The Top 5 Reasons to Visit St. John, US Virgin Islands Now
St. John, US Virgin Islands is renowned for its pristine, white-sand beaches and clear turquoise waters. Beachgoers can relax, swim, snorkel, or engage in water sports while enjoying the breathtaking coastal scenery. Over 60-percent of the island is part of the Virgin Islands National Park—providing opportunities for hiking, camping, and immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the island. The park boasts lush forests, historic sites, and diverse ecosystems.
Source: Visit USVI
St. John is strategically located near other U.S. Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands, making it easy to explore neighboring destinations and experience even more of the Caribbean. St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands is a remarkable destination for nature enthusiasts, water sports lovers, history buffs, art and culture enthusiasts, and anyone looking to unwind in a beautiful, unspoiled paradise in the Caribbean. The island's unique combination of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences make it a top choice for vacationers. These are the top five reasons why Saint John, U.S. Virgin Islands should be on your bucket list.
1. The Cuisine + Cocktails: Where to Eat in St. John
The Longboard is a Caribbean-Inspired kitchen located in the heart of Cruz Bay, offering light and healthy fares and creative cocktails inspired by coastal regions around the globe. The cocktail program is highlighted by fresh-squeezed juices, house-made sodas, mixers, liqueurs, and syrups, dehydrated fruit garnishes, and Caribbean-inspired mixology. For your artisanal cocktail fix, we recommend trying some of their signature cocktails. Enjoy the world-famous Frozen Painkiller—concocted with local dark rum, coconut cream, fresh pineapple and orange, and grated nutmeg (don’t forget to add a chai floater!), Passion Fruit Frosé, or well-dressed mocktails such as the Herb'n Legend with lavender, lemon, basil, and black pepper, or Corazon de Pina with pineapple and lime juice, honey syrup, habanero syrup, and smoked salt.
The Island-inspired menu at The Longboard features shareable small plates, as well as vegetarian options, all prepared with a Caribbean flair using local spices, locally-caught seafood, and locally-grown herbs, greens, and fruits. Favorite tropical dishes include Fresh Catch Poké Bowl with sushi rice, soy, togarashi, tempura flakes, mango, pineapple, avocado, scallion spicy aioli, and lime, Chili Hummus with chickpeas, roasted garlic, chili churri, and microgreens, Fresh Catch Ceviche marinated in lime, cilantro, topped with spicy onion slaw, Caribbean Pork and Daily Catch Sliders with cilantro-lime aioli, grilled pineapple, sriracha, micro arugula, cilantro, as well as Daily Catch Tacos with tempura fried fresh fish, grilled pineapple, cilantro-lime aioli, cilantro, and microgreens.
Enjoy “Island Time” daily from 2-4 pm with the best Happy Hour on Saint John. Enjoy a cocktail while sharing snacks or small plates before moving on to the rest of the menu.
2. Artistic Vibes: Galleries Amidst Caribbean Bliss
Art in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, is a vibrant and integral part of the local culture. The island's artistic scene is influenced by its natural beauty, history, and the diverse backgrounds of its residents. St. John is home to numerous art galleries and studios that showcase the work of local and international artists. These galleries feature a wide range of art forms, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, photography, and more. Popular galleries include Mongoose Junction and Bajo el Sol Gallery.
Source: Visit USVI
Many artists choose to reside on the island due to its inspiring natural surroundings and supportive art community. St. John is home to numerous art galleries, and many of them offer art for sale. You can explore and purchase paintings, sculptures, and other artworks created by local artists that often reflect the island's natural beauty. You can often find artists working on their craft in open studios or participating in local art events. St. John hosts various art events and festivals throughout the year. One of the most notable is the “St. John Festival,” which includes a colorful parade and showcases the island's cultural heritage, including art and music.
3. Luxury Shopping: Caribbean Elegance on Display
Shopping in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands offers a diverse and unique experience, with an eclectic array of boutiques to explore. While the island is not known for large shopping malls or designer boutiques, you'll find a variety of stores and markets that offer local crafts, Caribbean souvenirs, and more. Located in Cruz Bay, Mongoose Junction is a popular shopping center known for its charming, open-air architecture. It features a mix of boutiques, art galleries, and shops selling everything from clothing, jewelry, and accessories to local artwork and crafts. St. John has several jewelry stores offering unique pieces crafted with gemstones and precious metals. You’ll find many pieces that incorporate the beauty of the Caribbean into their designs.
Source: Visit USVI
You can purchase locally made food products and spices, such as hot sauces, jams, rum, and spices, to take home as delicious mementos of your trip. When shopping in St. John, it's essential to keep in mind the island's focus on sustainability and the environment. You’ll find eco-friendly and locally made products that reflect the island's commitment to preserving its natural beauty.
4. Hiking Paradise: Untouched Trails
St. John is a hiker's paradise with a diverse range of hiking trails that offer stunning natural beauty, historic sites, and breathtaking views. The Virgin Islands National Park, which covers a significant portion of the island, is home to many of these trails. The Reef Bay Trail takes you through lush forests and offers the opportunity to explore the remains of the Reef Bay Sugar Mill and historic petroglyphs. The trail ends at Reef Bay Beach, where you can often spot sea turtles. Ram Head Trail leads to the southernmost point of St. John and offers panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. It's particularly popular for watching the sunset.
Source: Visit USVI
The L'Esperance Trail is a longer, more challenging hike takes you through forests and offers panoramic views of Coral Bay and the British Virgin Islands. It's known for its diverse flora and fauna. The Lind Point Trail starts in Cruz Bay and leads to the top of Lind Point, where you can visit the historic Lind Point Battery and enjoy scenic views of Cruz Bay. The hiking trails in St. John are a fantastic way to explore the island's natural beauty, history, and wildlife, and they offer something for hikers of all skill levels.
5. Architectural Harmony: Island-Inspired Design
Not only is St. John the most pristine island in the Caribbean, but it is also a historian's paradise. When the first Danish community settled on the island, their primary sources of income were sugar cane, tobacco, and cotton. They developed hundreds of plantations, the ruins of which are dotted across the island today. The Annaberg Sugar Mill ruins are a testament to the island's colonial past and its significant role in the sugar industry. The ruins consist of various structures, including the sugar mill itself, a windmill, a factory, and the overseer's house. The site also includes a rum still and a factory kitchen. The architecture of the ruins reflects the European influence on the island's plantation history.
Visitors can explore the ruins, which are complemented by informative signs and displays that explain the history of sugar production and the lives of the enslaved people who worked there. In addition to its historical significance, the site offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the nearby Leinster Bay and the lush forested areas of the Virgin Islands National Park.
Where to Stay in St. John, US Virgin Islands
Revel in the days exploring sandy beaches and relaxing in your own piece of paradise at The Westin St. John Resort Villas, a premium resort in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. Some of the most pristine beaches in the world are just a short walk or drive away. After sightseeing along the coastline, snorkeling, swimming and basking in the sun, return to the resort to enjoy the spectacular pool — beautifully landscaped with islands of palm trees and overlooking the turquoise water of Great Cruz Bay, here you’ll discover what paradise is all about.
Choose your island sanctuary of either a studio, one, two or even three-bedroom villa rental or townhouse of up to 2,850 square feet that comfortably accommodates up to eight adults. You will appreciate key amenities of home without the resort fees, and signature Westin touches, including a king-sized Westin Heavenly® Bed, full-sized kitchen appliances, a washer and dryer, and picturesque Virgin Islands views from furnished balconies on split-floor plans. Experience a truly outstanding vacation for you, your family or friends at The Westin St. John Resort Villas. Book below to reserve your room at the lowest price, guaranteed.
