Top Beaches in the United States Virgin Islands
Located on the northern side of the island of Saint Thomas in the United States Virgin Islands, Magens Bay - also known as Magens Bay Beach – is a three-quarter-mile-long white sand crescent-shaped beach that is recognized as the most popular, most visited, and most photographed beach on the island. The beach is situated in the middle of a deep bay, which has Tropaco Point to the west and the Peterborg Peninsula on its western side as its arms, which together provide Instagram-worthy views. Magens Bay is part of the protected Magens Bay Park, which features a coconut grove, a mangrove, an arboretum, wetlands, and three bath houses spread over 68 acres overseen by the Magens Bay Authority.
St. John's most famous beach, Trunk Bay, is one of the most photographed beaches in the world, with lush greenery surrounding the white sands of the bay. The jungled park that lies just beyond the sand consists of hiking trails, plantation ruins, and views like no other. The beach itself has dreamy, turquoise waters and an atmosphere of romance and serenity.
Offshore coral reefs are incredibly well-preserved and beautiful, making for spectacular snorkeling. Snorkeling the Underwater Trail is 225 yards of stunning coral reefs, colorful fish, and thousands of unique photo opportunities. The more beautiful sighting is the rare indigo-blue tunicates, which are breathtakingly blue corals that seem to glow underwater. You can rent chair and snorkel equipment and enjoy other beach facilities, such as a bar/grill, chair rental, showers, restrooms, and lifeguards. Laying out on the sand under the natural shade from thick, coconut palm trees is the most amazing feeling while on the island of St. John.
End your day with a sunset dinner at one of our favorites, La Tapa. There are many delicious restaurants available on St. John, but none have the same innovative dishes or wonderful customer service that La Tapa has. As you sip the last of your wine and watch the sun gradually disappear behind the water's edge, snap a few pictures to remember your sophisticated evening and reminisce over your fun-filled beach day. Trunk Bay is the only beach on the island that charges an entrance fee, but it's obvious that every penny is more than worth it. Come relax at the famous Trunk Bay -- it won't let you down.
Located on the northern part of the island of Saint John, Maho Bay Beach – also called Maho Beach – is a narrow 1,600-feet-long curve-shaped white sand beach with a few nearby rocks and reefs. This beach is a part of a national park named Virgin Islands National Park. TripAdvisor listed this beach as one of “the best 25 beaches in the Caribbean” as a part of its Travelers’ Choice awards of 2024. In addition, Travel+Leisure magazine also praised this beach, and it is a favorite of Randall Kaplan, the world’s foremost beach expert who is known as Mr. Beach. The travel website theculturetrip.com also listed this St John beach as one of the most beautiful beaches of Saint John.
