The Beautiful Beaches of St. John US Virgin Islands

Hawksnest Bay

photo by Alain M Brin©

     Hawksnest Beach is the first National Park Beach that you will encounter driving along the North Shore Road from Cruz Bay. Covered pavilions with picnic tables and BBQ pits are popular gathering spots for parties and ceremonies. There are also many places to snorkel with abundant coral formations and rock outcrops to explore. Needless to say, it is one of the favorite beaches for locals.  Little Hawksnest is a gathering spot for impromptu musical happenings and a great place to enjoy a picnic lunch.

St John Links

Trunk Bay
Trunk Bay on St. John USVI
photo by Andy Gordon

     Trunk Bay is St. John's most famous and photographed beach! A $4 National Park facility use fee (collected from 8-4) enables the visitor to see Trunk Bay and Annaberg Ruins on a same-day pass. Trunk bay provides clean restrooms, showers, snackbar, gift shop, snorkel equipment rental, lifeguard protection and the island's only under-water snorkel trail! All other National Park beaches and trails are free.

Solomon Beach
Solomon Bay
photo by Alain M Brin©

     Solomon Beach is a secluded beautiful hideaway that is accessed by boat or a short hike starting behind the new National Park Visitor Center. The snorkeling is beautiful along the rocky points of this beach. The hiking trail also continues to Honeymoon Beach, one of Caneel Bay's seven famous beaches.

 

Leinster Bay
Leinster_Bay_St_John
photo by Andy Gordon

     After touring the historic Annaberg Ruins, taking a dip at Leinster Bay is heavenly. There are numerous sandy places to enter the bay along the washed-out road that takes you to the beach facing Waterlemon Cay. Starfish, turtles, and spotted eagle rays are often encountered here. The back side of the island is one of the best snorkeling locations on St. John. For the adventurous, a hiking trail from Leinster Bay leads to the Moravian Church in Coral Bay.

Caneel Bay
Caneel Bay photo by Alain M Brin©

     Caneel Bay is the home of seven fabulous beaches at St. John's first resort established by Laurance Rockefeller in the 1950's. The public can hike to Honeymoon Beach or can check-in to become a guest of the main Caneel beach. The rest of the beaches are for the hotel guests. Caneel Beach is a premier location to spot hawksbill turtles! Visitors will also love the exquisite landscaping with plants from all over the world.
 

Salt Pond Beach

photo by Andy Gordon

     A five minute walk down a trail leads to Salt Pond Beach where excellent snorkeling and hiking await the adventurous.  The beach is usually secluded and has picnic tables, BBQ pits and an outhouse.  Facing the ocean, excellent snorkeling is found along the left side of the bay and around the first rock outcrops in the middle of the bay.  Dramatic hikes to the salt pond, Drunk Bay, and Ram's Head start at the end of the beach.


Francis Bay

photo by Andy Gordon

     At Francis Bay, you will find one of St. John's longest and most beautiful beaches.  There are picnic tables, BBQ pits and outhouses for ammenities.  This is a perfect location for special family gatherings.  Breathtaking scenery awaits you as you gaze upon the shoreline and surrounding islands.  This is the perfect beach to unwind and relax the day away.  This area is also a popular bird watching area.