The Best of St John
St John Beach Guide
BEST BEACH ON ST JOHN
Trunk Bay – You can’t beat St John’s most popular beach – ranked in the TOP 10 BEACHES by Condé Nast Traveler
MOST ROMANTIC BEACH ON ST JOHN
Salomon Bay beach – Off-the-beaten-path (literally), watersports rentals at Honeymoon beach!
Gibney Beach* – Beautiful, exotic and romantic …with wonderful *cottages for rent by the Gibney Family.
NOTE: There are several caterers on-island that can put together a tasty picnic lunch to make your day at the beach extra special.
BEST FAMILY BEACH
Maho Bay – Easy access, shallow water, plenty of shade.
Francis Bay beach – Easy parking, lots of beach with easy entry, shade and good snorkeling/swimming.
BEST BEACH BAR
Beach Bar – Wharfside in Cruz Bay – a perennial favorite!
Miss Lucy’s – Great brunch and drinks at the waters edge!
BEST SHADE BEACH
Maho Bay – Easy access, beautiful sandy beach with Seagrapes and coconut palms for shade.
BEST SNORKELING BEACH
Trunk Bay beach – Top beach in the Caribbean with the Virgin Islands National Park snorkeling trail.
Henley Cay – Staff Pick for Best Snorkeling on St John – Requires a kayak or charter
BEST WATER SPORTS BEACH
Honeymoon Bay beach – Off-the-beaten-path (literally), beach chairs, SUP and kayak rentals at the beach!
BEST SECLUDED BEACH
Denis Bay beach – Not on most maps. Private property above the tree line. Watch for north shore swells.
TOP ISLAND DESTINATIONS
Oppenheimer Beach
OPPENHEIMER BEACH Oppenheimer Beach is located on St John’s world famous North Shore. The property is the former home of Robert Oppenheimer, The Father of the Atomic Bomb. This wonderful location is surrounded by the VI National Park and serves as a recreational center for the people of Saint John. HOW TO GET TO OPPENHEIMER BEACH From Cruz Bay – take Rte 20 ( North Shore Road) approximately 2 miles – just beyond Hawksnest Beach. You’ll pass a white picket fence marking the Gibney’s property. Immediately...
read moreHansen Bay | Vie’s beach
VIE’S – CLOSED 38 years ago Vie began selling cold drinks from a small cooler along the roadside in front of her home on St John’s East End. In the years since, her SnackShack and access to Hansen Bay Beach turned into a true St John tourist destination. This October, 2016, Vie announced that she is closing for good – to enjoy her retirement. We thank her for the years of enjoyment, her Sugar Apple generosity and warm conversations. HANSEN BAY / VIE’S BEACH Hansen Bay Beach is located on St...
read moreRestaurant & Bar Guide
image: Lime Out VI, floating taco bar, located at Hansen Bay, East End, St John. More info: Lime Out VI on Facebook St John Bars + Restaurants Nothing compliments St John’s world famous beaches like the many fabulous restaurants and bars on St John. The following is our guide to great Eats & Drinks on the Island. Cruz Bay Restaurants – Casual Dining The Banana Deck – $$$ – bar, American, Caribbean, seafood Café Roma – $$$ – Italian, pizza Candi’s BBQ – $ – BBQ, Caribbean Chester’s Getaway – $ – pub BBQ Cruz Bay...
read moreHaulover Bay (North)
HAULOVER BAY NORTH Haulover “North” is located on the East End of St John – and borders the Virgin Islands National Park. HOW TO GET TO HAULOVER NORTH From Cruz Bay – take Rte 20 ( North Shore Road) or Centerline toward Coral Bay. Continue past Coral Bay, Skinny Legs heading east. As you descend a steep hill you’ll see signs indicating you are leaving the Virgin Islands National Park. At the bottom of the hill is parking on your left or further up on your right. On the left side of the road is a narrow...
read moreHoneymoon Beach
HONEYMOON BEACH Honeymoon Beach is located within the Virgin Islands National Park – and is one of 7 beaches that make up the CLOSED Caneel Bay Resort. Getting there: Caneel Bay Resort is CLOSED and does not allow access to Honeymoon Beach via Caneel property. Hiking to the beach: Take the Lind Point Trail which starts at the VINP Visitor Center on the east side of Cruz Bay. The scenic hike is about 1 mile each way – and takes about 20>30 min. See map below. Honeymoon Beach Honeymoon Beach has a soft white...
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