 St.
John is the smallest of the three US Virgin Islands, but many
people say that the island, nicknamed "Love Island" , is the most beautiful.
Only
nine miles long and three miles wide, two thirds of the island
is National Park, donated to the US by multimillionaire Laurence
Rockefeller in 1956.
St.
John is best known for its beautiful, picture-perfect white sand
beaches surrounded by turquoise waters that are so clear, you
can see for what seems like miles down. Diving and snorkeling
on St. John are some of the best in the world. Hiking trails abound
on St. John, usually beginning at the top of a lush green mountain
and ending at yet another pristine beach, with interesting historical
ruins along the way.
Getting
around the island is easy. Cruz Bay, the major town where the
ferry docks is on the west end of the island facing Red Hook in
St. Thomas. The ferry ride from Red Hook runs hourly and is only
a quick twenty minute ride. Cruz Bay is connected with winding
paved roads to all the North Shore beaches and over to Coral Bay,
the only other town on the island on the East side. There are
really only two main roads on the island, so it is hard to get
lost. Yes, it is true that St. Johnians drive on the left side
of the road with regular American cars, but once you get used
to it, it is not a big deal. Several local companies, all a short
walk from the ferry dock, offer rental cars, jeeps or trucks by
the day or week. Colorful canopied taxis also line the dock all
day and evening offering rides to accommodations as well as tours.
It was one of these taxi tours we took a few years ago, while
trying to kill some time, that made us fall in love with this
beautiful island. We highly recommend that you make time to take
one while you are here.
 St.
John's selection of restaurants is second-to-none. It is amazingly
hard to get anything other than a fabulous meal anywhere you go.
There is something for everyone as far as dining goes: Everything
from open-air breezy places for BBQ or a fresh fish sandwich to
candlelit five-star cuisine at the top of a mountain. Check out
our Activities
section to see some of our favorites.
Shopping
on St. John is also a treat. Many local artists have unique and
gorgeous paintings, sculptures, jewelry and photographs for sale.
There are numerous galleries in Cruz Bay and Coral Bay to meet
any style or decor. Also, there are many clothing, food, furniture,
camera and other local shops specializing in island favorites.
USVI
On-line - Comprehensive site with ferry schedules,
day sail information, hiking trail maps, dining guides and more.
St.
John Beach Guide - The must-go site with all you
need to know about St. John's fabulous beaches, hiking trails
and snorkeling reefs.
St.
John Source - Great site to keep up on the latest
news and events on St. John if you can ignore the all blinking
banners!
Virgin
Islands Guide - Clean, organized site with information
about books about St. John, shopping guide, wedding services information
and real estate information. |
