I finally go the airfare to St. Thomas and staying in St. John at the Westin. Two quick questions. Is the driving really that bad? We will probably rent a car to go to the beaches. Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay and to dinner in Cruz Bay. Do we have to go intot he steep hills for this? If so, are there railings. (I had a bad experience in St. Lucia). Also considering a day trip to Virgin Gorda. Is it worth it? Thank you. I'm so excited!

Definitely rent a car and enjoy St. John. The island is small and therefore solicits exploring. Along with the north shore beaches that you mentioned head out to the East End and Salt Pond/Lameshur area.

The roads are relatively narrow with no railings but paved. The driver just needs to exercise common sense and not do any sight seeing.

If you're staying at the Westin, you will be out of town a little bit and there is one huge hill "Jacob's ladder" to and from town. The first time we went up it was in one of those open air taxis which is no more than a pick up truck with benches. I said quite out loud "OHMYGOD...YOU'REKIDDINGMEEEE!!!" I didn't know cars could be at a near 45 degree angle and still stick to the road. But really, there will be some steep hills and hairpin turns but it isn't as dangerous as it may sound or seem if you are simply mindful of where you're going (drive on leftside) and do not go more than 25 mph. I recommend you take turns driving so that everyone gets the chance to appreciate the scenery fully. You will get the hang of it quickly.

lia-Tuxedocat described it all perfectly. The first time you drive you will literally be screaming! However, if you are a good drive you will get used to it and be glad to have a car during the day to come and go. At night I personally would NEVER have driven and then we happily called the "cab" companies so that we could all have a cockatil in peace! Enjoy!

Yikes! Thanks for the warning. I will be screaming! I am afraid of heights. I guess a lot of painkillers will have to follow.

Does anyone know if Lumnios Boat excursions has a website? I wanted to compare their outings and fares to New Horizons.

Don't know if Limnios has a website but I can tell you the fares are not much different. They are all about $100/pp give or take $10. The difference between Limnios and New Horizon is: (1) Limnios boat much larger (2 levels) and leaves from Westin dock, goes to Virgin Gorda and one other spot usually Norman Island. Lunch is included (cold cuts, salads, etc. perfectly fine for lunch) (2) New Horizons smaller boat, goes to up to 4 different islands including Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke. Picks up at dock in Cruz Bay. Lunch is had usually on Cooper Island or Marina Cay and you pay extra for it. Very nice and relaxing lunch though. Both are excellent options and up to your personal preferences. Gee, I just love it when folks go to St. John for the first time. You are going to love it!

Here's the website links for the two companies.

http://limnoscharters.com/
http://newhorizonscharters.com/

We are planning to do the New Horizons II charter when we're there in May.

I got a little carsick on the drive from the Airport to Red Hook, but have never had a problem driving around on STJ.

Have a great trip!

Thank you for all this wonderful information. I cannot wait!

Tuxedocat, I have a tuxedo cat, gray and white and he is crazy! I love him anyway.

We're off to St. John in two weeks, first time for both of us, staying at the Westin (for free! gotta love those Starwood points!).

Re. the questions in this thread about car rentals: Would I likely be safe just renting a car on the spot, or do you recommend I make an advance reservation?

Another poster "How Not To Enjoy St. John" noted that they were not able to get a car without reservations so I would definitely make reservations. Bear in mind that you can always cancel or change your reservations but you can only do that if you had some in the first place.

I just tried to reserve a car through the Westin at their onsite car rental. They won't take reservations less than three days. As we will only be there three full days, I thought it would be waste renting it for three days as one of those days, we will take a full day trip to Virgin Gorda. So I basically have to keep my my fingers crossed.