Cruz Bay was laid out before cars existed, and it shows. There are roughly eight parking spots for every two hundred people who want one at 6pm on a Saturday. Here is how to actually find a space.
Public lots
The Creek Lot (paid)
The big gravel lot at the head of the inner harbor — the most reliable option. $5–$10 for the day, attendant on site. A 3-minute walk to the ferry, 5 minutes to Mongoose Junction.
The Lumberyard Lot (paid)
Behind the Lumberyard shopping center. Smaller, often has space when the Creek Lot is full. Same rates.
National Park Visitor Center
Free, but technically only for park business — fine for an hour-long errand, not for a long dinner. This is also the trailhead for Lind Point / Honeymoon Beach.
The trick most visitors miss
On busy nights, park at the public lot at the Gallows Point end of town (the road that curves left out of the ferry traffic circle) and walk in along the waterfront. It's a 5-minute walk and the lot is almost always open.
Don't park here
- In front of fire hydrants — fast tow.
- In any spot marked "Private" or "Tenant" — the local towing service is on call.
- On the ferry-dock loop after 7am — your car will be in the way of the morning commute and ticketed.
From Sunset Villa
Cruz Bay is a 5-minute drive. Most nights it's easier to taxi in (around $8 each way), have drinks like a grown-up, and taxi back. We keep a list of reliable taxi drivers' WhatsApp numbers at the villa.
Part of the Cruz Bay, St. John: A Complete Guide to the Town.
