The Best of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

"The most popular trek in the St. John national park, this trail begins on Centerline Road and descends 937 feet through a shady forest. Along the way, hikers will encounter the remains of four sugar estates, as well asancient petroglyphs, or rock carvings. The trail ends at the ruins of the Reef Bay Plantation near Genti Bay."

"Take in the view of St. John's scalloped coastline from the island's highest point, Bordeaux Mountain. The Bordeaux Mountain Overlook is an easy-to-find stop on Centerline Road. From this viewpoint, you can see all the way down the green hillsides to Coral Bay, on the island's east end, and beyond to the British Virgin Islands , which liejust across the Sir Francis Drake Channel."

"Join the Reef Bay Hike in St. John Hiking to sublime shores is a must during any visit to St. John. Taking a guided trek along the Reef Bay Trail also allows you to enjoy a boat ride. Park Rangers lead groups on the 2.2-mile long Reef Bay Trail on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning at 9:30am. The V.I. National Park Service Visitor’s Center in Cruz Bay is where you’ll meet for a quick drive five miles out of town to the trail head. Starting at an elevation of about 900 feet, you’ll trek down into a valley, eventually emerging on the shores of Reef Bay. Following a bit of beach time, the National Park Service boat ferries hikers back to Cruz Bay. Water, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellant are necessities, of course. Reserve this experience at the Friends of the Park Store in Mongoose Junction."

"Trunk Bay Often called one of the world's most beautiful beaches, Trunk Bay is a crescent of snow-white sand with a small green islet on the north side of the aquamarine lagoon. Part of the Virgin Islands National Park, Trunk Bay isknown for itsunderwater snorkeling trail. Submerged signs along the trail describe the corals, tropical fish and other marine life found within the bay. Visitors can rent snorkeling gear on the beach, and lifeguards are in attendance."

"This open-air bar and restaurant is right at the ferry dock inthe heart of Cruz Bay. It'sa great spot to have lunch between island adventures, or just to grab a drink and enjoy some people-watching along the dock. The menu lists barbecue ribs, fish tacos and Caribbean-style roti, as well as a variety of sandwiches and salads."

"Get Your Brewmaster on at the Tap Room The home of St. John Brewers, among the leaders of the recent craft-beer revolution in the Caribbean, is a must-stop for all beer lovers visiting St. John. At the Tap Room,you can sample the brewery's very latest beers, sometimes even while they’re in mid-development. Look for a plain black tap among the lineup of more colorfully ornate onesbehind the bar. New beers in development are often available there. Feedback from customers goes into finalizing the brews."

"The 32 points of a compass face are called rhumb lines and in Cruz Bay, all those lines point to this Asian-influenced restaurant. Owned and operated by longtime St. John residents, Rhumb Lines is located inside a mini-mart. The restaurant's humble setting has been transformed with fairy lights, colorful decor, and a palm-shaded garden, which, the owners say, reflects the "comfort and ambiance of a well-appointed south seas home.”"

"Take in the view of Caneel Bay Resort's secluded beach while enjoying lunchat this beachfront bar and grill. On the menu: burgers, tacos and pizzas, along with a creative sushi selection and artfully prepared cocktails. If you're interested in local specialties, try the conch fritters or curry chicken roti, a Caribbean staple that resembles an Indian-inspired burrito."

"One of St. John’s most beautiful seaside spots, Hawksnest Beach offers a beautiful and easy-to-reach localewith convenient parking, picnic tables, barbecue grills, and ample shade. That accessibility, alas, can mean crowds, so try to arrive early and find your spot on the sand. A long snorkeling reef begins a few yards from the shore."

"If you've developed a taste for the flavors of the Caribbean during your cruise, stop at this small spice shop to take some home with you. It's hard to miss, since it's located upstairs fromthe ferry dock. The owners hand-mix most of their signature spice blends. The top seller, Cruz Bay Grill Rub, is a potent dry rub that combinesnutmeg, cinnamon, fennel and other spices. The shop also sells island-made candles, rum balls and hot sauces—but watch out for the one made with searing Scotch bonnet chili peppers, a favorite in the Caribbean."

"If shopping is on your agenda, be sure to stop at Mongoose Junction, at the north end of Cruz Bay where North Shore Road heads out of town. The open-air mall is small but attractive, made of local stone and mahogany and landscaped with tropical plants.Mongoose Junction is packed with art galleries, restaurants and boutiques selling locally made clothing and jewelry. Before you leave, check out St. John Scoops, whichmakesalmost 100 flavors of ice cream and sorbet (like mango, passion fruit and salted caramel) and serves them up in hand-rolled waffle cones. Delicious superfood smoothies are on the menu, too."