Park Hours (Today)
Closed
Cruz Bay Visitor Center: Closed
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Plan your Virgin Islands trip
About the Park
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.
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What to See & Do
Reef Bay Trail
Reef Bay Trail is a strenuous hike that will take you past some of the oldest and tallest trees on the island. Danish sugar plantation ruins, stone walls from cattle grazing, and ancient rock carvings left behind by the pre-Colombian Taino can be found along the trail. During rainy season the waterfall can be spectacular.
Discover Bird Watching in the Virgin Islands
Join our Park Ranger for a tour of Francis Bay Trail and the nearby salt pond. While there you will enjoy to opportunity to view the many resident and migratory birds that call Francis Bay home.
Tektite Trail
The trailhead can be found to the right of Lameshur Road at the first switchback. The .7 mile trail begins with a moderately strenuous ascent on the Cabritte Horn Point. Hike through the desert-like terrain to reach scenic views atop coastal cliffs.
Maho Bay
The perfect experience for sea turtle lovers!
Trunk Bay Underwater Snorkel Trail
This unique underwater trail is a great way to learn about the diverse animals of the coral reef habitat.
Annaberg Sugar Plantation
Take a self-guided tour of the Annaberg Sugar Plantation and immerse yourself in the time when "Sugar was King" on the island. Volunteer docents are often available during weekdays to answer questions. You are invited to tour the small country garden and learn about traditional uses of plants with Mr. Charles most weekdays,
Visitor Centers
Cruz Bay Visitor Center
Visitor and Information Center for Virgin Islands National Park and Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument.
Where to Stay
Cinnamon Bay Beach and Campground
The campground offers bare tent sites, eco-tents, and cottages. Amenities include restrooms, showers, food and beverage service, watersports rentals, beach wheelchairs, and more.
Parking & Access
Getting Here
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.
Official NPS directionsParking Lots
Visitor Center
Parking is available at the Visitor Center for visitors while enjoying the park. Parking is by permit which are available inside the Visitor Center when open.
Open in MapsGetting Here & Transit
How to Get Here
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.
Park Amenities
Permits & Reservations
Permits may be required
Some activities in Virgin Islands National Park — including backcountry camping, certain trails, and climbing routes — require advance permits. Check the official NPS website for current requirements before your visit.
Operating Hours
Virgin Islands National Park Visitor Center
Virgin Islands National Park is always open! The Visitor Center and store are open from 8:15 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday - Thursday and 8:15 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Fridays. It is closed on weekends, the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
- Monday8:15AM - 4:00PM
- Tuesday8:15AM - 4:00PM
- Wednesday8:15AM - 4:00PM
- Thursday8:15AM - 4:00PM
- Friday8:15AM - 1:30PM
- SaturdayClosed
- SundayClosed
Photos
Queen Angel Fish
A sunset colors the horizon as seen from an overlook above the bay.
Four Stilts in the Francis Bay Pond
A Sunset Paddle
When to Go
Crowd CalendarPlan your trip around peak seasons to avoid crowds or embrace the energy of the busy months. Our crowd predictions are based on historical NPS Visitor Use Statistics.
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Best Time
Year-round
Trip Length
2-4 days
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Planning Virgin Islands
These common questions go deeper into logistics and planning. For real-time updates on road closures and current conditions, always check the Alerts section above.