Explore Cinnamon Bay on St. John
Nestled within Virgin Islands National Park on St. John is spectacular Cinnamon Bay. Swim or snorkel off Cinnamon Bay Beach, known for its white sands and dazzling turquoise waters. Glamp under the stars in an outfitted eco-tent at Cinnamon Bay Beach & Campground. And hike a forest trail that leads past historic sugar plantation ruins.
- Virgin Islands National Park
- Cinnamon Bay Beach
- Cinnamon Bay Beach & Campground
- Cinnamon Bay Nature Loop & Accessible Trail
- Cinnamon Bay Trail
Virgin Islands National Park
Encompassing nearly two-thirds of St. John, Virgin Islands National Park stretches from the island’s lush mountainous region to its sandy shoreline. Within the Park you’ll discover a maze of challenging hiking trails, historic ruins, and some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and coral reefs — 40% of Virgin Islands National Park is underwater. Make your first stop the Cruz Bay Visitor Center to learn about Virgin Islands National Park’s connection to 3,000 years of St. John history, with exhibits on the island’s plantation past and Indigenous Taino people. You can also pick up trail maps and souvenirs here.
Cinnamon Bay Beach
Within Virgin Islands National Park, beautiful Cinnamon Bay is home to Cinnamon Bay Beach, known for its one-half mile of soft white sand and brilliant turquoise waters. Cinnamon Bay Beach & Campground offers on-site kayak, paddleboard, snorkel gear and chair rentals. A food truck sells lunch fare like hot dogs and pulled pork sandwiches, along with yummy frozen cocktails (try the strawberry daiquiri).
Swim in the crystal-clear waters or snorkel to fascinating sites not far from shore. Explore the ancient underwater fish holding pen believed to have been constructed by the native Taino people. Move on to the submerged historic village and see a sunken plane from the 1940s. Along the way you’ll encounter a variety of coral and a kaleidoscope of colorful tropical fish, sea turtles and rays.
Cinnamon Bay Beach & Campground
Spend the night glamping in an eco-tent or get cozy in a cottage at Cinnamon Bay Beach & Campground. Eco-tents for two feature a queen-size bed, lights, electric outlets, a cooking kit, bath towels and a picnic table. Family eco-tents feature bunk beds and sleep four. Concrete cottages are outfitted with a queen bed, pull-out sofa, mini refrigerator, ceiling fans, lights and an outdoor grill. Or rough it on a bare site with a platform and rain cover, with tents available for rent.
The General Store stocks groceries, drinks (including local beer and to-go Painkillers), toiletries, ready-to-cook foods and ice cream. You’ll also find souvenirs, like Cinnamon Bay hoodies and hats. Twice a month during high season the General Store hosts Makers Markets, featuring goods from local artisans.
At the Rain Tree Cafe, enjoy breakfast and dinner on the breezy patio. Morning offerings include pancakes and breakfast sandwiches. For dinner, try the jerk chicken or prime rib. The Friends of Virgin Islands National Park hosts free Cinnamon Campground Chats weekdays from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the Rain Tree Cafe. Topics include Sea Turtle Talk (Monday), Traditional Music & Crafts (Tuesday), Music of the Caribbean (Wednesday), Birds of St. John (Thursday) and Coral Reef Ecosystems (Friday).
Cinnamon Bay Nature Loop & Accessible Trail
The Cinnamon Bay Nature Loop and Accessible Trail is a relatively easy hike, with a boardwalk that accommodates wheelchairs and strollers for the first .09 miles. Traverse the entire half-mile loop that goes from the beach through a forest of fragrant bay rum trees to the ruins of the former Cinnamon Bay Sugar Plantation. Interpretive signs provide information about the plants and animals you’ll encounter, along with details on life during the plantation era. You may spy the above-ground tombs of the former plantation owner’s wife and children, resting in a shady grove.
Cinnamon Bay Trail
Skilled hikers will want to tackle the Cinnamon Bay Trail. This strenuous one-mile trail begins east of the plantation ruins. You’ll hike uphill through a shady forest of mango, genip, guavaberry, kapok and mammee apple trees. Take the 0.38-mile spur off the trail that leads to the ruins of a great house known as America Hill.
More to Explore on St. John
Explore Virgin Islands National Park