Renowned for its beauty, Trunk Bay is a visitor favorite.
Photo: NPS Photo
About
Go beyond Virgin Islands National Park's stunning white-sand beaches. Hike to historic plantation sites to learn about a challenging past when sugar and enslaved labor dominated life on the island. Visit the Indigenous Taino's ancient petroglyphs. Snorkel coral reefs to discover hidden marine life. Two-thirds of the island of St. John is national park, making it a unique destination for visitors.
Activities
Arts and CultureCraft DemonstrationsCultural DemonstrationsAstronomyStargazingBoatingMotorized BoatingSailingCampingCar or Front Country CampingFishingFly FishingSaltwater FishingFoodPicnickingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingHikingBackcountry HikingFront-Country HikingPaddlingKayakingStand Up PaddleboardingSCUBA DivingSnorkelingSwimmingSaltwater SwimmingWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingShoppingBookstore and Park Store
Directions
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 directions →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.
News
Jun 11, 2026
Drowning at Salt Pond Bay
On June 4, Virgin Islands National Park rangers responded alongside St. John Rescue and the Virgin Islands Police Department to an incident at Salt Pond Beach.
May 7, 2026
Virgin Islands National Park Issues Request for Proposals for Caneel Bay Redevelopment
The National Park Service has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the redevelopment of Caneel Bay at Virgin Islands National Park. Proposals may include plans to rebuild, rehabilitate, and operate overnight lodging and related amenities, consistent with National Park Service laws and policies. Any redevelopment must protect natural and cultural resources and support long-term stewardship of the site. Tours of the Caneel Bay site for those planning to respond to the Request for Proposals will happen in early June. Proposal submission deadline is July 8, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. (ET).
Apr 16, 2026
Apply for 2026 Youth Conservation Corps Summer Employment Program at Virgin Islands National Park