Cinnamon Bay Beach St John
St. John's longest beach, offering soft white sand, clear turquoise waters, and a relaxed atmosphere within the National Park.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Cinnamon Bay Beach St John
Best Time
Beat the crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
St. John's longest beach, offering soft white sand, clear turquoise waters, and a relaxed atmosphere within the National Park.
"It's the longest beach on St. John with clear, brilliant turquoise water and soft white sand."
🎯 Choose Your Spot Wisely
If it's windy, sit on the left side for less sand in your face . Closer to the water means less wind.
🍹 Try a Frozen Painkiller
The beach bar is a must-visit for refreshing drinks, especially their famous frozen painkillers .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Expansive White Sand Shore
The entire beach
St. John's longest beach boasts soft white sand and clear, brilliant turquoise waters perfect for swimming.
Colonial Ruins
Behind the beach
Explore remnants of old Danish sugar plantation ruins, adding a historical layer to your beach day.

Snorkeling Opportunities
Near the shore
While not as coral-rich as some other bays, snorkeling here offers clear visibility and a chance to see marine life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Longest Beach
Campground & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Choose Your Spot Wisely
If it's windy, sit on the left side for less sand in your face. Closer to the water means less wind.
🍹 Try a Frozen Painkiller
The beach bar is a must-visit for refreshing drinks, especially their famous frozen painkillers.
🚗 Parking Perks
More parking available than at Trunk Bay, making it a convenient option.
🚶♀️ Walk to the Beach
Be prepared for a short walk (approx. 200 yards) from the parking lot to the sand.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Choose Your Spot Wisely
If it's windy, sit on the left side for less sand in your face. Closer to the water means less wind.
🍹 Try a Frozen Painkiller
The beach bar is a must-visit for refreshing drinks, especially their famous frozen painkillers.
🚗 Parking Perks
More parking available than at Trunk Bay, making it a convenient option.
🚶♀️ Walk to the Beach
Be prepared for a short walk (approx. 200 yards) from the parking lot to the sand.
🤿 Snorkel Gear Rental
Rent snorkel gear on-site to explore the clear waters.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cinnamon Bay Beach is praised for its expansive white sand, clear turquoise waters, and ample amenities, making it a well-equipped and enjoyable destination. While it can get crowded, it offers more space and parking than some other popular spots. Some find it less visually stunning than Trunk Bay, but its accessibility and facilities are significant advantages.
"This is one of the most well-equipped beaches on this side of the island. They have nice bathrooms, open air showers, foot shower stations, places to change, a place to buy drinks, a campground, etc.
It does tend to be more crowded than some of the other beaches. Even though the parking lot is small, the taxis drop a lot of people off here."
Greg Eakins
"So much yes! If its windy sit on the left side of the beach. The closer you sit to the water the less wind-sand you get to the face. There were even little sand-devil (whirwinds) on the beach, which was cool to watch from the water. The sand is white. The water is so clear. Not a lot of vegetation or coral in close at this beach, which makes it perfect for swimming. They have a beach bar, and I highly recommend the frozen painkillers. You can also rent chairs and snorkel gear."
BlueBox Media
"Beautiful beach, gift shop, food truck, restrooms lots of parking 200 yard walk to the beach but it's worth it. Water is incredible..."
TNBIGMAN
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cinnamon Bay Beach is located on the north shore of St. John in the US Virgin Islands. It's accessible by car, with a parking lot available, though it can fill up. Taxis also frequently drop off visitors here. The drive involves narrow roads and sharp turns, so beginner drivers should be cautious.
Yes, Cinnamon Bay is one of the most well-known beaches on St. John and is clearly marked. It's the longest beach on the island, making it hard to miss.
Yes, driving is a popular way to reach Cinnamon Bay. There is a parking lot, though it can get busy, especially during peak times.
Many visitors rent cars to explore St. John at their own pace, including reaching Cinnamon Bay. Taxis are also readily available and a convenient option if you prefer not to drive.
Yes, Cinnamon Bay Beach is located within the Virgin Islands National Park, which protects 60% of St. John.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, unlike some other popular beaches like Trunk Bay, there is no entry fee for Cinnamon Bay Beach. This makes it a more accessible option for visitors.
Cinnamon Bay Beach is generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. The facilities like the beach bar and rental shops may have specific operating hours, which can vary seasonally.
Yes, Cinnamon Bay Campground offers eco-tents, cabins, and traditional campsites. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season, as it's the only in-park accommodation.
While there's no entry fee for the beach itself, camping at Cinnamon Bay Campground will incur fees based on the type of accommodation chosen (campsite, tent, or cabin).
There is a parking lot available at Cinnamon Bay Beach. While it's often less crowded than other popular spots, it can still fill up, especially when taxis bring many visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Cinnamon Bay Beach is well-equipped with restrooms, open-air showers, foot showers, changing areas, a beach bar, and a gift shop. You can also rent chairs and snorkel gear on-site.
Yes, the water at Cinnamon Bay is very clear and generally calm, making it excellent for swimming. There's not a lot of vegetation or coral close to shore, which is ideal for swimmers.
Besides swimming and sunbathing, you can enjoy snorkeling, explore the nearby colonial ruins, and take long walks along the expansive shoreline. Water sports rentals are also available.
While it's the longest beach and offers more space, Cinnamon Bay can get crowded, especially when taxis drop off many visitors. It's often considered a good alternative if Trunk Bay is too packed.
Yes, Cinnamon Bay Beach has well-maintained restrooms and open-air showers available for visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a beach bar that serves drinks, including their highly recommended frozen painkillers. There is also a food truck and a gift shop on site.
The food truck typically offers casual beach fare. The beach bar is known for its refreshing cocktails and snacks.
While there are dining options directly at the beach (bar and food truck), for a wider variety of restaurants, you would typically need to travel to Cruz Bay, the main town on St. John.
Yes, visitors are generally welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy on the beach. However, be mindful of leaving no trace and disposing of trash properly.
The frozen painkillers from the beach bar are a highly recommended local favorite.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the sweeping panoramic views of the long, white sand beach, the clear turquoise water, and the colonial ruins behind the beach. Drone shots offer stunning perspectives of the coastline.
Yes, drone footage of Cinnamon Bay Beach showcases its impressive length and the vibrant colors of the Caribbean Sea. Always check local regulations regarding drone usage.
Early morning or late afternoon offer softer light for photography. Midday sun can be harsh, but the vibrant colors of the water are still striking.
The colonial ruins provide a historical backdrop, and the expansive beach allows for capturing wide shots of paradise. Proposals and engagement photos are also captured here.
Use terms like 'Cinnamon Bay Beach St John,' 'USVI beaches,' 'Caribbean paradise,' 'turquoise water,' and 'Virgin Islands National Park' for relevant image searches.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
With amenities like restrooms, showers, and a beach bar, families can comfortably spend the entire day here. Renting chairs can add extra comfort for parents. The nearby colonial ruins also offer a touch of historical exploration that can be engaging for older children. Plus, the absence of an entry fee makes it a budget-friendly option for family outings.
🏕️ Campers & Eco-Tourists
This is an ideal spot for travelers looking to 'rough it' in a beautiful setting, as suggested by one Reddit user planning a solo trip. Being so close to the beach means waking up to ocean views and having immediate access to swimming and exploring. It's a sustainable way to experience St. John's natural wonders.
🚗 Day-Trippers & Drivers
With its amenities like restrooms, showers, and a beach bar, you can easily spend several hours here without needing to pack extensive supplies. The combination of swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the nearby ruins provides a well-rounded day trip experience. It's a great option if you're exploring St. John by rental car and want a beautiful, accessible beach to relax on.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Cinnamon Bay Beach
Beyond the sun and sand, Cinnamon Bay offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Visitors can explore the remnants of old Danish sugar plantation ruins located just behind the beach, offering a glimpse into the island's past. For those seeking adventure, snorkeling opportunities are available, allowing you to discover the underwater world. The beach also boasts amenities like restrooms, showers, and a beach bar, making it a convenient spot for a full day of enjoyment.
For the truly adventurous, Cinnamon Bay Campground provides an eco-friendly accommodation option right within the national park, featuring eco-tents, cabins, and traditional campsites. This unique offering allows visitors to immerse themselves fully in the island's natural splendor. Whether you're looking for a peaceful day of sunbathing, a historical exploration, or a comfortable camping experience, Cinnamon Bay Beach delivers a quintessential Caribbean escape.
Planning Your Visit to Cinnamon Bay
For those interested in staying overnight, Cinnamon Bay Campground is a unique option within the national park. It offers various accommodation types, from basic campsites to more comfortable eco-tents and cabins. Booking in advance is highly recommended, particularly during peak travel seasons. The campground provides a fantastic opportunity to experience the island's natural beauty up close.
Don't forget to pack your essentials for a day at the beach. While there are amenities like a beach bar and rental services for chairs and snorkel gear, bringing your own water, snacks, and sunscreen is always a good idea. The beach bar is famous for its frozen painkillers, so be sure to try one if you're looking for a refreshing treat.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit