Most shopping areas in Red Hook have designated parking for 1-2 hrs. (if you can find a spot) but you shall be booted and towed if you overstay your time limit so DON'T.

The other option is Mensia's (sp?) paid parking lot which is up the hill behind the old Marina Market. They have a shuttle to take you down the hill to STJ ferry if you are catching the boat and pick you back up when ferry comes in.

Unpaid parking is difficult to come by in Red Hook and sometimes even the paid lots get filled.
Be warned: If it says "No Parking," don't park there.

The parking in Red Hook is as follows:

American Yacht Harbor Building - 3 hour parking - both in front of the building and the parking garage underneath (behind) the buildings.

Duffy's Love Shack parking lot (across from the American Yacht Harbor Buildings) - Parking only for customers at this shopping area - you will be booted if you park here and walk across the street.

Parking is available alongside the road after you pass through Red Hook, but be aware of no-parking signs.

Mesina's Parking lot is also an option (past the old Marina Market building). $10/day.

The Ferry parking lot is another option, but you pay by the hour ($10 max all day).

I usually get a parking space at the American Yacht Harbor building in their garage (sometime I have to wait for a few minutes to get a spot). If I'm at Duffy's I usually find a space there. On occasion I've parked up the road from Red Hook.

F.I.

I think they changed it to 2 hours at American Yacht Harbor. They recently put up new signs, allotted more handicap spaces, and more Loading/Unloading spaces, and some special kind of parking spaces in front of the new convenience store in the street level parking lot.
I will give a more precise update late tonight or tomorrow as I will be in the vicinity.

American Yacht Harbor Parking Red Hook Parking Update:

The new signs do say 2 hour limit for AYH. $150 for tow.
Street level parking - many new handicap parking spaces and 15 minute limit parking (in the area of the new convenience store).
I would obey the signs or you will be booted then eventually towed. Sorry, I don't know about the lower level parking situation.

Not only are there restaurants in the Red Hook area, but there are nice small stores and boutiques in the area, that you might find something that you love or who are shopping for will love. Enjoy.

Someone did get booted in the 15 minute parking space on the street level at AYH because of overtime parking in that space. I believe they paid $150.00 to get the boot removed.
If you are going to to park in the American Yacht Harbor parking lot, read the signs carefully. Actually, if you are parking anywhere in Red Hook read the signs carefully and obey or you will pay.

Have fun and enjoy your vacation!

Thanks for the great info guys and gals!!

So, this will be my second time to the islands. Can anyone convince me to go to C.A.?

Or do I go with my instincts, and not go. I usually just want a t=shirt and pool towel. lol
Ok, maybe a fridge magnet.

Is it just for cruise people, am I missing a site to see?

Scooby

Downtown has lots of historic sites, shopping and restaurants.
Pick a day with limited cruise ships in town.

You can check the cruise ship schedules here:
http://wico-vi.com/cruise-ship-dock/ship-schedule-port-availability

Historic sites https://www.vinow.com/stthomas/attractions_stt/attractions_town.php
and http://www.virginislandsthisweek.com/featured_articles/historic_attractions_in_charlotte_amalie.html

IMO, Havensight Mall is much more relaxing shopping than town. There are tons of stores there of all kinds between the Mall itself, the adjacent Port of Sale, the Al Cohen's Mall across the street and at Yacht Haven Grande next door as well. Even with the cruise ships in it's not difficult to find a parking spot and then you can just wander around enjoying all the stores. There are plenty of eating and drinking places to keep you fired up and the whole ambience is very pleasant.

Downtown is more historic with it's Alleys and cobblestone walkways.
Lots of interesting little stores that don't just sell t-shirts and items made in China.
Havensite is just another shopping mall without the benefit of the history and places of interest.