First time high season visitors - advice?

[HollyK]

Hi everyone - husband and I are heading down next Wednesday for a weeklong trip and this is the first time we're visiting during high season. We've gone twice in June (including this past one), so missed the hubub and never had trouble with parking at beaches or going out to eat. We'd like to go to Miss Lucy's next Sunday for brunch and definitely to Shipwreck for dinner at least once. Staying at Concordia, so we primarily hang around Coral Bay for dining.
So, I guess that I'm just looking for different insight into how to handle this time of year. Any special tips for parking at certain beaches? Maho comes to mind, as I've heard that cars have been ticketed for parking alongside the road.
Should we (or can we) make reservations for Miss Lucy's Jazz Brunch? There are only two of us, but we'd rather not wait all morning for a seat - obviously no one would
Thanks so much in advance! We're super excited.

[Diana2]

Go early is my best advise. Go early to the beaches to get the best stop and parking. Go early to Miss Lucy's (we usually go around 9:30'ish). I don't believe they take reservations.

[inuny]

Maho has a lot of parking now (and it's also more crowded than it used to be)

[Steve S]

You should be fine as long as you're not there around presidents week or spring break time.

[Jeff&Cindy]

You're killin me, Steve! Our only choice was Presidents week. Our first time too. Adirondacks every summer for tranquility! -- Jeff

[inuny]

I've been to STJ twice during President's week (kids' vacation time unfortunately). It's not so bad. Parking is the main problem. If we're doing the North Shore beaches, we just keep driving til we find one with parking. BTW, I was on island a few weeks ago and the Salt Pond parking lot was overflowing-people were parking on the road. I've never seen that.

The restaurants fill up as well. We can't plan our mealtimes in advance (we eat at all different times on vacation), but once we're home from the beach, we call restaurants to get a reservation.

We finally got a little snow in Syracuse!!

[Jeff&Cindy]

The snow has all melted again! No snow angels here. Guess I'll be waiting 'til I get to STJ and making SAND angels.

[scoob]

My only input is to relax and set your internal clock on Island time.
We're going Presidents week -
Just want tourists to be polite and leave the pushy attiudes home.!
I always say- good things take time.
Syracuse here too...

Scoob

[cdrott]

November thru February is what the locals call. the "Christmas Tides" the wind is frequently out of the north and thus the north-side beaches are rough (by V.I. standards) and somewhat turbid. This doesn't mean every day, but at least frequently. People gravitate towards Salt Pond Bay -- especially with kids. This is also the season that the sun sets early -- expect dark between 5 and 6 p.m. and reduced visibility by 4. If you snorkel, try to get out early.

[Steve S]

You should be fine as long as you're not there around presidents week or spring break time.

Sorry about that. We were there last February with a group of 17 (half adults) from the Thursday before to the Thursday of President's week. We managed everything well except the night before we left when everyone was on their own and dining options were marginal. Have to agree with the North shore warning. I recommend Honeymoon (even with the $20). Cinnamon was a bust because of rough surf. South beaches Little Lameshur and Salt Pond are still good bets and don't forget Vie's on the east end. For a great snorkel away from the crowds, go to Chocolate Hole.

On a positive note, entertainment possibilities are on max, just wait until after 8 when the happy hour and family gangs have cleared out.

[lisa mcg]

We always travel during President's Week (St John only once)...going again this year so maybe we'll see you! Rock on...it will be great no matter what

[stjdeb]

We alway travel to St John during high seaon, due to work. Last Feb we were on island with 3 couples during Presidents week, we didn't really have any problems with dining (could be because we ate at the Beach Bar - alot!). We went over to Aqua Bistro for dinner one night without a problem, but you can make reservations. We went to Shipwreck for dinner and did make reservations. We got to Miss Lucys early for Sunday brunch and got a table outdoors near the jazz band. Beaches were not bad, in my opinion. That being said, we have never been in the shoulder or off season, so have nothing to compare to. No matter what, grab a drink and you will have an awesome time! And most people we saw, tourists and locals alike were kind and friendly, mostly having fun also!