If you’re looking for an exciting and unique vacation destination, then St. John in the US Virgin Islands might be the perfect getaway for you.
The island, along with its brother islands St. Croix and St. Thomas are renowned for their crystal-clear waters and picturesque white sandy beaches.
The island is the perfect chill out zone, with various bars and restaurants that allow you to celebrate the Caribbean way of life and if you’re looking for things to do, the island’s mysterious history surrounding its ancient people is visible through petroglyphs hidden amongst rocks, pools and valleys in the island’s center.
To give you a little more insight into the fantastic destination, let’s take a look at the 7 most amazing things to do in St. John.
1. Reef Bay Sugar Factory
A 19th century sugar factory still remains at the very edge of Reef Bay. It was still in use up until the 20th century and is incredibly well preserved. The national park service now maintains the building, which has old machinery and workers buildings still intact and on display.
The island operates a guided tour down the trail to Reef Bay and around the factory to help you understand and visualize the factory in full use. The tour comes with a boat ride to transport you back to Cruz Bay after your hike and tour.
2. Honeymoon Beach
Just 1 mile along the Lind Point trail sits Honeymoon beach. It’s one of the most secluded and tranquil sandy beaches on the island, offering privacy and overlooking the sparking calm waters.
The beach is home to some of the most beautiful palm trees which used to populate the whole island before hurricanes ripped through, destroying a lot of the natural landscape.
It’s the perfect place to spend a romantic afternoon in the sun.
3. St. John Brewers
A unique craft brewery set up to provide the island’s bars with homemade beers, lagers and ales. The brewery specializes in tropical flavors using the island’s naturally growing ingredients.
The brewery has an open taproom allowing you to see the range of beers available and a traditional pub-style menu offering options to soak up the alcohol and spend the day eating and drinking in the sun.
4. Lime Out Taco Boat
A truly unique dining experience! The restaurant operates from a floating pontoon that’s only accessible by boat. You’ll be provided with tacos on your own private floating platform and could even sit with your feet in the water to relax and eat some delicious food.
The pontoon also has an amazing bar complete with various drinks including beers and cocktails and the taco menu currently includes 8 different delicious taco options to suit every taste. It’s the only place in the world where you can sit and eat a taco in the ocean.
5. Hike Ram Head Trail
On the southeastern section of the island you’ll find the Ram Head Trail in stark contrast to the white sandy beaches, it shows a rugged and rocky side to the island’s tranquility.
The trail takes you 2.3 miles around the rocky crags of the island to experience some awe-inspiring views and beautiful seascapes.
The starting point of your hike is in Salt Pool Bay, with its crystal clear waters, then leads around the crags containing more swamp-like water, offering the perfect home to many seabirds and other wildlife.
Reaching the end of your hike you’ll be able to see the Atlantic Ocean crashing into the rocks, providing a totally different view to the rest of the island’s calm blue water.
6. Elaine Lone Sprauve Library & Museum
The Elaine Lone Sprauve building is one of the oldest buildings on the island and is currently home to a museum and accompanying library which depicts the island’s rich history.
The 18th century building was recently restored and opened to the public, showing yellow facades with brilliant white detailing.
The museum and library are free to enter to allow you to explore the documents and artifacts which show the island’s past.
7. Annaberg Sugar Plantation Ruins
The island was once home to vast sugar plantations and inhabited mainly be slaves and slavers who worked to transport sugar overseas.
Located on the western side of the island, the Annaberg Sugar Plantation Ruins are incredibly well preserved and include helpful signage and information regarding the location’s past.
It provides an interesting, if not bleak, look back into the past at the lives of the slaves who were forced to live their lives maintaining the crops that grew there.
