One Day in St. John - What to do?
 

We're staying in St. Thomas and plan to spend one day in St. John (or we may go back a second time later in our stay).

What highlights should we do if only one day there -- best beaches, places to eat, type of sightseeing tour we should take (with a taxi?)

Thanks for the help.

I would suggest renting a jeep for the day. There are many rental agencies comparably priced as you get off the ferry at Cruz Bay. We did this and visited many beaches, often having the beach to ourselves. Bring your own snorkle, mask, and beach blanket for there are many opportunities to snorkle from the beach. We even saw sea turtles at one of the beaches.

Don't miss Hawknest Beach, park the car on the side of the road and open the gate to Oppenheimer beach, Trunk Bay is the tourist beach with a snorkle path to follow underwater. There are also bathrooms and showers there. Just follow the main road and stop at any beach. They are all beautiful. Have lunch up in the hills at Cheateau Bordeaux and take in the view.

St. John is a very small island with many beautiful beaches. Explore it on your own.

Try Trunk Bay after 4 pm, you'll love it! Hawksnest, Caneel Bay, Waterlemon Cay, and just go explore! Don't forget your "cheap water camera" and snorkeling in Trunk bay on the underwater ocean trail. Watch out for the mongooses in the road too!

We are going to St.John for the day as well. We you said you can explore all the above beaches - isn't Caneel Bay Beach just for the guests at Caneel Bay?

Ditto to mochomiak--rent a jeep for the day. Ditto to sofun1, Trunk Bay was nice after 4:00 (and free also, otherwise you pay $4 per person). We rented directly across from where the Ferry docks at $50 per day (Suzuki Sidekick---NOT a Jeep Wrangler). emhg89, Caneel Bay does have two beaches open to the public. You can ask for a day pass once you get there. We passed by the resort without realizing it at first b/c there is no sign at the road, only a gated entrance w/the Caneel Bay emblem at the gate and a long driveway/ entrance. Caneel's beaches are definitely worth seeing. Cinnamon Bay is further along the north shore from Trunk Bay and has really good snorkeling and nice grounds (if you wanted to picnic or eat at their restuarant). Sorry to be longwinded...I enjoyed this place so much.

IMHO, we enjoyed Hawknest's Beach more than Trunk because it was less crowded. All the beaches on the northshore are very beautfiul and not far from Cruz Bay.