The 34 best beaches in and around Cruz Bay

Stunningly beautiful. Great snorkeling. Not crowded at all really since there are so many choices of beaches. We did get there early-ish. 9 am or so.

Incredible! Much less crowded than Trunk Bay! Wonderful place to snorkel. We saw turtles, barracuda, sting ray, and tons of interesting fish! We loved or new friend, James! He makes the best tasting drinks. Make sure to find him at the bar a little further down from the entrance! Get The Lime in the Coconut! Lots of shade. You can rent everything you need for a fun beach day. There are 2 different vendors who sell chairs so check prices. Avg price is between $15 and $20 per chair. Shop it out first to get the best price! Didn’t see the donkeys this visit! Maybe later in the week!

Definitely our favorite beach on St John. There was also a great spot on the right hand side of the beach for snorkeling. We saw all kinds of turtles and pretty fish. Parking is kind of limited, which is kind of nice because the beach doesn't get too busy/crowded.

Beautiful beach, crystal clear waters, restrooms and anything you might need close by. No entry free. Honestly I think I liked this spot better than the famous Trunk Bay.

Absolutely beautiful! The hike down to Cinnamon Bay wasn't bad at all, my mom did it in flip flops. Cinnamon Bay, located in the Virgin Islands National Park, is a stunning beach that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and relaxation. The hike down to the beach is a rewarding experience in itself, with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Once you reach the beach, you'll be greeted by soft, white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The water is incredibly warm and inviting, making it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply wading in the shallows. The beach is also a great spot to relax and soak up the sun. With its stunning scenery, pristine waters, and peaceful atmosphere, Cinnamon Bay is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to St. John.

Great secluded beach that never got crowded early on despite being walking distance from the cruise drop off. The hike is only about a mile but pretty rocky and steep in some places so it naturally keeps people away. Water was clear and beautiful. I regret not having a mask with me as it would have been a great place to snorkel all around.

I parked at the tourist center and took the trail over. It was a pretty flat trail, and great for running! I think on a map the lower trail looks longer, but it’s flatter. The upper trail goes uphill a little bit and looks shorter on a map. I ran into a couple coming down from NPS offices, but it seems like a much harder hike. The beach was beautiful! There are snack bars, bars, and plenty of space. It looks like the two roads leading into the beach are private and not for public vehicles.

Love this beach and the history/ruins. The views are magnificent. We hiked in from Coral Bay Rd.(our rental wouldn’t make it, but I was determined to go-so we set out on foot) We had a great time snorkeling and saw tons of sea life! On land we encountered deer, goats, and no-see-ums that tore me up. You ABSOLUTELY need 4 wheel drive. There are multiple DEEP ruts(photos near the end). So thankful to the sweet soul who carried us back to the top, otherwise we would have never made it! Please, leave only footprints and take only memories and YOUR MESS/stuff/garbage. Help keep the island beautiful.

My recent visit to Dennis Bay in the US Virgin Islands was nothing short of a dream come true, and I can't praise this destination enough! From the moment I set foot on the pristine, powdery sand to the breathtaking views that surrounded me, every aspect of my experience was nothing short of perfection. The beach itself is a hidden gem, offering a secluded and tranquil atmosphere that is a true escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The crystal-clear turquoise waters gently lapped the shore, creating a soothing melody that added to the overall sense of serenity. I found myself captivated by the natural beauty of Dennis Bay – it's a true haven for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. Dennis Bay's immaculate cleanliness and well-maintained facilities deserve special mention. The staff's dedication to keeping the beach pristine is evident, making it a pleasure to stroll along the shore or simply bask in the sun. The amenities, including clean restrooms and convenient beachside services, reflect a commitment to ensuring visitors have a seamless and enjoyable experience. The local community around Dennis Bay also contributes to its charm. The warmth and friendliness of the residents make you feel not just like a visitor, but a welcomed guest in paradise. Whether you're seeking recommendations for local eateries or looking to explore nearby attractions, the locals are always ready with a smile and helpful advice. Sunsets at Dennis Bay are a spectacle that will forever be etched in my memory. The vibrant hues painting the sky as the sun dipped below the horizon created a picture-perfect moment that felt almost surreal. It's a must-see for anyone fortunate enough to visit this slice of heaven on earth. In conclusion, my experience at Dennis Bay, USVI, exceeded all expectations. The combination of natural beauty, cleanliness, friendly locals, and overall tranquility make it a destination deserving of every one of its five stars. I can't wait to return to this paradise and soak in the magic of Dennis Bay once again!

This was a great trail! Parking is just on the side of the road where ever you can find it. The trail down was easy and enjoyable with lots to see on the way. Take the side trail to the petroglyphs, it’s flat, easy walking and worth seeing. The sugar mill ruins are worth seeing too! The ruins are very intact and the placards were informational and interesting. My husband and I took a picnic lunch to eat on the beach to rest before hiking back up. I took a dip in the ocean to cool off. Reef Bay Beach isn’t the best beach to swim - the surf was a rough the day we went and you NEED water shoes to swim. Good beach combing here, though. The hike up: oooo boy. Like many other reviews said, the last 1/3 of the hike back up is a killer. We got a later start to the day then we wanted so we were hiking back up at 1pm, in the heat of the day. My husband and I are active (hike on weekends, weightlift 3-4 days a week) and most of the hike back up was easy. The last bit is at a decently steep incline with several sets of stone stairs and I struggled, though I think it was the heat and humidity that was affecting me the most. The actual trail really wasn’t that bad( I do a trail at home regularly that is steeper and I manage) but hiking it in the heat of the day is not recommended!! Don’t be like me! My husband made out just fine. Make sure you have enough water for the hike back up, you will need it!! That said, my husband and I made the 2.2mile hike back up in about 1hr 15minutes, even with my multiple water/breathing breaks.

One of my top 5 favorite beaches in the USVI. It is rocky, so not the best for swimming. Great snorkeling for those with experience; tons of fish near the reef (watch out for the stone fish!) as well as occasional tutles and dolphins in the area. Be sure to walk the trail to see some neat ruins

Ready to escape the crowds of the north beaches and swim, do some great snorkeling in crystal clear water? This is the beach! Only a few people and shade is available, as is ample parking. Stick to the left side of the beach for wonderful snorkeling. You’ll just need a 4x4 Jeep to get there, along with a sense of adventure and/or love of bouncy drives. Worth it! Go on a day that Miss Lucy’s is open for lunch and stop there on way back.

Short, easy, downhill hike off the Peace Hill windmill trail. Lots of hermit crabs. Uncrowded beach. Just as beautiful as the surrounding beaches. 5-6 parking spots at the trailhead. Well worth the short hike.

Beautiful bay. Plenty of moorings. Rarely full. Easy dinghy ride to mahoe bay.

You'll find Waterlemon by parking in the ruins lot and hiking 3/4 mile on a flat rocky path. It took our family of four (kids ages 9 and 12) about 20 minutes. Bring drinks, snacks, towels and snorkel gear and use the restroom at the ruins as there are no facilities. We found the best snorkeling on the island here, we saw many turtles and stingray, an octopus, blowfish, so many schools and coral and there was a reef shark swimming right along the beach that entertained us for a while. The beach itself isn't as nice as many other beaches on island but it is private due to the hike in, there is shade available and we basically had the place to ourselves the day we went. Our family will remember our adventures at Waterlemon as an experience of a lifetime, the day was really and truly a dream come true.

Stopped here I a chartered boat tour from St. Thomas. Gorgeous

If you can’t go snorkeling with a boat, I do believe this is the best spot accessible from land. 3 things to be aware of - Wear water shoes. There are a lot of sea urchins where you get in the water. - We didn’t have any cell service once we hit the hiking trail. Which was fine. At the head of the trail you will have service from British Virgin island side. If you have to make phone call, be aware of your international plan. - Though not frequent, taxis do pass by if you don’t have a car. Just plan things early and you will be fine.

Excellent historical location. Very moving to see many parts of this plantation. The Friends of the Virgin Islands have demonstrations 3 days a week. It was our lucky day. We were able to try fresh bread, and got to tour the kitchen-which showed the wealth of the previously enslaved owner who bought the plantation that once owned him. It was so incredibly informative.

The beach club is great. Staff works hard. The shuttle is well worth it and the beach chairs are nice. Cabanas are crazy $$ but why not….some might pay and the biz needs to make $$. We had excellent service and it is one Of the finest beaches on the island. Also close to Cruz Bay and hiking.

The food is fine, prices are high, but the location and views are outstanding! We caught a sunset here and this is one of the best spots on the island to catch one. You can see for miles, and across many of the other islands. Grab a drink and an app and chill as the sun slides away. There's a small playground for the tots, and a trail that leads back to the north to another disc golf field you can chill at if this area is too crowded. Parking is about $5.

Beautiful resort in St Johns. We loved our stay there. The beaches around the island are gorgeous. There are wild iguanas all around the resort. Grounds were kept clean and the pool was nice. Lots of amenities including pickleball, tennis, gym, and smoothies at the pool.

You cannot beat the location of Cinnamon Bay campground if you're staying on St. John. Our tent was just a short walk from the beach. The restaurant/cafe is awesome! The breakfast options are really good, and the food comes really fast. The cinnamon rolls are amazing! We ate supper on Pasta night and it did not disappoint! Plus, the atmosphere, with the string lights, is pretty awesome. The showers are nice. And the camp stove and camping kit does come with everything you need. We forgot our can opener, but there was one in the kit. Perfect! They also provide a cooler for your food. One tip: bring ear plugs if the sound of the ocean keeps you awake or also thousands of tree frogs. It was a bit loud at night and we were thankful we brought ear plugs.

My Wife and I stayed here at the end of June for 5 nights. We enjoyed our stay at Estate Lindholm. The property was very nice and quiet. The room was clean and had incredible views. The property was close to Cruz Bay and the National Park. You could walk to Cruz Bay if you wanted. We had a Jeep and always drove. The management and employees were very nice and helpful. The next time we go to St. John we will stay at Estate Lindholm.

Getting there was an adventure in itself - ferry from St. Thomas to St. John's, a bus ride from the ferry to the gates, followed by a shuttle that drops you right at the beach. The facilities? Let’s just say they’re functional, but don’t expect anything fancy. Still, once you set eyes on the beach, any minor inconveniences melt away. This place is pure paradise, even with the water a bit clouded from recent storms. It’s still one of the best beaches I’ve ever been to - a peaceful atmosphere that makes it feel like your own private escape. And here’s a surprise: there’s an on-site bar! A little unexpected for a national park, but hey, no complaints here. Sipping a cold drink with that view? Perfection. It wasn’t crowded at all during our visit, which made it even better. The few people we did chat with were laid-back and friendly, adding to the welcoming vibe. If you’re looking for a quiet, picturesque spot to relax, this beach is absolutely worth the trip.

It's a relatively long hike to get out to the Waterlemon Bay beach area, but the walk is worth it if you can appreciate the scenery along the way. Once you park your car, you'll walk along the Leinster Bay trail for about 10-15 minutes, weaving in and out of the coastline, until you reach the sandy area in the crook of Waterlemon Bay. If you're not convinced, just check out the photos I've included with this review. The landscape is incredible, the wildlife is abundant (tons of hungry pelicans and egrets fishing along the shore), and the view out over the water is incredible. Once you get to the beach, the snorkeling is decent close to the shore, and if you're adventurous enough to swim out to Waterlemon Cay, it gets even better.

Well maintained trail. 3-4 parking spots at the trail head. Most of the trail is shaded, but hot. We went out and back to the top of Caneel Hill. Pretty much all up on the way there, all down on the way back. Bring plenty of water and bug spray. The view from the top is beautiful. Lots of hermit crabs on the trail

With the release of the movie "Oppenheimer," it was an obsession to find the house where J. Robert Oppenheimer lived on St. John when we discovered we would be visiting the island. It is difficult to find, because there is no sign or marker off the road. If you're driving from Cruz Bay toward Hawksnest beach, keep driving until you see a white picket fence and, just beyond that, you'll see black iron gates with a chain on it and room enough for just three cars. That is Oppenheimer Beach. There is an opening in the locked gates, which, if you look at them carefully, have "Oppenheimer Beach" in wrought iron. Down the short paved driveway, you'll come upon the most beautiful white sand beach and his former home, a yellow house on the bay. It is in ruins and needs serious rehabbing, but the historic value still impresses. The white picket fence is for the Gibney Villa, which is a beautiful white house on the beach that is available for rental. Across the bay, you can see part of the former Caneel Bay resort. Get there early to nab one of the three parking spots. We got there at 8:45 a.m. and they were all taken! There is one parking spot off the road, facing the white picket fence. We were lucky to get that one!