Our Favorite Beaches on St. John and Why We Love Them
If you're looking for paradise on Earth, then St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands is where you need to go! Known for its crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, and lush green forests, St. John is a destination that promises to awe and inspire. As you plan your trip to this breathtaking island, you're undoubtedly researching which beaches to visit, and we're here to show you exactly which ones you'll want to see.
We'll share our favorite beaches on St. John and explain why we love them so much. We'll also answer some common questions people have about St. John's beaches, like what the prettiest beach is and more. Plus, we'll give you some tips for exploring St. John's beaches and even a map of the beaches on St. John.
So, whether you're a beach lover at heart, a photographer on the hunt for the perfect shot, someone looking for the best hikes on St. John or simply someone who wants to relax and soak up the sun, St. John's beaches are sure to leave you spellbound.
Let's dive in and explore the best beaches on this idyllic island!
What is the Prettiest Beach on St. John?
We'll start with a question that's likely on everyone's mind: what is the prettiest beach on St. John? And while beauty is subjective, we have to say that our personal favorite is Trunk Bay. Located on the northwest side of the island, this stunning beach features turquoise waters, soft white sand, and a lush green backdrop that's simply breathtaking.
But Trunk Bay isn't just a pretty view; it's also known for its excellent snorkeling opportunities. The underwater trail at Trunk Bay provides an up-close view of the island's incredible marine life, from colorful fish to vibrant coral reefs. If you're planning on spending the day at Trunk Bay, be sure to stop by the snack bar for a refreshing drink or a bite to eat. Yes, the beach comes with several facilities and services such as:
Restrooms
Showers
Picnic tables
Covered pavilions
Snack shack
A bar
Of course, we realize that everyone's tastes are different, and there are plenty of other beautiful beaches on St. John.
Some other contenders for the title of "prettiest beach" or "best beach" in St. John include:
Cinnamon Bay
Hawksnest Beach
Maho Bay
Our favorite and what we think is the prettiest beach on St. John is Trunk Bay.
With that being said, no matter which beach you choose to visit, you're sure to be amazed by the beauty of St. John's shores.
Does St. John Have Good Beaches?
Now, based on what we talked about just a moment ago, you would rightly assume that St. John does have good beaches... AND it does!
But we want to bring this question specifically up because we mainly talked about just Trunk Bay Beach in the last section. But it would be a shame just to only talk about that beach or to only visit that one beach while staying on the island.
St. John is home to some of the most beautiful beach(es) in the world. The island's beaches are known for their crystal-clear waters, soft white sand, and stunning scenery. Whether you're looking for a quiet cove to relax in or a long stretch of sand for a morning run, you can find a beach on St. John that suits whatever kind of day adventure you're looking for!
Some of our favorite beaches on St. John include Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, and Hawksnest Beach. But there are many others to discover, like Waterlemon Cay, Honeymoon Beach, and Francis Bay. Each beach has its own unique qualities, but all are worth a visit.
What we’re getting at is… You should visit multiple beaches while on vacation here!
When it comes to beach activities, St. John has plenty to offer. So if that is what you are most concerned about… No worries, we’re about to show you where to go for the type of adventure you’re looking for.
From snorkeling and diving to paddleboarding and kayaking, there's something for everyone. And if you're looking for a more relaxing beach day, you can always just soak up the sun and read a book. Whatever your ideal beach day looks like, St. John's beaches are sure to deliver.
Now let’s talk about which beaches to visit in north shore for your adventures.
The Best North Shore Beaches in St. John
If you're visiting St. John, you simply can't miss the opportunity to visit the island's stunning north shore beaches. That's mostly where everyone goes and for good reason. To help you plan your beach day, here are our favorite north shore beaches and the activities you'll want to plan for those specific beaches:
1. Trunk Bay
Yes, we've already mentioned Trunk Bay, but it's simply one of the best beaches on the island. The north shore location means you'll experience calm waters and plenty of tropical fish to spot.
Activities: Swimming, relaxing, and scenery
2. Cinnamon Bay
Another popular beach on the north shore, Cinnamon Bay offers a mile-long stretch of pristine sand, snorkeling opportunities, and surrounding hills that will have you dreaming of returning to St. John for years to come.
Activities: Watersports, snorkeling, and family-oriented
3. Maho Bay
The shallow waters and soft sand make Maho Bay an ideal beach for swimming and sunbathing. Be sure to look for sea turtles and rays that can be spotted swimming close to shore.
Activities: Snorkeling, family-oriented, sunbathing, viewing sea life
4. Hawksnest Beach
Hawksnest Beach is a little off the beaten path compared to the other beaches on this list, but its quieter location makes it a perfect choice for couples, families, and anyone who loves to explore the hidden gems on this paradise island.
Activities: Sunbathing, scenery, less crowded, more seclusion
5. Francis Bay
A more secluded beach on the north shore, Francis Bay is known for its tranquil waters, soft sandy beach, and surrounding natural beauty. The area also provides beach goes with plenty of shade.
Activities: Sunbathing, less crowded, seclusion
North Shore beaches are iconic for St. John, and these five will allow you to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of St. John at a whole new level.
Exploring The Beaches of St. John With a Map
If you're planning on exploring multiple beaches on St. John, you'll find the Beachees St John USVI Map on Google to be a valuable resource. This map provides a detailed layout of the island and all of its beaches, making it easy for visitors to find their way around.
Tip: Even if you don't have reception, you can use Google Maps to get around as the GPS tracking still works. Before leaving anywhere, turn on the directions and leave it up. You can still track your location through GPS even with no reception or data.
In addition to the Google Maps of the island's beaches, you can also visit The Virgin Islands National Park website. Here you can also find another version of a map showing the beaches on St. John, along with trails, landmarks, and much more.
The Beaches of St. John
St. John's beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world, and we hope this blog post has helped you identify some of the top beaches to visit during your trip to this paradise island. From Trunk Bay's crystal-clear waters to the quiet coves of Francis Bay, you're sure to find a beach that suits your needs.
Whether you're a sunbather or a snorkeler, St. John's beaches are sure to leave you spellbound. Be sure to check out the Beaches St John USVI Map to make the most of your beach-hopping adventure!
Plan your dream trip to St. John’s beaches today and enjoy a unique combination of island life and beach living!
Where to Stay On St. John
As you decide on which beaches you'll visit on the island, don't forget to find the perfect villa to stay as well!
When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay and enjoy St. John's beaches, check out some of our favorite vacation rentals in Cruz Bay and our favorite vacation rentals in Coral Bay.
With its stunning views of the Caribbean Sea, spacious rooms and amenities, and an unbeatable location just steps away from some of the best beaches on the island, you're sure to have an unforgettable vacation when you choose us as your home away from home.
Book your dream trip today and start planning all those beach days ahead!
Happy Beach Days Ahead,
-The IRC Team
