National Park Guide

Virgin Islands National Park

US Virgin Islands, US

Pristine Caribbean beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and lush tropical forests on the island of St. John.

14,940

Acres

Trails

1956

Established

323,000

Annual Visitors

Quick Info

Season

Year-round

Entrance Fee

Free

Nearest Airport

Cyril E. King Airport (STT), Ferry from Red Hook (1 hour total)

Best Months

December, March, April

Highlights

Trunk Bay Beach and underwater snorkel trail
Reef Bay Trail to petroglyphs and sugar mill ruins
Cinnamon Bay Beach and campground
Annaberg Plantation historic ruins
Coral reef snorkeling at Waterlemon Cay

Park Map

Explore trailheads, hotels, and points of interest

Top Trails

Featured trailheads in Virgin Islands National Park

Reef Bay Trail

Moderate

5.0 miles round trip

900 ft gain

Ram Head Trail

Moderate

1.8 miles round trip

200 ft gain

Lind Point Trail

Moderate

2.2 miles round trip

350 ft gain

Cinnamon Bay Nature Trail

Easy

0.5 miles loop

150 ft gain

Johnny Horn Trail

Strenuous

5.0 miles round trip

800 ft gain

About Virgin Islands National Park

Virgin Islands National Park covers nearly two-thirds of the island of St. John, protecting white sand beaches, tropical forests, and coral reefs in warm turquoise waters. The park also preserves centuries of human history from pre-Columbian Taino settlements through Danish colonial sugar plantations.

In-Depth Guide

Virgin Islands National Park Guide: Best Activities, When to Visit & Where to Stay

Plan your trip to Virgin Islands National Park. Top beaches, snorkeling spots, best months to visit, where to stay, and essential tips for St. John.

12 min read

Weather Overview

Average monthly temperatures

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Hotels

3 options near Virgin Islands National Park

Weather

Monthly climate data

Best Time to Visit

Month-by-month analysis

Hiking Gear

Expert-tested picks

Where to Stay

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Gallows Point Resort

$$$

Waterfront resort in Cruz Bay with ocean views, Ocean 362 restaurant, outdoor pool, and direct beach access. Located steps from the ferry terminal and Virgin Islands National Park.

5 min walk to park boundary$350-550/night

Check on Hotels.com

Cruz Bay Boutique Hotel

$$$

Highly rated boutique hotel near the Cruz Bay ferry dock with complimentary breakfast, restaurant, and a 9.6 guest rating. Just 0.3 miles from Virgin Islands National Park.

5 min walk to park boundary$300-450/night

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St John Inn

Charming inn in Cruz Bay with a 9.2 guest rating, featuring complimentary breakfast, outdoor pool, garden terrace, and pet-friendly rooms. A short walk from Cruz Bay Beach and the park.

5 min walk to park boundary$200-350/night

Check on Hotels.com

Compare Virgin Islands National Park

See how Virgin Islands National Park stacks up against other national parks

Virgin Islands National Park vs Channel Islands National Park

Choose Channel Islands for rugged island wilderness, sea caves, and unique wildlife. Choose Virgin Islands for tropical beaches, snorkeling, and a more relaxed island vacation.

See full comparison