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Cinnamon Bay St John

4.7
·261 reviews·, U.S. Virgin Islands

A stunning, mile-long beach with beachfront camping, water sports, and historical ruins. An alternative to busier St. John spots.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

After 3 PM

Day crowds thin out

CrowdLow
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View from above

Cinnamon Bay St John

Best Time

After 3 PM

Day crowds thin out

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning, mile-long beach with beachfront camping, water sports, and historical ruins. An alternative to busier St. John spots.

4.7
(261 reviews)

"The beach was marvelous, staff was fantastic. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

Bug Spray is Essential!

Don't skip the bug spray! Reviewers rave about the bugs, especially ants and spiders. :bug:

Book Accommodations Early

Eco-tents and cottages fill up fast. Plan ahead for your stay at this popular spot. 📅

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 267 reviews

Type

Resort hotel

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pristine Beachfront

Pristine Beachfront

Cinnamon Bay Beach

Miles of soft sand, clear turquoise waters, and a laid-back atmosphere make this a Caribbean dream. Perfect for long walks and relaxation.

Unique Campground Experience

Unique Campground Experience

Cinnamon Bay Campground

Stay in eco-tents or cottages steps from the ocean. Fall asleep to the sounds of waves and wildlife.

Abundant Marine Life

Abundant Marine Life

Cinnamon Bay

Snorkel or swim alongside sea turtles, stingrays, and colorful fish in the calm, clear waters.

Sugar Mill Ruins

Sugar Mill Ruins

Across from the beach

Explore the historical remnants of an old sugar plantation, adding a touch of history to your beach day.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Island Pace

Cinnamon Bay offers a relaxed vibe, but be prepared for potential crowds, especially during peak season. Booking accommodations or activities in advance is wise. Remember that everything on the USVI can be expensive, so budget accordingly.

Bug Spray is Your Best Friend

While the beach is stunning, reviewers consistently warn about biting insects, especially ants and spiders, in the campground areas. Pack strong insect repellent and consider it essential for a comfortable stay.

Best Times

When
After 3 PM
Why
Day crowds thin out
Crowd
Low
When
Winter mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer bugs
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Avoid weekend rush
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Replying to @Patty H Cinammon bay beach is a great alternative to St John’s Trunk bay if that beach is too packed or there’s no parking 🌴There’s plenty of beach space - so no crowding - and more parking available. There’s a wider variety of water sports and WiFi. 🌊 Sometimes the current can be rough with huge swells, depending on the wind/weather. 🏕️ They have camping and their general facilities...
@wanderjoyful
2.5K likes • 40.8K views

Bug Spray is Essential!

Don't skip the bug spray! Reviewers rave about the bugs, especially ants and spiders. :bug: Reddit

Book Accommodations Early

Eco-tents and cottages fill up fast. Plan ahead for your stay at this popular spot. 📅 TikTok

The best place to stay in Virgin Islands National Park is Cinnamon Bay !! @indar20 - group camping - gear rentals - beach drinks - restaurant
@drsirina
8 likes • 644 views
Did you know that Cinnamon has a beautiful campground?! This could be your morning view 💙💙 #cinnamonbaybeach #stjohn #cinnamonbeach #beautiful #oceanview #heavenonearth #usvirginislands #beachvibes #fypシ
@islandvibes_1111
590 likes • 16.1K views

Pack Beach Chairs

While rentals are available, bringing your own saves money. :beachwithumbrella: Reddit

Explore the Sugar Mill Ruins

A quick walk across the street offers a glimpse into history. :ruins: TikTok

It was a St John kinda day ☀️🩵☀️ #stjohnusvi #cinnamonbaybeach #caribbean #usvi #bucketlisttravel #beachlife #summervibes #usvirginislands #travelbucketlist #islandlife #fypシ
@islandvibes_1111
586 likes • 12.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Bug Spray is Essential!

Don't skip the bug spray! Reviewers rave about the bugs, especially ants and spiders. :bug: Reddit

Book Accommodations Early

Eco-tents and cottages fill up fast. Plan ahead for your stay at this popular spot. 📅 TikTok

Pack Beach Chairs

While rentals are available, bringing your own saves money. :beachwithumbrella: Reddit

Explore the Sugar Mill Ruins

A quick walk across the street offers a glimpse into history. :ruins: TikTok

Snorkel for Sea Life

Swim with turtles, stingrays, and fish in the clear waters. 🐟 TikTok

Budget for Expenses

Everything on the USVI can be pricey, so factor this into your travel costs. :moneywithwings: Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(261 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Cinnamon Bay is celebrated for its stunning, expansive beach and the unique opportunity to camp right on the sand. Visitors praise the clear waters, abundant marine life for snorkeling, and the historical sugar mill ruins. However, a significant drawback for many is the prevalence of biting insects, particularly in the campground areas, and the overall high cost of goods and services on the island.

"We camped in an ocean front family eco tent for 5 nights. If you don't like bugs DO NOT CAMP HERE. You will have thousands of ants, spiders, termites, and cockroaches either in your tent or around your tent. We were provided a cooler and put our 4 quart sized ziplock bags inside that and did NOT eat in the tent. The cooler was sealed. We were saving the snacks for our big hike to Reef Bay from Cinnamon Bay. The day of the hike came and I reached inside the cooler... trail of ants through the cooler and in all of the ziplock bags. Astounding. Anyway, communal bathrooms are fine, biting bugs are horrid, everything is insanely expensive everywhere in USVI. Everything. The beach was marvelous, staff was fantastic. We were provided 1 fan for 2 rooms so we had to rent a fan. $50 for 5 nights. If we have 2 rooms, they should provide 2 fans. Anyway, we've been to many gorgeous tropical places in the world without biting bugs and also without such a high cost so do I recommend going somewhere else in the world? Yes. Do I recommend visiting St. John once in a lifetime? Yes. Do I recommend Cinnamon Bay Campground? Only if you don't mind bugs, seriously. There. Were. So. Many. Oh and we're car and tent campers so this was kind of luxurious for us but literally the buggiest place ever."

Katie

"Nice beach for an individual, couples and families. 10 dollar entry fee. Couple places to eat once you are in. Bring your own beach chairs or you can rent one for 10 dollars. Nice bath rooms and ladies or men shower to wash off the sand. Clean and well kept place. Parking in the parking lot is hit and miss. Lots of shuttles transporting people to and from the beach there. Would visit again."

Dallazman

"We took our car from St Thomas over to St John to visit Cinnamon Beach. It was one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen. They have a great little shop and beach grill with food and great drinks."

Tim Mullins

What People Like

Beautiful, long beach
Beachfront camping
Abundant marine life

What People Dislike

Biting insects
High prices

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can reach Cinnamon Bay by car or taxi from Cruz Bay, the main ferry terminal on St. John. If arriving by ferry from St. Thomas, you'll likely need to take a taxi or rent a car on St. John. Many visitors find renting a car convenient for exploring the island. TikTok

Yes, there is a parking lot, but it can fill up quickly, especially during peak times. Arriving early or visiting on a weekday can improve your chances of finding a spot. Reddit

Absolutely! Taxis are readily available on St. John and can take you directly to Cinnamon Bay. Confirm the fare before starting your journey. TikTok

Public transport options are limited on St. John. Taxis are the most common way to get around if you don't have a rental car. TikTok

Many visitors opt for a rental car for flexibility. Taxis are also a popular choice. Consider your itinerary and budget when deciding. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Some reviews mention a $10 entry fee for the beach area, while others do not. It's advisable to check the latest National Park Service information or be prepared for a small fee. Reddit

The beach is generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. The campground, restaurant, and water sports rentals will have specific operating hours, which can vary seasonally. TikTok

Yes, booking the Cinnamon Bay Campground in advance is highly recommended, especially for eco-tents and cottages, as they are very popular and tend to sell out. TikTok

Information on specific discounts is not widely available. It's best to inquire directly with the park or campground management for any potential offers. Reddit

Yes, you can visit Cinnamon Bay Beach for the day even if you are not staying at the campground. There may be a small entry fee for beach access. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Cinnamon Bay offers swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and beachcombing. There are also historical sugar mill ruins to explore. TikTok+1

Yes, Cinnamon Bay is known for its clear waters and marine life, making it a good spot for snorkeling. You might see turtles, stingrays, and various fish. TikTok

Amenities include a restaurant, bar, water sports rentals, a gift shop, and communal bathrooms with showers. The campground offers eco-tents and cottages. TikTok+1

Yes, there are communal bathrooms and showers available for visitors, particularly for those using the campground facilities. They are generally kept clean. Reddit+1

You might spot sea turtles, stingrays, various fish, mongoose, deer, and numerous bird species. TikTokReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a beach grill and restaurant offering food and drinks. Reviewers mention generous serving sizes. TikTokReddit

The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, often with a Caribbean flair. It's a convenient option for lunch or dinner while enjoying the beach. Reddit

Bringing your own snacks and drinks is generally allowed, which can be a cost-saving measure. However, be mindful of keeping food secure from insects if camping. Reddit

Yes, there is a bar where you can enjoy refreshing drinks while relaxing on the beach. TikTokReddit

Specific dietary options are not detailed in reviews, but it's always a good idea to ask the staff about available choices. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The entire beach offers stunning backdrops. Capture the turquoise water, palm trees, and the sugar mill ruins for iconic shots. Early morning or late afternoon light is magical. TikTok+1

Drone usage may be restricted within National Park areas. Always check current regulations before flying a drone. TikTok

Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful golden hour light. Midday provides vibrant blues, but can be harsh. Late afternoon, after day-trippers leave, offers a more serene scene. TikTok+1

Yes, with patience and a good zoom lens, you can capture photos of the abundant marine life and birds. Remember to maintain a respectful distance. TikTok

The length of the beach itself provides numerous vantage points. Consider walking towards the ends of the bay for different perspectives and fewer people. TikTok

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