DK Travel : Virgin Islands : Stroll Through Cruz Bay, St. John

Stroll Through Cruz Bay, St. John

No one has rated this yet.

Rate it

Review this attraction

Are these details incorrect?

St. John’s main town welcomes visitors with a palm-fringed scimitar of white sand that belies the bustle of its streets. With its narrow roads and traffic that moves at a crawl, it is a stroller’s paradise. The streets run on a grid inland from the picturesque harbor, and are lined with interesting boutiques, bars, and fine restaurants. Lovely Cruz Bay Park near the waterfront is perfect for people-watching. Necessities such as the bank, the post office, and the tourism office lie within a block or two of each other in this charming tropical town.
Cruz Bay Photo, in Wharfside Village Shopping Center, is the only place to get film developed in St. John

Top 10 Sights

1. Ferry Dock

Unless they come by private boat, all visitors arrive via ferry at the public dock next to a stretch of beach where smaller boats are moored. Porters will carry your luggage to the transportation area. A take-out spot just steps away from the dock sells sandwiches, snacks, and drinks.
2. Battery

Visible from Cruz Bay harbor, the red-roofed Battery was built in 1825 as a courthouse and prison for the island’s slaves. The cannons and jail cells remain. It now serves as the local government seat. You can explore the lovely grounds.
3. Tourism Office

The local government’s tourism office sits tucked away in a small park next to the post office. This is the place to go for maps and brochures on places to stay and various activities available in St. John.
4. Post Office

This tiny branch of the US Postal Service is the only place in St. John to mail postcards. While there’s a stamp-vending machine in the lobby, it doesn’t always work. The lines at the counter can be very long.
5. Virgin Islands National Park Visitor’s Center

Stop by here for maps, brochures, and information on the latest park activities. The center also features exhibits about the park’s history, flora, and fauna (seeVirgin Islands National Park Visitor’s Center).
6. Mongoose Junction Shopping Center

Built of stone with steps and pathways on several levels, this quaint shopping center has an eclectic set of shops and restaurants, as well as a parking lot and public facilities (seeShopping).
7. Elaine I. Sprauve Library

Named after a dedicated government employee, the library is housed in the 1757 Estate Enighed great house, restored in 1982. It has an interesting collection of locally written books.
8. Nazareth Lutheran Church

Dating to 1720, this small church is home to one of the island’s oldest congregations. Its doors are open during the day – feel free to peep inside. For a glimpse of local life, attend Sunday services.
9. Wharfside Village Shopping Center

Sitting on Cruz Bay Beach, this is an attractive shopping center with flowers fringing its walkways. You’ll find a watersports center, several good restaurants, and many shops.
10. Cruz Bay Park

Benches shaded by old trees and attractive gardens beckon strollers to sit for a while in the small park across the street from the waterfront. A statue of a man blowing a conch at the park’s edge commemorates the July 3, 1848 emancipation from slavery (seeEmancipation, USVI).

Practical Information

Cruz Bay can get unpleasantly busy during morning and evening rush hours. If you’re driving, avoid the waterfront. You’ll find restaurants in Mongoose Junction and Wharfside Village shopping centers and throughout Cruz Bay. Outdoor tables adjacent to the VINP Visitor’s Center provide a nice picnic spot. Battery: Open 8am–5pm Mon–Fri Tourism Office: Henry Samuel St 340-776-6450 Open 8am–5pm Mon–Fri Post Office: Henry Samuel St Open 7:30am–4pm Mon–Fri, 7:30am–noon Sat Elaine I. Sprauve Library: Off Rte 104 340-776-6359 Open 9am–5pm Mon–Fri