Parking on St. John: A Complete Guide
Image: Courtesy Car Rental
Proper planning is essential when visiting the stunning island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, especially when it comes to parking. With limited parking options, understanding where to park on St. John can save you time and frustration, allowing you to enjoy the island's beauty and activities without a hitch.
This complete guide to St. John parking covers everything you need to know—from parking at beaches to navigating the bustling Cruz Bay area. Whether you're headed toward crystal-clear waters, scenic hiking trails, or vibrant shops and restaurants, we've got you covered with parking tips and recommendations.
Key Takeaways
Parking on St. John can be challenging, so it is recommended to plan ahead.
The island has limited parking, so be mindful of where you park.
Taxis are readily available on St. John and can provide a convenient way to get around the island.
Private transportation services, such as rental cars or chauffeured vehicles, offer more flexibility for exploring and should be booked in advance.
Challenges of Parking on St. John
Parking on St. John is, in a word, limited. The island's small size and steep terrain mean parking areas fill quickly, especially during high tourist seasons. Popular beaches on the North Shore and most trailheads have a limited number of parking spots, often claimed by 10 a.m.
Additionally, Cruz Bay, the island's main hub, has few free parking options.
But don't worry—with this guide, you'll be prepared to park safely and legally, so you can focus on enjoying everything St. John has to offer.
We're going to split this up into several sections depending on where you're looking to park.
Parking for Beaches
Now, let's talk about how you can plan and find parking on St. John.
Popular North Shore Beaches
The North Shore of St. John is home to some of the island’s most iconic beaches, including Hawksnest, Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, and Maho Bay. These beaches each have small parking lots that can accommodate beachgoers. However, they fill quickly, often by mid-morning during peak season.
Make sure you arrive early, otherwise, you may not find any parking at all. Each of these beaches has a free parking lot, but once those are filled, you're out of luck.
For smaller beaches, such as Gibney-Oppenheimer and Jumbie Bay, parking is even more limited, with only 2 to 5 spots available.
Pro Tip: Plan to arrive at your chosen beach early in the morning or later in the afternoon to secure parking. Also, having a backup beach option in mind can save you time if your first choice is full.
Trailhead and Scenic Spots
Trailheads across St. John, like those for hikes to Peace Hill, Annaberg Plantation, Salt Pond Bay, and other destinations, also have limited parking options. Most trailheads feature a few designated parking spots or small pull-off areas where vehicles can park.
If you park outside designated areas, you risk fines, towing, and even damage to the delicate island vegetation. Always prioritize parking in designated areas to keep the island safe and pristine.
Parking in Cruz Bay
Cruz Bay is the vibrant heart of St. John, packed with restaurants, shops, and the Virgin Islands National Park Visitor Center. Naturally, parking here can be a challenge. But with a mix of free and paid options, you’ll find a spot to suit your visit.
Free Parking in Cruz Bay
Car Rental Agency Lots: If you’ve rented a vehicle from a Cruz Bay-based rental agency, you may get access to park at their lot for free. Make sure to confirm details with your rental agency.
Cruz Bay Customs Parking Lot: Located by the public restrooms and US Customs Building, this free lot fills up quickly due to its convenient location.
DMV Parking Lot: Near the tennis courts and car barge dock, this is another small free parking lot that operates on a first-come, first-serve basis.
National Park Visitor Center: Free parking is available here for park visitors. Be sure to grab a National Park Service (NPS) permit if you plan to park near the visitor center.
Mongoose Junction Shopping Center: Free parking is available here, but only for customers of the shopping center’s businesses. Be sure to shop or dine while parked here to avoid issues.
Paid Parking in Cruz Bay
L&L Parking Lot: Centrally located near the police station and ideal for access to shops and restaurants.
Lumberyard Parking Lot: Conveniently accessible from Cruz Bay Road.
Slim Man’s Parking Lot: This lot is steps away from the ferry dock and Wharfside Village, making it a great choice for short stops or quick access to the ferry.
Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) Gravel Lot: Free for the first half hour, then it's paid.
Wharfside Village: A paid lot near the ferry dock for easy access to restaurants and shopping hubs.
Tips for Hassle-Free Parking on St. John
Arrive Early: Beach and trailhead parking often fills by 10 a.m. during high season. Getting an early start is key to ensuring a spot.
Plan Alternatives: Popular spots tend to fill up fast, so always have a backup location in mind.
Follow Parking Rules: Avoid parking in undesignated areas to prevent fines, towing, and ecological damage.
Consider Taxis or Safari Shuttles: St. John offers safari taxis and shuttles that are convenient and eco-friendly. Consider using them to bypass parking entirely, especially if you're staying near Cruz Bay.
Leverage Ferry Options: The vehicle ferry from St. Thomas is a great option for bringing a rental car over to St. John, reducing reliance on finding accommodations-specific parking arrangements.
FAQ
Q: Is there public transportation on St. John?
A: Yes, there are safari taxis and shuttles available for travel around the island. The Virgin Islands public transit system in St. John is called VITRAN. The bus fare is $1 (please note it does not cover the whole island and is known to be late).
Q: What is the best way to get to St. John from St. Thomas?
A: The most popular method of transportation between St. Thomas and St. John is by ferry. Ferries depart regularly from Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas to Cruz Bay in St. John, with a travel time of around 20-30 minutes, depending on which ferry you take. You can also check out our guide on how to take a ferry to St. John.
Q: Are there any car rental options on St. John?
A: Yes, there are several car rental companies on the island of St. John. It is recommended to make reservations in advance, especially during peak seasons such as holidays or summer months. Keep in mind that driving on the island can be challenging due to narrow roads and steep hills.
Island Adventures Begin With Smart Parking
Whether you're planning to lounge on Trunk Bay, hike at Salt Pond Bay, or shop in Cruz Bay, understanding parking logistics will make your trip to St. John far smoother. By using the tips and options outlined in this guide, you’ll maximize your time soaking in St. John’s beauty.
To avoid any stress during your visit, consider planning your itinerary carefully, including when and where you'll need to park on St. John. With the right preparation, your island adventure will be nothing but memorable.
Just don't forget to book your luxury stay at the Finisterre Estate. Nestled in the heart of paradise, this stunning property offers breathtaking views, world-class amenities, and the perfect blend of comfort and elegance. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, the Finisterre Estate ensures an unforgettable experience on St. John.
Happy Planning!
The Team at Finisterre