Virgin Islands National Park Things to Do

A path winds through the impressive remains of the Annaberg Plantation. The intricate stonework of the factory and distinctive tall windmill give a glimpse of what life might have been like on the plantation. The stunning views from the headlands provides a jarring backdrop for the troubling history of the enslaved men and women who lived and worked the plantation and factory.

Trunk Bay is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Salt Pond is perfect for someone looking for a pleasant stroll to a beautiful beach. Just a half mile hike from the parking area to beach, has only a slight grade though the trail surface is uneven and rocky.

This popular trail descends through a shady, moist forest, passing through the remains of four sugar estates. Signs along the trail provide information about the natural and cultural history of the area including the names and traditional uses of the trees and plants. The trail ends at the impressive Reef Bay Sugar Estate with its old buildings and steam-powered machinery. A side trail at mile 1.6 leads to a waterfall and petroglyphs attributed to early Taino Indians.

Maho Bay offers .3 miles of beach for your walking enjoyment, and several large seagrass areas perfect for viewing turtles. Amenities include pavilions to rent for your family party or wedding, as well as restrooms at the western end of the beach. There is a large parking area at the eastern end of the beach. Please respect closures and do not park on vegetation.

This white-sand beach can be accessed by a short hike from the Virgin Islands National Park sign off North Shore Road, Caneel Bay or by boat. Palm and seagrape trees provide generous shade. A narrow reef follows the shoreline east of Honeymoon to Caneel Bay. In the clear water off the rocky point in between the two beaches, you will find several species of coral (brain, lettuce leaf, elkhorn, mustard hill, and pillar corals). Many colonies of finger coral can be found on the fringing reef west of Salomon. These reef areas provide shelter for a wide variety of colorful fish and other marine creatures.

The purpose of Virgin Islands National Park is to preserve and protect for public benefit and inspiration outstanding scenic features, Caribbean tropical marine and terrestrial ecosystems in their natural conditions, and cultural heritage from pre-Columbian through Danish colonial times

This shady, family-friendly beach invites visitors to stay the day and have a picnic at one of the shelters. The snorkeling is great.

Francis Bay is one of the quieter areas of the park and is a great place to view turtles, go for long swims, snorkel along the rock shoreline at the north end of the beach. A board walk provides access to some great birding opportunities along the salt pond located behind the beach. Visitors can also take the trail up to the remains of a "Great House" and the Francis Sugar Factory.

One of the longest beaches in Virgin Islands National Park, Cinnamon Bay is the home of Cinnamon Bay Campground. (Reopening December 2021.) Other amenities will include breakfast, lunch and dinner and souvenirs, clothing, grab-and-go food items and other essentials will be available at the Cinnamon Bay Beach Shop. A watersports center will also be located on the beach.

Reef Bay Trail is a strenuous hike that will take you past some of the oldest and tallest trees on the island. Danish sugar plantation ruins, stone walls from cattle grazing, and ancient rock carvings left behind by the pre-Colombian Taino can be found along the trail. During rainy season the waterfall can be spectacular.

Join our Park Ranger for a tour of Francis Bay Trail and the nearby salt pond. While there you will enjoy to opportunity to view the many resident and migratory birds that call Francis Bay home.

The perfect experience for sea turtle lovers!

This unique underwater trail is a great way to learn about the diverse animals of the coral reef habitat.

Take a self-guided tour of the Annaberg Sugar Plantation and immerse yourself in the time when "Sugar was King" on the island. Volunteer docents are often available during weekdays to answer questions. You are invited to tour the small country garden and learn about traditional uses of plants with Mr. Charles most weekdays,

Cinnamon Bay Plantation was established in 1717 and was one of the earliest and most prosperous sugar plantations on the Island. In 1903, the Danish West India Plantation Company bought Cinnamon Bay and began growing bay rum trees to produce bay leaf oil, which was used in popular colognes and lotions known as St. John Bay Rum.

This strenuous trail leads to the remains of some beautiful stone historic sites and incredible views.

L'Esperance Trail follows a historic Danish road passing ruins of some of the earliest plantations established on St. John. View the island's only baobab, a sacred tree species that was brought to the Caribbean by enslaved Africans. From trailhead to the beach is about 2.6 miles one way. Much of the trail faces west and lacks tree shade so be sure to wear sun protection and a hat.

Francis Bay Trail starts at the Francis Bay Sugar Factory. It continues past the Mary's Point Estate house and around a salt pond. The dry tropical forest and salt pond provide an excellent opportunity to view birds. The lower portion of the trail is an accessible boardwalk that continues through the mangroves to the two viewing platforms.

Meander through the ruins of the historic Cinnamon Bay Sugar Plantation. Smell the scent of the leaves from the bay rum trees, which were once used to make the famous St John Bay Rum Cologne. The boardwalk and nature loop are located across the road from the entrance to the Cinnamon Bay Campground. The nature loop is an easy 0.5 mile hike. For a more adventurous hike, try the strenuous 1 mile Cinnamon Bay Trail which begins east of the ruins. Hike uphill through a shaded for

Hiking trails in the park provide an excellent way to experience the beauty of the landscape and the rich natural and cultural history of the park/

Salomon/Honeymoon Bay - These two white-sand beaches can be accessed by a short hike from Lind Point Trail that begins at the Visitor Center parking lot, from the trailhead at the Virgin Islands National Park sign off North Shore Road, or by boat.

Hawksnest Bay offers three fingers of mostly Elkhorn coral reefs to snorkel. It is not advisable to snorkel directly over the reef. The Elkhorn corals are a federally protected species and extremely fragile. Snorkeling around the fingers you will see many juvenile fish and other reef creatures in and among the branches of the Elkhorn corals.

Located between Great Lameshur Bay and Little Lameshur Bay, this .3 mile trail is a good choice if looking for an easy hike. Stone ruins of homes from the Danish colonial period can be found alongside the trail. Small rocky beaches can be accessed by side trails for a quiet snorkel entry spot.

Cinnamon Bay offers a long gently sloping snow white beach to stick your toes in, or go for a leisurely stroll. The crystal clear waters provide many delights for even a novice snorkeler. Turtles and fish of all sizes and colors can be seen here.

The Lind Point Trail starts just behind the park visitor center and ends at breathtaking Honeymoon Bay or Solomon Bay. The trail offers several spurs one of which heads to the overlook. Stop and rest on the bench as you watch the boats sail by.

Salt Pond is perfect for someone looking for a pleasant stroll to a beautiful beach. Just a quarter mile hike from the parking area to beach, has only a slight grade.  

The trailhead can be found to the right of Lameshur Road at the first switchback. The .7 mile trail begins with a moderately strenuous ascent on the Cabritte Horn Point. Hike through the desert-like terrain to reach scenic views atop coastal cliffs.

Enjoy the virtual Windmill & Plantation tour and then take a drive and see them in person.