St John Tourism, Kid Friendly St. John, and Other Interesting Facts

The most wonderful aspect about a St John vacation is that it REALLY is a great vacation for any age. Many of our guests have asked us about “kid friendly” places on St. John; and while just about every place is kid friendly, here are some ideas from where we take our kids. Since the main area of Cruz Bay is only the size of two football fields, it is very easy to walk from place to place. And the most popular beaches normally have close parking, like 5’ - 50’ to the beach.

Cruz Bay St John

The main city on St. John is the town of Cruz Bay. Cruz Bay is home to the island’s main port for passenger ferries,and car barges. With two major duty-free shopping areas in the town, visitors can find a wide selection of watches, jewelry, perfumes, clothing, and other retail items at prices significantly under stateside prices. Most of the island’s restaurants and nightlife are found in or near, Cruz Bay. Also, don't miss visiting the National Park Visitors Center; and for the kids - there's a playground right next door!

Coral Bay and East End St John

On the other side of St. John  you will find a quieter community of Coral Bay.  Coral Bay has some wonderful little restaurants, shops, and its own gas station. Coral Bay Harbor is the anchoring area of choice for many sailboats, which are homes to many of the village residents.

The East End of St. John has beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and the British Virgin Islands to the North and the beautiful Caribbean Sea to the south, the views are some of the best in the world!
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"Island Time" and other St John Customs

One of the things that new visitors to our island find most difficult, and yet most enjoyable, is adjusting to the island time.  St. John is never in a hurry. Expect to spend a little more time in our restaurants and shops than you would back home. Take your time, relax, and stop looking at your watches!

Approximately 78% of the local residents of St. John are West Indian. They are friendly and proud people and will welcome you to the island with open arms. St. John is a very friendly island. Everyone greets each other with "Good Morning" or "Good Afternoon".  You will find that using these greetings, as visitors, will go a long way in making your visit even more enjoyable. A friendly attitude, whether in our shops, restaurants, or anywhere else on the island, will likely elicit a friendly response from the locals.

The dress on St. John is very casual and informal with shorts, short sleeved shirts or T-shirts, or casual summer dresses, worn by nearly everyone. With the exception of Caneel Bay, no restaurants require a coat or tie, but shirts for men and cover-ups for women are required in Cruz Bay at all times.
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Driving on the Left Hand Side of the Road on St John

Driving on St. John can be a real exciting experience for visitors and "locals" alike. We drive on the LEFT! After a few days, you will become comfortable with the change from driving in the states. Just like our "pace of life", we don’t drive very fast either. The speed limit on St. John is a maximum of 20 mph with a limit of 10 mph in the town of Cruz Bay. Our roads are very winding and have severe slopes, so it’s important that you keep your vehicle on your own side of the centerline! In addition, be prepared to stop for our wildlife (cows, pigs, donkeys, goats, and chickens) which roam about the island. Another important item to remember when driving on St. John: Seatbelts are required by the driver and front seat passengers whenever the engine is running. A fine of $25 for seat belt will be issued the local police department. Another important note: if you talk on your cell phone while driving, you must use an earpiece. Holding a cell phone to your ear while driving is a sure fine of $50!
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St. John Best Beaches for Kids

Of course, the #1 choice here is our beaches! Beach chairs and a cooler are provided in each home; so long days at the beaches are fun and relaxing for everyone. There are a couple of places to buy some “sand toys” such as St. John Kids at the Ferry Dock and Chelsea Drug Store in the Marketplace.

On the North Shore
Hawksnest is the closest when entering the Park, and it also has changing and restrooms as well as shaded picnic tables, all which is close to the beach. There is also good parking here (if you get there before 10) Due to its close proximity, it can have more visitors than other beaches on any given day.

World renowned Trunk Bay is just gorgeous! And with its underwater snorkeling trail, this is a great spot for kids. Everything in here for a great day at the beach – showers, bathrooms, food concessions, tables, etc. It is the only beach on St John that has lifeguards on duty during the day. There’s a $4 per day for Adults and $? Per day for kids, but it’s worth it! Once again, parking is best before 10 a.m.

Maho Bay and Francis Bay are our two favorites. They both have shallow waters for small kids to enter safely. There are never any waves here (unlike Trunk and Cinnamon), so it’s easy for the little ones to gain confidence at the tide line and my twins learned how to swim here. These beaches are a comfortable place to relax on a float. (No restroom at Maho but there is one at Francis)

On the South Side:

Salt Pond is a large beach area, a bit more rocky than the North Shore but nonetheless a great beach, especially if you are staying on the East End (Coral Bay) of St. John.

Lameshur and Little Lameshur are also great remote retreats on the South Side. The terrain is much like Salt Pond, but it is very nice.

Both of these beaches have a Park restroom facility.
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Exploring Old St. John

Annaberg Ruins – are by far the most exciting and best for all to enjoy, especially with toddlers in strollers.
On your way to the Annaberg Ruins, across the road from the Historical marker describing the old Danish road, there is a well marked trail that is just 20 yards long that leads to the old Annaberg Plantation School house.

Also fun to explore and for the view is “Peace Hill”, which is on North Shore Road just past Hawsknet.
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Other Kid Friendly Things to Do/p>

Pastory Gardens Putt-Putt Golf is great family entertainment, and Donkey and horseback riding at Carolina Corral in Coral Bay (340.693.5778)
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Kid’s Shopping Places

Cruz Bay: St. John Kids – Upstairs, right at the ferry dock, the name says it all! Loads of good stuff for all ages – clothes, games, toys, (beach toys) gifts; Big Planet and Little Planet in Mongoose Junction; and Fabric Mill in Mongoose Junction also carries some “tots” tings

St John Restaurants and Dining

St. John has more than 35 places to dine, ranging from chic and expensive restaurants to funky beach side food stands. After dark, the island comes alive with hotel and villa guests seeking out one of the island's cozy and romantic restaurants.

Kid Friendly Restaurants and Dining

Before giving our recommendations, here’s a special note to help you with easier kid friendly dining: We are pretty sure that the only places that have high chairs and/or booster seats are Pastory Gardens, Lime Inn, Morgan’s Mango and Grotto Deli. We will keep this updated as others bring on the high chairs!

Grotto Deli in Mongoose Junction and Baked in the Sun at The Marketplace are great for quick muffins, burritos, sandwiches, soups, etc. for breakfast, lunch and beach snacks.

Breakfast – Grotto Deli in Mongoose Junction and Baked in the Sun at The Marketplace are great for quick muffins, burritos, etc. Other breakfast spots include Tamarind Court and Mojo’s in Wharfside Village, and Donkey Diner in Coral Bay

Lunch – The Banana Deck, Mojo’s, Sun Dog Café in Mongoose Junction, Lime Inn, Ronnie’s Pizza are all in Cruz Bay, and Pastory Gardens in just a mile outside of Cruz Bay on Centerline Road; all restaurants open for lunch in Coral Bay are very kid friendly.

Dinner – The Banana Deck, Lime Inn, Morgan’s Mango, Ronnie’s Pizza, and Pastory Gardens in Cruz Bay; and any of the restaurants in Coral Bay are kid friendly.

Other quick facts about St John

The 1990 census was 3,504. Now there are probably more than 5,000. The St. Thomas census was 48,166. That number is probably up to 55,000.

The U.S. dollar is the local currency in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. First Bank in Cruz Bay and Scotia Bank in The Marketplace have an ATM that usually works from 9 am to 5 p.m.

While crime is relatively rare on St.John, it does exist. Exercise common sense when walking our streets at night. Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t leave valuables unattended on the beaches or in your vehicle.
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