Getting Oriented

One road runs along the northern shore, another across the center of the mountains. There are a few roads that branch off here and there, but it's hard to get lost. Pick up a map at the visitor center before you start out and you'll have no problems. Few residents remember the route numbers, so have your map in hand if you stop to ask for directions. There are lunch spots at Cinnamon Bay and in Coral Bay, or you can do what the locals do—find a secluded spot for a picnic. The grocery stores in Cruz Bay sell Styrofoam coolers just for this purpose.

• Cruz Bay and Environs. St. John's main town is where you go for both dining and nightlife. Most of the shopping is here, as well as the ferry dock, where all island visitors arriving by ferry land. Its environs include the area around the Westin Resort and Villas, Fish Bay, and Gifft Hill.
• North Shore. Caneel Bay Resort and the Cinnamon Bay campground can all be found along North Shore Road. Some of the island's best beaches, including those at Cinnamon and Trunk Bay, are accessible here.
• Coral Bay and Environs. The island's second town is about a half-hour drive from Cruz Bay. You'll find a collection of businesses here, including a half-dozen-plus places to eat and a slew of vacation villas. If you head to the northern edge of Coral Bay, the East End offers little in the way of civilization, but Vie's Snack Shack is a good place to stop for lunch if you want to enjoy the deserted beach here. On the southern edge, Salt Pond Bay Beach has some interesting tide pools to explore, and Lameshur Bay Beach is one of the island's better snorkeling spots.
• Mid Island. The center part of the island stretches along Centerline Road (Rte. 10) from outside Cruz Bay past Reef Bay to Bordeaux. There are a couple of spots to take in the views, and a stop at the Catherineberg Ruins makes a nice break.