Why go: 

If you are looking for an island with pristine beaches, hiking trails, great restaurants and bars, this is the place for you.  It’s laid back, off the beaten path & not too crowded.  Most of the beaches are in the Virgin Islands National Park so there is little development(no houses, no bars, no restaurants, no marinas).  A bounty of great restaurants & bars awaits you in Cruz Bay...aka pub crawling. Spend the day on a beach, spend the night in Cruz Bay...ahhhh.

 

Accommodations: 

*Grande Bay Resort.  You can book directly through the resort or VRBO. It has one/two/three bedroom condos & is next to all the bars/restaurants of Cruz Bay. We have stayed in several of the units & all of them have nicely appointed furniture & kitchens. The two & three bedroom units have their own parking spot. Enjoy the scenic view of Cruz Bay from the pool/hot tub

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Restaurants/Bars:

*Extra Virgin Bistro & 1864 the Restaurant: same owners, best on the island

*Lime Inn: my favorite, try the Salmon on the Dark or the Basilica del Mar

*Quiet Mon Pub: Kenny is the most awesome & tenured bartender on the island

*Woody’s: famous happy hour ($2 Coors Lights & more)

*Tap & Still:  burgers & fries to cure your hangover

*St John Brewery Tap Room: island brews, try the "Island Hoppin IPA" 

*Beach Bar: famous live music, on the beach of Cruz Bay, drink a Bushwhacker

*Joe’s Rum Hut: try the chicken sandwich, nice view of Cruz Bay

*High Tide: excellent breakfast, happy hour 

*Longboard: Coastal Caribbean inspired, craft beer

*Dog House Pub: lots of TV's for sports, craft beer

*Deli's:  Sam & Jack's, North Shore - can't go wrong with either one

*Skinny Legs: Coral Bay favorite with great burgers & music

*Cruz Bay Landing: underrated, breakfast, lunch, dinner & live evening music

*Drink: next to Grande Bay, famous for their Peanut Butter Bushwacker

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Things to do:  

*Picking a different beach to go to each day

*Pub crawling in Cruz Bay        

*Snorkeling Salt Pond Bay & hiking Ram Head trail

*Swimming with the turtles at Maho Beach

*Mass at St Mary of Mt Carmel Catholic Church

*Snorkeling at Trunk Bay

*Shopping in downtown Cruz Bay

*Taking a day trip to the BVI: Charter a boat with Born to Rhumb or Island Roots

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Craft Beer Scene:

St John Brewers has a great selection of craft beers that are available all over the island. Leatherback Brewing (St Croix) is also making a splash. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is available at most of the grocery stores.  Many of the restaurants/bars are carrying craft beer options.  Yeah!!

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TripTimmy Travel Tips:

Fly into St Thomas (STT).  Requires a cab to a marina & a ferry to Cruz Bay.   Options are: Crown Marina (5 minute cab, 45 minute ferry)or Red Hook (30 minute cab, 20 minute ferry). Favorite grocery store: Starfish Market, it has a good selection of fresh goods, beer/liquor & mixers(bring your own bags!).  To explore the island, rent a jeep(try St John Car Rental).