Picture this: you’re lying on a white-sand beach, staring out at bright blue, crystal-clear water while you sip a freshly poured cocktail. Mountainous islands spot the horizon in all directions, and there’s lush greenery all around you. It’s the happiest place on earth, a breath of fresh air, nothing short of paradise, and it exists right in the US.
St. John is truly a Caribbean dream, and I’m here to convince you to make this your next warm-weather destination! Read on for the ultimate travel guide to St. John, complete with all of the best things to do and places to see for anyone looking for relaxation OR adventure. I promise you, it will soon become your new favorite place.
What to Know About St. John
First things first: get yourself a direct flight to St. Thomas if you can. The travel is not for the faint of heart – once you land, you still have to take a 30-minute taxi ride to the Red Hook ferry, take the boat over to St. John, and then catch another taxi to your final destination. Minimizing any other stops along the way will go a long way. And once you arrive, be sure to rent a car – specifically a Jeep. Not only are these the signature island vehicles, but you’ll be thankful for that four-wheel drive once you start exploring the island, trust me.
Where to Stay in St. John
While the entire island is stunning, staying near Cruz Bay is the best choice if you want to be close to the action – think ferry access, beach bars, restaurants, and shops galore. We stayed at the Westin St. John Resort, and I dare say it was the perfect choice. Complete with several restaurants and bars, an expansive pool nestled right behind their glorious private beach, and all the watersports you could ask for, it’s the perfect home base for young travelers or families. It’s a convenient five minute drive from Cruz Bay, and with taxis always traveling to and from town, you’re never far away from anything you need.
Alternatively, if you’re feeling like living like a local, Airbnb has plenty of gorgeous villas with personality that offer a private, boutique-style stay. And on the flip side, if you’re looking for something ultra-luxurious, Lovango Resort & Beach Club is calling your name. Located on its own island with convenient boat services to and from St. John and St. Thomas, this exclusive destination is a secluded paradise offering breathtaking views, world-class amenities, and unparalleled privacy. Whether you’re relaxing by the beachfront infinity pool, savoring gourmet dining with fresh island flavors, or unwinding in a beautifully designed villa or glamping tent, every detail is curated for the ultimate luxury experience.
What to Do in St. John
Visit the Best Beaches of the Caribbean
You’re obviously coming to the island for your fair share of beach days, and St. John is guaranteed to deliver. First on the beach day bucket list is Trunk Bay. It’s absolutely breathtaking and was voted one of the best beaches in the world – and also has a great beach bar serving up mouth-watering cocktails. Next up is Cinnamon Bay for equally stunning views with a more secluded vibe. And lastly, if you dream of swimming alongside sea turtles like I always have, Maho Beach is your spot. My turtle dreams came true and yours can, too!
Experience Lime Out, A Floating Taco Bar
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, hop on a boat from Coral Bay over to Lime Out, the floating taco bar. Floating in crystal-clear water, sipping a margarita, and snacking on delicious tacos is about as close to perfection as an afternoon activity gets, if you ask me.
Take a Boat to the BVIs
To have what I can only describe as the best day ever, take a boat to Jost Van Dyke. The Westin offers charters straight from the dock, complete with an open bar, snorkeling stops, and a final destination at White Bay, home to the infamous Soggy Dollar as well as the most breathtaking beach I’ve ever seen. This is where the painkiller was created, so you’re guaranteed to have a great day.
For another scenic adventure, you can also opt for a boat trip to the Virgin Gorda Baths. We didn’t do this one ourselves, but it’s a great way to see a bit more natural wonder with as much emphasis on the painkillers. `
The Westin also has options for sunset boat cruises, all-day snorkeling excursions, a trip to a floating pizza boat, and more. Take your pick and set sail!
Take a Hike
St. John is 60% national park, and it’s filled with incredible trails to explore. I had every intention of doing this myself, but when given the option of hiking or laying on the beach it appears I simply can’t turn down a good beach day. However, I hear that Lind Point Trail (which ends at Honeymoon Beach), Reef Bay, and Ram Head are some of St. John’s best hikes and provide views that are well-worth the trip.
Shop at Mongoose Junction
Need a little retail therapy? Head to Mongoose Junction for chic boutiques, bites to eat, a brewery, and even a sweet treat at St. John Scoops.
Visit Lovango Resort
If you’re not among the lucky few staying at this luxury resort, it’s well worth the trip over to the island for an afternoon. Hop on their boat and arrive in less than ten minutes for a stunning lunch with ocean views and a few delicious cocktails followed by some boutique shopping.
Have a Drink
Now onto the fun part. As expected, the island has no shortage of places to let loose and grab a few fun beverages. At the top of the list is The Windmill Bar, which I daresay is the most scenic bar in the entire world. Go for happy hour, stay for the live music and the breathtaking sunset views. And no day is complete without a pit stop at The Beach Bar, a casual, beachfront hangout perfect for sunset drinks or post-dinner dancing. I went every single night and I have no regrets. No matter where you go, make sure to try a painkiller and a bushwacker. These island-famous drinks can be found all over, and they will become your go-to beachside sips.
Eat Up!
On top of being the most beautiful island filled with stunning beaches and fun adventures, St. John blesses us all with fabulous food options as well. A few favorites topping the charts include:
- Morgan’s Mango. Starting out strong, this is the best restaurant in St. John, hands down. Set in what I can only describe as an oversized treehouse, they serve elevated Caribbean cuisine with a side of dreamy ambiance. Not to mention they have a key lime pie that I still think about daily.
- La Tapa. Spanish flavors meet beachfront elegance in this waterfront restaurant reminiscent of a European beach club. The vibes, I must say, are immaculate – and so is the food.
- Extra Virgin. A must for foodies.Their three-course pre-fixe menu is absolutely next level, filled with unique flavors that will not disappoint. Popcorn on salad? Don’t mind if I do.
- The Longboard. A hidden gem, this place has a casual California vibe with a Caribbean twist and is perfect when you’re looking to walk in somewhere.
- High Tide. This casual beachside spot is the best place to grab a quick bite and a bev while you listen to the waves crashing beside you.
- Lime Out & Lime Inn. Yes, you need both. I’ve already mentioned the blast and a half that is Lime Out, but Lime Inn is right in town and has even more taco options to choose from – because more tacos are never a bad idea. Plus, they serve a choco taco for dessert. Enough said.
So, there you have it – the ultimate St. John travel guide. Whether you’re lounging on world-class beaches, sipping cocktails at sunset, or setting sail for an unforgettable island adventure, St. John is the kind of place that will steal your heart. Pack your bags, grab your reef-safe sunscreen, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime! ☼
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