Today it's a laid-back town. To get the most out of your visit, go to the National Park Visitors Center in Cruz Bay, where exhibits will introduce you to the park's flora, fauna and history. Park rangers can tell you about the weekly activities, including adventure hikes, snorkeling trips, history programs and nature talks. One of the most popular programs is the two-hour Reef Bay Hike. A moderate three-mile downhill trail passes through moist forest and cactus woodland before reaching the shore.
Hikers stop along the way to observe petroglyphs and sugar-mill ruins.
For a small fee, a boat will take you back to Cruz Bay. Some programs have limited enrollment and require advance reservations, so do sign up early. A brochure highlighting park activities is available at the center. At the Elaine Ione Sprauve Library and Museum , you can learn more about St. John's history and culture. The museum is actually a restored plantation great house.