7 Best Hidden Beaches in The U.S. Virgin Islands (Away from the Crowds)

The islands of St. John, St. Croix, and St. Thomas are the most sought-after destinations in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Even with the popularity of these islands, there’s a secret stash of beaches on these islands that most typical tourists aren’t aware of.

Let’s jump into our curated list of the best hidden beaches in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The 7 Best Hidden Beaches in the U.S. Virgin Islands:

7. Lindquist Bay (St. Thomas)

Also known as Smith Bay Beach, this gem sits pretty on the Eastern End of Saint Thomas, just a short drive north of Red Hook.

The beach is protected by Smith Bay Park so you will be surrounded by natural beauty!

Come here for translucent waters, gentle waves, and silky white sands.

What a fine place to unplug from the material world and surrender to nature.

6. Little Cinnamon Bay Beach (St. John)

With blue waters and white sands, the hidden beach is unknown to most visitors.

Take a taxi at Cruz Bay and hit North Shore Road (RTE 20) until you reach Cinnamon Beach.

It’s a scenic drive with quite a few curves!

Spend some time at Cinnamon Beach and then start hiking towards the west to reach the secluded Little Cinnamon Bay Beach.

Wear strong shoes with traction because some areas can be quite rocky and slippery.

Once here, strap on your snorkeling gear!

You’ll be absolutely amazed swimming around surrounded by gorgeous tropical fish!

You can also look out for the engine and propeller of a small plane that crashed here. Explore Cruz Bay with this complete guide.

5. Lameshur Bay Beach (St. John)

Another winner on St. John’s rugged south coast is Lameshur Beach!

It is best accessed with a 4×4 drive as the roads can get bumpy.

A 1.5-mile hike from the entrance of Great Lameshur Bay will also get you to the soft sands of Lameshur Beach.

Bring a picnic hamper along as there are BBQ facilities and picnic tables.

Lameshur Bay Beach is one of our favorite snorkeling destinations for both newbies and experienced snorkelers!

Keep a GoPro handy to capture videos of Caribbean lobsters, Queen angelfish, barracuda, stingrays, and even octopus flitting about in these waters!

4. Grootpan Bay (St. John)

Further south of Lameshur Bay Beach is an off-the-beaten-path gem that most cruise line passengers overlook.

The landscape is quite dramatic as this beach features pebbles and sand.

Keep a watch out for the sea urchins!

Snorkeling at Grootpan Bay will earn you sightings of soft and hard coral!

Lionfish, tangs, sea fans, and brightly colored sponges are all part of the marine kaleidoscope that awaits you.

The salt pond behind the beach is one of the largest in St. Johns and it makes for some riveting pictures.

3. Mermaid’s Chair Beach (St. Thomas)

Set on the far western tip of St. Thomas, this narrow strip of beach is where the Atlantic meets the Caribbean.

While most visitors come here by boat, you could try the 3.5-mile hike that passes through a private gated community called the Preserve.

Park your car at Botany Bay and start walking; the signage is well-marked.

Upon reaching Mermaid’s Chair, you’ll have the beach exclusively for you and yours!

Tip: Wear beach shoes to protect yourself from sharp coral, rocks, and sea urchins.

The hike is not very shaded so wear sunscreen and bring an ice cooler along.

2. Grapetree Beach (St. Croix)

This secluded slice of paradise lies in a residential area on the eastern tip of St. Croix close to the Divi Carina Bay Resort & Casino.

A 2-mile hike from Point Udaall will get you to Grapetree which is protected by a barrier reef!

The waters here are gentle and ideal for families with kids.

The beach’s southeast-facing location guarantees early rises a surreal Caribbean sunrise.

As the sea bed is grassy, snorkelers might not find a lot of tropical fish however sea turtle sightings make up for it.

Make use of the shady areas on hot days and plan a picnic here!

1. Coakley Bay Beach (St. Croix)

Located on the north shores of St. Croix, Coakley Bay Beach is a first-rate example of unspoiled Caribbean beauty.

Buck Island is also visible from here!

Although patches of seagrass are washed up on the shores, the waters are clear, and the sands are soft like velvet.

There are thankfully some shaded areas to provide respite on summery days.

Chill with a beer and watch local kite surfers taking on the waves at Coakley Bay Beach.

Tip: Wear good shoes to protect yourself from the shells, and sea urchins camping out in the rocks.