St. John, the smallest of the US Virgin Islands, holds a special place in my travel memories. Back in 2004, a brief stop on this island during a college trip to St. Thomas left a vague impression of a largely unspoiled national park. Nearly two decades later, and with two more visits under my belt in recent years, St. John has solidified itself as a favorite destination. Before my next trip in December 2024, I wanted to share highlights from my November 2022 visit, focusing on the vibrant heart of the island: Cruz Bay.
Cruz Bay serves as the gateway to St. John and offers a captivating blend of laid-back island vibes and essential amenities. Whether you’re arriving by ferry from St. Thomas or embarking on island adventures, Cruz Bay is likely to be your starting point and a place you’ll return to often.
Your Cruz Bay Basecamp: Accommodation and Accessibility
During my 2022 trip, our group stayed in a VRBO house with a pool in Chocolate Hole, a scenic 20-minute drive from Cruz Bay. While St. John does have a Westin resort, I highly recommend exploring VRBO or Airbnb for house rentals offering stunning views. This year, I’ll be venturing to the East End near Coral Bay, a new area for me. However, St. John’s manageable size ensures that no matter where you choose to stay, Cruz Bay and other island destinations are easily accessible within a 40-minute drive.
Katie, the bday girl at Villa L’Agave
Beach Bliss Near Cruz Bay: Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay
Cruz Bay’s proximity to world-renowned beaches is a major draw. Trunk Bay, arguably the most famous beach on St. John and a short drive from Cruz Bay, is a must-visit. Stepping onto Trunk Bay is like entering a postcard. The water is incredibly calm and warm, resembling the vibrant blue of Gatorade. It’s truly the most perfect beach I’ve ever experienced. You can easily hop off the ferry in Cruz Bay and be swimming in Trunk Bay’s crystal-clear waters in under 15 minutes.
Trunk Bay, St. John: A pristine beach paradise easily accessible from Cruz Bay.
Just a bit further east from Trunk Bay lies Cinnamon Bay, another of St. John’s top beaches and also conveniently accessible from Cruz Bay. Cinnamon Bay offers a slightly different vibe with a cafe and facilities, making it a great option for a full beach day. While Maho Bay is also mentioned as a popular beach, Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay stand out for their proximity and ease of access from Cruz Bay, making them ideal choices when you’re based in or near Cruz Bay.
The birthday crew enjoys the sun and sand at Cinnamon Bay, St. John, another beautiful beach near Cruz Bay.
Cruz Bay Culinary Scene: From Casual Eats to Island Vibes
Cruz Bay itself and the areas around it offer a diverse range of dining experiences. While some notable restaurants mentioned are located further from Cruz Bay, like Skinny Legs in Coral Bay, Cruz Bay boasts its own collection of fantastic spots.
High Tide, for example, is a Cruz Bay institution. Located closest to the ferry dock, it’s become a tradition to start and end St. John trips with drinks at High Tide. Its waterfront location provides stunning views, perfectly capturing the island spirit right in Cruz Bay.
The breathtaking waterfront view from High Tide bar and restaurant in Cruz Bay, St. John.
For a truly local experience near Cruz Bay, Woody’s is another walkable option from the ferry. Rumored to be a favorite of St. John’s most famous resident, Kenny Chesney, Woody’s offers a laid-back atmosphere and is perfect for soaking in the Cruz Bay vibes. While it may not have ocean views, the genuine island atmosphere makes it a worthwhile stop.
Woody's in Cruz Bay, St. John, a local favorite bar with a relaxed and friendly vibe.
While Shambles and The Windmill Bar are mentioned as great options, their specific proximity to Cruz Bay isn’t detailed in the original article, suggesting they might be slightly further afield. When exploring Cruz Bay and its immediate surroundings, High Tide and Woody’s stand out as excellent choices for drinks and soaking in the local scene.
The vibrant and colorful decor at Shambles restaurant, offering a unique dining experience on St. John.
The unique ceiling decorations at Skinny Legs, a casual dining spot known for burgers in Coral Bay, St. John.
Essential Shopping in Cruz Bay
For groceries and essentials, Cruz Bay offers convenient options. Love City Market and Dolphin Gourmet Market are both mentioned as shopping locations. Love City Market is described as larger with a wider selection and easier parking, making it a practical choice for stocking up on supplies when you’re based in Cruz Bay or arriving via ferry.
Beyond Cruz Bay: Island Exploration and Must-Do Detours
While Cruz Bay is a fantastic hub, renting a Jeep is highly recommended for exploring the rest of St. John. Although taxis are available, a Jeep provides the freedom to discover the island at your own pace. Driving around St. John comes with its own unique quirks, adding to the adventure: driving on the left side of the road in US-configured vehicles and navigating steep hills are part of the St. John experience. Keep an eye out for the island’s resident donkeys and goats as you explore beyond Cruz Bay!
Roadside donkeys add to the charm of driving around St. John, a unique island experience.
For a memorable day trip from Cruz Bay, consider Salty Dog Day Sails. Departing from Cruz Bay or nearby, this catamaran charter offers a luxurious experience with snorkeling, relaxation, and stunning views. A private charter includes a husband and wife team, their adorable dog Pirate Nemo, and endless rum punches. Depending on the day, they might even incorporate stops at floating restaurants like PizzaPi or LimeOut. Alternatively, you can bring your own lunch from Northshore Deli.
Captain Stephen and Pirate Nemo, the rescue rat terrier, ready for a day of sailing adventures around St. John.
Guests lounging on the catamaran hammocks during a Salty Dog Day Sails excursion in St. John.
Boat Day on the Salty Dog Day Sails catamaran in the stunning waters surrounding St. John.
Another incredible detour, slightly further afield but accessible from Cruz Bay via ferry or day charter, is The Baths in Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands. These unique granite boulder formations, tide pools, and beaches are a breathtaking sight. Ferries to Virgin Gorda depart from Cruz Bay, or you can incorporate The Baths into a BVI day charter. Remember to bring your passport for BVI trips!
The Baths in Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands: A unique geological wonder and must-see destination near St. John.
Future Adventures: LimeOut, PizzaPi, Jost Van Dyke, and The Longboard
Looking ahead to my next St. John visit, LimeOut, a floating taco restaurant in Hansen Bay, and PizzaPi, a floating pizza restaurant in Christmas Cove, are high on the list. These unique dining experiences offer a quintessential St. John adventure.
LimeOut floating taco bar in Hansen Bay, St. John, offering a unique dining and drinking experience in the water.
PizzaPi floating pizza restaurant in Christmas Cove, St. John, a novel dining experience by boat.
A trip to Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands, home to the legendary Soggy Dollar Bar, is also a must-do. The Soggy Dollar, with its famous Painkiller cocktail and beachside location, promises a quintessential Caribbean beach bar experience.
Soggy Dollar Bar in Jost Van Dyke, BVI, a legendary beach bar and must-visit Caribbean destination.
Back in Cruz Bay, The Longboard restaurant is on my radar. Its upscale island vibe and harbor-front location seem perfect for a stylish Cruz Bay dining experience, described as “Harbour Island meets Miami.”
The Longboard restaurant in Cruz Bay, St. John, offering an upscale island dining experience with a vibrant atmosphere.
Cruz Bay, St. John, is more than just a ferry terminal; it’s the vibrant heart of the island, offering easy access to stunning beaches, delicious food, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re using it as your basecamp or just passing through, Cruz Bay’s charm is undeniable and essential to any St. John adventure.
