Top Things to do in Virgin Islands National Park
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What to do and see in Virgin Islands National Park, St. John: The Best Things to do Good for Big Groups
Discover the best top things to do in Virgin Islands National Park, U.S. Virgin Islands including Trunk Bay Beach, Cinnamon Bay Nature Trail, Annaberg Sugar Plantation, Reef Bay Trail, Hawksnest Beach, Cinnamon Bay, Francis Bay Trail, Cruz Bay Visitor Center.
1. Trunk Bay Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,000 reviews
The good news: this world-class stretch of white sand and turquoise water is St. John's most photographed beach, which features a marked underwater trail for beginning snorkelers. The bad news: because of its popularity, it can get very crowded with cruise ship passengers and members of sightseeing tours.
Reviewed By Sinceshea - New Jersey, United States
We go to trunk bay from St Thomas quite often for the beautiful clear water, terrific snorkeling path and amenities such as bar, showers and lunch if desired. The snorkeling trail is comprised of monuments affixed to the ocean floor explaining what sights are in immediate view, i.e. coral, fish species etc. The monuments are some 20 feet deep however can be clearly seen in the crystal clear waters. Sargassum (sea weed) has plagued a number of beaches in the VI but not Trunk. After your visit to the beach, you can shower up and hit the great happy hour spots on St John. It’s a great day! Returning in 6 weeks again for the 5th time.
2. Cinnamon Bay Nature Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
Take a stroll along the self-guided Cinnamon Bay Nature Trail, which leads you through plantation ruins, tropical landscapes and scenic views of the Caribbean Sea.
Reviewed By MareO
There are many ways to experience the Cinnamon Bay Nature Trail. You can do the short, easy, interesting walk around the sugar plantation ruins, or you can hike up to the top of the 1.8 fairly steep trail and/or take the American Hill Trail off of the Cinnamon Bay Trail to the ruins of an old guest house with an interesting history and a fantastic view. This was my favorite part and I highly recommend the American Hill Trail. If you are looking for a longer, more challenging hike, some of my friends went up the even steeper Maria Hope Trail, connected via the road and hiked down the Cinnamon Bay Trail.
3. Annaberg Sugar Plantation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 419 reviews
The most accessible and best preserved of its type, this once-working sugar plantation (circa 1870) was the site of boiling molasses and hardworking slaves harvesting sugarcane, and which now offers visitors regular tours and living-history demonstrations.
Reviewed By JessBOrganized - Salt Lake City, United States
Good signs explain what the buildings used to be and it’s fun to wander around. Nice easy walk. Leave car in the parking lot and snorkel at Annaberg Beach; best coral and fish snorkeling.
4. Reef Bay Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 449 reviews
This 2.2-mile hiking trail is one of the best on St. John: descend through a shady, moist forest and a dry forest, through visible remains of four sugar mills, pass by pre-Columbian petroglyphs, and end at a beautiful, pristine beach.
Reviewed By 789jennien
The length of this trail may seem like child's play and it may still seem that way as it is downhill most of the way...until your return hike back. We are relatively in good shape, but the hike back up the mountain is a doozy. However, it is so so so worth it. Little waterfalls, big trees, hermit crabs, and secret beaches make you feel like you're alone on the island. We had an amazing experience and I would recommend it to anyone that isn't afraid to break a sweat!
5. Hawksnest Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 605 reviews
This narrow, sea-grape-tree-lined stretch of sand is a popular beach on St John, especially for island residents, which offers gazebos for parties, barbecues or family get-togethers.
Reviewed By thouks1 - Fort Worth, United States
Ample parking right next to the beach, fine sand with decent snorkeling, snady bottom for swimming, gentle wave action, potential to swim over to Gibley / Oppenheimer Beach, picnic tables, restrooms and many beachside spots with shade. Only things missing are a beach bar and rental chairs, so bring your cooler, snacks and beach chairs.
6. Cinnamon Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,169 reviews
Situated in the unspoiled island refuge, Virgin Islands National Park, this beach offers a variety of water sports from snorkeling and kayaking to sailing and windsurfing, plus a popular beachfront cottage and campsite complex.
Reviewed By SydVa
We loved this beach as much as Trunk bay. The views are incredible and the beach is longer than Trunk Bay. Not as heavily populated either. the Hurricanes have wiped out the campgrounds and showers, but they are working on restoring it as quickly as they can. In spite of the damage the views were amazing. When they have facilities up and running I imagine it will be as packed as Trunk Bay is. In the meantime enjoy it before all the folks find out what a gem this palce is!
7. Francis Bay Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
This nature trail is a good place for birdwatching.
Reviewed By Elephanteric - Fort Myers, United States
If you take the boardwalk instead of going directly to the beach from the parking lot or walk nearly all the way down the beach, you will come to a shaded picnic bench that is almost never occupied. When I was there with my family, we could see large, green turtles poking their heads above the water. We also snorkeled with them. This area is very secluded and is very beautiful. There are definitely bugs, so bring repellent. If you hike the full trail, you will also get to the bench. This area is great and genuinely my favorite beach on St. John and I loved seeing turtles, frigatebirds, and pelicans. Highly recommended.
8. Cruz Bay Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 110 reviews
Find out all about St. John and the Virgin Islands National Park at this major source of information on sightseeing, recreation and accommodations.
Reviewed By JudyK288 - Boston, United States
Bathrooms and cold water for free. Very limited free parking. If you come early you can get a parking pass for the day and hike the Lind Point trail from here. Inside the rangers are very nice and there are maps available for a small fee. They also sell shirts, books, sunscreen (reef safe-very important!) and small souvenirs. There are group hikes that you can sign up for that do require advanced reservations
