessert order to take even longer than the time between our first and second tapas orders. The knock out blow was delivered by the hostess. We had just received our receipt (our check was over $100 per person) and were readying to leave. The hostess came over to “ask us how our meal had been”. We were politely extolling the virtues of our food and refrained from mentioning our negatives when the hostess interrupts us and asks us to leave asap because they had another group coming in and needed our table! We had a nice table, on the wall with the sand and Cruz Bay just beyond. However, there were many tables (not on the outside wall) available just inside of ours. I have worked in almost every position within a restaurant aside from owning one. It is NEVER okay to ask a customer to leave because they need the table for incoming patrons.
Family C — Google review
To begin... One thing to remember when visiting St. John... you're on an island, relax, everything takes a little longer. It's just part of the lifestyle. We are a group of two couples visiting St. John in early September 2025. We booked La Tapa because we heard so many amazing things before making the trip. We were not disappointed even though the hype was heavy. Our appetizers included the lamb meatballs, mussels, and the bread with dipping sauces. All were fantastic. The beverages were equally tasty and refreshing. For dinner we enjoyed the veal, tuna, and seafood pasta. We shared the meals between the four of us. Exceptional is the word that comes to mind. The tuna and seafood pasta were both big hits - all were excellent. For dessert we shared the mango-passion fruit sorbet, citrus cheesecake, and flourless chocolate cake. Again, none disappointed. Each had unique flavors with the sorbet being extremely refreshing. The view was beautiful. Our reservation was at 8 PM, so the evening had already set in. The no-see-ums were also already back to wherever they go before and after hours. We absolutely enjoyed our dinner and our server Willow made the experience perfect.
Sam A — Google review
I love La Tapa! I could come here everyday. The ambience is relaxed, elegant, beautiful, fun. I love the seating along the walls with the couch cushions. The decoration is effortlessly classy and welcoming. This is the best meal we’ve ever had in the Caribbean. We’ve tried literally everything on the menu and loved it all. If I had to rank appetizers: cheese platter, tuna tartare, Caesar salad, goat cheese salad, lamb meatballs, duck, mussels. Our rankings for entrees: tuna, pasta (can be done with chicken!), veal, steak special. Dessert rankings: bread pudding with raspberry sorbet subbed in, chocolate torte, apple tart, roasted pineapple, flan, cheesecake (it’s all delicious but we agreed we can get cheesecake anywhere) Drinks rankings: mojito, margarita picante, allesini, Avon de papel, Wine by the glass rankings: ulacia (white), tesela (red), don pedro Albariño (wh), camins (red). Wine by the bottle: marques de nutrients (red), Pazo barrantes (white),
M H — Google review
Amazing food. Very high price tag. But the sunset that I saw for my table was amazing. Would definitely go back here again with the expectation that you’re spending at least $300 to enjoy your night between two people.
Elizabeth A — Google review
I love La Tapa! It’s the perfect place to meet friends for a first class dining experience from their fine wines to their homemade appetizers, entrees, and delectable desserts. Thank you to the chef, the servers Michele, Blake, Jabari, Zack; and to Collin for giving us a great table.
Cristina H — Google review
Very nice beachfront restaurant right on St. Cruz bay. The space is well appointed, very nice decor, etc. The location is ideal for catching a beautiful sunset on the bay… clouds permitting! We arrived without a reservation early in the dinner hour and the hostess seated us at a primo beachside table! Service was good, as was the food! Escargot, mussels and ahi tuna appetizers were delicious. The chicken and red snapper fish filet were good. The star of the evening was the sunset. We’d go back!
Jim N — Google review
My husband and I had an incredible date night at La Tapa this weekend. Outstanding cuisine, atmosphere, & service. Portions were larger than we expected for both small and large plates with absolutely mouthwatering flavors in every bite! We highly recommend every dish we tried: Duck confit and octopus (small plates) and veal with red cabbage/Brussels sprouts and pasta with langoustine/shrimp/smoked bacon. Our server, Ethan, was hands down the most exceptional server we’ve ever had in the VI — his expertise was invaluable! — and kudos to their tremendously talented chef. La Tapa stands far above most other restaurants we’ve tried in the VI. Picture perfect place for seeing the dreamy St. John sunsets over Cruz Bay; we had a beautiful table by the sea and took a post-dinner stroll along the beach. We are SO glad we secured a table on La Tapa’s last night for the season, and we can’t wait to come back!
Stacy M — Google review
Cruz Bay, St John 00830, U.S. Virgin Islands•http://www.latapastjohn.com/•+1 340-693-7755•Tips and more reviews for La Tapa
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Uncle Joe's Cafe

4.7
(106)
•
4.3
(558)
Barbecue area
Restaurant
Uncle Joe's Cafe is a popular spot in St. John, USVI, known for its juicy ribs and tasty chicken legs smothered in their signature barbecue sauce. The casual eatery is located in the heart of Cruz Bay, offering a laid-back atmosphere and delicious dining deals. Diners can enjoy their meals on the patio or opt for takeout.
Uncle Joe’s is a low-key place with wonderful food at reasonable prices. There are a few tables, but they also do takeout, and there was a lot of that while we were there. The grill is right out in the open, and you can watch the griller (Joe?) work his magic with chicken and ribs. My wife and I both got ribs. She got rice and beans, and I got the coleslaw. Ribs were super tender and flavorful. The slaw was delicious—light, yet still creamy. Not too many beans in the beans and rice, but it was good, too. We ate in (1/1/24). Not many chairs, but we acquired them after someone else left, then had to “protect” them from a large family that arrived, and seemed to be eyeing our chairs. Pricing was great. You get a lot of food for your dollar. Uncle Joe’s seems to be a place known well to locals, and to folks who come often to St. John. A few days after our visit to Uncle Joe’s, some folks on a taxi ride asked us for a recommendation. We mentioned Joe’s. About a half hour later, we were walking to Mongoose Junction, past Uncle Joe’s, and they called out to us, thanking us for the recommendation, which they said was “perfect!”
Steve K — Google review
Highly recommended! Servers were very sweet and nice, and the barbecue sauce is so unique and delicious. I personally liked the ribs better, but my mom and friend liked the chicken better. Either way, both were delicious, thank you for serving us!
Faith T — Google review
Someone local recommended this place to us and we are so glad they did because it was so delicious!! The proportions were big for the price we paid! Both the chicken and the ribs were very good and so were the sides! They make the food to-go so we took it up to Peace Hill and watched sunset while we eat our supper.
Laura C — Google review
Awesome barbecue and authentic local flavors! Barbecue sauce is homemade,so unique and filled with flavor. Chicken and ribs were amazing fall off the bone, rice and beans and coleslaw were so good! The service was great and they were very helpful to guide us in what to order. Best place to eat in St John's. Thank you for the great local experience. We will be back for sure!
Jamie M — Google review
phenomenal—best meal we’ve had so far on the island. got the ribs and chicken with seasoned rice and slaw. both excellent but ribs are my favorite!! highly recommend, don’t forget cash!
Kaela M — Google review
Across the street from the main post office. Poor sign to fine the place. Best to park in the public parking near by and walk towards. The post office. Food was good with good portion sizes. Staff was friendly. Had enough food to eat two days from the meal. Would visit again.
Dallazman — Google review
Been coming to this island now for 20 + years . Get off ferry walk up to Kurtis get my jeep then head over for some chicken & ribs at Uncle Joe’s. Always the same route and I’m never disappointed. Been not able the past few years to travel , old dog. But when I can again, first stop St John’s. The people there are some of the nicest people on the planet. Thanks for always showing me and my wife the real St. John’s. I miss you guys ! Steve
Stephen M — Google review
We tried the chicken and ribs. Both were phenomenal. The rice and beans were very good as well. Cost wise, you get a lot of food for your money. We'll continue to return to Joe's Cafe every time we're in Cruz Bay.
Mitch F — Google review
86J4+J9P, St John, Henry Samuel St, Cruz Bay, St John 00830, U.S. Virgin Islands, USA•Tips and more reviews for Uncle Joe's Cafe

The Longboard

4.6
(764)
•
4.6
(1510)
$$$$affordable
Restaurant
The Longboard is a newer restaurant located in downtown Cruz Bay, St. John. It has garnered positive reviews for its seafood offerings and is considered one of the best dining options on the island. In addition to its delicious cuisine, The Longboard also features a lively bar, making it an ideal spot for families and groups to enjoy a fun and entertaining dining experience. The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a beach cafe bar available in the evenings.
We had a fantastic experience. The fried rice was a big hit for my semi-picky daughter. The Coconut Bay cocktail was the best drink I had all week, and Anna our server was quick to replenish it. She was delightful.
JP H — Google review
Great atmosphere, great service and great food! Stopped in for a quick bite before some shopping and Korena was as sweet as could be. Definitely recommend the Red Pepper Hummus as a starter, but everything that came out of the kitchen looked delicious.
Jenn S — Google review
Just ate here... AMAZING food and service!! Alexander made great food and drink suggestions that did Not disappoint!! Blistered Shishitos, Summer Rolls... drinks Hot Tropic and Kon-Tea-Ki... Incredible flavors! Thank you Alexander!! We're here 8 days and will be back!!!!
Lisa B — Google review
The atmosphere is top notch. It’s laid back, but beautiful decor. The food was even better. We were surprised at how fresh and flavorful everything was. The happy our deals are really great. Mix & match tacos or sliders for $5/pp. the staff was friendly, and the bar tender customized our drinks. We would definitely return here and highly recommend it!
Annslee P — Google review
Really enjoyed this place. The painkiller here is a frozen slushee-style one and it’s the best I’ve had. We had the calamari which was fantastic and the Cruz Bay Lo Mein which was also very good. Chickens and cats frequent the place.
Patrick B — Google review
The staff here is amazing! Year after year consistently delivering! We visit every year and are never disappointed! All of the staff is amazing, atmosphere is a fun island vibe, drinks amazing, staff out of this world!
L K — Google review
Always amazing food and service at The Longboard STJ! I definitely recommend the fried rice and the Isla verde poke bowl with fresh tuna! The queso is amazing also. Thank you Anna for such great service!
Cindy K — Google review
We always have a great time at Longboard! Korena was our server this time and she was fantastic. We love their fried rice and painkiller shots!
Emma S — Google review
USVI, Cruz Bay, St John, U.S. Virgin Islands•https://www.thelongboardstjohn.com/•+1 340-715-2210•Tips and more reviews for The Longboard
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Day 4

Proximity is everything
For day 4, we bundled attractions like Honeymoon Beach and Cruz Bay Visitor Center and other places within a close range, so that the time it takes to travel between all of them is less than one hour. Combined with the average time people spend there, your day should take about 8 hours.
1

Honeymoon Beach

4.7
(443)
•
3.5
(34)
Beach
Honeymoon Beach is a stunning location on St. John's East End, situated at the edge of the Virgin Islands National Park. Accessible via a narrow path from East End Road, this beach offers breathtaking underwater scenery with vibrant corals and diverse marine life. Snorkelers can explore rocky patch reefs adorned with sea fans, gorgonians, mustard corals, and brain coral in 5 to 15 feet of water.
I parked at the tourist center and took the trail over. It was a pretty flat trail, and great for running! I think on a map the lower trail looks longer, but it’s flatter. The upper trail goes uphill a little bit and looks shorter on a map. I ran into a couple coming down from NPS offices, but it seems like a much harder hike. The beach was beautiful! There are snack bars, bars, and plenty of space. It looks like the two roads leading into the beach are private and not for public vehicles.
M H — Google review
Amazing free spot to go swimming and snorkeling. Beach club right there if you want to rent chairs or buy food / drinks. Accessible via shuttle or hiking.
Matt B — Google review
Our favorite beach on st john, not crowded,great snorkeling, friendly staff and the best drinks we had at any beach on the island
Steve M — Google review
This is a great spot to start your day or finish your hike! The staff are super friendly and understanding of a hot day on the beach ... the food and service was excellent! They even promote aluminum cups!
Ken R — Google review
One of our favorite beaches that is less populated and stunning. I love the chair and F&B service available! The staff are incredibly kind and the drinks and food were great! We parked at Caneel Bay Resort and paid $24 for the shuttle to the beach and chaise chairs once at the beach.
Erin — Google review
Gorgeous beach ! Crystal clear water, amazing snorkeling, come to see the sea turtles. Tropical fish swim among your feet when your just waist deep in the water. No rocks, amazing sand. Boats in the bay. Just picture perfect, quiet and amazing. Must see. Crabs walk on the paths behind the beach.
Dr. T — Google review
Honeymoon beach is beautiful, quiant, with wonderful blue waters. Unlike the previous reviews their isn't a place to rent chairs or umbrellas. I'm not sure if this was because I went on Wednesday. The beach is very secluded so a 30 minute hike from the ferry was the best option to get there and back.
A E — Google review
One of the best beaches I have ever visited!! It was clean and not crowded (may be I was there during off session in May). There is a trail from the road that leads to this spectacular beach, around 15 to 20 minutes of walking downhill. There is a nice little food place with sandwiches and drinks! A store to buy or rent floaters, chairs, paddleboats, etc, with washroom and changing rooms.. They close by 5pm, so please buy your food and drinks before that. Beautiful at sunset too! People don't stay after 6 or 7pm as it is little isolated. I LOVED THIS BEACH!!!
Kavitha M — Google review
Salomon Bay Rd, Caneel Bay, St John 00830, U.S. Virgin Islands•http://viecotours.com/st-john-tours/st-john-honeymoon-beach-all-…•Tips and more reviews for Honeymoon Beach
22 min · 1.2 mi
2

Cruz Bay Visitor Center

4.5
(95)
•
4.2
(115)
Visitor center
Tourist information center
The Cruz Bay Visitor Center is the perfect starting point for exploring the Virgin Islands National Park. Here, you can gather essential information, maps, and educational materials before embarking on your hiking adventure. The center provides valuable resources such as The Hikers Guide to Virgin Islands National Park and access to the NPS app for convenient park information on your smartphone. As you plan your hike, it's important to stay hydrated and stick to designated trails.
Very clean and interesting interpretive center and park store that really only occupies about 1/8 of the building. There are bathroom facilities and a few picnic tables near the entrance. Staff was very helpful and friendly. There are two Junior Ranger badges to get here: the VI NP and Underwater Explorer. Each take about 30-40 min to complete and most all the information is available at the store. Shout out to Ranger Courtney for her helpfulness and great attitude.
Glenn H — Google review
Limited parking, if you stay longer and hike the trail, don't forget to get a permit at the gift shop. They have great merchandise including rash guards, postcards and license plates. Informative little museum.
JitkaKac — Google review
I’m currently on a journey to explore all the U.S. National Parks, and that’s what brought me to the beautiful island of St. John for a weekend getaway! Virgin Islands National Park is number 57 out of 63 for me, and honestly, it’s one of the best I’ve visited so far. We flew into STT (St. Thomas) on May 19, 2025, and took the ferry from Red Hook. It cost a $3 port fee, but we weren’t told about the additional $65 round-trip cash fee until we were already on the ferry to St. John. Once on the island, we drove all around and hiked five different trails—some moderately challenging. I highly recommend: • Lind Point Trail to Honeymoon Beach – very quiet and peaceful in the early morning, with stunning water colors. • Salomon Beach – great for snorkeling. • Ram Head Trail – incredible ocean views from up high and rich historical significance; you can go from white sandy beaches to coral reefs in just a few minutes’ walk. • Trunk Bay Underwater Snorkel Trail – hands down the most beautiful ocean water I’ve ever seen; the sand feels like butter, and the color of the ocean shifts from vibrant turquoise to deep blue. Entry is $5 per person. • Reef Bay Trail & Petroglyph Trail – fun and a bit challenging. About 13,000 steps round trip, including stops at the Petroglyphs and Sugar Mill ruins. Well-marked and easy to follow. Be sure to stop by the Visitor Center—the rangers and volunteers are friendly and incredibly knowledgeable. We learned a lot about the park’s history and got up-to-date weather info. We lucked out with sunny skies, but the mosquitoes and sand fleas definitely treated us like an all-you-can-eat buffet! We stocked up on food, drinks, and supplies in Cruz Bay—there’s not much available between there and the trailheads. It made for a perfect day trip in the park. St. John is incredibly charming, especially downtown, with its colorful shops, bars, jewelry stores, and gift shops. My favorite part? The ice cream! We ended our day with a late dinner at The Morgan’s Mango—pricey as hell, but totally worth it. We’re so happy to have explored this stunning national park. It truly is picturesque. I was so sad to leave. Saying goodbye was tough—but I’m excited to see where my next adventure takes me!
Tina N — Google review
We visited on a weekday at end of March 2024 as a excursion from a cruise ship that docked over in St. Thomas. It was with Carnival and we did the "St. John on your own". The ferry drops you off in Cruz Bay just right out front of the Visitor Center. Like 1 block away. I think the Red Hook Ferry might drop people off further south in the Bay. The visitor center is currently under renovations on the outside so lots of construction vehicles and scrim up. We took picture with NPS sign and walked on in. There are also a number of picnic tables outside which is under a shelter and shaded from the sun. We got the junior ranger books and got our National Park Passport Stamps and merch. They do close early (1:30PM when we visited) but they gave us the badges ahead of time incase we couldn't finish before they closed or we had to leave. The bathrooms are located outside the visitor center in 2 structures and we didn't run into any bathrooms while we were on the trails. We spent maybe 15 mins in the visitor center (not very big at least the public area) and rushed out back and crossed the tiny parking lot to the Lind Point Trailhead. This is the cheapest way to go to some of the beaches. There are some stairs going up which takes you to an access road and then continues up again some more rustic steps. We were ready with Keens and other closed toe hiking/water sandals and had no problems with the trail. I would not recommend flipflops at all. We took the lower trail on the way to the beach. Elevation wasn't terrible (you can check on alltrails). While the trail was maintained it was pretty rocky. Also multiple splits in the trail which aren't all posted on google or the park maps. Because St. John is US territory, you can turn on your phone and get GPS location. This worked great for us. We stopped by solomons beach first. It has multiple entrances and multiple trails from Lind Point to the beach. We got a little confused but they all get you there. We then hiked over to Honeymoon beach. In total we got about 45 mins of beach time between the two beaches because we had to pack up and head back (12:45 and our cruise excursion ferry leaves at 1:30). On the way back we hiked the upper Lind Point trail and stopped by the overlook for a couple mins. Great view. We made it back with about 5-10 mins to spare. Time for a quick bathroom trip if you needed it. We were concerned we couldn't do it in time but we did it. We had a 8, 11 and 14 yr old with us but we're also very outdoorsy and do lots of hiking. We went in with 3 backpacks with our towels, water, beach blankets and snorkel gear. Both beaches were amazing and even through we reached them around noon time, it wasn't SUPER crowded at the beach. We found spot to set up in the shade of some trees. Next time we would probably consider paying the extra to try and get to trunk bay to do the underwater trail but super happy we got to do what we did for the price we paid. We would definitely visit the park again but could probably pass on the visitor center unless you wanted trail info etc.
David L — Google review
Parking is easy here, though limited. Super beautiful location for a visitor center. You can strike out from here (although keep in mind the limited parking duration) on several trails, or pick up some souvenirs in the shop. There is also clean drinking water available here, which seems to be in short supply on this island.
Greg E — Google review
Well....if you have time to spare and little else on your carribean-style time schedule, why not take some time here and get to know the history of St. John. Kind of a museum with activities is a remembrance of how St. John used to be. It also works as the entrance to the eco-wildpark that is St. John, animals, sea mamals, fishing, etc. Nice, but swiftly forgotten in the afternoon heat.
Morten K — Google review
It's a beautiful and inviting space with great info highlighting the history or St. John and the National Park. Check out the Jr Ranger program for littles!
Kenny P — Google review
This is a really nice visitor center and it should be your first stop if you are visiting the Virgin Islands National Park. There is a lot of information, including where all the hikes are. There is even a short hike to Lind Point from the visitor center. The staff really know their stuff and will help you plan your trip. They can tell you the best beaches to get to and the best hikes. Though for beaches, if you have your own car, then saltpond beach is one of my favorites. The visitor center also has a good gift shop.
Andy S — Google review
86M4+4F4, Virgin Island National Park, St John 00830, U.S. Virgin Islands•https://www.nps.gov/viis/index.htm•+1 340-776-6201•Tips and more reviews for Cruz Bay Visitor Center
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3 min · 0.14 mi
3

Mongoose Junction

4.7
(134)
Shopping mall
Mongoose Junction is the main shopping area in Cruz Bay, offering a variety of duty-free luxury goods as well as clothing, artwork, and jewelry from local artists. The multilevel shopping center is designed with shaded paths, courtyards, and gardens that echo the surrounding plantation ruins. Located at the head of North Shore Road, Mongoose Junction provides easy access to St. John's spectacular beaches such as Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay.
Cool, mall location and layout. Many different shops, restaurants, food and beverages. Everything from curated rum to ice cream to a brewery, delicious and more.
Preston R — Google review
This is my fourth trip to Saint John, and I love to come shopping here at Mongoose Junction. Some of the stores don't survive the economy as it changes over time but I love that these shops are unique and present a lot of life local crafts. (Some of the goods they sell here are imported, not made on the island which is a little bit disheartening, but it's a great place to pick up souvenirs home accents, and t shirts swimsuits.) When we were here last year, we visited a dispensary, and we're happy to see that it is still up and running and prospering. This is an island, so of course, parking is a creature all of its own and if you're lucky enough to get a pay for parking slip, it's ten dollars an hour.
Kimberly M — Google review
This place has a mix of high end ($1k+ jewelery) as well as more affordable unique souvenirs. Not like the general souvenir shops like in Red Hook, though those are alright too. But Mongoose Junction is on another level. Even if all you do is walk around and admire the architecture it wont be time wasted. I was speaking with one of the shop keepers and they said the complex was built in the 1980s and is still owned and maintained by the same man. He still activly maintains the property himself, and you can tell. The whole place is a labor of love; fitting for St. John. If you are looking for unique jewelry, clothing, and more, this is your spot.
BlueBox M — Google review
So happy we went here, found so many amazing shops. Our best shopping experience in a beautiful location. Stairs and steps and there are plenty of maps on boards of location so know where to go. There are certainly far shops, rum tastings, art, boutiques and restaurants. Recommend 👍🏼
Sal — Google review
Great shopping. I liked the shaded area the trees provide and wood/stone architecture.
Cecilia — Google review
One of the coolest places I’ve ever visited! Super photogenic every where you turn!
Hannah Y — Google review
Here we had ice cream and went to a cafe "Sun Dog" I had a breakfast quesadilla and it was great. I also had bottomless mimosa's for $25 and although they only had 1 flavor any wouldn't make any others, It was good still, I just wish they had more options.
Alicia M — Google review
Nice mall, great stores, adequate free parking. We shipped at several stores and ate at the sandwhich shop. Highly recommend.
Dallazman — Google review
St. John, 513 Mongoose Jct, Cruz Bay, St John 00830, U.S. Virgin Islands•https://www.mongoosejunctionstjohn.com/•+1 340-201-7791•Tips and more reviews for Mongoose Junction
< 1 min · 0 ft
4

Bajo el Sol Gallery, Art Bar Cafe & Rum Shop

4.9
(83)
•
4.9
(73)
Art gallery
Sights & Landmarks
Art center
Bar
Bajo el Sol Gallery, Art Bar Cafe & Rum Shop is a vibrant cultural hub in Mongoose Junction, showcasing the finest art and culture of the Virgin Islands. The gallery exclusively features local artists from St. John, St. Croix, and St. Thomas, providing a platform for both emerging and established creatives through various exhibits and events celebrating Caribbean heritage.
Beautiful space, beautiful souls, 10/10!! What can I say? The food is top tier, the art is amazing and varied (sometimes includes baskets!). Events hosted are valuable, informative, and enjoyable. I wish I could visit more regularly. The staff are cordial and have great book recommendations. Definitely worth a visit.
Kayla B — Google review
This is a wonderful little art gallery and rum bar. They sell very cool local art and jewelry. Their rum menu is extensive and you can go on a “rum tour” here, sampling different Caribbean rums. It’s also in mongoose junction which is a fairly large local shopping center. Their cafe on the other hand is very ok, the espresso is on the weaker side and their croissants are tiny and a bit stale. For $6 you’d expect much more especially when neighboring islands like St Marteen sell much bigger croissants fresh out of the oven for €2
Peter S — Google review
Bajo el Sol Gallery sells a wonderful collection of locally made pottery, paintings, baskets, jewelry, sculpture, wood carvings, and more. I had an absolutely delicious iced dirty chai. There was a selection of pastries and sandwiches when I was there.
Northland G — Google review
This place has the most amazing coffee on the island. Is just so good and smooth. The beans they use are the very best from Puerto Rico and they really know how to make a good coffee. The gallery is cute and they got a bunch of rum selections. I just go there for the coffee!!! ☕️.
Luis C — Google review
Definitely one of my favorite stops on StJohn. Wonderful rum bar and cafe with the added gallery makes for great conversation all night!! They have a large selection of aged rums, which can be sampled in perfectly curated tasting flights. They also serve Puerto Rican espresso coffee, chocolates, wine, craft cocktails, lite savory bites and locally made pastries. Priscilla Hintz Rivera and David Knight Jr and the team are welcoming and helpful in navigating the rum selection and so much more! A great experience every time we visit St John!!
Michèle B — Google review
It’s a shame that this place doesn’t populate when you search “coffee” in google, because they had a great espresso bar. They stocked decaf espresso which is sometimes rare in certain destinations. Cute art gallery with a wide selection of runs as well. Worth stopping in!
Stefanie G — Google review
We visited Bajo el Sol in early April while on the island of St. John. I had wanted to purchase something unique that would always represent our love of the islands when we are home. We spoke with David Knight Jr. while visiting and he was very knowledgeable, helpful and great to work with. I loved this wood carved piece but wanted to think on it before buying. He assured me it was easily available and would ship. I called him back after we returned home and placed my order. It arrived and is beautiful. Top notch experience from start to finish. Thanks David.
Dawn J — Google review
Amazing time at Bajo El Sol gallery. Not only found the best coffee in town, but also a cool vibe place with an amazing Rum selection . The friendly owners and staff were wonderful and shared stories about rum origins and making from different places around Central America and Caribbean. We went back the next day for live music and rum tasting. Gallery and jewelry are beautiful too. Don’t miss it!
Isabella P — Google review
Mongoose Jct, St. John, Virgin Islands 00830, U.S. Virgin Islands•http://bajoelsolgallery.com/•+1 340-693-7070•Tips and more reviews for Bajo el Sol Gallery, Art Bar Cafe & Rum Shop
7 min · 0.37 mi
5

Drink

4.8
(89)
Bar
Located on the outskirts of downtown Cruz Bay in St. John, DRINK is a top favorite for bar hopping. The bar offers a sleek and stylish ambiance with an outdoor atmosphere and great music. Their gourmet bushwackers, especially the Nutella or Oreo flavors, are highly recommended. The bartenders at DRINK use a vast array of spirits, fresh herbs, and unique ingredients to create one-of-a-kind libations.
Best margarita in St John - fresh squeezed fruit .... no margarita mix. Great mojito. Reasonable prices. Will be back.
Dan B — Google review
Great place for a drink. Happy hour till 7. A band started playing at 7.
Brian T — Google review
My wife and I had a fantastic experience at Drink St. John USVI. Our servers Matt and Katie were both very friendly and helpful with drink recommendations. Very close to the water and within walking distance to the rest of Cruz Bay. The peanut butter bushwacker was our favorite and super delicious. Would definitely go back.
Garrison B — Google review
Our favorite bar in all of USVI ! Katie is awesome ! The Queen of the Seas Cocktail is everything ! Can’t wait to go back !
Niki G — Google review
This is a really cool place to either start or end your night with drinks in the downtown Cruz Bay area. There are some places nearby as well. Everyone in our party ordered a different drink and they were all delicious. The classic margarita was perfect, the lavender lemonade was great, as was their Hemingway cocktail. Can't remember her name, but our server was prompt and friendly even though she was clearly busy. DR!NK has a great oceanfront view of the bay, and we'll be back for sure before our vacation is over!
Wes — Google review
Great location for private party! Attended a wedding welcome party and give it 5 stars. Marvelous view, great drinks, awesome bartenders! Loved the atmosphere so much we came back later in our trip to have cocktails at sunset!
Jen R — Google review
Great Beverage Stop! Delicious flavors of margaritas, highly recommend the spicy margaritas! Great spot for drinks, they don’t serve food but they serve delicious drinks. There’s a pizza place upstairs and there’s also the strip of restaurants right down 2 blocks for food options if you’re coming here for drinks beforehand
Julia V — Google review
This was an awesome bar right on the water. The drinks were outstanding and good priced. Live music made it a great night.
Trevor L — Google review
1 Bay St, Cruz Bay, St John 00831, U.S. Virgin Islands•http://drinkstj.com/•(864) 923-6595•Tips and more reviews for Drink
12 min · 3.4 mi
6

Catherineberg Estate Ruins

4.7
(111)
•
4.5
(25)
Historical place
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Sites
The Catherineberg Estate Ruins are the remnants of a historic sugar plantation complex situated in St. John. Although not as extensively developed for tourists as some other plantations, it offers a well-preserved site from the Danish colonial period. Like many other plantations on the island, Catherineberg utilized an enslaved workforce to produce sugar in harsh conditions. While Annaberg ruins are a must-see, the Catherineberg ruins provide another fascinating glimpse into 18th-century plantation life on the island.
Maybe the coolest ruins on the island. They are very large. The stonework is amazing. There was plenty of parking when we were there. On both sides of the road. Room for photos. Would recommend. Also close to national park sign.
Jack C — Google review
Fascinating structure, not much info about its history at the site; there should also be more focus on preservation.
Muris D — Google review
A recent trip to St John brought my family and I to this location. What a great find! The roads getting to it are a little narrow but that’s most of the island and all of the fun. Great piece of history and I’m glad we stopped. There was a local musician setting up while we were there. Great acoustics inside.
Michael O — Google review
A ruin that has been kept up just right off the road. No hiking required, you drive right to it. It’s rich in history and makes for a great photo op. We arrived around 8:30 am and had the whole place to ourselves for almost an hour. You don’t need that long, but we were taking a ton of photos. It’s very interesting.
Ali B — Google review
There was more to these ruins than I thought and I’m happy I was able to stop and walk through all of it. It’s interesting and so beautiful! Plus, there was someone playing the saxophone when we were there and the sound echoing through the empty space was amazing.
Lacey M — Google review
If you are driving through the National Park, this is only just off of the main road, though I would not suggest doing this is a Porsche. Its worth a visit. Very interesting place. Took some reseach to work out how it worked. Its great to be able to walk around ruins in such good condition.
Andy S — Google review
One of the best preserved mill, we saw during our stay on all 3 main-Islands. Glad we stopped and saw it.. PS. Remember to look up, inside the mill (see pics👍)
Michael C — Google review
Just purely a place of beauty. Ruins are ruins… but sometimes you come across architecture that was definitely thoughtful and a sight to see. We happen to come across a local playing his saxophone inside one of the structures and it was absolutely beautiful. Definitely stop in the national park and walk through these ruins. It’s worth it.
Roy M — Google review
86VQ+PHH, Rte 206, St John 00830, U.S. Virgin Islands•Tips and more reviews for Catherineberg Estate Ruins
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Where to eat

Even the most seasoned adventurers need a break to chow down some food. Close to Bajo el Sol Gallery, Art Bar Cafe & Rum Shop, these restaurants are about a 1-minute walk away.

Sun Dog Cafe

4.5
(347)
•
4.6
(1224)
Restaurant
Sun Dog Cafe is a charming courtyard eatery located in a shopping center on St. John. Despite its small kitchen, it has gained recognition as a popular dining spot for travelers. The cafe offers a diverse menu featuring fish, burgers, tacos, sandwiches, and more. Visitors can enjoy lunch or dinner at this alfresco gem and savor dishes like the hummus appetizer and Shrimp Vera Cruz.
We came here for dinner in St. John and had a great experience. Our group ordered the grilled and crispy mahi tacos. The grilled tacos were delicious and were very well seasoned, and the crispy tacos had very generous portions of fish on them. The lemon caper sauce was also very flavorful. We ordered the crab cake sandwich and the burrito. The crab cake was good, it had a lot of crab, but it could have used more seasoning. The burrito was delicious, both the chicken and mango salsa were amazing, but the top had a lot of sour cream on it. The burrito came with a side of chips, and some of them tasted stale. We ordered a to-go key lime pie slice which was tiny and unimpresseive. Would not do that again. Other than the key lime pie, everything was very delicious.
Jonathan P — Google review
Sun Dog Cafe, located in the middle of Mongoose Junction, is a great spot with excellent staff and food. They serve some of the best steak and shrimp tacos, as well as ahi tuna, on the island.
Ed M — Google review
We spent 2 days on St. John, and found this place on accident looking for another place with pastries that was closed in the same area. We went simple both times and got bacon, egg and cheese muffin sandwiches with fried potatoes. They were delicious. I don’t even like fried potatoes but I liked these. Cool atmosphere, and good vibes.
Dan C — Google review
My wife and I had a great lunch at Sun Dog Cafe! The ahi tuna poke bowl was fantastic, and I enjoyed the grilled mahi tacos. Waiter was attentive and when between two dishes, he steered me in the right direction when noting the mahi was local. A great spot for cool drinks and flavorful food when shopping at Mongoose Junction or after a day at the beach!
Taylor D — Google review
Every time I’m in St. John I eat at Sun Dog and it NEVER disappoints!! Eggs benedict is my favorite breakfast meal and their Blue Claw Crab Benedict was the best I’ve ever had! Plus, the staff is always so friendly. You have to check this place out next time you’re visiting the USVIs.
MacKenzie K — Google review
Ate here on our first day in St. John and loved it so much we ended up coming back almost every day. The food is great, the drinks are delicious, and the staff is very friendly. It’s definitely a must-do on your USVI vacation.
Dj L — Google review
Ate dinner here last night and it was incredible. They had AMAZING live music with a singer that sounded just like adele and an amazing guitarist. The vibe was also wonderful, everyone was so friendly and talkative, we learned about the singer’s lives and socialized with the tables around us. It felt like a nice tight circle. The male singer even came up to tables individually and talked with us which was very special. We ordered drinks which we all enjoyed thoroughly, my personal FAVORITE was the “prisoner of St John”, it was my favorite drink on this trip so far. As we listened to the incredible live music, we ate some tacos and burritos which were all exceptional (my chips were not stale at all)! We finished the night ordering another round and enjoying the cozy vibe. Hats off to the server who was managing everything by himself, very impressive and efficient. Would definitely come here again!
Erin L — Google review
The drinks, the food, the courtyard, everything was so so great. The drinks were refreshing and flavorful, the food was out of this world, I got the vegan bowl with shrimp, and my friend got the tacos. Both of them were beautifully prepared and bursting with color and flavor. I loved the fresh locally grown greens on the vegan bowl, and the shrimp was perfectly cooked. The bar area was really cute and seemed like a great spot to meet new friends. Our server, Juliet, was so friendly and had great recommendations for exploring as well! Will definitely make it a regular visit when I head over to St. John.
Taylor N — Google review
St. John, 18 Mongoose Jct o2, Cruz Bay, 00830, U.S. Virgin Islands•http://www.sundogcafe.com/•+1 340-693-8340•Tips and more reviews for Sun Dog Cafe

Rum Hut

4.5
(150)
•
4.3
(88)
Permanently Closed
$$$$affordable
Restaurant
Bar
Located at Cruz Bay Wharfside, Rum Hut is a legendary beach bar known for its waterfront rum drinks and authentic island charm. It has been recognized as one of the best beach bars in America, offering a selection of salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and burgers for lunch or late afternoon cravings. The bar also serves a variety of handmade frozen cocktails. With its historic setting on Cruz Bay Beach, visitors can enjoy classic rum drinks while soaking up the St. John atmosphere and mingling with friendly locals.
Stopped for lunch, finally, after walking past on many occasions. The location and view are fantastic. Close to the ferry dock. We shared the lobster rangoons and the crab bao buns and both were so good, unique. Many unique items on the menu. Service was timely and attentive. Can’t wait to go back to try more things.
Lynnae T — Google review
Our first dinner the night we got in to St.John. We got a sushi roll appetizer, loaded fries appetizer, and the tuna tacos. All was delicious. Staff was a little busy and shorthanded but we were patient. Hard to be upset when you sitting yards from the ocean. Overall experience was excellent and we will be back.
Nick V — Google review
This was one of the best dinners for our entire trip. The service was outstanding the view was perfect, the drinks were cold and yummy. Just an amazing dining experience by the beach! We will be back again and again. The lobster Rangoon was the best Rangoon I have ever eaten!
Jack B — Google review
Our favorite restaurant on St John and for many reasons. We were on the island for 7 days and went to Rum Hut 6 times! Yes it's that good. First and foremost the staff is second to none. Laura the General Manager is soooo awesome and treated us like family every time we visited. Her energy and enthusiasm are infectious. The bartender Ernie was AMAZING! Not only is he supper friendly, we had great conversation and he also makes incredible drinks and offered us great food suggestions from the menu. Grace, Chris, Sheeshee, Val, Brittany and Maria were all awesome. What's crazy is that my wife and I are terrible with names, however everyone was so great that we could not help but remember them. When you have service like this it's very memorable and we are very grateful to have met all of them. As for the food, EVERYTHING was so delicious. We had the following items: Josephines greens salad, Kale Cesar salad, Burrata, waygu beef burger, tuna tartare tacos, blackened Mahi tacos, Brussel sprouts, cassava fries, short rib and the flourless chocolate cake. Literally all of it was outstanding. As far as the atmosphere it really doesn't get any better than this because it's beautiful. All in all we loved everything about Rum Hut and can't wait to go back. Love you guys
Rob A — Google review
We took the Ferry to St John and came to this place to have a drink. The have some unique drinks to choose between. I got the Detox and my boyfriend got a Painkiller. Very yummy! Bartenders were awesome. Lobster Rangoons were delicious! Wish we would of tried the sushi but we were trying out small bites at each place and didn't wanna get too full!
Cassidy L — Google review
What a Great Experience!! The whole vibe was wonderful! From sitting at the wall looking at the ocean to our awesome waitress Samantha and the owner Laura, the whole night was top notch! WE started the night talking to Laura about their rum flights (I'm an HUGE fan of rums) I ended up trying the Bruges flight and it was a great tasting experience. We started with the lobster rangoons, DELICIOUS! The sauce was sublime and the rangoons themselves didn't need the sauce but were elevated by it. My wife had the Julien salad with Caribbean shrimp and I had the Mahi. 5 huge shrimp with a delicate balsamic vinagrette that had her scraping the dish. My Mahi was cooked perfectly and I mixed the corn/roasted tomato salsa with the coconut sticky rice, fabulous. But, while it wasn't the STAR of the meal, it was a shining example of what could be, the Roasted Brussels Sprouts with the Honey Sirachua sauce was bowl licking good! We were fighting over the last few pieces! If you're visiting the island and want REALLY good food, excellent drinks and a wonderful experience/vibe, you can't do better than here.
Ray C — Google review
i honestly loved this place. we went like 5 times in 3 days. we had lunch and then went back to sit on the beach for drinks at night. the drink selection is kind of limited, there were only a few to choose from. They did run out of mint so i couldn’t have anymore mojitos one day, which was kind of unfortunate because the other drinks were a little too strong for me. in our bunch of visits we noticed that some of the servers are definitely more genuinely nice than others.. but i have to give it to them because they were doing multiple days of double shifts in the heat. by far this place plays the best music IMO (more house, electronic and hiphop than other bars that play mixes of old radio music - still good but *too* random) also it isn’t too loud so you don’t need to yell to speak to someone the food was good. garlic fries ugh. those crispy onions on the house salad- so good. i recommend making this a stop on your trip for sure.
Orit C — Google review
The food was DELICIOUS!!! The view was AMAZING!!! The BEST Pina Coladas on the island!!! Best Crab Cakes & Mahi Bites Ever!!!! The restaurant was open & airy. Our group of 4 Loved everything about the restaurant!! The price was fair for what they serve. Great place to grab a bite to eat before catching the ferry, it's within a short distance. Highly recommend!!
Mel W — Google review
Wharfside Village, Cruz Bay, St John 00831, U.S. Virgin Islands•https://rumhutstjohn.com/•+1 340-775-5200•Tips and more reviews for Rum Hut
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Greengos Caribbean Cantina

4.3
(557)
•
4.3
(367)
$$$$affordable
Restaurant
Greengos Caribbean Cantina, located in a historic waterfront building along Hibiscus Alley in Charlotte Amalie, offers an environmentally conscious dining experience. The owner and chef, Elizabeth, is committed to sustainability by using biodegradable packaging for takeout and recycled materials for glasses. The restaurant imports spices and chilis from the Sonoran Desert region to ensure high-quality flavors.
We enjoyed visiting a couple of times while on St John. The food was great. Our wait staff answered my questions and were very nice. Their service was excellent. We enjoyed drinks from the bar and the foods. Pork tacos were excellent as was the chicken burrito I ordered the second visit. We are always greeted when we arrive and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Beth A — Google review
Great vibe in a great part of town. This whole area has a great vibe. Usually there is live music going and there is a tap room. Greengos has a fun vibe, great food too! They have a great happy hour!
Sandy S — Google review
One of my favorite restaurants on the island. The food and drinks are amazing and the staff treats you like family. Kanequa gave us better customer service than all the “high end” restaurants I visited. I can’t recommend enough.
Joey T — Google review
Ive been trying the various places around the island for the past 7 days, and Greengos has officially become my favorite. I tried to visit again the next day but they don’t open until the afternoon. I will be back, and I will get the shrimp burrito again! Worth every penny!
TheAprone — Google review
We enjoyed an early dinner outside overlooking the road and shopping area. We started off with chips and salsa, which came with 2 kinds of salsa, both of them very tasty. My husband ordered the pork enchiladas and raved about them the whole time he was eating. I enjoyed the chicken cantina bowl. Waitress kept our drinks refilled and was very friendly. The restrooms were very clean. The restaurant is in the Mongoose Junction shopping center, which has parking and many shops. We highly recommend it!
Tonya R — Google review
Tacos!! Need i say more? Amy our server was amazing and the food was excellent. Great people and a great place.
Frederick P — Google review
Holy Guacamole🥑!!! I love this place!!! The restaurant is beautiful😍 and the food 🌮is perfect! That’s all! ⛵️🏝️🍹
Wendy S — Google review
Amazing atmosphere. Sky high bar. Small plates were enough for lunch. Prices were reasonable for a tourist area. Balcony or inside seating. Service was great, and food was fast. Great, Caribbean-style Mexican food. Restroom located inside the restaurant. Parking is a bit difficult.
Robyn J — Google review
Mongoose Jct, Cruz Bay, St John 00830, U.S. Virgin Islands•http://www.greengosvi.com/•+1 340-777-8226•Tips and more reviews for Greengos Caribbean Cantina

St. John Scoops

4.4
(338)
•
4.3
(291)
Ice cream shop
Candy store
Coffee shop
St. John Scoops is a popular ice cream shop in St. John that often has long lines, but the wait is worth it for their delicious treats. They offer a variety of options including cones, cups, and waffle cones, as well as adult-friendly ice cream flavors. Visitors can enjoy refreshing choices like vanilla bean or get creative by adding a scoop to their coffee or root beer from the neighboring shops.
On warm evening in Virgin Islands, the best place to enjoy a cool treat. Went to St. John Scoops for the BEST ice cream on the island. My kiddos got their cookies and cream, while I got the strawberry. The ice cream was creamy, flavorful and the waffle cones were like butter melting in your mouth. The service we received was great, being a new comer, the host gave us the best flavors and a complete tour of the store. Would come back to this store again and again, and so should you! Enjoy.
John I — Google review
Smells delicious! There is a soft serve and a scooped ice cream counter. They do have some boozy ice cream. There is a variety of sorbet flavours, but not much dairy free option. The service was excellent. A few parking spaces in front of the shop but there’s a good chance those will be full. There is a patio with chairs, tables, and umbrellas that is nice to sit at while you eat.
Hailey L — Google review
I love scoops ice cream! It smells delicious, the flavors are tasty, there are fresh baked cookies! I’ve gone a few times and have loved all the flavors I’ve chosen. A waffle cone is a must. I’ve even gotten two cookies and made a little ice cream sandwich. I love the cookies n cream, mint chip, double chocolate chip, but my absolute favorite is Cookie Monster: they get all the left over cookies and crumble them into vanilla ice cream. Dream.
M H — Google review
There was so much condensation on the glass to see the ice cream that you couldn't see it. I had to wipe it off myself with the kid just watching me do it 🤔🙄 We ordered milk shakes. They were more fluid and movable than what I'm used to but it worked out because the straws were tiny. Milkshakes were good. Standard. Ask about using credit cards 1st because the machine was down that day and cash was the only accepted option. FYI, they make their own waffles for waffle cone stuff. That's why I gave 4 stars 🌟 The Milkshakes were easily a 3.
Van — Google review
We went 2 days in a row because of how delightful our experience was. The soft serve with half vanilla half pineapple brings me back to my Hawaii dole whip days. We also tried their hard ice cream right next door and they were very delicious, especially when eaten with the waffle cone. We did not really enjoy the sundaes, however, as they only added a bit of syrup (not any fruit to go along). The server was very nice because she gave me more syrup when I asked later on! I recommend trying.
Angie P — Google review
We went to STJ Scoops a couple times on our recent trip (Dec, ’23 – Jan, ’24). It’s a great place. The variety of ice creams, both hard and soft serve, was impressive, and the “adult” flavors taste legitimately like what they say they are. Painkiller ice cream for me, please! STJ Scoops is located at the far east corner of Mongoose Junction. There’s outdoor seating, if you want to stick around, which we did (1/3/24). It’s great for couples like us, but it’s PERFECT for families! We saw so many families there, probably after a full day on the beach, and what better way to finish your day on St. John than with some ice cream? Confession: One night, we went there BEFORE DINNER! Hey, it’s vacation! On the island! Don’t miss St. John Scoops!
Steve K — Google review
Delicious homemade ice cream. Server was super friendly and patient with our large group. Highly recommend if you’re in St. John!
Jennifer M — Google review
Finally found a homemade ice cream shop. They have a diverse flavor range and the ones we got were pretty tasty. Decadent mint and refreshing guava. I try a TON of ice cream and this checked all the boxes of taste, texture, quantity and price. Definitely recommended if you're nearby. Yummy ice cream.
Tyler B — Google review
St. John, Mongoose Jct, Cruz Bay, St John 00831, U.S. Virgin Islands•http://www.stjohnscoops.com/•Tips and more reviews for St. John Scoops
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What's the weather like in Cruz Bay?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Cruz Bay for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

  • Weather in Cruz Bay in January
  • Weather in Cruz Bay in February
  • Weather in Cruz Bay in March
  • Weather in Cruz Bay in April
  • Weather in Cruz Bay in May
  • Weather in Cruz Bay in June
  • Weather in Cruz Bay in July
  • Weather in Cruz Bay in August
  • Weather in Cruz Bay in September
  • Weather in Cruz Bay in October
  • Weather in Cruz Bay in November
  • Weather in Cruz Bay in December

Explore nearby places

  • Cruz Bay
  • Caneel Bay
  • the Virgin Islands National Park
  • Red Hook
  • Smith Bay
  • Coral Bay
  • Bolongo Bay
  • West End
  • Havensight
  • Magens Bay
  • Charlotte Amalie
  • Road Town
  • North Sound
  • Christiansted
  • Frederiksted
  • Esperanza
  • Fajardo
  • Luquillo
  • El Yunque National Forest
  • Humacao
  • Carolina
  • Isla Verde
  • San Juan
  • Guaynabo
  • Catano
  • Orocovis
  • West End Village
  • Cupecoy Bay
  • Maho
  • Sandy Ground
  • Blowing Point

All related maps of Cruz Bay

  • Map of Cruz Bay
  • Map of Caneel Bay
  • Map of the Virgin Islands National Park
  • Map of Red Hook
  • Map of Smith Bay
  • Map of Coral Bay
  • Map of Bolongo Bay
  • Map of West End
  • Map of Havensight
  • Map of Magens Bay
  • Map of Charlotte Amalie
  • Map of Road Town
  • Map of North Sound
  • Map of Christiansted
  • Map of Frederiksted
  • Map of Esperanza
  • Map of Fajardo
  • Map of Luquillo
  • Map of El Yunque National Forest
  • Map of Humacao
  • Map of Carolina
  • Map of Isla Verde
  • Map of San Juan
  • Map of Guaynabo
  • Map of Catano
  • Map of Orocovis
  • Map of West End Village
  • Map of Cupecoy Bay
  • Map of Maho
  • Map of Sandy Ground
  • Map of Blowing Point

Cruz Bay throughout the year

  • Cruz Bay in January
  • Cruz Bay in February
  • Cruz Bay in March
  • Cruz Bay in April
  • Cruz Bay in May
  • Cruz Bay in June
  • Cruz Bay in July
  • Cruz Bay in August
  • Cruz Bay in September
  • Cruz Bay in October
  • Cruz Bay in November
  • Cruz Bay in December

Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Cruz Bay?

Check out our other curated itineraries that are also filled with jam-packed days:

  • 1-Day Cruz Bay Itinerary
  • 2-Day Cruz Bay Itinerary
  • 3-Day Cruz Bay Itinerary
  • 5-Day Cruz Bay Itinerary

Day itineraries for nearby cities

  • 4-Day San Juan Itinerary
  • 4-Day Charlotte Amalie Itinerary
  • 4-Day Fajardo Itinerary
  • 4-Day Christiansted Itinerary
  • 4-Day Road Town Itinerary
  • 4-Day Carolina Itinerary
  • 4-Day Frederiksted Itinerary
  • 4-Day Luquillo Itinerary
  • 4-Day the Virgin Islands National Park Itinerary
  • 4-Day Guaynabo Itinerary
  • 4-Day Coral Bay Itinerary
  • 4-Day El Yunque National Forest Itinerary
  • 4-Day Maho Itinerary
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  • 4-Day Esperanza Itinerary
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  • 4-Day Smith Bay Itinerary
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