20 Must-Do Experiences on St. John — Featuring an Underwater Trail and a Floating Taco Bar

Discover the Wonders of Virgin Islands National Park.

Virgin Islands National Park is the crown jewel of St. John, making it a must-see during your island visit. With 30 unique hiking trails winding through diverse ecosystems, the park boasts stunning white-sand beaches like the renowned Trunk Bay. Whether you're keen on exploring historic landmarks, snorkeling amidst vibrant reefs, or simply soaking up the sun on a beautiful beach, you could easily spend your entire St. John getaway immersed in the wonders of this park.

Join the St. John Carnival Festivities.

The cherished St. John Carnival honors both the establishment of the United States on July 4, 1776, and the end of slavery on July 3, 1848. This vibrant celebration fills the island with music, dance, and delicious food, creating a lively atmosphere. Although the festivities may be more modest compared to those on St. Croix and St. Thomas, they provide enough excitement to keep even the most energetic visitors engaged, making it a worthwhile summer getaway. According to Joseph Boschulte, the U.S. Virgin Islands' tourism commissioner, it’s a fantastic way to immerse oneself in the island's rich cultural heritage.

Discover the ancient Taino petroglyphs.

There's no need to step inside a museum while in St. John. Carved into a rocky face at the foot of a dramatic waterfall, ancient petroglyphs made by the island's Indigenous Taino people reveal a seldom-seen glimpse into St. John's fascinating history. The Reef Bay Trail leads visitors to this site, passing by four historic sugar plantations, transforming the hike into a cultural journey amidst some of the island's most breathtaking scenery.

Unwind in a private villa.

St. John lacks large all-inclusive resorts; instead, the preferred lodging option for visitors is renting a villa. Onefinestay offers more than 40 private villas on the island, ranging from cozy cottages with ocean vistas to luxurious estates featuring spa services. Their dedicated concierge team enhances the experience by helping plan itineraries and arranging local activities, eliminating the hassle of trip organization.

Experience dining at a floating taco bar.

What could be more delightful than enjoying tacos right from the Caribbean's warm waters? Accessible only by boat, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard, Lime Out is perched on a floating platform in the heart of Coral Bay. As Michele Bayens, director of concierge services at Onefinestay, shares, this charming spot features underwater seating that allows guests to savor their delicious tacos alongside a selection of draft beers and drinks. It’s just as enchanting as it sounds.

Explore the shops at Wharfside Village in Cruz Bay.

Wharfside Village, located just steps from the harbor in Cruz Bay—the largest town on St. John—offers some of the best shopping on the island. After an afternoon of browsing the boutiques, grab a bite at Johnny Lime nearby or enjoy the island’s finest conch fritters at High Tide Bar & Seafood Grill. Coral Bay and Mongoose Junction are also popular shopping spots on the island.

Experience diving at Eagle Shoals.

According to Kristina Leadbeater from PADI, the sheltered waters of Virgin Islands National Park transform St. John into a diver's paradise, teeming with stunning marine life. Eagle Shoals is an unforgettable dive destination, highlighted by the impressive cave known as the Cathedral. This cave and the surrounding reef extensions are home to remarkable wildlife, including tropical fish, manta rays, and the occasional shark.

Explore a snorkeling trail at Trunk Bay.

St. John boasts incredible underwater experiences, even for non-divers. The Coral Reef Underwater Park Trail at Trunk Bay stretches 650 feet and features underwater plaques that showcase the diverse corals, plants, fish, and turtles inhabiting these clear waters, making it the most enlightening swim you’ll ever experience.

Besides snorkeling, relaxing on the immaculate sands of Trunk Bay is a must-do during any trip to the island. "There are beautiful beaches, and then there are those that leave you in awe," praises Rondel Holder for T+L, referring to what many consider one of the top beaches in the Caribbean.

Savor local island cuisine.

While St. Croix may be known as the culinary capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. John hides some gastronomic treasures showcasing the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean. From roadside vendors serving beloved dishes like barbecue and the national dish of fish and fungi, to the daily-changing menu at Ekaete Pink Corner featuring island favorites such as curried goat, oxtail, or the fresh catch of the day, dining here feels authentically local.

Experience camping on the beach.

For travelers seeking a closer connection to nature in St. John, consider trading luxury villas for a camping experience just steps from the ocean and beneath the stars. Cinnamon Bay Beach & Campground is the only camping site within Virgin Islands National Park, offering not only campsites but also cottages and fully equipped eco-tents, along with a restaurant and food truck for those wanting a few added comforts.

Explore the historic Annaberg Sugar Plantation.

The history of the U.S. Virgin Islands is deeply intertwined with the labor of enslaved individuals in its sugarcane fields. The remnants of Annaberg Sugar Plantation, founded in 1722, provide insight into the daily lives of the enslaved people who lived and worked here, as well as the crucial role sugar played in the island's economy. Open daily and managed by the National Park Service, the plantation welcomes all visitors free of charge.

Discover a unique snorkeling experience at a wreck site.

St. John is home to numerous beaches, but local experts particularly recommend Cinnamon Bay Beach for snorkeling enthusiasts. "Cinnamon Bay Beach is ideal due to its distinctive snorkeling opportunities. A large table reef can be found in five to 15 feet of water at the eastern end of the beach. There’s also an intriguing submerged plane wreck—just a small motor, propeller, and part of a wing, but it’s a fascinating sight in eight feet or less of water!" explains Bayens.

Discover the island on foot.

With miles of trails crisscrossing St. John, the island is a haven for both seasoned hikers and beginners. The Lind Point Trail offers stunning views over its 2.3-mile path from Cruz Bay to Salomon Beach and Honeymoon Beach. For a more challenging trek, try the Ram Head Trail, which rewards you with even more breathtaking panoramas. Start early to beat the heat and don’t forget to bring a swimsuit for a refreshing dip where the trail meets the sea.

Experience live music at Miss Lucy's.

Thursday evenings are ideal for a visit to the family-owned beachfront gem, Miss Lucy's in Coral Bay, where live music attracts both locals and tourists. Renowned for beloved island specialties like conch fritters and Callaloo soup, Miss Lucy's also offers a must-try signature grouper Reuben sandwich that makes the trip across the island worthwhile.

Savor a painkiller cocktail.

The painkiller cocktail is a must-have on nearly every cocktail menu in St. John. Although it was originally created on Jost Van Dyke in the nearby British Virgin Islands, this iconic drink combines classic tropical flavors such as coconut, orange, and pineapple. The authentic recipe uses dark, spiced Pusser's Rum, so be sure to request it when you order.

Look for sea turtles at Maho Bay Beach.

With much of St. John’s coastline designated as Virgin Islands National Park, the island’s beaches serve as a sanctuary for various turtle species. Snorkelers and divers often get the chance to swim alongside these gentle creatures, but for the best opportunity to see them, Maho Bay Beach is the place to go. The bay’s seagrass beds attract turtles, while its stunning white sands and nearby food and drink vendors make it one of the island's favorite beaches.

Embark on a sailing adventure around St. John—and beyond.

Sunset sailing trips featuring delicious bites and refreshing drinks are among the top experiences for visitors to St. John, while daytime sails provide easy access to the island's finest beaches and hidden snorkeling and diving spots. Full-day excursions also allow passengers to explore nearby islands, including St. Thomas and destinations in the British Virgin Islands like Jost Van Dyke.

Find tranquility with ocean views while meditating.

The breathtaking views of the Caribbean from the historic Peace Hill Windmill create an ideal setting for a sunset meditation session, held weekly on Sundays at 5:45 p.m. You can hike or drive along North Shore Road to reach this spot, or take advantage of the free shuttles from the Cruz Bay ferry dock and the Hawksnest parking lot.

Experience an exhibit at Bajo El Sol.

The vibrant Bajo El Sol in Mongoose Junction serves as a gallery, bookstore, café, and event space, showcasing the finest local art from the U.S. Virgin Islands. Drop in to see a new exhibit, enjoy a poetry reading, or return later for happy hour when the venue transforms into a rum and cocktail bar.

Take in a bird's-eye view along North Shore Road.

Taxis in St. John can be quite costly, charging up to $30 per passenger for even short rides, so renting a car might be a better option for those wishing to explore the island. Enjoy the freedom of the open road and head to North Shore Road for some of the most breathtaking scenic views. The overlooks of Trunk Bay, Maho Bay, and Caneel Bay promise an unforgettable journey.