Parking

[NOLA Saint]

I keep reading that parking in Cruz Bay and even moreso Coral Bay can be a big problem. My question is just how big a problem is it? Is it possible to park along the highway or several blocks away and walk into town? I'm renting a car from Bougainvillea (sp?), and they indicated their lot is small and can't guarantee a space.

We don't mind a small hike. Our concern is that during peak periods it's just flat impossible to find a legal place.

[GotToGetAway]

I think I remember reading that the new parking lot is open, which may help some parking problems. I've never had a problem, but then again we don't really go out for dinner much while there. I think there is also a pay lot in Cruz Bay. But be warned, Mongoose Junction does ticket people.

[Xislandgirl]

There is not a lot of parking, you just have to be creative to find it or you can pay

If you are going to Mongoose Junction park there.
There is a small lot in front of the National park dock.
There is a lot at the customs dock
If you rent from an in town car rental agency, you usually can park there.
There is a new lot across from the tennis courts but the barge dock. It is about a 3 minute walk.

or you go to Slimmans and pay. He and his staff are great, it is super convenient and easy.

Coral Bay doesn't have parking issues really because it is not a village area like Cruz Bay. In Coral Bay you drive to your destination and park. There is not really walking from place to place as it is all pretty spread out. Occassionaly at Skinny Legs it gets a little crowded but I have never not been able to find a spot.

Do not park on the road anywhere. There is no street parkinng on the island.

[JJShaw]

We have rented from Bougainvillea 2 times...and knock on wood always had a place there to park with no problems..They only have a few places though. We did use Slimmans once as the kids were tired and didnt want to walk up the hill and back. I never have any luck finding a place at National Park or Customs lot...maybe we are too late to find a place...

[toes in the sand]

Parking is never a huge problem when we visit, but we visit in the off season. Usually late Nov and early Dec. We have always found parking somewhere in town and walked. The town is not that big that you can't walk end to end without a problem.

When do you plan your visit?

[California Girl]

I used Slim Man's and I thought he was very reasonable, not to mention extremely convenient!

[NOLA Saint]

Thanks so much for your tips and advice. We'll be in St. John this July during Carnival. We booked our stay without even knowing the celebration was taking place. Just one of those happy accidents. (Hope the constant rains don't dampen the festivities.) Anyway, I'm guessing all this activity isn't going to make the parking any better, but what can you do? We'll make the best of it as usual

We forsee having a wonderful time. Can't wait.

[Lindy]

I've never been on the island during Carnival so I don't have personal experience but it sounds like parking is even more of an issue at that time. Not sure where you are staying, but one option we've always had as a back-up plan is to park at the Westin and take one of the taxis into town. You shouldn't have a problem finding a taxi going either way. If I'm wrong about this then someone needs to pipe up!!

[Need2GetAway]

I didn't think the walk from the new lot looked very pleasant...I could be wrong about that...that was just my impression.

Als, when we were there (late April), there was some problem with the lot being open because it wasn't handicap accessible (it's gravel and there were other issues too). I don't know if that is resolved, and there wasn't anything obvious that would have prevented someone from leaving a car there, but there were no cars in the lot whenever we went by.

Does anyone know if it really is officially open?

[Bandit]

Does anyone know if it really is officially open?

It's open and free but as lazy as I am on vacation, I'm not walking from there to the National Park Dock or anywhere else. Slimman's doesn't open early enough for Daytrippers leaving at 8:30.

But another Pay-To-Park spot is on the left just past the Police Department.

[nothintolose]

One of the places we park (we are frequently there the last week of June into the first week of July but out of there by the 4th) is on the road that is across the street from La Tapa. Slimman's is great too.

We have never had a problem parking in Coral Bay.

[greyhoundmom]

We used Slim Man's six times in our nine days. They are extremely courteous. Once, we paid $5.00 for 2 hours, we were back in 30 minutes and they reimbursed us!