More than just beaches, here you can hike to plantation ruins and learn about a time when sugar dominated the island. You can visit the ancient petroglyphs carved by the Taino Indians and snorkel the coral reefs to discover marine life here. Two thirds of the island of St. John here is the National Park, making it a unique destination for visitors from around the world.
Current Park Alerts
Live from the National Park Service · Official park site →
Plan Your Visit
Hours & Season
Virgin Islands National Park is always open! The Visitor Center and store are open from 8:15 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday - Thursday and 8:15 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Fridays. It is closed on weekends, the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
- Monday: 8:15AM - 4:00PM
- Tuesday: 8:15AM - 4:00PM
- Wednesday: 8:15AM - 4:00PM
- Thursday: 8:15AM - 4:00PM
- Friday: 8:15AM - 1:30PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
Weather
Mostly Perfect! The Tradewinds (the Easterlies) dominate the weather in the Virgin Islands, blowing east to west across the tropical Atlantic. The winter tends to bring stronger winds and less rain, and the summer tends to bring more rain and lighter winds. Be sure to check the forecast often during hurricane season or winter swell events.
Things to Do
Reef Bay Trail
Reef Bay Trail is a strenuous hike that will take you past some of the oldest and tallest trees on the island. Danish sugar plantation ruins, stone walls from cattle grazing, and ancient rock carvings left behind by the pre-Colombian Taino can be found along the trail. During rainy season the waterfall can be spectacular.
Discover Bird Watching in the Virgin Islands
Join our Park Ranger for a tour of Francis Bay Trail and the nearby salt pond. While there you will enjoy to opportunity to view the many resident and migratory birds that call Francis Bay home.
Trunk Bay Underwater Snorkel Trail
This unique underwater trail is a great way to learn about the diverse animals of the coral reef habitat.
Annaberg Sugar Plantation
Reservation requiredTake a self-guided tour of the Annaberg Sugar Plantation and immerse yourself in the time when "Sugar was King" on the island. Volunteer docents are often available during weekdays to answer questions. You are invited to tour the small country garden and learn about traditional uses of plants with Mr. Charles most weekdays,
Cinnamon Bay Nature Loop And Accessible Trail
Cinnamon Bay Plantation was established in 1717 and was one of the earliest and most prosperous sugar plantations on the Island. In 1903, the Danish West India Plantation Company bought Cinnamon Bay and began growing bay rum trees to produce bay leaf oil, which was used in popular colognes and lotions known as St. John Bay Rum.
Getting There
Address: 1300 Cruz Bay Creek St. John VI 00830
There are no airports on St. John so you must fly to the St. Thomas Cyril E. King Airport (code STT) and travel from there. From the airport you rent a car and drive or take a taxi to Redhook (west end) St. Thomas. From there you can either take a car barge to St. John or the people ferry. Once on St. John you can easily walk from the ferry terminal to the Visitor Center.
Get driving directions → Official NPS directions →Where to Stay – Campgrounds
Cinnamon Bay Beach and Campground
121 sites · $50/night
The campground offers bare tent sites, eco-tents, and cottages. Amenities include restrooms, showers, food and beverage service, watersports rentals, beach whe…
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation or permit to visit Virgin Islands National Park?
Some entry windows or activities at Virgin Islands National Park require a reservation or permit. Check the Current Park Alerts and Things to Do sections above, and confirm on the official NPS site before you go.
When is Virgin Islands National Park open?
Virgin Islands National Park is always open! The Visitor Center and store are open from 8:15 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday - Thursday and 8:15 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Fridays. It is closed on weekends, the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
What are the best things to do in Virgin Islands National Park?
Popular things to do in Virgin Islands National Park include Reef Bay Trail, Discover Bird Watching in the Virgin Islands, Maho Bay, Trunk Bay Underwater Snorkel Trail. See Things to Do above for photos and details.
Are there campgrounds in Virgin Islands National Park?
Yes — Virgin Islands National Park has 1 campground, including Cinnamon Bay Beach and Campground. See Campgrounds above for site counts, fees, and booking links.