I doubt you intend to leave a bar with your kids at 2 AM so your situation will not be similar to that of the gentlemen from Chicago. Cases like his are certainly disturbing but not the norm by any measure. Do not let that impact your vacation.

I agree. It's the time rather than the location. There are lots of areas in lots of places in the world that I wouldn't hesitate to walk around at 9 PM but I wouldn't walk through at 2 AM. And keep in mind that this is not a regular occurence, which is why it's so shocking.

I stayed at Gallow's Point in mid July and walked to Cruz Bay nightly for 6 nights without any problem at all. We were finished with dinner and walked back usually around 9. We walked back a later, around 11 on a Friday night and noticed that there were more people out and some near the beach front had been drinking quite a bit but that is to be expected on weekend nights so you could easily that by going back earlier. I never felt anything but comfortable and safe walking the streets of Cruz Bay in early to mid evenings and I bet you will feel the same way.

We were also two adults and two kids on our trip in June. We actually parked in a little area right next to Texaco one night and then walked to Lime Inn for dinner then back after a little shopping. It was fine and there were plenty of people still milling around. I agree with the others. I wouldn't worry about it unless your walking back from bar hopping at 2:00 am. And the accomodation location I wouldn't worry about either. Go and have fun, I'm sure you will. I'm pea green with envy...

I wouldn't change a thing. I'm guessing with 2 children you wouldn't be out walking the streets at 2am. Do you often walk the streets at 2am at home with your children? St. John is such a paradise and if you take the necessary precautions you shouldn't have a problem. We were there in Feb. walked the streets many a times and often times late at night and never had a problem. We parked our rental jeep right next to the police station (about 100yds. from the texaco) and never once had any feeling of not being safe. As many have mentioned I think this was a total random/lack of judgement on some punk kids and you shouldn't let it interfere with a vacation to paradise. Just use your head and don't put yourself in a potential hazard situation. Enjoy St. John and don't let the "bad guys" get you down or ruin your vacation.......BE SAFE!

I'd still go - even afer the incidents I witnessed. We rented from Courtesy, parked practically adjacent to the police station, and walked to/from Tamarind Court (past the park & Texaco) the last two nights of our stay, and I'd do it again, at least for now. Unfortunately, I'd be more wary the next time than I ever have been in the past, and perhaps keep different hours, but I would still go. I will continue to pay close attention to the goings-on however; if things don't improve and/or continue to deteriorate, I will definitely have second thoughts.

If in doubt, take a taxi back. The few dollars would be worth the peace of mind. My family of 4 walked around Cruz Bay until 10:00 PM and felt safe. We had a jeep and drove back to the Westin. I'm not sure how comfortable I would be walking to accomodations if there weren't a number of other people around. St. John is beautiful and still safer than many other islands.

Thanks for the ideas people!! To respond, of course we won't be walking around at 1 or 2 am, but doesn't it get dark more like 7 or 8? We had hoped to be in the water the whole day and then shower up and walk to dinner. If we're walking back when it is dark I will be on edge. SO: we're going with a villa in Coral Bay instead! If a silver lining is needed; I guess getting husband to cough it up for a great place with a pool is it!!! Thanks again, hope everybody has happy and safe travels!