13 Incredible Things to Do in St. John, USVI (in 2025!)

Searching for tips on one of the most beautiful places to visit this year? This is a guide to the best things to do in St. John and reasons why you should visit (and what to do when there)!

The stunning island of St. John in the US Virgin Islands is one of the main three islands along with St. Croix and St. Thomas. It is known for its picture-perfect beaches with crystal blue water and white sandy beaches (offering world-class snorkeling).

Visitors flock to St. John for its beaches and water experiences, but there is plenty to do beyond that!

This guide will take you through what to do on St. John – from the best beaches on the island to the top spots to drink a refreshing craft beer.

Click here if you’re looking for the best things to do in St. Thomas instead.

These are my favorite things to do in St. John. If you have any other recommendations please leave a comment below. Thanks!

Best Things to Do in St. John

1. Go Night Kayaking with a Small Group

One of the top experiences in St. John is this nighttime kayak tour (with a small group). Leaving from the Westin Resort, you will put on glow paint and go paddling in clear kayaks out into the sea! On this trip, it is likely that you’ll see sting rays, tarpons, and more.

There are two evening departure times and you will have an expert guide narrating along the way. The tour goes for just under an hour (with 15 minutes beforehand to check in, get dressed, and take photos).

>> Click to check nighttime kayaking rates and availability

2. Explore Virgin Islands National Park

One of the main attractions on the island is Virgin Islands National Park, an underrated national park that encompasses two-thirds of the island as well as a vast section of the surrounding water.

Within the park, there are numerous historical sites including ancient petroglyphs and the ruins of the plantations that were once commonplace throughout the island.

Along with the fascinating historical sites, the park is crammed full of gorgeous beaches and epic hiking trails. The National Park Service maintains the trails and beaches throughout the park keeping them clean and accessible for all visitors.

Virgin Islands National Park also offers several ranger-led programs, including guided hikes, bird watching, and various other options. The park is free to enter, although there are some areas, such as Trunk Bay, that charge a small fee to enter.

I have listed most of the popular individual things to do within the park in some of the things to do below. This is one of the least visited national parks in the United States.

3. See Gorgeous Trunk Bay

Trunk Bay is one of the most popular beaches on the island due to its vibrant blue-green hues and surrounding scenery.

The beach consists of fine white sand, backed by dense green foliage, making it feel like one you would find on a remote desert island. It is also renowned for its leatherback turtles that swim in these blue waters!

Along Trunk Bay and its beaches, there are a number of things to do like renting a kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or various other equipment.

For those keen on snorkeling, there is an underwater snorkeling trail that takes you through the coral reef, with informative signs detailing what you are seeing.

Trunk Bay is located on the northern shore of the island and is a very popular spot during the high season, with a daily influx of cruise ship passengers choosing to spend their time at port there.

To maintain the natural beauty, there is a small fee of $5 to visit the beach and this fee still applies even on free park days.

If you’re not staying in St. John, don’t worry! You can take one of these excursions from St. Thomas and get to see Trunk Bay and other sights on the island!

4. Visit the Famous Lime Out Taco Boat

There are few meals in this world better than tacos, and where better to each delicious tacos than when floating in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean (okay, besides Mexico)?

Situated in the middle of Coral Bay (it used to be located in Hansen Bay), the lime green taco boat is one of the best and most famous places to eat on the island. And… it is only accessible by boat!

Since reaching Lime Out can only be done via boat, stand-up paddleboard, or kayak, it is best to book a tour there.

I recommend booking the St. John Lime Out and snorkel tour, where you will get to enjoy a morning of snorkeling before heading to Lime Out for some delicious tacos and cocktails as your lunch.

>> Click here to book your snorkel trip to Lime Out Taco Bar

5. Go Snorkeling at Maho Bay

While there is no shortage of beautiful beaches on St. John, Maho Bay Beach offers visitors some of the best snorkeling on the island!

And while the beach is still beautiful, it is important to note that many pictures online of the beach are from before Hurricane Maria caused a lot of damage in 2017.

Maho Bay is famous for its cutest residents – the loggerhead, leatherback, and endangered green turtles!

Along with turtles, there are several species of fish and rays that visit the warm waters, although there is less coral here than on other beaches on the island. You will have a chance to see all of this when snorkeling there!

If snorkeling is not your jam, there is a kayak rental available on the beach, with the tranquil clear waters providing a window to view the underwater world beneath (clear kayaks are available).

The beach can be reached by car and there is parking available just a short walk from the shore. Maho Bay is not as popular as Trunk Bay so it can be good for escaping some of the high-season crowds.

6. See the Petroglyphs in Reef Bay Valley

In Reef Bay Valley, you will find one of the island’s rarest sites, ancient petroglyphs that possibly belong to the Taino people who inhabited the island before European Settlers.

Carved over 1000 years ago, it is unknown what purpose they served, although it was most likely a religious area where people connected with their ancestors on a spiritual level. The carvings are mostly found carved into rocks just above pools of water which perfectly reflects the drawings.

Along with the enthralling history that we still know very little about, the petroglyphs are in one of the most beautiful areas on the island with a waterfall cascading down into the valley and plenty of lush greenery!

The valley is also home to some of the island’s oldest and tallest trees which create a nice, shaded canopy to escape the Caribbean heat. The Reef Bay Valley petroglyphs are located close to the end of the Reef Bay Trail, which begins at Centerline Road.

At 4.4 miles long, the trail is of moderate to advanced difficulty. The return journey is a little more difficult as you will need to ascend for 2 miles to return to the trailhead.

The National Parks Service offers a guided hike which includes transportation to the trailhead and a boat back to Cruz Bay (perfect for those not wanting to attempt the more challenging return hike).

7. Relax at Cinnamon Bay Beach

Cinnamon Bay Beach is the longest beach on the island, which helps break up the crowds and offers a more peaceful experience during the high season.

The waters are calm and warm, perfect for snorkeling. You will likely see a turtle or two and plenty of fish as you explore beneath the waves. However, one of the more interesting animals to visit the beach is the deer (they tend to hang out in the morning hours).

Unfortunately, camping has been prohibited since the hurricanes, so you will have to head there early and cannot stay overnight.

To the west of the beach is Little Cinnamon Beach, a secluded beach that can be reached by a somewhat challenging hike that is well worth the reward. There is also a plane wreck off the coast a bit that can be easily snorkeled to.

Reaching Cinnamon Bay Beach is easily done by car and once there, you will find a number of amenities from food and drink to water equipment rentals.

8. Visit the Annaberg Sugar Plantation Ruins

Annaberg Sugar Plantation provides a glimpse into a darker time in the Virgin Islands’ history when the sugar cane industry dominated the island and enslaved people were forced to care for the crops.

There are a number of plantation ruins scattered across the islands, but none are as well preserved as the Annaberg Sugar Plantation which is located on the western edge of St. John.

On-site, you will also see the remains of rudimental houses built for the workers, which provide a bleak and harrowing depiction of the arduous life forced upon them.

The ruins can be reached by car, with a parking lot a short and easy walk from the plantation.

Take time to explore the area and hiking trails that lead away from the plantation as you will be greeted by some of the most spectacular views on the island. Some of the island’s highlights tours will also make a stop at the Annaberg Sugar Plantation Ruins.

I recommend taking the St. John Island and Trunk Bay beach tour, where you will get to spend an hour visiting and learning about the history of the plantation, before heading to some of the island’s beautiful beaches.

9. Stop in the Elaine Lone Sprauve Library and Museum

Note: The library may or may not be closed when you are visiting St. John. They have struggled to find a librarian and it was reported closed currently by another reader! I read somewhere else that it was still closed because of the hurricane, as well. I am keeping it on here because you can always see the exterior of the historic building when there.

The Elaine Lone Sprauve Library and Museum is one of the oldest buildings on the island and home to a library and museum documenting the island’s history. Architecturally, the building stands out, with its bright yellow facade accented by white detailing.

The house was built in the 18th century, passing through many owners before finding itself abandoned until the late 1970s when it was restored to its former glory and opened to the public. The building is free to enter and can be fully explored within a couple of hours.

10. See the Reef Bay Sugar Factory

At the very end of the Reef Bay Trail are the remains of a sugar factory built at the start of the 19th century. Unlike many of the other buildings related to the sugar plantations in the US Virgin Islands, the factory has survived remarkably well and was in use up until the early 20th century.

The St. John attraction is now managed by the National Parks Service and several signs guide you through the buildings explaining their functions and the history of the landmark.

Within the main factory building, some of the original machines that would have been used during sugar production are still housed. There are also other buildings and dwellings scattered around, but sadly some of these have not fared as well as the main factory building.

The factory can only be reached by completing the Reef Bay Trail and the walk to the factory is much easier and passes by the petroglyphs I mentioned above. However, the route back can be a little more challenging with lengthy inclines (as also mentioned above!).

To avoid having to hike back, you can join a guided tour offered by the National Park Service, where a boat will return you to Cruz Bay after completing the hike to the Reef Bay Sugar Factory.

11. Discover Honeymoon Beach

Spend a day at Honeymoon Beach, one of the island’s most idyllic and beautiful beaches – it is a must-add to your itinerary for St. John! Despite its close proximity to Cruz Bay, the beach feels a little more secluded and can only be reached by a 1-mile long hike on the Lind Point Trail.

The picturesque beach is now home to some of the few remaining leaning palms that were once commonplace throughout all the beaches until being destroyed by Hurricane Maria.

The beach also has its own amenities, including rental options for stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and deck chairs. If you get hungry or thirsty, head up Salomon Bay Road to ZoZo’s at Caneel Bay for some Italian cuisine with a view!

12. Visit St. John Brewers for Some of the Island’s Best Craft Beer

Craft beer has become a staple across much of the continental US and its reach has made it to the islands. St. John Brewers is an awesome little craft brewery that has been supplying the islands with thirst-quenching beers for over two decades.

They offer a great range of beers that play with the tropical flavors that are so abundant here. The brewery has its own taproom, where you can find a rotating selection of its beers, including its core range and more seasonal small-batch options. I tend to opt for a fruity IPA such as the Juicy Booty Hazy IPA or a more sour beer.

Along with a great offering of beers, the taproom has a classic pub menu, perfect for soaking up any alcohol consumed that day.

If you’re looking for something other than beer, St. John Brewers makes their own sodas, too! Ginger beer and root beers are the perfect nonalcoholic substitutes.

13. Hike the Ram Head Trail

When you imagine St. John, you probably solely think of tranquil white sandy beaches where the vibrant sea gently laps.

However, hidden along the southeastern coast is a more rugged side to the island. And the Ram Head Trail is the best way to explore the wilder side of things that St. John has to offer!

The 2.3-mile trail leads you around to a rocky head passing through some of the island’s more dramatic landscapes. The trail starts at Salt Pond Bay and works its way along the coast, taking you past some rough beaches and fierce waves on the rocks.

The final part of the hike is through a path lined by cacti up to the top of Ram’s head. From the top, you will be able to enjoy incredible views of the island and out across the sea to beautiful Saint Croix.

Parking is available at Salt Pond Bay, and the trail takes a few hours to complete. I recommend starting earlier in the day when the weather is cooler and the crowds are yet to arrive. Given the rugged terrain, hiking shoes and appropriate clothing are a must! Also, bring lots of water.

Things to Do in St. John (On a Map!)

Are there any landmarks in St. John that I missed? What are your top things to do in St. John? Let me know in the comments below! Thanks!

More USVI Travel Guides

• Best things to do in St. Thomas
• Best beaches on St. John
• St. John itinerary
• St. Thomas itinerary
• Best things to do in St. Croix
• Beautiful beaches on St. Thomas
• Best St. Thomas tours
• Beautiful beaches on St. Croix

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Megan Starr

Megan is a travel blogger and writer with a background in digital marketing. Originally from Richmond, VA, she now lives in Finnish Lapland after previous stints in Norway, Germany, Armenia, and Kazakhstan. She has a passion for winter travel, as well as the Nordic countries, but you can also find her eating her way through Italy, perusing perfume stores in Paris, or taking road trips through the USA. Megan has written for or been featured by National Geographic, Forbes, Lonely Planet, the New York Times, and more. She co-authored Fodor’s Travel ‘Essential Norway’ (2020) and has visited 45 US states and 100+ countries.