Top 5 Beaches in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands National Park

If you’ve ever wanted turquoise water that actually looks like the photos, soft white sand that doesn’t scorch your feet, and beaches that feel wild but still accessible… St. John might be your place.

I visited in January, and it ended up being the perfect winter escape. It’s only about a 3-hour flight from Charlotte NC, which made it feel surprisingly doable for a quick tropical reset. The weather hovered in the high 70s/low 80s, with steady sunshine and a constant breeze from the winter trade winds.

A heads up if you go this time of year:
You’ll probably get one short island rain shower a day. They come fast, cool everything down, and pass just as quickly. Honestly, I started to love them.

About 60% of St. John is protected as Virgin Islands National Park, so most of the beaches feel natural, uncrowded, and untouched compared to other Caribbean destinations.

Here are my top five beaches, each with a slightly different personality depending on what kind of day you want to have.

1. Trunk Bay

📸 Great for: classic Caribbean photos, easy swim days, first-time visitors

If you’ve ever seen a photo of St. John, it was probably Trunk Bay.

It was recently ranked the #1 beach in the world, and when you stand there looking out at that impossibly clear water, you understand why.

The sand is powdery white, the water is calm and bright turquoise, and there’s a famous underwater snorkeling trail with signs along the reef.

Because it’s so well-known, this is definitely the busiest beach on the island, but it’s also the most convenient:

• Parking
• Restrooms
• Showers
• Snack bar
• Rentals

If you want comfort and classic beauty, this is your spot.
If you want quiet solitude, go early or later in the afternoon.

2. Cinnamon Bay

📸 Great for: beach walks, full-day hangs, relaxing without the crowds

Cinnamon Bay feels like Trunk Bay’s more laid-back cousin.

It’s another long stretch of soft white sand, but because it’s larger, it never feels quite as crowded. You can actually walk down the beach and find your own little pocket of space.

There’s a campground nearby, so it has a slightly more outdoorsy, community vibe.

Amenities include:

• Parking
• Restrooms
• Food options
• Rentals

This was one of my favorite places to just lay out, read, and stay all day.

3. Hawksnest Beach

📸 Great for: snorkeling, low-key mornings, nature vibes

Hawksnest feels more tucked away and intimate.

It’s smaller, surrounded by dense greenery and foliage, and has a quieter, local feel. It’s the kind of place where you throw down a towel, hear the wind through the trees, and forget what time it is.

The snorkeling here surprised me! Lots of fish and calm water close to shore.

It still has basic amenities and parking, but it feels much less “developed,” which I loved.

4. Maho Bay

📸 Great for: wildlife spotting, beginners, relaxed swim days

If swimming with sea turtles is on your bucket list, this is your beach.

Maho Bay is famous for it.

The water is shallow and calm for a long stretch, which makes it ideal for floating, paddleboarding, or snorkeling without feeling tossed around. The seagrass beds attract turtles, and we saw several just casually gliding by.

There’s parking and amenities nearby, but you’ll walk a short distance to reach the sand.

This beach had such a gentle, easy energy. It felt family-friendly and super approachable.

5. Hansen Bay

📸 Great for: solitude, slow days, “off-the-beaten-path” feels

Hansen Bay felt like the secret spot.

It’s actually privately owned, but the owners simply ask for a small donation to help maintain the space, which makes it feel even more special and community-oriented.

It’s farther from the main tourist areas, so it’s noticeably quieter.

There are restrooms, parking, and lots of picnic tables and chairs provided for use!

This is where you go when you want to unplug, journal, read, or just listen to the waves without distractions.

A few helpful tips if you’re visiting:

• Bring reef-safe sunscreen or light-weight clothes to protect your skin
• Expect quick daily rain showers (they pass fast)
• Go early for popular beaches
• Pack filtered water and snacks
• Snorkel gear is worth bringing or renting
• A rental jeep makes getting around easier

Final Thoughts

What I loved most about St. John is how simple everything felt.

No over-planning, no rushing… just picking a beach for the day, packing some snacks, and letting the hours unfold. Each spot had its own personality, so it was easy to match the mood: lively and social, or quiet and tucked away.

It’s the kind of place that helps you slow down without trying.

There were also plenty of local restaurants and hiking trails on the island. Let me know if you would like a separate blog post highlighting those experiences as well!

All in all, if you’re craving sunshine, salt water, and a low-effort tropical escape that still feels wild and natural, St. John is hard to beat.