Four of St. John’s Best Hidden Beaches

St. John’s North Shore is famous for our most popular beaches like Trunk, Hawksnest and Cinnamon. Popular often means crowded, so if you’re looking for a more secluded spot, here are four lesser known (equally beautiful) beaches that you’ll likely have all to yourself.

None of these locations have amenities to be sure to bring your own water, snacks and lawn chair if desired. Enjoy the solitude and gorgeous views!

Frank Bay

Don’t have a vehicle? No problem. Frank Bay is right around the corner from Wharfside Village. Walk past the cemetery and Gallows Point to the top of the hill to get a breathtaking view of this sprawling bay. The beach is a mixture of rocks, sand and coral. A few palms provide relief from the hot sun and the snorkeling is surprisingly good. Given it faces directly west, it’s also the perfect place to catch the sunset year round.

Roadside parking is available just across the street next to the Audubon Society’s Frank Bay Salt Pond, home to herons, ducks and other birds. With any luck, you’ll catch a peacock sighting as they tend to gather in this area. While you’re there, pop in to Coconut Coast Art Studio to appreciate one of St. John’s talented local artists!

Grootpan Bay

A couple of bays past Salt Pond on the East End lies Grootpan. Access using the second dirt road after the Salt Pond parking lot that leads to this isolated gem. This beach is mainly cobblestone and the bay is known for its calm water and coral collection. It’s worth a snorkel along the left side which connects to Kiddel Bay just around the point. Note this corner can get choppy on windy days.

Reef Bay

Reef Bay is on St. John’s south shore and home to three inner bays, Genti, Little Reef Bay and Parrot Bay. Genti and Little Reef are sandy and Parrot is a mix of sand and coral. Most people access this bay as the destination after hiking the Reef Bay Trail. Parrot Bay is a popular surfing destination but all three beaches are great for a private picnic. The best swimming is near the eastern end of Little Reef near the rocks.

Denis Bay

If you’ve ever taken the short hike to Peace Hill, you may have noticed an unmarked offshoot along the path to the right. That’s your entry to Denis Bay, a powdery white shoreline inside the National Park. Wooden piers still exist where a dock used to be. Coral outcroppings and a shallow entry provide a pleasant snorkeling experience. The tree line offers some shade but be aware that the property beyond that is private.

On your next visit to the island, get out there and discover our quiet beaches that may just become your new favorites!