Top 10 Things to Do in St. John USVI: Beaches, Bays, Hikes & History
St. John, in the U.S. Virgin Islands, is one of my favorite places in the world. It’s a fantastic island to explore by land or by boat. Unlike the bar-hopping charter culture of the nearby British Virgin Islands, St. John is two-thirds a U.S. National Park. The park was established in 1956 when Laurance Rockefeller donated much of his land. That protected status has preserved St. John’s natural beauty, making it a paradise for boaters, hikers, and beach lovers.
Here are my top 10 favorite spots in St. John USVI.
10. Caneel Bay
On the northwest corner of St. John lies Caneel Bay, once home to a luxury resort destroyed by Hurricane Irma in 2017. While the resort has not been rebuilt, the beach remains gorgeous. Nearby Honeymoon Beach is popular, and this anchorage is convenient for trips into Cruz Bay for dining and nightlife.
9. Coral Bay
On the opposite side of the island is Coral Bay, a laid-back community perfect for land-based visitors. By boat, I come here mainly to take guests to Skinny Legs, a local favorite, and to Lime Out, the famous floating taco boat.
8. Francis & Maho Bay
These neighboring bays on the north shore share a mooring field. Francis Bay is quiet and features a mangrove boardwalk and small ruins along a one-mile loop hike. Maho Beach is lively, with soft sand, food trucks, and excellent swimming. Offshore, Whistling Cay offers fantastic snorkeling.
7. Cinnamon Bay
Home to the island’s campground, Cinnamon Bay is less crowded than nearby Trunk Bay. Beyond the beach, you’ll find plantation ruins and a beautiful hike through a creek bed shaded by aromatic bay rum trees.
6. Rendezvous Bay
Located on the southwest corner outside the National Park, this peaceful anchorage usually hosts only a handful of boats. The snorkeling is excellent — one side features cliffs with abundant sea life, while the other has fascinating rock formations. On shore, you can hike Fish Gut to a fun rope swing.
5. Annaberg Ruins
This historic sugar plantation, established in 1721, is the most popular and accessible set of ruins on St. John. Nearby, hidden gems include a mid-1800s school for emancipated slaves, a 200-year-old cobblestone road, and an old stone bridge in the woods.
4. Waterlemon
East of Annaberg lies Waterlemon Cay, known for its vibrant soft corals and a sandbar where pistol duels once took place. On shore, hike to additional plantation ruins and enjoy views from an old garrison and great house.
3. Reef Bay
This south shore spot features fascinating ruins and one of the island’s best hikes. The bay has two mooring balls for day use, with good snorkeling along the reef. Inland, a one-mile trail leads to petroglyphs carved 500–1,000 years ago, plus a freshwater pool and seasonal waterfall.
2. Hurricane Hole
This network of bays — Water, Otter, Princess, and Borck — is lined with mangroves. Snorkeling here is magical, with coral, sponges, and fish thriving in the roots. Otter Creek is my favorite, offering one of the most beautiful snorkel experiences in St. John.
1. Salt Pond Bay
My top anchorage on St. John offers everything in one place: a sandy beach, hiking trails, and snorkeling. From here, you can hike to Ram’s Head, the island’s southern tip, or visit Drunk Bay’s coral sculptures. Snorkelers love the nearby turtle families, though mooring is limited to six balls. If full, head to Great Lameshur Bay and nearby Tektite Point, another top snorkel spot.
Why St. John Belongs on Your Travel List
St. John truly has something for everyone: pristine beaches, historic ruins, challenging hikes, vibrant snorkeling, and welcoming local culture. Whether you’re a beachgoer, history buff, adventurer, or sailor, you’ll find your own “top 10” list here. If you haven’t visited yet, make St. John USVI part of your next Caribbean adventure.
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