Things to do in Virgin Islands National Park
A Caribbean national park on St. John protecting beaches, coral reefs, dry forest, sugar-estate ruins, and turquoise bays.
Best months: December, January, February, March
What is worth your time in Virgin Islands National Park
Cinnamon BayDo not miss
Cinnamon Bay offers a long beach, water access, campground history, and room to spread out.
Water Activity · 3 hr4.9
Maho BayDo not miss
Maho Bay is beloved for calm water and frequent sea turtle sightings over seagrass.
Wildlife · 2.3 hr4.8
Trunk BayDo not miss
Trunk Bay is the park postcard beach, combining white sand, clear water, and classic North Shore scenery.
Water Activity · 3 hr4.8
Trunk Bay Underwater Snorkel TrailDo not miss
The marked underwater trail makes reef snorkeling approachable for first-timers in good conditions.
Water Activity · 1.5 hr4.7
Cruz Bay Visitor CenterDo not miss
The visitor center is the best first stop for maps, trail updates, cultural exhibits, and current beach guidance.
Ranger Program · 45 min4.6
Ram Head Trail
The trail crosses dry coastal terrain to a dramatic headland with big views and strong sunrise appeal.
Hike · 2.5 hr5
Salt Pond Bay
Salt Pond Bay is a scenic east-side beach base for swimming, snorkeling, and Ram Head access.
Water Activity · 2.3 hr5
Francis Bay Trail
This short wetland and bay-edge trail is one of the better easy wildlife walks on St. John.
Hike · 1.1 hr4.8
Hawksnest Beach
Hawksnest is an easy North Shore stop with pretty water, picnic access, and quick snorkeling in calm conditions.
Water Activity · 1.8 hr4.8
Peace Hill Windmill
The short climb reaches windmill ruins and broad views over Hawksnest, Denis Bay, and the North Shore.
Hike · 45 min4.8
Reef Bay Trail
This rainforest-to-coast hike links petroglyphs, plantation ruins, and one of the park richest cultural landscapes.
Hike · 4 hr4.8
Waterlemon Cay
Waterlemon Cay is one of the park best snorkel destinations for confident swimmers in calm water.
Water Activity · 3.5 hr4.8
Annaberg Sugar Plantation
Annaberg is the key cultural-history stop, preserving sugar-estate ruins and views over Leinster Bay.
Ranger Program · 1.1 hr4.7
Leinster Bay Trail
This shoreline trail gives a quieter approach to Annaberg-area beaches and Waterlemon Cay views.
Hike · 1.5 hr4.7
And 1 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.
Worth knowing
- Virgin Islands is famous for Trunk Bay, world-class snorkeling, protected North Shore beaches, Reef Bay petroglyphs, Annaberg Sugar Plantation, and easy island scenery.