The Smallest US Virgin Island Is A Tropical Paradise With One Of The World’s Best Beaches
Tiny but mighty! St. John proves that great things come in small, sun-dreched packages.
This pint-size heaven might be the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, but it has one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. The vibe here is so laid-back that even time itself seems to slow down for a piña colada break.
If you thought size mattered, St. John is here to change your mind! One breathtaking sunset at a time. Are you ready to find paradise on a map? It’s a lot closer than you think!
1. Trunk Bay
Step onto Trunk Bay, and you’ll swear you’ve walked straight into a screensaver. Except this isn’t some digital fantasy; it’s very real, and it’s gorgeous. The sand? Softer than a cloud. The water? So clear you can count the freckles on a fish.
But here’s the real secret: Trunk Bay isn’t just about looking good. It’s about feeling good! Wade in, and the warm, inviting waves feel like a welcome hug from the ocean. The currents are gentle, the vibe is peaceful, and the palm trees seem to nod approvingly as you soak it all in.
If you ever needed proof that paradise exists, Trunk Bay is ready to testify.
2. Maho Bay
Imagine wading into the water and coming face to face with a slow-moving, totally unbothered sea turtle. That’s Maho Bay for you! One of the best places in the world to swim with these gentle ocean wanderers.
Beyond the turtle encounters, Maho’s shallow waters and mellow waves make it the ultimate spot for a lazy beach day. No fighting the surf, no unexpected wipeouts. Just a dreamy, wade-right-in kind of experience.
And if you’re up for a little adventure, paddleboarding here is next-level peaceful. Glide over the glassy surface, spot cruising below, and let the salty breeze carry your worries far, far away.
3. Cinnamon Bay
Forget fancy resorts. Cinnamon Bay is where nature runs the show, and trust me, she puts on a spectacular performance. This beach is longer, wilder, and more rugged than its cousins, making it perfect for those who like their paradise with a little adventure.
Here, the waves have a bit more attitude, perfect for boogie boarding or a splash-filled game of chase-the-waves. And the best part? The offshore snorkeling. Cinnamon Bay’s reef is teeming with life! You never know what you’ll find beneath the surface, and that’s what makes it thrilling.
If you’re the kind of person who loves waking up to ocean breezes and falling asleep under the stars, Cinnamon Bay’s campground lets you live island life. No distractions, no schedules. Just you and nature, vibing in perfect harmony.
4. Honeymoon Beach
Romantic getaway or solo escape, Honeymoon Beach is all about blissful seclusion. Hidden from the crowds, this slice of paradise feels like your own private hideaway!
The only way to get here? A short hike or a boat ride, which means fewer people and more tranquility. The water is calm, the views are unreal, and if you time it right, you might just have the whole place to yourself.
Bonus tip: The beach bar here serves up frozen drinks that taste like pure vacation. Grab a piña colada, sink into a hammock, and let the worries of the real world fade into the background.
5. Hawksnest Beach
Some beaches have that “secret spot” feel, and Hawksnest Beach is one of them. It’s got all the beauty of Trunk Bay without the crowds, making it a favorite for those in the know. Think of it as St. John’s best-kept not-so-secret secret.
The reef is so close to shore that you can snorkel without even trying. Just pop on a mask, stick your face in the water, and boom! You’re in a world of parrotfish, wrasses, and brain coral. No long swim required.
And here’s the kicker: Hawksnest is one of the best spots on the island to catch a fiery Caribbean sunset. Pack a picnic, roll out a beach towel, and watch the sky do its nightly magic trick.
6. Salomon Beach
Not all treasure is buried, some of it is just a short hike away. Salomon Beach is a secluded paradise that rewards those willing to take the scenic Lind Point Trail. With no road access, this is the kind of spot that feels like a private island escape.
The moment your feet hit the sand, you’ll understand why the extra effort is worth it. It’s blissfully quiet, the water is absurdly clear, and the waves are as gentle as a whisper. If you’re the type who dreams of floating for hours without a single distraction (or selfie stick in sight), this is your happy place.
Since it’s off the beaten path, you’ll want to bring everything you need. Water, snacks, and maybe a hammock to string up between two palms. Once you get here, leaving will be the hardest thing you do all day.
7. Jumbie Bay
Sometimes, the smallest places leave the biggest impressions. Jumbie Bay may be just a sliver of sand tucked away off the North Shore Road, but it delivers big-time when it comes to atmosphere.
Because of its size, Jumbie fills up quickly! So, go early in the morning or later in the afternoon, and you might just have this tropical postcard all to yourself. The waves can be a little livelier here, perfect for body-surfing or just standing in the shallows. To really feel the pull of the ocean..
And if you’re into photography, the view of Trunk Bay from Jumbie? Chef’s kiss.
8. Francis Bay
If beaches had personalities, Francis Bay would be the laid-back, no-drama friend who always knows how to keep things chill. Less crowded than Trunk Bay, more spacious than Maho, and with water so calm it looks like glass, this is the perfect place to hit the reset button.
Snorkelers, this one’s for you. The reef here doesn’t get the hype of some others, but it should! Schools of blue tang flash like underwater lightning bolts, eagle rays glide effortlessly, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot an octopus playing hide-and-seek among the coral.
The best part? The water is shallow for a good distance, making it great for beginners and pros alike.
9. Leinster Bay
Some beaches are for sunbathing, and some are for serious exploring. Leinster Bay is definitely the latter, and if you’re into snorkeling, get ready for a front-row seat to the best underwater show in the Virgin Islands.
The beach itself is peaceful, but the real magic happens offshore at Waterlemon Cay. It’s a bit of a swim, but what’s waiting for you beneath the surface is pure magic! Massive starfish chilling on the seafloor and barracudas eyeing you like you’re the new fish in town.
It’s the kind of place that makes you realize the real world isn’t nearly as interesting as what’s happening beneath the waves.
10. Salt Pond Bay
Salt Pond Bay is the kind of place you go when you want fewer footprints in the sand and more time soaking up nature’s finest work.
Here’s what makes it special: the beach is just the beginning. The snorkeling is fantastic, sure, but the real gem is the hike to Ram Head. It’s a bit of a trek, but when you reach the peak and see that stunning view of the Caribbean stretching endlessly before you. It sticks with you!
Back at the beach, the water is calm and shallow, making it perfect for floating away every last worry.