Top Things to do in St. John
Top 10 Outdoor Activities in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
Ecotourism is alive and kicking on St. John. There's more than enough to do on land, from watching for wildlife in the national park to hiking miles of trails or strolling sandy white beaches. Hit the water for amazing snorkeling, swimming, even underwater photography—of course. This is the Caribbean, after all.
Restaurants in St. John
1. Beach at Genti Bay
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
2. Scott Bay Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 193 reviews
Located on St. John's north shore, this is one of Caneel Bay's seven secluded beaches.
Reviewed By BPKBroiler - McLean, United States
We made a great stop at Scott Beach at Caneel Bay during our VI Ecotours kayak tour last week. It was an easy paddle from Honeymoon Beach and virtually empty with Caneel Bay Resort still closed and with no available land access to the beach. We had stayed in one of the rooms on Scott Beach the summer before the 2017 hurricanes, and it was incredibly sad to see these rooms completely destroyed and still not rebuilt. Fortunately, the beach remains pristine (it's my favorite on St. John) and can still be accessed from the water. After relaxing on the white sand soaking in the sun, we snorkeled in the clear, calm water and spotted five sea turtles. After continuing down to the rocks at the south end of the beach, we spotted stingrays and a octopus. There also is a rock ledge on the north end of the beach with lots of fish that you can see close up in very shallow water. All and all, it's a great location to visit by boat or kayak if you plan on visiting Honeymoon Beach.
3. Turtle Bay
4. Salomon Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 184 reviews
Reviewed By cebirch25
This beautiful and tranquil little beach is just a short hike off Lind Point Trail. Its definitely worth the hike and you are rewarded with a calming, beautiful beach. We loved this place, even had a little picnic on the beach.
5. Ram Head Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 327 reviews
Reviewed By leighi2019 - Greenville, United States
Awesome Hike with Awesome Views! I recommend tennis shoes or hiking boots. Best for early morning or late afternoon as it gets hot-amazing views. Landscape dotted with cactus along the way. Our favorite hike while in St John! Hit the Salt Pond beach afterwards! Others have provided information on where to park and how to get to the hike. Very cool to cross over the Blue Cobblestone Beach on the way up!
6. Maho Bay Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,679 reviews
Reviewed By LR417 - Barnegat, United States
This beach is absolutely beautiful. However, snorkeling is only average as there is virtually no coral. No schools of brightly colored tropical fish. However, turtles, sting rays and some large fish were sighted. The beach offers a bar, refreshments and rudimentary bathroom facilities. The taxi ride from the ferry in St John also offered glimpses of other pretty west side beaches.
7. Caneel Hill Trail
8. Hansen Bay Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 288 reviews
The beach offers a very calm bay with excellent snorkeling, turtles, stingrays and an array of assorted fish. Food Truck and clean bathrooms available along with ample parking.
Reviewed By JudyK288 - Boston, United States
Private beach where you are greeted by a friendly owner who will offer free parking and then suggest a donation when you leave. This was a nice way to conduct business. They provide a couple of porta potties and some chairs on the beach. There are some small palms for shade on the beach. The snorkeling was just amazing here with turtles, squid, rays, a shark and plethora of tropical fish (tangs, sergeant majors, parrot fish, etc). All the way on the other side of the island from Cruz Bay, past Skinny Legs.
9. 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.
10. 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.
