Cinnamon Bay

From Trunk Bay [1] head east on the steep switchbacks that carry you up and over Peter Ridge to get to Cinnamon Bay, another standout spot in Virgin Islands National Park. In addition to an excellent beach, there are extensive ruins, a short hike, and some of St. John [2]’s best conditions for water sports.

Early archaeologists identified Cinnamon Bay as the site of a Taino village, and recent excavations have uncovered evidence that the area was a site of social and spiritual significance for these early people. Digs discovered religious zemis, remnants of a chief’s house, and evidence of religious celebrations and sacrifices.

Colonial settlement at Cinnamon Bay dates back to 1680, when a small-scale cotton plantation was established. During the 1733 slave rebellion the plantation buildings were looted and burned. Following the rebellion, the plantation was rebuilt and expanded to include a sugar factory. In the early 20th century a mechanized bay rum distillery was built on-site, and Cinnamon Bay was the leader in producing this refreshing tonic.

You can explore the Cinnamon Bay Ruins by taking the self-guided half-mile walk that begins about 200 feet east of the entrance to the campground [3] and beach. The walk takes you through the ruins of the sugar factory and bay rum still, and then loops through the nearby forest, with markers that identify common trees, animals, and insects.

Park rangers lead a weekly nature and culture walk through the ruins every Monday 9:30–10:30 a.m. The hike begins at the benches next to the gift shop on the beach. Call the Cruz Bay Visitor Center (tel. 340/776-6201) to confirm that the hike is on.

You will often find waves at Cinnamon Bay Beach, a long, winding, and expansive beach. Fine white sand drops off somewhat steeply at first and then levels off, creating a wide, shallow bank ideal for water play. Most visitors are content to bathe, but you can also snorkel on the reef around Cinnamon Cay, about 100 yards from shore.

Thanks to generally windy conditions, Cinnamon is the best St. John [2] beach for windsurfing. You can rent equipment and get lessons from the water sports center. You can also rent a kayak for paddling up and down the beach or out to Cinnamon Cay.

In the middle of the shore is an old, weathered stone building that now houses a concession renting snorkels and beach chairs, and selling drinks and snacks. For more substantial refreshment, there is a restaurant near the parking lot.

Cinnamon Bay is usually quite crowded, in part due to the campground guests, for whom the beach is their backyard.