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.

Best all-around beach: Cinnamon Bay

If you’re not on-island long and only have time for one place to get the best of St. John, go here.

It’s the national park’s longest beach — perfect for sun-bathing, strolling the white sands, swimming, spreading out. It has watersports and a fine snorkeling cay to boot. Plus as rustic as it is, there’s food there. Dubbed one of “six Caribbean beaches to visit before you die.” Unbeatable.

Best beach after 4 pm: Trunk Bay

Trunk Bay is St. John’s most world famous 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, 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, and the hikes to get there are excellent as well. Either go in from the west on the flat, coastal Leinster Bay Trail, or from the south in Coral Bay on the rugged, scenic Johnny Horn Trail through the National Park. Turtle sightings common here.

Best beach you can walk to from the Inn: Honeymoon

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 all in flip-flops. Fantastic, famous beach next to Caneel Bay resort.

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.