St. John, the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, is growing at a rapid rate, but the island is still laid-back with a casual ambience. Crime has become more widespread, but visitors who use common sense will have no problems. The 19-sq-mi/49-sq-km island is considered the most scenic and the most unspoiled of the three main islands. This is largely because two-thirds of St. John was set aside as the Virgin Islands National Park through a gift by Laurance Rockefeller. St. John is wholesome and outdoorsy—hiking shoes and snorkeling gear are musts. It's also dramatically beautiful, with coral reefs, volcanic mountains, deep ravines, tropical greenery and an arid east coast dotted with salt ponds and cacti.
Don't overlook Cruz Bay, where many on St. John residents live. Once a dusty port, it has blossomed into a quaint resort town. Its narrow, winding streets, parking problems and intermittent traffic jams prompt a word of caution to strollers. Among the mix of elegant malls and tiny wooden houses are classy boutiques, cafes and bars. The ferry dock, a small park and the Virgin Islands National Park Visitors Center form the hub of Cruz Bay life.
