St. John Vacation Rentals
The smallest of the US Virgin Islands is St. John; the one packed with so much well-preserved natural beauty and attractive beaches. St. John has restricted development and 2/3rds of the island belong to a National Park. The island is only 28 square miles which makes for a truly private getaway. There are vacation rentals in St. John available for a variety of tastes. You’ll find them fully-furnished with modern features and there is one that will fit into anyone’s budget. St. John is only accessible by boat with regular ferry service from St. Thomas and Tortola.
St. John Beaches
St. John is recognized as a first class beach destination. Totally surrounded by water, the beaches are free form in their natural habitat. That doesn’t mean that you won’t find water sports facilities. Windsurfing, surfing, kite-boarding, jet skis, kayaking, and day sails around St. John and to the neighboring islands are available. Trunk Bay, labeled as the world's top rated beaches is on St. John. Trunk Bay is known for good snorkeling from the beach and there are even underwater plaques along a self-guided snorkeling trail. These plaques provide information, such as the types of coral present. There are more beaches on the than you will have days to explore them all.
St. John Activities
Those who enjoy the outdoors will be in their glory on St. John. The island offers many different hiking trails for the beginner to the avid hiker. A popular hike is along the Reef Bay Trail. This gorgeous hiking region is set among unspoiled tropical settings and offers a unique trip through the history and culture of the island. The trail along Caneel Hill professes higher elevations up to 719 feet above sea level presenting excellent views. A visit to the Annaberg Sugar Plantation is a unique filled with historical importance. The Virgin Islands National Park Service has self guided tours to follow at your own pace. Renting a jeep during your stay is one of the best ways to explore the island and gives you the freedom to depart directly from your vacation rental. Sunset sails, powerboat rentals, and fishing charters are all available.
St. John Dining
Enjoy various levels of dining experiences in St. John, whether casual outdoor dining to feasts over looking the moonlit water. Restaurants often offer large selections from international favorites with an abundance of seafood specialties. Be sure to seek out some of the local fare too, such as the Caribbean staple; conch. Try some of sweet bread filled with a variety of fillings. The fillings can include not only conch but mahi-mahi, lobster or chicken and is called Pate. By booking a vacation rental on St. John, you will want to obtain some provisions. You’ll find plenty of local stands selling fresh fruit and vegetables, delis, supermarkets and gourmet shops.
St. John Shopping
As laid back as St. John is, it presents a treasure trove for shoppers. You’ll have no where near the crowds to contend with as on the other islands. The quality of local artwork surpasses the souvenir shops you will find elsewhere. Many artists actually live on St. John, so bring home that view you will fall in love with by purchasing a piece of art. There are dozens of unique shops and galleries in Coral and Cruz Bay filled with custom jewelry, tropical clothing and gift shops.