Virgin Islands National Park — Attraction in Saint John

I am exploring all the National Parks of the US and that is why I made a weekend trip to the beautiful island of St. John! The water and views are stunning - no question about it. You will realize most people come here for a vacation and chill on the beach. I rented a car from St. Thomas (and ferried across to St. John for the national park) to explore as much as I could during my weekend. By the way, you don't need a Jeep. I was in a compact and it performed just fine! If you're on a similar agenda like me, a full day (sunrise to sunset) is enough to get an appreciable view of Virgin Islands National Park. Start at the Coral Bay area for sunrise, have breakfast and head on to the North Shore beaches for the photogenic turquoise bay beaches! Note that it will get progressively crowded 9 am onwards. The late morning to afternoon period is the best to get the vibrant colors of the water along the north shore. Recommend to start at the visitor center at Cruz Bay to get a free parking permit so you can park at the many "permit only" parkings. There are enough pullouts along the road to safely enjoy the views and take pictures. Now, if you plan on hiking to every beach or to some of the interior ruins, then you'd probably need more time but many beaches are just by the road. Do take water with you. You will pass by a couple of bars by the beaches and a smoothie point higher up (Colombo's). Definitely check out the Annaberg Ruins. It's picture friendly. Maho Bay for sea turtles. For sunset, areas around Cruz Bay will give you the views but would also come with a lot more people and businesses. Keep a check on the weather (morning, afternoon and evenings may vary drastically) and do enjoy the night skies on...

Although I live here now there is so much to read, learn and see about the history of the Virgin Islands. We even have a library with paper BOOKS!! I am so happy! It is a beautiful building inside. Work will be done to the outside because it's an historic landmark. Originally it was plantation but gradually the land has been sold off and developed, that I learned from reading about the history of the Danish West Indies. Do you know what one of the languages is spoken on the Island? Danish Creole. I grew up not far from Louisiana where many speak Cajun Creole and I go on mission trips to Haiti where they speak Haitian Creole. I never knew there was a Danish Creole.

Locals of St. John should make a stop by the library to see what a beautiful building is inside. I know I turned this into "about the library" when the question was about the National Park, but I think they go hand in hand. When's the last time you picked up a paper book? We can't lose this source of information. One day when we can't get on the Internet (Irma, Maria...) and can't play games, you might have to actually pick up a book made of cardboard and paper and READ for entertainment or God forbid, knowledge! OMG! Go visit the St. John library, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday (notice how the days are disappearing, just like the art of reading). Read - it's better than...

My wife & I visited Trunk Bay. This was just a magical place to enjoy. There are showers, food and adult beverages for sale. There was also a kiosk which rented everything from chairs to snorkel fins. The only glitch was entering. There is a nominal fee for entry. As a combat wounded, 100% disabled Veteran, those fees are waived at all National Parks. When my turn came at the entry booth I presented my DoD ID card , VA Health Care Card and Current State Driver’s License. Either of the US Government ID cards is sufficient, according to the National Park Service, for allowing a Veteran of this status uncharged entry. As I presented the array of cards I stated, “ here is my Veteran’s ID Cards”. The uniformed National Park Service employee, Rauba, looked at the identification cards and said curtly, “ I don’t do that, it’s $5.00”, and pushed the cards back to me. Now 5 bucks won’t beak me for certain, but I was embarrassed in front of a line of people waiting behind me. Shame on you Rauba, you made an otherwise perfect day a little not so perfect.

Now having vented my spleen, definitely do go here if you are planning a visit to St. John, VI. The beach is heavenly and the snorkeling is superb. The beach is so large that it easily absorbs large groups from...