best area to stay in st. john

[aemry]

We are planning a family vacation with young adult children. We plan to stay in a villa. Where is the best part of the island to stay so they can do the night life thing and outdoor stuff within short drive?

[Carib Mark]

Most things happen near the west end village of Cruz Bay on St. John. This is where Carnival takes place, Wagapalooza, and other local events, on the playing fields near Mongoose Junction shopping and dining area. Also up the hill from here is miniature golf at Pastory Gardens. You refer to taking your "children" and "nightlife". You are aware that St. John is a part of the US and drinking age, which includes getting served any beverages at a bar, is 21, right? If so, Cruz Bay has great nightlife with bands and dancing moving around from night to night from the Love Shack to the Beach Bar and to other small places. Finding a place to park near these can be difficult...well, anywhere in Cruz Bay, don't expect to park without a little walk. And if you drink, be aware, the roads are tricky by day when sober, let alone drunk. Now, that being said, where to stay....the island is only 7 miles long and it takes 30 minutes to get from the most remote place to the other end usually so, distance isn't a major problem. The areas near Chocolate Hole and Rendezvous Bay on the south side can be great, but stay up high for the tradewinds. Even the next area, Fish Bay, has possibilities, even if the road isn't fully paved. The last two also require negotiating Jacob's Ladder, a tricky uphill turn with more than a few accidents per year. At the east end there are also a few places to enjoy at night such as Skinny Legs ( a dive but a lot of fun at this long time standard) and Lucy's which is always great and adds a pig roast on the full moon. For villas here you'd be talking about Coral Bay, Carolina, Bordeaux or even John's Folly areas. But, take your time, remember that no place on St. John is too far away from happening things, and you'll do fine.