4 Ways to Experience St. John’s Natural Beauty

1. Tour the island by boat

Spend a day on the water aboard one of Midnight Sun’s performance boats, or Vibin’ or Voodoo Charters’ power catamarans. Your captain will guide your exploration of St. John’s beaches and other hidden gems, where you can swim and snorkel among sea turtles, colorful fish, and other reef life.

Want to explore beyond St. John? Book a journey with any of these charters to the British Virgin Islands, where you can snorkel the dramatic rock formations off Norman Island or just enjoy beach time at White Bay on Jost Van Dyke.

2. Explore the beaches

St. John’s North Shore beaches are picture-perfect stops for relaxation and water activities. Trunk Bay is the island’s most popular beach for its white sand, tall palms, and underwater snorkel trail.

With its half-mile stretch of sand, Cinnamon Bay beach attracts groups and water sports enthusiasts. And Maho Bay beach offers not only shallow entry for cooling off, but also prime snorkeling to see turtles, rays, and fish.

Because of their popularity, these beaches can draw crowds during peak season. Plan to arrive early to secure parking and your beach spot. Also note that Trunk Bay charges a small entrance fee.

3. Take a hike

Virgin Islands National Park has more than 20 trails, offering hiking experiences for a range of adventure levels. You can walk through historic ruins, take in panoramic views, and encounter wildlife in one of the most biodiverse parks in the world.

Set out for the Salt Pond Bay and Ram Head trails for a moderately challenging hike that rewards you with dramatic views of the island and beyond. If you’d prefer a more leisurely hike, try the Lind Point Trail, where you can stroll to the Cruz Bay overlook, or continue to Salomon Beach or Honeymoon Beach for a post-hike swim.

Regardless of which hike you choose, wear loose, breathable clothing, sturdy walking shoes, reef-safe sunscreen, and insect repellent; bring plenty of water and snacks; and time your hike to avoid the sun’s peak rays.

4. Enjoy the sunset

After your days exploring or relaxing on St. John, don’t miss an island sunset. Take your pick of vantage point: From a Kindred Spirit sunset sail to Windmill Bar on Neptune’s Lookout, and from Cruz Bay’s waterfront dining and nightlife to the patio at your private villa, you can’t go wrong savoring a St. John golden hour.

La Tapa, located in Wharfside Village, serves contemporary Mediterranean cuisine with beach views and a menu that changes nightly. Enjoy small plates, entrees featuring local seafood, house-made ice cream and sorbet, and an excellent wine list.

The Longboard is a lively open-air joint where bar bites and share plates give way to ceviche, poke bowls, and more. Seating is first-come, first-served, so stop by before or after prime dining time to avoid the crowd.

Morgan’s Mango celebrates the region’s diverse cuisines through its eclectic menu of sea- and land-grown dishes. Book a table on Tuesday or Saturday night for fresh-caught Caribbean lobster, and save room for their popular key lime pie.

ZoZo’s is an option for an intimate dinner, where you can enjoy the sunset while savoring a four-course, Italian-inspired menu on their waterfront terrace. Currently, a shuttle service brings dinner guests through the former Caneel Bay Resort area—destroyed by hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017—to the restaurant.

Sam and Jack’s Deli is a go-to for breakfast, artisan sandwiches, salads, and more. Pick up items for your beach picnic, or, if you’re staying in a villa on the island and don’t want to cook, check out their catering menu.

Ready for happy hour? Sip on a Painkiller while enjoying live music at the Beach Bar. Or if wine is more your thing, the Wine Shop offers a quieter setting for a glass along with a chef-driven menu.

Be aware that many St. John establishments close or operate on reduced hours in the off-season (typically July through September or later), so check their websites as you plan.