Best to hike in the morning before it gets to hot. The hike starts behind the St. John National Park Visitor Center. You can park at the Visitor Center for the hike but don't park there to walk around town or they will ticket you, according to the ranger at the visitor center. Take water and snorkel gear. Good snorkeling around the point to Honeymoon Beach. Very nice sand and a few palm trees.

One of my favorite beaches on St. John. It's only accessibly by walking so it keeps the crowd to a minimum - pick up the trail behind the VI National Park Visitors Center. Small beach but definitely one of the most beautiful. Great snorkeling as well.

Gorgeous secluded beach. I like that the hike dissuades the masses from coming here but you still need to come early to feel like the beach is all yours :)

We had only a half day to spend on the island before catching a ferry back to St. Thomas. Two different locals recommended the hike to Salomon Bay, so we decided to give it a shot. I'd estimate about a 3/4 mile hike through some pretty steep terrain -- the path easily traveled in some areas, and a little more hazardous in others. (I'm over 50 and was wearing sandals that day!) The view at the end, and the gorgeous, clear water made it all worth it. There were about 12 people on the beach and about a half dozen boats -- sail boats and a couple of yachts anchored in the distance. After playing in the water for a bit, we continued along the path to Honeymoon Bay -- which was much more crowded and appeared to have some type of kiosk promoting rentals (we didn't check it out). Given our need to be back at the Cruz Bay ferry terminal, we hiked on to Caneel Bay and caught a cab at the resort there to bring us back to Cruz Bay for about $5.00 per person. The whole hike (including water time) took about 2 hours, so even if you're pressed for time, it's well worth the effort. Look for the flight of wooden stairs just past the Virgin Island National Park Visitors Center, and that will bring you to the trail head. Rest rooms are available in the Visitors Center.