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Caribbean
U.S. Virgin Islands
St. John
Virgin Islands National Park
Things to do in Virgin Islands National Park
Hawksnest Beach

Hawksnest Beach

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Hawksnest Beach
4.5
About
This narrow, sea-grape-tree-lined stretch of sand is a popular beach on St John, especially for island residents, which offers gazebos for parties, barbecues or family get-togethers.
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Top ways to experience Hawksnest Beach and nearby attractions

The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
59 within 5 kms
Zozo's
74
0.6 kmRRRR • Seafood
The Windmill Bar
123
0.9 kmRR - RRR • American • Bar
Shambles - St John USVI
118
1 kmRR - RRR • American • Caribbean
Heading East Bar & Grill
2
1 kmCaribbean
Heading East Bar & Grill
7
1.2 kmCaribbean • Bar
Hercules Pate Delight
30
1.3 kmR • Caribbean
Coco Jim's Cafe
71
1.5 kmR • American • Caribbean
North Shore Deli
575
1.9 kmRR - RRR • Healthy • Vegetarian friendly
Sun Dog Cafe
1,187
2 kmRR - RRR • American • Caribbean • Vegetarian friendly
The Tap Room
1,057
1.9 kmRR - RRR • American • Vegetarian friendly
See all
Attractions
60 within 10 kms
Oppenheimer Beach
107
0.4 kmBeaches
Honeymoon Beach
866
0.7 kmReefs • Beaches
Caneel Bay Beach
256
0.6 kmBeaches
Trunk Bay Beach
3,177
1.5 kmBeaches
Peace Hill Windmill
65
0.7 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Jumbie Beach
200
1 kmBeaches
Reef Bay Trail
488
1.6 kmHiking Trails
Inter Island Boat Service
354
2.4 kmFerries
Cinnamon Bay
1,243
2.8 kmBeaches
Scott Bay Beach
199
2 kmBeaches
See all
See what travellers are saying
  • Nodoor
    Irving, Texas454 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Good consolation prize
    This is a nice consolation prize when you 1) don’t like great snorkeling at Trunk Bay; 2) Can’t park your rental car at Trunk Bay, 3) Don’t like the good food and drinks at Trunk Bay. Still, a decent spot with nice beach. I’d repeat Trunk Bay before I would do this again.
    Visited January 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 23 January 2024
  • Kelly T
    Kansas City, Missouri130 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful
    This was a great starter beach. We went here while we waited for our airbnb to be available and then returned another day. The view and water were beautiful. Plenty of shade. Not the best snorkeling. Parking could be a challenge, we got lucky both times.
    Visited January 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 19 March 2024
  • jenniferak8
    Naples, Florida4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Best snorkeling right here from the beach
    Best snorkeling in Caribbean including Virgin Islands. Such beautiful underwater park, many different colors and species. Could have just stayed here entire trip and would have been fulfilled. Got so carried away that I was not aware how far I swam out. I think I may of been in rip tide. Seemed to be swimming and going nowhere at all on the way back which made me a bit nervous. Be careful with that.
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 19 June 2024
  • Kitty L
    Houston, Texas99 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful and not too crowded
    This beach is gorgeous. It was one of my favorites on our USVI trip. The water is calm and clear. We had professional photos of my daughters done here and they can out perfect. It wasn’t too crowded and we were able to find parking fairly easy compared to some other beaches on St. John.
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 23 July 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions
4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles635 reviews
Excellent
431
Very good
151
Average
46
Poor
5
Terrible
2
SHarrisonKansas
Newton, Kansas294 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Beautiful beach with strong waves!
Feb 2023
The beach was beautiful! I waded out into the water and could feel the undertow. A big wave hit me and knocked me down and then a second wave came and literally shot me out of the water and onto the beach! I have never laughed so hard in my life. I'm sure those sitting on the beach got a good laugh as well!! We really enjoyed our time on this beach!
Written 23 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mekesha
Gilbert, AZ50 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Gorgeous and Unpretentious
Aug 2020
Gorgeous and relaxing....the beach was not crowded, had soft white sand, restrooms and picnic areas available. My husband and I got drinks, snacks, ice and a disposable cooler from the local convenience store and spent a whole day luxuriating in the calm, warm waters at Hawksnest Beach. Parking can be a bit of a pain as there aren't that many spots but waiting for one is WELL worth it to spend the day at this free federal park.
Written 6 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dean B
Boca Raton, FL376 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Morning in paradise
Jul 2021 • Solo
Had a free morning after the rest of the family left so spent it at Hawksnest. The beach was great and surf was soothing. Found some shade at the edge and set up camp there. Lots of families but spread out so easy to enjoy my book and some time in the water. Parking was tight as the island is full but some street parking near the North end is easy to use and I find the best place on the beach.
Written 12 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
briankling57
Halifax, MA28 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
A great place to go.
Apr 2022
The parking lots at Trunk and Cinnamon Bay beaches were full and we managed to score a roadside, and potentially illegal, parking spot at Hawksnet Beach and we're glad we did. Its not perfect like Trunk or Cinnamon Bay, but its a great spot. There are good facilities and places to stay in the shade if you want to and the view is great. Its a long-ish and semi-wide perfect white sand beach.
Written 25 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bdearl41
Greensboro, NC409 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Saw a few stingrays. Stop at least for a moment.
Jul 2021 • Family
Beautiful beach on a shoreline of spectacular beaches. Often overlooked the quiet and tucked away atmosphere of Hawksnest makes it a great visit if you have a short time out of Cruz Bay. The beach drops off pretty quick the beach is a little bit shorter than it’s counterparts further East, but still absolutely stunning.
Written 26 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WhoDatFan92
Houma, LA134 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Great snorkeling
Jul 2021 • Family
Although not one of the most popular beaches, this is still a beautiful beach with great snorkeling on both sides. We saw ton of sea urchins, fish, stingrays, and even squid. Although we didn't see any sea turtles when we were there others have seen them there. If you love spending time in the water and snorkeling, don't miss this beach.
Written 15 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mallory Fiery
1 contribution
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Not for children - strong current
Feb 2021 • Family
We visited in Feb 2021. The current and waves were very strong, making it too sandy to see much for snorkeling. I am a very strong swimmer and the waves/current were so strong I did not feel comfortable out snorkeling alone though my family was on shore. My young children couldn’t play by the shore much at all as the waves were too strong. Definitely do not recommend for families with young children or for snorkeling.
Written 23 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kitty L
Houston, TX99 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Beautiful and not too crowded
Aug 2023 • Family
This beach is gorgeous. It was one of my favorites on our USVI trip. The water is calm and clear. We had professional photos of my daughters done here and they can out perfect. It wasn’t too crowded and we were able to find parking fairly easy compared to some other beaches on St. John.
Written 23 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachel D
10 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Hawksnest Beach
Jul 2021 • Couples
Located in VI National Forest. Last clear water beach besides Honeymoon Beach (which stops entry at 3:30pm) before getting back to Cruz Bay ferry area. Small parking lot for free beach open until 6pm but no lifeguard or refreshments. Easily accessible restrooms & changing rooms, but no faucets to wash sand off belongings. Unfortunately the coral is bleaching in this area. Some pretty fish, urchins & crabs near the coral.
Written 22 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard P
25 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
This is one of the nicest beaches in the Caribbean
Apr 2023 • Couples
My wife and I spent 6 weeks in the Caribbean last winter on three different trips visiting around 15 different Islands and numerous beaches. At every stop we would head to the beach. Hawknest Beach was our favorited beach and St John was our favorite Island. We like Hawknest Beach as it has white sand, its uncrowded. the water is warm the beach isn't too deep and its has natural shade in the form of Palm Trees and plenty of parking if you arrive by noon and more parking after 2PM..
Written 14 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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HAWKSNEST BEACH (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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