Try this map
http://www.varlack-ventures.com/vvfiles/vi-beaches-hiking.htm
Peter Bay is just West of Cinnamon Bay on the North Side (between #6 & 7) on the map.
Cruz Bay on STJ is best 'explored' rather than targeted. You need to get the feel of the place and then make your decision of what looks like fun. Duffy's has more of a club attitude but Woody's has a more local feel.

We've been 3 times and I agree with Chris- you just kind of show up, and let it all happen. Its a fairly small island and most activity at night, which is still low-key, is in Cruz Bay but maybe you'll run into something on the end of the island but i don't remember anything there. The whole island is a don't miss frankly. Best places to stay- check all the message boards you can but the island is small so all places will have some pretty common characteristics. Caneel Bay seemed pretty strange to me when we visited it once, for very wealthy folks it seemed who needed a ton of pampering. We prefer the eco-resorts at Maho Bay and near Salt Bay- if you like lazy man's camping, you'll love these places. It all very mellow really, just let it be and turn to butter!

This link points to the best on-line map I've found:

http://www.stjohnusvi.com/map.html

I've been exploring the web for an upcoming trip to St John. Here is a good link to a printable map: http://www.nps.gov/carto/PDF/VIISmap1.pdf

Hello Michelle,

I just wanted to point out in case there was confusion... You asked about Peter Bay and St. John but then mentioned three resorts that are on St. Thomas.

Ok, restaurants on St. Thomas: Banana Tree Grill, Fagiolis, Havana Blue, Herves, Room with a View, Criag and Sallys - nice dinner options; just a few of many. For some local dishes while shopping or sight seeing downtown Charlotte Amalie you might try Gladys, Cuzzins or Lillians. Cafe Amici downtown is good too for lunch also. Some good casual eating choices - Hook,Line and Sinker, Sibs on the Mountain, Northdrop, Fungis. Live music - go to the Sunset Party on Wednesday night or Happy Hour on Mon & Tues at Paradise Point. The Caribbean show at Bolongo is worth going to. And Iggies at Bolongo is good for a casual meal. To catch a live local band on the beach go to Sapphire on Sunday afternoon.

What are you looking for in a resort?

--Islander

Hey! Thanks for the info! My husband and I are planning our first trip to the Islands this September. We have different ideas on what we want in a place to stay. I would like a nice room with a balcony or terrace with a nice view of the beach. Nothing too expensive...as we are on a budget of about 2,500.-3,000 for the entire vacation including flights, accomadations, meals, entertainment, etc. Our flights alone will take up half of our funds. I really wanted to stay on St. John, but as I began looking into prices of different places, I found accomadations to be quite costly. I found a few places that offered Hotel/Flight packages and those were the places I listed in my last posting (all on St. Thomas). I guess I want something centrally located with easy access to the ferries so we can go exploring the other Islands (US and British). I don't have alot of time to spend on the computer, so I have only checked on a few sites. My husband doesn't care if we even have a place to stay...he'd be happy sleeping on the beach, as long as we got there! He doesn't plan on spending much time in the room. We both want to see as much as we can in 7 days. I guess we're trying to get the best deal for our money and not put it all into a room if better spent somewhere else. Our interests are beautiful beaches, culture, nite life, with great music, hanging out with the locals. We don't know alot about the Islands, so we would appreciate tips, advise, suggestions from anyone who knows the area well.Thanks so much fo your input!

For your budget, I would suggest you concentrate on STT and STJ. There is certainly enough there for 7 days and BVI, though nice, will hit the bottom line.
On STJ, Peter Bay is certainly out of the budget. If you want to stay on STJ, Gallows Point is an option ( http://www.gallowspointresort.com/rates.shtml) and you can find smaller places for somewhat less.
On STT, I would choose Secret Harbour for location and it appears to have what you are both looking for. To save money, I would rent a car (4WD not required) from Budget on STT. You then have option to take over to STJ on car ferry or take standard ferry and taxi about.

karrieb had a very good idea if you are both interested in experiencing STJ & STT on a tight budget (I know, $3k use to mean something). The eco tents are very nice if you are interested. Not really camping and not really hoteling (?) if you know what I mean.

http://www.maho.org/Concordia.cfm

Michelle:

I'll try to help......

Since half of your available funds will be spent on airfare you have approx. $1500. left for your week's stay in the USVI. Note: I don't know where you're flying in from, but you should shop around for the best airfares

Expenses:

Lodging - 7 nights
Transportation in & around the islands
Food
Entertainment
Misc. expenses

Your best bet for lodging, in my opinion, is St. Thomas, East End, near Red Hook. This gives you access to the ferries for St. John & the BVIs. We stay at Point Pleasant Resort...Sapphire Beach is another good choice. Try calling Antilles Resorts directly for the best rates. Be sure to get a condo unit as this provides you with a kitchen for preparing breakfast and other meals (to save money). You'll probably not want to spend more than $100. per night (this may be difficult with a beachfront property). Approx. $700. for 7 days. I don't know what their current rates are, but I know they offer discounts to direct bookings.

Transportation, in my opinion, it's best to rent a car, as taxis can become very expensive. Hertz & Avis have good rates if you book through their website. Total cost with gas would probably be $200 - $250. for 7 days (depending on the size of car you select).
Ferry transportation to St. John is $3.00 each way or $35.00 round trip for the car ferry (you will need transportation while on St. John). You can use a taxi on St. John. Ferry prices to the BVIs are much higher.

Food: Having a condo would benefit because you can prepare your own meals. Shop at the Marina Market in Red Hook. Restaurants are expensive in the USVI, but you can find some small places that are relatively economical...you will need to shop around for these places.

Entertainment: Drinks, tours, etc. These expenses are up to you.

Misc.: Gifts, etc. These expenses are up to you.

Hope this helps.

F.I.

Also consider the studios at Concordia and Harmony (also at www.maho.org). Though more expensive than the eco-tents, they are still very reasonable for St. John, and a bit more cushy as well. They have kitchens/kitchenettes depending on the unit, so you can prepare your own meals - a savings to consider. Having stayed in the Concordia studios several times, I highly recommend them. I've never stayed in Harmony's comparable units, but imagine they are very nice as well.

Hello Michelle,

Secret Harbor is a good choice. Since you are on a budget you might try Emerald Beach Resort too. They aren't as pricey as some of the other beach resorts as they are smaller and close to the airport, however they are nice and right on the beach. They are not centrally located. http://www.emeraldbeach.com

I agree renting a car will allow you to do a lot of exploring on your own without incuring lots of taxi fares (which can and will add up as you said your hubby wants to do a lot of exploring).

To keep in your budget you might eat at the casual type restaurants mentioned and fix breakfast and some lunches at the hotel (some have kitchenettes). You can pick up cereal, breads etc. at the grocery store.

--Islander