While you have your rental Jeep, make sure you check out some of the national park beaches (Hawksnest, Trunk, etc.). They are far superior to the man-made beach at the Westin. You can rent snorkel gear at the Westin and take it to the national park beaches. I pick up some hotel beach towels in the morning and return them in the evenings. We stay at the Westin every year (points) and spend almost all of our days at Hawksnest beach. The Westin is nice, but the real beauty of St. John is found outside of the hotel.

You might try a drive out to Coral Bay on the other side of the island. It is fun drive with some beautiful views. Miss Lucy's (just past Coral Bay) has a great view and is an interesting place for dinner. It is a simple place, a bit off the beaten path, and alot of fun. Don't expect fine dining atmosphere, you'll find plastic patio table and chairs outside, but I have always had a great time and good food there.

Plan to spend some time wandering through Cruz Bay. The Beach Bar does a nice fish sandwich and is a fun place to people watch close to the water. Mongoose junction has some upscale shopping, etc. La Tapa is a nice place for a good deal. The Westin is nice, but the food is expensive and mediocre.

Have fun, hope this helps.

One more thing, the Mahi-Mahi (fish) available at almost every restaurant is definately the best thing going.

Make sure to drop into Skinny Legs local bar for burgers and beer,(Coral Bay) and to spend a morning exploring the beaches at lameshur bay. They are off the beaten (dirt) path, but worth exploring for sure.

I am looking into St John for my next trip. If you want to do a little island hop you can take a ferry to the BVI or there also is a power boat trip that is all day and goes to four of the BVI. The power boat trip is called New Horizons II and can be found on bookitvi.com. Can't say this is a must as I have never been, but boating is always a great time.

1. Hawknest Bay is extraordinarily beautiful

2. Watermelon Kay, near the Annenberg Plantation, has the best snorkling

3. Skinny Legs in Coral Bay has the best cheeseburgers (honorable mention to JJ's Texas Cafe in Cruz Bay) and everyone is marvelously amiable. Also, the drive over the hills from Cruz Bay has some breathtaking views.

4. There's some nice shopping, but if that's what you really want, get the express ferry to Charlotte Amalie (not Red Hook). It's a nice trip and drops you right in front of the shopping district.

I second bosman on the Hawksnest and Watermelon, the latter in particular. Skinny Legs is a perfect place to go after a day of skorkelling (don't bother changing out of your swimsuit) for a burger and a beer.

We went on a New Horizons II day trip in May (which a previous poster mentioned) - would also recommend. Includes a light breakfast on board, some great snorkeling spots, and plenty of drinks throughout the day (starting with mimosas and painkillers for breakfast . . .). Just a fun, laid-back way to spend a day.