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With warm, white sand and lapping, crystal blue waves along the shoreline, St. John beaches are a prime feature on our island in paradise! Whether you’re looking to lounge in the sun or participate in a variety of watersports, St. John beaches provide both relaxation and recreation. Some of our favorite beaches are within the Virigin Islands National Park on the North Shore of the island, which features stunning scenery and a perfect atmosphere for a day in the sand and surf. During your stay with CimmaronStJohn, be sure to soak in some beach days along with enjoying other local attractions and historic sites around the island. Here are 5 of our favorite St. John North Shore beaches to visit during your vacation!

Discover more great destinations across the island when you read our local attractions guideIt includes some of the best St. John beaches, boating and fishing charters, watersports, hiking trails, spas, restaurants, and more! You can also find vacation rentals near North Shore beaches by viewing our rental map!

5 of the Best St. John Beaches: North Shore

Hawksnest Beach

A short drive from Cruz Bay and under two miles from Mongoose Junction sits majestic Hawksnest Beach. This great selection of St. John beaches on the North Shore offers white sands, clear water, and lush palm trees swaying in the gentle breeze. Soak up some sun on the eastern end of the beach early in the morning, or lounge in the shade on the western end during the afternoon. You can also go for a snorkel at the nearby reef. Scan the clear water for orange elkhorn coral and a variety of colorful fish! For lunch at the beach, bring some BBQ for the grill and picnic tables or camp out on the sand with a blanket and basket.

Jumbie Bay

Another great option of St. John beaches is Jumbie Bay on the North Shore. Just over two miles from Cruz Bay and a lot of our St. John rentals, you will discover this pleasant oasis. After parking along the roadside, cross the road and embark down a narrow path through the woods. You will come out of the lush greenery to discover a short stretch of white sand fringed with sea grapes. This is Jumbie Bay! The dramatic setting features wind and surf, making it a beautiful landscape but not the best place for snorkeling. If you want a little more seclusion, however, this is a great choice. Watch the aqua green water lap against the shoreline while you settle down on the white sand with a relaxing vacation read.

Trunk Bay

One of the most iconic St. John beaches is Trunk Bay in the Virgin Islands National Park. The gorgeous beach is featured in many famous photographs of the island, and seeing it in person will be even more breathtaking! Enjoy the golden rays of sunshine sparkling against the water during the day. Then, at sunset, watch the colors melt together in a spectacular display! In between, enjoy some great snorkeling opportunities along a 225-yard-long underwater trail of reefs. This is one St. John beach you simply must visit during your vacation stay!

Cinnamon Bay

Discover great watersport activities at Cinnamon Bay on the North Shore. Snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, and paddle boarding are just a few favorites endeavors. At this beach, you can rent your gear before embarking on an exciting water adventure. You can also book a lesson or guided tour if you’re looking to learn as well as enjoy the surf! Another great feature of Cinnamon Bay is the snack bar, one of the best amenities the sandy stretch has to offer. After an adventure-packed morning of watersports, satiate your appetite with burgers, sandwiches, and more!

Oppenheimer Beach

For simply relaxing on the beach and enjoying the nature of St. John, both tourists and locals alike visit Oppenheimer Beach. The private, “off-the-beaten-path” quality of this beach is due to a lack of watersport rentals and eateries. Parking is also limited to just a few spots along the left side of the iron gate at the entrance. Through the gate, it is just a short hike to the water’s edge and a refreshing serene atmosphere. The destination is worth the effort; spend some quiet time under the palm trees, and enjoy shallow sandy bottom entry to the water to swim or snorkel.

Stay With CimmaronStJohn

Browse our vacation rentals along the North Shore to discover which home is closest to your favorite beach destination! Then, come visit our slice of paradise and enjoy the beach adventure of a lifetime!

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Trunk Bay in St. John is one of the most famous and favorite locations on the island. You simply can’t beat the most pristine beach in the Caribbean surrounded by crystal clear water and panoramic views. Known for St. John Trunk Bay beach & snorkel trails, Trunk Bay coral reefs, and some delicious Trunk Bay food, the area remains among the island’s most stunning and well-preserved destinations. There is plenty to do at St. John Trunk Bay, from exciting water sports to culinary escapades to some classic sunbathing. Let your feet sink into the silky sand as coconut palms drape overhead, casting shade above your beach chair. Or, dive into the water and explore what lies just offshore. Whatever your choice, St. John Trunk Bay is an attraction you don’t want to miss during your stay with CimmaronStJohn!

The History of Trunk Bay in St. John

Recent History

St. John Trunk Bay was, most recently, donated to the National Park Service by Laurence S. Rockefeller and the Boulon Family just over 60 years ago. The beautiful beach and surrounding coral reefs are a favorite feature of the Virgin Islands National Park, though this is just the tip of the iceberg compared to the area’s long history. Extending further back into the past, you will discover that Trunk Bay was claimed and settled by Adrian Runnels and his entourage of slaves before Denmark officially laid claim to St. John in 1718. The remaining sugar mills stand as a reminder of the past St. John industry and slavery, leading up to the 1733 rebellion and much later emancipation in 1848.

Ancient History

The first occupants of the island seem to be the Tainos, who populated the area in 700 AD. This was where the true history of St. John Trunk Bay began. The Tainos lived in Trunk Bay, planted yucca, caught fish, gathered fruit, and created pottery, tools, and weapons for around 200 years. When Christopher Columbus later sailed by, he passed the island’s north shore yet did not report any sign of inhabitants. Archaeological finds suggest the Tainos left in a hurry, with abandoned cooking pots suggesting a mass exit. The question remains what happened to the Tainos? This is one thing history is unsure of. There is a chance the answer lies deep beneath the St. John Trunk Bay sands; when you visit, you might be walking on an unsolved mystery!

What to Do at Trunk Bay Today

Trunk Bay in St. John has so many wonderful activities to enjoy today. The gorgeous beach, is, of course, the favorite attraction. During the day, the sun beams down in a glorious display, while at night, the sunsets create a romantic painting across the sky. One word people use a lot for this destination is paradise! Snorkeling is another favorite endeavor, with calm, clear waters great for swimming and finding coral reefs and schools of fish. There are also food stands along the beach with surprisingly tasty meals to give you energy after letting the sun drain your worries. If you hit the beach at the right time (often very early in the morning), you might even find it pleasantly deserted. Enjoy some private strolls along the powdery shoreline beneath the palms and sea grape trees! Even if the beach is packed, the St. John Trunk Bay amenities are quite nice, such as well-maintained showers, bathrooms, and chair and snorkel equipment rentals.

Stay With CimmaronStJohn

After enjoying a full day taking in the sun, sand, and sea at St. John Trunk Bay, head back to your CimmaronStJohn villa for a private escape on the island. Enjoy luxurious amenities, panoramic views, and more during your stay. We hope you fall in love with St. John!

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