Things to Do in St. John, USVI
The smallest of the three main U.S. Virgin Islands, and most of it is a national park.
See things to do »St. John at a Glance
The list of things to do in St. John, USVI starts with the water and the woods. About 60 percent of the island’s land belongs to Virgin Islands National Park, so instead of resort strips you find steep green hills, empty headlands and a string of white-sand bays along the North Shore, many with reefs a short swim from shore. Hiking trails lead to Danish-era sugar ruins and rock carvings, and the water around the island is clear enough for good snorkeling from the beach.
There is no airport. Visitors fly into St. Thomas and cross by passenger ferry from Red Hook or downtown Charlotte Amalie, or bring a rental car over on one of the car barges. Everyone arrives in Cruz Bay, the island’s small, busy town, where restaurants, bars, shops and the national park visitor center are all within a few minutes’ walk of the dock. If you are arriving on a cruise, our St. Thomas port guide explains how the ferry day trip works.
Driving is on the left, the roads are narrow and steep, and most visitors rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle or rely on open-air safari taxis. North Shore Road climbs east from Cruz Bay past the famous beaches; Centerline Road runs along the island’s spine to Coral Bay, a quieter harbor on the east side with a handful of bars and cafes and a lot of sailboats at anchor. Beyond it, the East End is a narrow, dry peninsula with small beaches and few people.
The 2017 hurricanes, Irma and Maria, did heavy damage, and recovery took years. The Cinnamon Bay campground reopened in 2022, while the resort at Caneel Bay has stayed closed to overnight guests, though its beach is open to the public again. Most of the island’s restaurants, villas and small inns are back in business, and the forest has grown in thickly.
This guide covers four areas: Cruz Bay, the North Shore beaches, the national park’s trails and ruins, and Coral Bay with the East End. You will also find restaurants we confirmed are open and the year’s main events. Villas and the few hotels book up early for winter, so ask our travel specialists for a free quote well ahead.
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Top-Rated Things to Do in St. John
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ViatorTours, tickets, prices and reviews from Viator (a Tripadvisor company) and Tiqets — prices are per person, from, and were checked October 28, 2026. Best of St. John may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you.
St. John USVI Restaurants
Cruz Bay has most of the island’s restaurants, from harbor-view dinners at Gallows Point to beach bars by the ferry. Coral Bay adds burger joints, a beachfront dining room and Lime Out, a taco bar floating in the harbor. Our dining guide lists 19 St. John USVI restaurants we confirmed are open.
Events on St. John
The 8 Tuff Miles road race climbs from Cruz Bay to Coral Bay in late February, the Beach to Beach Power Swim runs over Memorial Day weekend, and the St. John Celebration fills Cruz Bay from late June to the Fourth of July.
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St. John — FAQ
Do I need a passport to visit St. John?
U.S. citizens flying directly from the U.S. mainland or Puerto Rico do not need a passport; it is a U.S. territory. Bring one anyway if you plan a boat trip to the British Virgin Islands.
How do I get to St. John?
Fly into Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas, take a taxi to Red Hook, then the passenger ferry to Cruz Bay. Car barges also run from Red Hook if you rent a car on St. Thomas. Ferry schedules are posted by the Virgin Islands Port Authority.
Do I need a car on St. John?
It helps. Safari taxis serve the main beaches and Coral Bay, but a rented four-wheel-drive lets you reach trailheads and quieter bays on your own schedule. Remember to drive on the left.
When is the best time to visit St. John?
December through April is dry, breezy and busiest. May through July is warm and quieter. August through October is the peak of hurricane season, and some restaurants close for a few weeks.
Is there an entrance fee for Virgin Islands National Park?
There is no general entrance fee. Trunk Bay charges a daytime amenity fee for visitors 16 and older, paid by card or phone only.