Rain may cause trails to be slick and overgrown. Staff and Volunteer Trail Crews clear trails regularly. Visitors should use caution and report trail issues to viis_interpretation@nps.gov





Virgin Islands National Park
U.S. Virgin Islands
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.
About Virgin Islands National Park
Virgin Islands National Park is a national park located in U.S. Virgin Islands. Mostly Perfect! The Tradewinds (the Easterlies) dominate the weather in the Virgin Islands, blowing east to west across the tropical Atlantic. The winter tends to bring stronger winds and less rain, and the summer tends to bring more rain and lighter winds. Be sure to check the forecast often during hurricane season or winter swell events.
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.
π° Entrance Fees & Passes
Entry to Virgin Islands is completely free. There are no general entrance fees or vehicle passes required to access this park unit.
π₯Ύ Things to Do
Virgin Islands National Park offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Arts and Culture, Craft Demonstrations, Cultural Demonstrations, Astronomy, and 27 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
π¦ Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at Virgin Islands
π Visitor Planning Tips for Virgin Islands
- βBeat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Virgin Islands before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- βMonitor Active Alerts: There are currently 1 active alerts for Virgin Islands. Keep an eye on the alert notifications at the top of this guide for crucial information regarding closures or safety issues.
- βSecure Campsites Early: Lodging and developed campgrounds within and surrounding Virgin Islands get booked out months in advance. Make reservations on recreation.gov as early as the window opens.
- βLeave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of Virgin Islands. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Virgin Islands
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer β National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
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