1 -- closest convenience store Mandahl Market -- not too far to Cost u Less and I recommend going there.

2 - EASY parking at Magens and most beaches

3 -- Greenhouse - Epernays - Shipwreck -- Be xtra careful parking and walking around downtown at night

4 -- Rent a boat in Red Hook - none available near Peterborg

5 -- Try Sibs - good local crowd -- the later it gets- anywhere - at the bars the crazier things become - many late night places open til 4am - don't attempt to drink and drive on these roads -- late night taxis get expensive especially all the way out to Peterborg so beware.

I think one thing you're worrying about too much is distance. The island is only 13 miles by 3 miles wide and you're never very far from pretty much anywhere! You will find getting around VERY easy and will quickly figure out where things are. You rental car company will give you basic maps and the maximum speed here is 35 MPH with most of your driving being between 20-30MPH.

The best places to shop for food are, in my opinion, CostULess and Plaza Xtra. Both are on Route 38, with CostULess located in Market Square East right off the highway and Plaza Xtra located in the Tutu Park Shopping Mall. You can easily stop at both on your way from the airport to Peterborg.

The only beaches which charge admission are Magens Bay and Smith Bay Park. There is usually plenty of free parking at Sapphire and other beaches but if you plan on going to Coki best to plan a day when there are no cruise ships in port as it gets very crowded on those days.

There is some activity in town at night but more in Frenchtown and Havensight and probably the most on the East end of the island. You can pick up a copy of the free Island Trader when you arrive which lists most of the island entertainment and is published every Thursday. You can also access it online via a link at www.virginislandsdailynews.com.

St John has no "s" and you can get there either via the passenger ferry from the Red Hood ferry terminal or, best bet since you're renting a car, take your car over on the car barge and explore the island for a day at your own pace. If you're renting from Hertz, they're the one agency who doesn't allow their cars to go to STJ. For ferry rates and schedules, go to the "Quick Links" at the top of this page and click on "ferry schedule."

For a bunch of information on beaches, daysails, nightlife and everything else, go to the top of this page and scroll down on "St Thomas."

Enjoy your visit!

BE CAREFUL ABOUT WHERE YOU PARK AT COKI! Two years ago we parked away from the main lot (which was full), and our rental car was broken into (literally windows busted open). I would be sure to visit Coki in the morning when parking is still available in the main lot. DO NOT park along the road to the beach!

Just left STT for a 3-week stay... Cried at the airport (as usual). Anyhow, here's a few suggestions:

#1 Cost U Less - very reasonable - similar to Sam's Club/BJ's Wholesale Club/Costco. You do not need to pay a membership fee. There's also Marina Market in Red Hook (a bit pricy) - but has the best meat.

#2 Go to Megan on the days there are not a lot of cruise ships. It's $4 per adult for Megan's and $2 for parking. I had never had a parking issue at Megan's. There is not great snorkeling there (just so you know). Rafts are about $7 or $8 to rent. There's construction at Coki now - and, in my humble opinion, there's more rif-raf there than there was 5 years ago. Coki has excellent snorkeling - you only have to 'swim' about 12 feet and there's fish everywhere (on the right side of the beach). Sapphire is nice also, as is Secret Harbor (they have great bloody mary's at Blue Moon).

#4 Trunk is gorgeous (you have to "swim" a bit to get to the underwater snorkeling trail ($5 admission fee, and $7 to rent a chair). Cinnamon Bay is gorgeous also. Ferry to St. John is $5 each way) - cab ride to Trunk is about $6 per person (taxi fare list link is above). You have to see Trunk once... but really, there are many beautiful beaches on St. Thomas... all have something different to offer.

If you are looking for a swank restaurant, try Romano's. It is the best of the best and is also an art gallery. The owner, Tony is the chef/artist.

I think the drinks at Blue Moon (at Secret Harbor) were about $6 or so. Beers at Sapphire were $3. We packed snacks/sandwiches and beer and took them to the beach. Take some of those plastic insuolated cups with you as glass bottles are not allowed at the beaches. Sapphire does not have a restaurant; Megan's has food (good pizza), and Coki has food also.

Have a great time... you'll love it there. Everyone says "good morning", "good afternoon", etc.

WOW thank you everyone for the information!!

I didn't realize the Island was only 13x3 miles. That does help a lot. Does anyone have the exact address of Cost-U-Less? I'll browse the web for it either way.

So when I get to Red Hook, is there a big parking lot that I can leave the car from like 8am-6pm? Also is it easy to find someone to rent a boat from? What would the prices range from?

Thanks so much again all!

I have a crew of 5, we would be willing to invite some of you if you can guarantee bringing some ladies.

go to duffy's near red hook.....lots of fun!

There are parking lots in Red Hook - and plenty of boat rental operations at American Yacht Harbor there.
Cost vary with size and gas usage - probably $500 average.
Cost-u-less is in Market Square East on Harwood Highway.
Why not just invite Ladies?

Any ladies on here want invited? Sounded like all guys to be honest. lol

Last but not least I will be looking for a fitness/gym on the island.

once again, thanks very much all.

Check out the gym - 'extreme fitness' in the same complex as Costuless and the movie theatres.