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The US Virgin Islands are pure magic. White sand, tropical jungles, clear water, and the beat of reggae flowing through the air. St John is one of the least touristy islands in the region. And its lack of tourism is precisely what makes it so spectacular. It’s a magnificent blend of quiet beaches and local towns. In fact, it’s so under-the-radar that it makes deciding where to stay in St John a bit tricky.
The one thing that makes it easier is that there aren’t too many options, and the island is relatively small and easy to get around (as long as you have a car). From the busy town of Cruz Bay to the secluded peacefulness of Coral Bay, I’ve put together a list to help you plan your St John adventure.
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
- Where is the Best Place to Stay in St John?
- St John Neighborhood Guide – Best Places to Stay in St John
- St John’s Three Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
- FAQs About Where to Stay in St John
- What To Pack For St John
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for St John
- Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in St John
- Buy Us a Coffee!
Where is the Best Place to Stay in St John?
These three properties represent the unique places available to stay on this little Caribbean island:
The Westin St. John Resort Villas | Best Hotel in St John
From the moment you arrive at The Westin St. John Resort Villas, you’ll be wrapped in a bubble of luxury and calmness. It’s a massive resort, and one of the only ones on the entire island, with lush landscaping, a pristine (and huge) pool, and direct access to the beach.
You’ll fall in love with all the amenities, which include multiple restaurants, pools, and a fitness center. But its location right in the heart of this vibey town has to be what makes this one of the top places to stay on the island.
1-Bed Tropical-Inspired House with Panoramic Views | Best Mid-Range Airbnb in St John
There are few places to stay in St John that are as stylish and homey as this one-bedroom apartment in Fish Bay. It’s beautifully decorated with the kind of furniture you’d want in your own home, has a pool, and some of the best views of the bay. Designed like a traditional loft, it’s finished with beachy details and decor that set it a notch above the rest.
Huis Aan Zee with Pool | Best Luxury Airbnb in St John
Coral Bay has some of the most gorgeous views, and what better way to experience them than from the comfort of your own private accommodation. Set in a house overlooking the town and crystal clear bay below, this house has a pool, high-pitched ceilings, and is furnished with contemporary island-inspired interiors. It’s also just a 10-minute drive to the Virgin Islands National Park.
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Join the CrewSt John Neighborhood Guide – Best Places to Stay in St John
Cruz Bay
If you’re wondering where to stay in St John for the classic Caribbean buzz, Cruz Bay is where the ferry docks on its arrival from St Thomas.
Fish Bay
South of Cruz Bay, Fish Bay is the most budget-friendly and local place to stay in St John. Even though it’s just a fifteen-minute drive from Cruz Bay (some might even consider it a part of the town),
Coral Bay
On the entire opposite side of the island, Coral Bay feels worlds away from Cruz and Fish Bay. This St John neighbourhood feels raw, rustic, and full of local charm.
Wanting to escape the cold at home? Seeking some sunnier pastures during Winter? Then St John should be on your radar. The smallest of the three main US Virgin Islands, St John is surrounded by another 50 or so islands and cays, making it the epitome of an island paradise.
With lush green forests, white sand beaches that honestly look like they’ve been airbrushed to perfection, and some of the best snorkeling and diving you will ever experience, it’s a dream come true for anyone who loves to spend the entire day in a bathing suit. But the thing is, even though the island is just 20 square miles in size, the vibes change a lot depending on where you stay in St John.
For starters, Cruz Bay is the main port of entry where the ferry from St Thomas (the larger USVI to the west of St John) drops you off. It’s the busiest part of the island, and hands down the best place to stay if it’s your first time on the island. You’ve got all the restaurants, bars, boutiques, and easy access to boat and island tours. It’s lively (by St John standards), but still quiet enough for a relaxing island experience.
On the south shore, just a few miles from Cruz Bay, Fish Bay is a much quieter, more residential neighborhood. It’s a good spot for those traveling to the US Virgin Islands on a budget, with some shared homestays and affordable house rentals on offer. There aren’t too many shops or restaurants, but it’s a trade-off you’ll be willing to make for the peace and tranquility of the area. It’s also really close to Cruz Bay, which makes it convenient if you do still want to explore the island.
Then there’s Coral Bay on the eastern side of the island. It’s tucked away in a pronounced bay, with a wilder and more traditional Caribbean vibe. It’s the best area for nature lovers and hikers, with countless trails and hikes like the Reef Bay Trail to explore on foot. But it’s also got a good name for itself in the sailing world, with a calm bay with just the right amount of wind around the corner.
St John’s Three Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Here’s a little bit more detail about each of these three areas, plus my top accommodation reccs for each:
1. Cruz Bay – Where to Stay in St John for Your First Time
If you’re wondering where to stay in St John for the classic Caribbean buzz, Cruz Bay is where the ferry docks on its arrival from St Thomas. And like most ferry port towns, it’s a great introduction to the island. It’s lively, walkable, and full of character.
Reggae flows through the streets, and the locals are super friendly. The streets are lined with rustic colourful buildings, beachy shops, and bars where rum flows like water. Consider yourself warned and DON’T blame me for your sore head in the morning…
Since it’s the social hub of the island, it’s popular with young travellers, couples, and a few friendly expats who enjoy the small-town vibes. You’ll find boutique hotels, budget-friendly inns, and even a big-name resort in this little town.
The Westin St. John Resort Villas | Best Hotel in Cruz Bay
The Westin in Cruz Bay is the only large resort chain on the island. It’s a classic resort, set right on the beach with countless amenities, planned activities, and tours to choose from. The enormous pool leads to a slice of heaven on a private beach surrounded by palms and tropical foliage.
The rooms are clean, comfortable, and island-inspired, with fresh neutral interiors and wooden touches. You’ll struggle to find a place with more professional staff on this beautifully maintained property.
2-Bed Apartment with Modern Interiors | Best Budget Airbnb in Cruz Bay
This sleek, modern apartment feels like a private sanctuary in this St John neighbourhood. It’s spacious and overflowing with natural light, decorated with a stylish and minimalistic style that feels timeless.
The highlight, as with many places on the island, are the views that stretch across the island and the sea. They’re best experienced from the covered patio, which has comfortable lounge furniture and even a quirky hanging chair.
Penthouse with Town and Sea Views | Best Mid-Range Airbnb in Cruz Bay
Tucked away in the tropical leaves above Cruz Bay, this luxurious penthouse has homey interiors that make it feel lived-in and authentic. Its spacious layout is spread over one common room, with a dining, living, and semi-open kitchen.
It’s a corner apartment, meaning it features 180-degree views and balconies with ocean and mountain views on two sides of the home. This really opens the space up and allows you to feel one with the outdoors, even from the comfort of the living room couch.
Things to See and Do in Cruz Bay
- Hike to Honeymoon Beach in the Virgin Islands National Park
- Spend the day playing volleyball on Trunk Bay Beach
- Taste the island’s rum on a Story of Rum Tour
- Visit an old Danish sugar plantation on a full island tour
- Spend a day on a nearby island at the floating food boats of Pizza Pi
- Go snorkeling and kayaking around Scott Beach
- Join a night kayak tour from the Westin Resort
- Catch a dreamy sunset on the beach
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View on Osprey2. Fish Bay – Best Place to Stay in St John on a Budget
South of Cruz Bay, Fish Bay is the most budget-friendly and one of the more authentically local places to stay in St John. Even though it’s just a fifteen-minute drive from Cruz Bay (some might even consider it a part of the town), it’s not nearly as touristy and has a totally different atmosphere. It’s residential, with locals, long-term expats, and digital nomads settling in for the season.
Accommodations here are mostly private rentals or private rooms in a shared home. And while you won’t have the same access to amenities as you might in Cruz Bay, you’ll be just a short drive away from the hub of the island. It’s also a good place to base yourself for hiking, located not too far from some of the island’s trails and the Virgin Island National Park.
Private Room in a Shared House with Pool Deck | Best Budget Airbnb in Fish Bay
This accommodation might not be the most affordable, but it’s one of the closest things you’ll get to hostel-level pricing in Fish Bay. You’ll have access to your own private room that features an outdoor shower and a bathtub, just a few steps from the swimming pool – the highlight of the property.
The rest of the home, including a large kitchen, living area, dining room, and outdoor living area around the pool, will be shared with the homeowners and any other guests they may have.
1-Bed Tropical-Inspired House with Panoramic Views | Best Mid-Range Airbnb in Fish Bay
This island-chic house on the hill is my personal favourite place to stay in this neighbourhood. It’s impeccably decorated with the kind of furniture you would want to bring back home with you. It feels like a secret hideaway above the town, designed for stargazing at night and slow mornings overlooking the jungle.
It’s airy and peaceful, and has all the amenities you might want for a short or long stay.
2-Bed Home with Pool and Bay Views | Best Luxury Airbnb in Fish Bay
If you’re travelling as a small family, you’re going to want to check out this two-bedroom house with its own swimming pool in the residential St John neighbourhood. It has sweeping views of Fish Bay and an open-concept design with indoor and outdoor living spaces that encourage easy living. It’s on a cul-de-sac that feels quiet and relaxing at all times of the day – perfect for a trip with young kids.
Things to See and Do in Fish Bay
Photo: anoldent (Flickr)
- Explore the Pillsbury Sound on a champagne sunset boat cruise
- Explore the historic Reef Bay Sugar Mill Ruins
- Join a jeep tour of the National Park
- Hike the Cinnamon Bay Trail for beautiful island views
- Dive into the island’s foodie culture and see how rum gets used in dishes in this cooking class
- Hike to the Sieban Plantation Ruins
3. Coral Bay – Best Area in St John For Nature and Sailing
On the entire opposite side of the island, Coral Bay feels worlds away from Cruz and Fish Bay. This St John neighborhood feels raw, rustic, and full of local charm. It was once the main port of the town and commercial hub of the island, so it’s got its fair share of industry and buzz around. If you’re looking to do your fair share of sailing around the Caribbean, this is the place, as you’ll be bobbing around in the calm, protected bay that serves as a natural harbour.
It’s also not far from a bunch of hiking trails, and since it’s set on a hilly landscape, it has some of the BEST views on the island. Accommodations range from hillside cottages to apartments, often with stunning views of the bay.
Studio Suite with Kitchenette and Bay Views | Best Budget Airbnb in Coral Bay
While I wouldn’t go so far as to call this suite ‘cheap’, it certainly is one of the more affordable on an island full of expensive accommodation. It’s small and basic, with a comfortable studio design that opens out onto a balcony overlooking the islands and bay below. It’s perfect for solo travellers or couples looking for a clean and tranquil space to call their own.
Round Beach Shack Penthouse with Wooden Interiors | Best Mid-Range Airbnb in Coral Bay
This penthouse stands out for its unique round design and surrounding balconies. The round shape of this penthouse, with nearly 360-degree views of the island and bay, is reason enough to book it.
It’s a bit of a walk to get to the villa, but if you’re adventurous enough, it’s all a part of the experience. Other than the views, the most exciting thing about this place to stay in St John is its oversized rainfall shower and BBQ.
Huis Aan Zee with Pool | Best Luxury Airbnb in Coral Bay
Huis An Zee is a little piece of island paradise. It’s perched on top of a hill overlooking Coral Bay, featuring panoramic views of the bay, island, and surrounding islets and tropical jungles.
It’s a contemporary villa with a gorgeous balcony (the best place to experience the views) and a dipping pool. The interiors are fresh and island-inspired, with wooden touches and a classic outdoor shower.
Things to See and Do in Coral Bay
Photo: Amaury Laporte (Flickr)
- Visit the Annaberg Sugar Plantation on a guided tour
- Hike the Bordeaux Mountain Trail
- Snorkel the reefs around Watermelon Cay, a little island off the north coast
- Join a yoga class at a local studio
- Learn to sail in the calm waters with an all-inclusive day sail
- Spend the day at Hansen Bay Beach
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQs About Where to Stay in St John
Still got Qs? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions I get from travelers about where to stay in St John…
What To Pack For St John
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me: packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
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Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
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Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for St John
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to St John.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in St John
By now, you’ve probably got the gist of how things work in this location. It’s a small island, but that’s part of its charm. With only three main places to stay in St John, you can’t go wrong no matter where you pick.
As a little recap, Cruz Bay is the top option for first-timers who want walkable beach access and convenience. Fish Bay is the more laid-back, local neighbourhood where locals choose to live because of its affordable prices.
And if you’re wondering where to stay in St John for a more off-the-beaten-track, peaceful experience, with all the adventure and adrenaline nearby, Coral Bay is the place to be. With houses on the hill like this Beach Shack Penthouse and Huis Aan Zee, it’s the ideal place for a rustic beach trip where your days are spent either sailing, snorkelling, or hiking.
Dive right in and enjoy this beautiful lil island, friends 🙂
- Check out our ultimate guide to backpacking around the USA.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in the USA.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in the USA to plan your trip.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for the USA.
- Backpackers and frugal travellers can use our budget travel guide.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
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