I like the atmosphere of the local crowd at Skinny Legs and the sandwiches and drinks are great....not to mention reasonably priced. Shipwreck Landing has a larger menu and a couple of shops in their parking area. You'll have to get info on the other restaurants in the area from some other postings as we're usually at Skinny Legs or somewhere in Cruz Bay.
I'm not aware of much along the lines of stores in Coral Bay. You might have to shop for supplies in Cruz Bay.
As far as beaches go, there's Salt Pond and also Lameshur Bay. Don't ask your rental agency about Lameshur as they frown on their vehicles being taken down the dirt road that leads to it.....my wife calls it a "white knuckle" trip. Its well worth it though because we're often the only ones on the beach. None of the other beaches are more than a short drive so you'll have the option of checking all of them out during your stay.

Hello Lisa,

Coral Bay is quiet and nice. Not much shopping there. Cruz Bay is were the shopping is. There a few restaurants as Kurt mentioned. Beaches that are close are Salt Pond Bay you can see picture and description and the St. John beach guide on this site, a short hike to the beach is all there is to get to this beautiful beach. Other beaches you will need to drive to.

--Islander

I just love Skinny's but you could also go to Voyages which is upscale and quite good. There's Island Blues which is not bad at all and they have a great bar and good music. There is a small grocery store there which surprisingly has a lot of food and supplies and the prices are not out of line. The gas station there usually has gas a few pennies less than in Cruz. I also love to have breakfast and P&B's (really don't miss it). There are a couple of neat shops where Skinny's is located. I always manage to pick up some thing there. The ride to the north shore beaches is not very long. You could always head out toward the east end and go to Vi's-she has great local food and for a couple of dollars you can use her beach. Miss Lucy's is also located in Coral Bay. If you go to Salt Pond figure on a long walk to the beach. It's a great beach but there aren't any facilities. Have a great trip.

There are a few unique shops in coral bay, near skinny legs bar. The Syzygy Gallery has original local art and crafts. Paintings, jewelry, photography and stained glass mosaics....

awl made here features hand made leather items , Mumbo Jumbo has reasonably priced clothing and coconut traders and the jolly dog have fun t shirts.....

please visit us in coral bay

I think there's lots to do in Coral Bay. All of the above mentioned. Also, Pickles for Deli meats and sandwiches and such. There is Salt Pond, great beach but watch for the picky things under the trees, Lamesur is a great beach and for an update...the worst parts of the road have been concreted!!! When we were there in early March we were pleased to find that the road had been upgraded. There are some cottages to rent for your stay. Coral Bay is nice and relaxing. Enjoy whatever you do!

I had forgotten about mentioning the prickly things at Salt Pond Bay - was there late last year with some friends that were visiting - and I got quite a few of them in my hand when I tried to dust off the sand off beach bags. They stick to almost everything mostly cloth surfaces - shoes, shoe laces, towels, cloths...

--Islander

I found a picky thing four weeks later in some of my clothes that I didn't even take to St. John with me!! They sure do get around.