After traveling to over 50 countries and visiting beaches all over, I can unequivocally say that the US Virgin Islands have some of the most beautiful beaches on the globe! My husband and I first visited the US Virgin Islands in 2023 and were seriously blown away by the beaches!
The Caribbean as a whole has insanely gorgeous beaches, but the US Virgin Islands are especially amazing. If you don’t know much about the US Virgin Islands, they are just east of Puerto Rico and yes they are a US Territory (so Americans can travel there without a passport).
Tip – When in the US Virgin Islands I recommend renting a car to get the most out of your experience. It would be difficult to see all the beautiful places in the islands without a car. Reserve a car here.
8 Best Beaches in the US Virgin Islands
Here is a list of our favorite beaches in the US Virgin Islands! FYI – We visited all of the beaches on the list in March, but they are gorgeous year round.
1. Trunk Bay, St. John
There’s a lot of hype surrounding Trunk Bay in the Virgin Islands. I’m usually quite skeptical of beaches being able to live up to that level of acclaim, but somehow Trunk Bay actually exceeds the hype. Even with its ranking as one of the top 10 beaches on earth, I still think it’s underrated!
Yes, there are a couple of drawbacks, like the $5 entrance fee and the fact that it can get busy, but these are minor inconveniences when compared to the overall experience! The water is unbelievably clear. It is as if you’re swimming in a swimming pool, but somehow the pool is framed by gorgeous soft and and lush green cliffs. Seriously, after going it’s not surprising that Trunk Bay is consistently rated the best beach in the U.S. Virgin Islands and one of the top beaches in the world.
This beach is located in the Virgin Islands National Park on the island of St. John. St. John is adjacent island to the more populated St. Thomas. Since there are fewer hotels and no commercial airport on St. John, most visitors arrive by ferry from St. Thomas. Trunk Bay benefits from the island’s largely untouched natural beauty, which is aided by most of the island being a nature reserve.
Trunk Bay is tucked on the northwest side of St. John. It is surrounded by mountainous terrain. The roads leading to the beach are quite steep and winding, but the journey to get there is part of the charm. Once you arrive, you’ll understand why it’s considered one of the most breathtaking beaches on the planet.
2. Lindquist Beach, St. Thomas
I’ve explored nearly every beach on St. Thomas, and Lindquist Beach easily ranks as one of my favorites! This hidden gem is seriously underrated and deserves way more attention (most others don’t mention it).
Sure, most of the best beaches on St. Thomas have that signature soft white sand and clear water, but Lindquist Beach takes it to another level. The water here is so crystal-clear that I felt like I also felt like I was swimming in a pool here! I could actually see through the waves as they rolled toward me—it was surreal!
Still not sold? Head over to my YouTube channel and check out the video I filmed—trust me, you’ll be convinced!
This beach is part of Smith Bay Park. Lindquist Beach offers a more secluded experience compared to the island’s busier beaches. With shallow waters and less crowds it is ideal for swimming and lounging. While the beach is less developed with only basic facilities, I think this adds to its charm and tranquility.
The beach is on the northeast end of St. Thomas. It sits between two other popular spots: Coki Beach and Sapphire Beach. It’s less than five minutes from both, making it a convenient stop if you’re exploring the island.
3. Magens Bay Beach, St. Thomas
Magens Bay is one of the most famous beaches on St. Thomas – this big beach, lots of people, and lots of amenities. This mile-long stretch of white sand is framed by lush green hills and features calm, shallow waters that are perfect for swimming. The gentle waves and family-friendly atmosphere make Magens Bay an ideal destination for everyone.
In addition to its natural beauty, Magens Bay offers plenty of amenities, including beach chair rentals, picnic areas, and a bar/restaurant. Our Airbnb was conveniently located right next to Magens Bay. It gave us the opportunity to visit this stunning beach multiple times.
Tip: This beach gets extremely crowded on days when cruise ships are in port. If you’re staying on St. Thomas for a few days, try to visit on a day when no ships are docking. You are likely to have big stretches of the beach to yourself!
4. Cinnamon Bay, St. John
Located within the Virgin Islands National Park, Cinnamon Bay is one of the longest beaches on the island of St. John and offers a beautiful stretch of white sand framed by turquoise waters. It’s perfect for those seeking a less crowded alternative to Trunk Bay, but still offers excellent swimming and snorkeling opportunities.
Cinnamon Bay Beach is one of those truly incredible beaches that doesn’t get nearly enough attention! I’m convinced the only reason you don’t hear more about it is because it’s overshadowed by its famous neighbors, Trunk Bay and Maho Bay Beach.
It might also be less popular because it takes a bit more effort to get there. After arriving on St. John, you have to travel a little bit further to reach Cinnamon Bay compared to some of the others. Most people opt for the quicker stop at Trunk Bay instead. I’ve been to both multiple times, and while I’d give Trunk Bay a slight edge, Cinnamon Bay is still a fantastic choice and might even be the better option for you.
Both beaches are just five minutes apart on the northwestern coast of St. John, and both offer gorgeous, clear blue water, soft white sand perfect for lounging, excellent snorkeling, and plenty of amenities to keep you happy all day long.
One thing that sets Cinnamon Bay apart is its 1-mile-long stretch of sand—so there’s always plenty of room to spread out. Another perk is the campground nearby, which is great for those looking to save money on St. John, where accommodations can get pricey.
Cinnamon Bay has everything you need for a full day at the beach. There are showers and restrooms, plus concession stands and a bar, so you’re well taken care of. The beach is about 15 minutes from the Cruz Bay ferry terminal, and once you make the trip, you’ll see it’s absolutely worth it!
Cinnamon Bay also offers water sports rentals and hiking trails nearby. This makes it an ideal spot for adventure lovers who want to explore both the land and sea.
5. Honeymoon Beach, St. John
For a more secluded and romantic beach experience, head to Honeymoon Beach on St. John. This hidden gem is accessible by a short hike from Caneel Bay or by boat. The extra effort rewards you with a peaceful escape with fewer crowds. The water here is calm and clear, making it great for swimming and snorkeling.
Honeymoon Beach is also a favorite for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking, with rentals available right on the beach. Whether you’re looking for adventure or just a quiet spot to unwind, Honeymoon Beach has the perfect mix of relaxation and fun.
During my visit to Honeymoon Beach in St. John, I was blown away by how peaceful and beautiful it was. Getting there required a bit of effort—I had to hike about a mile since there’s no direct car access—but it was totally worth it. The beach felt like a secluded paradise.
There was plenty of shade, which made it easy to relax and take in the natural beauty without being overwhelmed by the sun. The water was so calm and inviting, perfect even for beginner snorkelers.
6. Hawksnest Beach, St. John
Hawksnest Beach is a local favorite. It offers a more laid-back and intimate vibe compared to some of the island’s busier beaches. It features white sand, shallow waters, and stunning coral reefs just offshore. Not surprisingly Hawksnest Beach is great for both snorkeling and swimming.
It’s easily accessible and has picnic tables and restrooms, making it a great spot for families. The beach is lined with palm trees that provide plenty of shade. You will also have amazing views of the surrounding islands. This beach is definitely a must visit on St. John!
7. Maho Bay Beach, St. John
If swimming with sea turtles is on your bucket list, Maho Bay Beach on St. John is the place to be. This calm and shallow bay is famous for its turtle sightings, as well as rays and tropical fish that swim close to shore.
The beach features restrooms, picnic tables, and a small beach bar where you can grab drinks and snacks. There are also water sports rentals available, including kayaks and paddleboards. With these toys you can easily explore the calm shallow waters. For snorkelers, you can rent gear right on the beach and head into the water to spot sea turtles and other vibrant marine life.
8. Coki Beach, St. Thomas
Coki Beach, also known as Coki Point Beach, was definitely one of the liveliest beaches I visited on St. Thomas. The water was calm and clear, the sand was soft and white, and the snorkeling was absolutely amazing.
However, while the water may be calm, this beach is far from peaceful. Coki Beach is a local hotspot for parties, and the vibe was definitely energetic. The bar was pumping out loud music, and the beach was packed with both locals and tourists enjoying the lively atmosphere. I even saw vendors openly selling weed to eager customers.
It’s not as large as some of the other beaches, but it’s free to access, and the water and sand conditions were perfect. If you’re looking for a party vibe with great snorkeling, Coki Beach is the spot!
Overall, the Virgin Island Beaches blew me away. They stand out even amongst other amazing beaches from around the world. If you are looking for an amazing Caribbean getaway, consider visiting the Virgin Island beaches!