Explore St. John

You could spend a lifetime discovering this nine-mile-long rock of paradise, and many have. From National Park beaches to hiking trails to underwater parks to island nightlife, here are a few of our favorite things.

Middle of the Lind Point Trail through VI National Park

End of Lind Point Trail, arriving at spectacular Honeymoon Bay

Best beach you can walk to from the Inn: Honeymoon

People pay hundreds of dollars to get to this beach by boat, and you can walk there from the Inn — for free!

Go to the Virgin Islands National Park building in Cruz Bay (5 minutes walk from the Inn, across from Mongoose Junction), then take the Lind Point Trail, a half hour hike in all. Can theoretically do this in flip-flops, ages 5 and up. Fantastic, famous beach next to Caneel Bay resort — with concessions and a bar!

Click through the photo gallery to get a taste of this easy hike.

Best beach after 4 pm: Trunk Bay

Trunk Bay is St. John’s most popular and photogenic beach, which during the day usually equals big crowds. But the ticket booth closes at 4 p.m. and it clears out, so from then until sunset you can often have this mystical place almost to yourself. Just look at it. Ideal for a bring-your-own evening cocktail — while floating in the turquoise sea.

Best Hike: Ram Head

This is far on the other side of the island from the Inn, at another favorite beach, Salt Pond, and well worth the journey. It’s about a mile hike each way, passing through a unique blue cobblestone beach and eerie cactus fields, ending in a spectacular 270-degree view south toward South America. Do this hike at night in a full moon and you’ll never be the same.

Best hike with snorkeling: Waterlemon Cay

Waterlemon is one of the island’s best land-access snorkels — turtle sightings are common here. The hikes to get there are excellent as well.

Either go in from the west on the flat, coastal Leinster Bay Trail — you can park at Annaberg. Or, our favorite, hike in from the south in Coral Bay on the rugged, scenic Johnny Horn Trail through the National Park.

Best nightlife: Cruz Bay

The Inn is in the center of the island’s nightlife scene, with great bars like the Beach Bar where you can listen to live bands while splashing your feet in the sea. Recommended spots to eat (other than the Tamarind itself of course) include Roti King, Little Olive, La Tapa, and, if somebody else is paying, Extra Virgin. All steps from the Inn at Tamarind Court.

Best all-around beach: Cinnamon Bay

If you only had time to do one thing on St. John, to go one place, go here. Cinnamon is the quintessential Virgin Islands beach — a little wild but with gorgeous sand, waves, an island key in its bay and spectacular views. Plus it’s the heart of VI National Park, so there’s a tent campground and concessions. On the north shore and easy to get to by taxi or car.