Hike on scenic trails, explore sugar plantation ruins and snorkel along an underwater trail in this pristine nature park, which covers much of St. John.
Virgin Islands National Park spreads across more than 7,000 acres (2,800 hectares) of the island of St. John, encompassing tropical bays, coral reefs, stunning beaches, mangrove swamps and forested hills. Follow one of the scenic hiking trails, delve into Caribbean history at an 18th-century plantation or simply lie back and soak up the sun on one of the park’s white-sand beaches.
You’ll find plenty of things to do in Virgin Islands National Park. Tackle some of the park’s more than 20 hiking paths. Choose from a dozen with a distance of 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) or less or string several routes together for a full day on the trails.
For fun in and on the water, head to Cinnamon Bay. Rent kayaks, paddleboats, surfboards or sailboats and hit the beach and the waves. Among the most notable beaches in the park is Trunk Bay, a stretch famous for its silky sands, clear water and excellent facilities. Rent a comfortable beach chair to laze beneath the sun or snorkeling gear to follow the Underwater Trail. As you float along the trail past colorful coral and fish, pause to read underwater plaques that provide additional information about the marine life in the area.
Another popular park location is the Annaberg Plantation, which produced sugar, molasses and rum in the 18th and 19th centuries. Follow the informational trail, which leads past the ruins of the plantation’s old factory, windmill and slave lodgings and features signs sharing historic details.
Opt for a bird-watching stroll along Francis Bay Trail and salt pond or join a ranger-led tour into the verdant Reef Bay Valley. Participants can see ancient rock carvings as they hike through tropical forest. Some tours conclude with boat rides back to the Cruz Bay Visitor Center.
Virgin Islands National Park is open all day, every day, year-round. The visitor center is open daily, with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. While the park itself has no entrance fee, you will need to pay to access Trunk Bay. Facilities open at Trunk Bay from morning through mid afternoon.
