Only accessible by ferry, St. John is a great place for a daily excursion or overnight trip for visitors looking to enjoy a slice of Caribbean paradise on a budget. Check out this guide for affordable dining, attractions and accommodations!
LessA local favorite in Cruz Bay, Our Market Smoothies crafts refreshingly fruity concoctions that are great after a sunny day at the beach. Sip on flavors made from local papaya, banana and pineapple. Vegan options are available, and if you’re looking for something that packs a punch, you can even add a splash of rum.
Just a quick walk from Our Market Smoothies is Little Olive – a food truck whipping up bold flavors. Serving a menu of affordable Mediterranean food, you can chow down on classics like gyro wraps or Greek lasagna. Try the conch fritters with fiery tzatziki paired with their ginger turmeric iced tea. And for vegetarians, they make a seriously good beyond burger with fresh avocado.
Located in the heart of Cruz Bay, Uncle Joe’s Barbecue plates up delicious barbecue takeout. Choose between fall-off-the-bone ribs or tender chicken paired with a heaping portion of their tasty sides, from creamy coleslaw to rice and beans or pasta salad. With its proximity to the waterfront, you can dine with a picture-perfect view of the bay.
New Jersey-style pizza on the island? You betcha at Ronnie’s Pizza ‘an ‘Mo. This pizza place opened in 1995 and serves piping hot pies, from classic cheese to fresh tomato and roasted garlic. Wash it down with a classic cocktail like the Painkiller, and you have a delicious (and affordable) meal.
If you’re looking for a quick breakfast or lunch, check out St. John Provisions. This coffee shop in Cruz Bay features a grab-and-go menu with fruit smoothies, house-made bagels, doughnuts and even overnight chia puddings. Want to start the day with a kick? Order a frozen Kahlua, Bailey’s and vodka.
Cinnamon Bay Beach Campground in the Virgin Islands National Park offers eco-tent rentals fully equipped with a bed, cooking kit, and patio. Camping? More like glamping. You’ll also have access to Cinnamon Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, with stretches of white sand and mango and coconut trees. Stop by the Rain Tree Café at the campground if you’re hungry.
Just a short stroll from the restaurants, shopping and ferry docks, St. John Inn provides a boutique hotel experience in Cruz Bay. Amenities include a free breakfast, a private swimming pool, complimentary access to snorkeling equipment and a free sunset happy hour.
Tucked away in Virgin Islands National Park, the Annaberg Plantation ruins are what’s left of an 18th-century Danish sugar plantation, including the enslaved laborers’ village, windmill, sugar factory and guardhouse. The ruins are just a 20-minute drive from Cruz Bay, and you’ll find interpretive signs guiding you through the area once you arrive.
Love shopping? Mongoose Junction is the place to be. You’ll find many shops, restaurants and bars in this popular tourist hub, many selling affordable souvenirs to take home. However, if you’re just window shopping, the architecture is worth the visit, from the gray stone buildings to the cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways. It’s a really neat place to explore.
The ultimate snorkeling adventure awaits at Trunk Bay Beach. Located on the island’s northern shores, this beach has a 650-foot snorkeling trail. As you dive beneath the waves, you’ll find informative plaques explaining the importance of the coral reef and the various species of aquatic life in the region, from exotic fish to sea turtles.