What We Love About St. John
We love to hear about people’s love of St. John! So we asked our frequent visitors and local residents to weigh in on what they love about the island and here’s what they had to say. Now you’re in the know too!
Most Unique Attraction
• Yisrael Peterson’s moko jumbie performances which you may see at the airport, at local events and in the Carnival parade
• Petroglyphs carved in the rocks by Taino Indians along the Reef Bay Trail
• Charles’ [the gardner] local plants and spices to try or purchase at Annaberg Plantation on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays
• Lime Out, the Caribbean’s only floating taco bar
Where to hear live music(schedule changes seasonally)
• Open mic night at Sun Dog Cafe on Wednesdays and Miss Lucy’s on Thursdays
• Lovango Rum Bar, Cruz Bay Landing, Baja el Sol Gallery, Beach Bar and the Windmill Bar
• On sunset sails once a month on Dulce Vita Sails
• Cruz Bay Landing
Best Happy Hour
• Windmill Bar
• Beach Bar
• Miss Lucy’s
• 864 Restaurant’s oyster and raw bar
Best Place to Catch a Sunset
• Windmill Bar
• Oceans 362
• Peace Hill
• Frank Bay
Favorite Activity Besides the Beach
• Ram Head hiking trail, early mornings to catch the sunrise
• Baja el Sol Gallery, an art gallery, bookstore, café, rum and cocktail bar all in one
• Deep sea fishing boat charter
• Visit the animals at the Animal Care Center and Carolina Corral
Advice for a First-Timer
• Learn about the history and culture of the island on the “St. John: Uncovered” tour by Flyaway Charters
• Go on a National Park Ranger guided tour and learn far more than by yourself. Choose from bird watching, hikes and more.
• Adopt island time and slow down. Always greet people with Good Morning, Good Afternoon or Good Night.
• Cover up unless on the beach to respect island culture.
• Spend at least one day exploring quiet and quirky Coral Bay.
• Try West Indian food. Some local spots include Miss Lucy’s, Ekate Pink Corner, Heading East, Local Flavours, Coco Jim’s, Island Breeze, Tony’s Kitchen, Gwen’s Kitchen, The Roti King food truck, Hercules and Hillside Terrace.
What to do if you only have One Day
• Safari Jeep Tour to see the North Shore and take pictures at the overlooks
• Private boat charter for snorkel spots and lunch at Lime Out Taco Bar or Pizza Pi (only accessible by boat)
• Day pass to Honeymoon Beach: Rent kayaks, snorkeling gear, paddle-boards and a cabana
• Bar hop in Cruz Bay
Best Shopping
• Shops at Mongoose Junction
• Freebird Creations and Caravan Gallery for jewelry
• Pink Papaya and Turquoise Turtle for boutique style gifts
• St. John Spice for local sauces, spices, tea and coffee
Favorite Meal & Where to get it
Fine Dining:
• Clam & shrimp fettuccini at Extra Virgin Bistro
• Porterhouse steak at Dave & Jerry’s Island Steakhouse
• Caribbean lobster at The Terrace
• Seafood paella at Morgan’s Mango
Casual:
• Sushi at The Longboard
• Blackened Mahi at High Tide
• Ribs and chicken at Uncle Joe’s BBQ
• Baked lasagna at Café Roma
Cheap Eats:
• Tropical smoothie (add rum or not) at Our Market Smoothies
• French dip sandwich at North Shore Deli
• Cheeseburger and fries at Skinny Legs
• Breakfast at Cruz Bay Landing
Best Time to Visit
• Winter months: Everything is open, the weather is comfortable and it’s not hurricane season
• Christmas or St. Patrick’s Day for our big parade
• Carnival: June 25th to July 4th, parade, party, pageants, fireworks
• Summertime to avoid crowds
