Parking on the island of St. John is limited. This is a general statement that applies to destinations within the Virgin Islands National Park and outside the park as well. There are parking lots at the popular beaches along the north shore, including Hawksnest, Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay and Maho Bay. They fill quickly during the high season and are sometimes full by 10 a.m. The smaller beaches, such as Gibney-Oppenheimer and Jumbie Bay, have limited parking, with 2 to 5 parking spots. Small parking lots are also available at Peace Hill, Annaberg Plantation, Salt Pond Bay, and other destinations. Most trailheads on St. John have a few designated parking spots nearby, or at least a couple spots to safely pull over. If you are heading to St. John during peak season, plan to get to your chosen beach or trailhead early. Also, have a backup beach or trail planned just in case the parking is already full at your first choice. Parking outside of designated parking areas is harmful to vegetation, unsafe for drivers and pedestrians, and can result in fines and towing.
Lumberyard St. John offers you safe, convenient 24/7 parking in the heart of downtown Cruz Bay, St. John. Its the largest lot in Cruz Bay with 60 parking spaces. Conveniently located directly next to the National Park Dock, where the majority of boat charters depart. Safe And Secure: 24hr Camera Surveillance! Pay in advance, easy payment, options include Credit Card, Paypal, and Apple Pay. Discounts On Weekly Parking Passes.
Finding a Spot to Park in Cruz Bay, St. John
Cruz Bay is the main town on St. John. Its where the ferries arrive and depart, and its home to a variety of shops and restaurants. The Virgin Islands National Park Visitor Center is in Cruz Bay. A few hiking trails start in or near Cruz Bay. You’ll probably find your boat charter and excursions in Cruz Bay. Cruz Bay is where the hustle and bustle of St. John happens, and if you are driving, you must find a legal spot to park. Here is a list of free parking lots and paid parking lots in Cruz Bay, St. John.
Free Parking Options in Cruz Bay, St. John
Your Car Rental Agency’s lot should be researched as an option. If you are renting a vehicle on St. John, you typically have the benefit of parking in that agency’s parking lot for free. So that’s a definite perk of renting a vehicle from an agency that is based in Cruz Bay, St. John. Be sure to check with your chosen car rental agency to see if you are allowed to park in their lot, how it works, the hours when it is allowed, and so on.
Cruz Bay Customs Parking Lot is a free lot by the public bathrooms in Cruz Bay, and behind the US Custom’s Building, across from the US Post Office. It fills quickly.
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Parking Lot is a small lot with free parking next to the tennis courts, which are just up the road from the car barge dock. They fill up fast.
The National Park Visitor Center has free parking. It is limited, fills quickly, and is meant for park guests participating in park activities. Be sure to pick up an NPS Parking Permit if you are going to park in one of the designated locations near the Visitor Center. NPS parking permits are available inside the visitor center. There are also no parking areas and special NPS parking-only spots near the Visitor Center; look for the signs to guide you.
Customer Parking at Shopping Centers and Businesses: Mongoose Junction has free parking in front, on the side, and in the back of the shopping center. You MUST however, be a Mongoose Junction customer to park there, either for shopping or dining. There are a few other businesses in Cruz Bay that have their own small parking areas, like the Mini Mart and a couple of the restaurants. These parking spots are free but reserved for their customers.
Paid Parking Lots in Cruz Bay, St. John
L&L Parking Lot is a paid lot near the police station on Prince Street. Its right in Cruz Bay.
Lumberyard Parking Lot is a paid lot, it’s just across and above from the Victor William Sewer Marine Facility, aka “The Creek” on Cruz Bay Road.
Slim Man’s Parking Lot is a paid lot, and its across from Wharfside Village, up the street from the passenger ferry dock. Also, right in Cruz Bay.
Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) Gravel Lot is located by the Theovald Eric Moorehead Dock and Terminal, otherwise known as the car barge dock, in Enighed Pond. The lot operates 24 hours a day. You must pay to enter the lot, and the parking rates as of September 2021 are $8 a day, or $165 a month. There is no hourly rate. Monthly users are issued an access card. There is a charge of $8 for lost tickets. It takes about 10 minutes to walk from this lot to Cruz Bay. PS: This used to be a free lot, and there was some back and forth in 2020 about free vs. paid, but as of 2021, it’s a paid lot.
Wharfside Village is a paid lot located near the ferry dock. Conveniently located in Cruz Bay.
