Virgin Islands itinerary

Here is how to spend one to three days in Virgin Islands, built from the hikes and activities the National Park Service lists and the time it says each takes. Short on time? Do Day 1. Times are for the activity itself; add time for driving, parking and shuttles between stops, and swap anything that is closed or out of season.

Day 1

About 6 hours of listed activity time.

Start at Cruz Bay Visitor Center for maps, current trail conditions and ranger advice.

Morning

• Reef Bay Trail (2 to 4 hours). Reef Bay Trail is a strenuous hike that will take you past some of the oldest and tallest trees on the island.

Afternoon

• Discover Bird Watching in the Virgin Islands (90 minutes). Join our Park Ranger for a tour of Francis Bay Trail and the nearby salt pond.
• Tektite Trail (20 to 60 minutes). The trailhead can be found to the right of Lameshur Road at the first switchback.
• Trunk Bay Underwater Snorkel Trail (30 to 60 minutes). This unique underwater trail is a great way to learn about the diverse animals of the coral reef habitat.

Day 2

About 6.5 hours of listed activity time.

Morning

• Salomon/Honeymoon Bays (1 to 8 hours). Salomon/Honeymoon Bay - These two white-sand beaches can be accessed by a short hike from Lind Point Trail that begins at the Visitor Center parking lot, from the trailhead at the Virgin Islands...

Afternoon

• Maho Bay (1 to 2 hours). The perfect experience for sea turtle lovers!
• Cinnamon Bay Trails (15 to 30 minutes). Meander through the ruins of the historic Cinnamon Bay Sugar Plantation.

Day 3

About 6 hours of listed activity time.

Morning

• Annaberg Sugar Plantation (1 to 2 hours). Take a self-guided tour of the Annaberg Sugar Plantation and immerse yourself in the time when "Sugar was King" on the island. (permit or reservation needed)

Afternoon

• Cinnamon Bay Nature Loop And Accessible Trail (30 to 60 minutes). Cinnamon Bay Plantation was established in 1717 and was one of the earliest and most prosperous sugar plantations on the Island. (dogs OK)
• Johnny Horn Trail (2 to 4 hours). This strenuous trail leads to the remains of some beautiful stone historic sites and incredible views. (permit or reservation needed; dogs OK)
• Francis Bay Trail (30 to 90 minutes). Francis Bay Trail starts at the Francis Bay Sugar Factory.

Make it work

• When to go: January to March and December. See the best time to visit.
• Where to stay: 1 campground in the park; see camping and lodging.
• Before you go: check today’s alerts and read know before you go. More ideas: all things to do.

Sources

• National Park Service: things to do in Virgin Islands National Park (Data API, public domain)

Last checked 1 November 2026.