Is This the Most Romantic Beach in the Caribbean?

Located in Virgin Islands National Park, Honeymoon Beach was once considered a well-kept secret among locals. While still very secluded, the romantically named beach has begun to claim the attention of travelers visiting the U.S. Virgin Island of St. John.

Travelers passing through on a cruise or staying in town for a vacation should be sure to drop by this intimate stretch of sand before everyone else catches on.

How Honeymoon Beach Got Its Name

The area that's now known as Honeymoon Beach was originally called Jumby Bay. This remote spot is so far removed that travelers driving down Route 20 have no visibility of the beach. Because of its seclusion, it was the perfect place for lovers to go and enjoy the coast in private.

It wasn't until the creation of Virgin Islands National Park and Caneel Bay that the eastern two beaches at Salomon Bay were renamed, and Honeymoon Beach earned its title as one of the most romantic spots on St. John.

How to Get There

Much like Salomon Bay, there is no clear road to Honeymoon Beach. To get there, sun-seekers will either need to walk the Lind Point Trail or travel by boat. For those who prefer walking, there are two different ways to navigate the Lind Point Trail. The shortest walk is about half a mile but is quite steep, descending some 250 feet down to the beach. For an easier trek, there is a slightly longer trail from the Caneel Bay parking lot that has no hills and no steep slopes (making it easy to enjoy the picturesque views you'll see during the walk).

Where to Stay

One of the reasons why Honeymoon Beach is such a spectacular spot to lounge seaside is because it's removed from the island's busier resort towns. Of course, this also means there aren't many hotels in the area.

For much of the past century, the Rockefeller-founded Caneel Bay Resort was a popular option nearby. But it was destroyed by back-to-back hurricanes in 2017, and redevelopment plans remain unsettled. A beachgoer's best bet these days is to stay a few miles down the road in Cruz Bay. It's the island's largest city and offers lots of hotels and resorts, like the Westin St. John Resort Villas.

What to Do

Once arriving at Honeymoon Beach, you'll find picture-perfect white sand and crystal-clear waters. The best and most popular activity is to sit back and just enjoy them. However, if you're one of those beachgoers who seeks action and adventure, snorkeling equipment, kayaks, and paddleboards can be rented from a small stand dubbed the Beach Hut, run by Virgin Islands Ecotours.

Much of Honeymoon Beach is surrounded by shallow waters, enabling snorkelers and swimmers to see a variety of marine life like hard and soft corals, sea turtles, and stingrays. Also available at the Beach Hut are restrooms, beach chair rentals, and light snacks.