A path winds through the impressive remains of the Annaberg Plantation. The intricate stonework of the factory and distinctive tall windmill give a glimpse of what life might have been like on the plantation. The stunning views from the headlands provides a jarring backdrop for the troubling history of the enslaved men and women who lived and worked the plantation and factory.

The Annaberg Plantation is one of several St. John's plantations owned in the 1720s and 1730s by Frederick Moth, the first Danish Governor of St.Croix and, later, the Governor General of the Danish West Indies. By the early 19th century, Annaberg, one of St. John's biggest sugar producers, also produced molasses and rum for export. The extensive remains of the historic district include a windmill tower, factory, slave quarters and other structures associated with sugar production. A trail leads visitors past the various sites. Waysides provide information and context regarding the buildings and their uses. Docents are on hand to provide information on weekdays.

Much remains of the intricately built stone structures. The building no longer has roof or windows.

Annaberg Sugar Plantation

Location

Annaburg Sugar Plantation

A long narrow, somewhat rocky beach is lined with mangroves. Steep hills rise up at either end of the bay protecting the bay from wind.

Francis Bay is one of the quieter areas of the park and is a great place to view turtles, go for long swims, snorkel along the rock shoreline at the north end of the beach. A board walk provides access to some great birding opportunities along the salt pond located behind the beach. Visitors can also take the trail up to the remains of a "Great House" and the Francis Sugar Factory.

Bright green leaves of the Maho tree provide color along a narrow beach in a calm bay.

Francis Bay

Honeymoon Beach is a fairly long, white sandy beach fringed with palms and seagrape trees that provide excellent shade. This protected cove provides some great snorkeling opportunities.

This white-sand beach can be accessed by a short hike from the Virgin Islands National Park sign off North Shore Road, Caneel Bay or by boat. Palm and seagrape trees provide generous shade. A narrow reef follows the shoreline east of Honeymoon to Caneel Bay. In the clear water off the rocky point in between the two beaches, you will find several species of coral (brain, lettuce leaf, elkhorn, mustard hill, and pillar corals). Many colonies of finger coral can be found on the fringing reef west of Salomon. These reef areas provide shelter for a wide variety of colorful fish and other marine creatures.

A wide, white sand beach slopes gently down to turquoise water.

Honeymoon Beach

Majestic trees provide a green canopy of shade along this steep trail leading to sugar plantations and factory.

This popular trail descends through a shady, moist forest, passing through the remains of four sugar estates. Signs along the trail provide information about the natural and cultural history of the area including the names and traditional uses of the trees and plants. The trail ends at the impressive Reef Bay Sugar Estate with its old buildings and steam-powered machinery. A side trail at mile 1.6 leads to a waterfall and petroglyphs attributed to early Taino Indians. 

Tall trees frame a large factory built of stone and brink.

Reef Bay Trail and Sugar Plantation

The long white sand beach curves around clear turquoise water.

Salt Pond Bay is perfect for someone looking for a pleasant stroll to a beatiful beach. The long, curved beach has a gentle slope into the crystal clear water, making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling for the whole family. This beach is access by a .25 mile trail that is uneven and rocky with moderate slope. Parking is limited. Visitors may catch the VITran shuttle to and from this beach. There are 2 hiking trails at Salt Pond; the easy .25 mile Drunk Bay Trail and the steep, strenuous .9 mile (one-way) Ram Head Trails.

A long white sand beach curves gently around crystal clear turquoise water.

Salt Pond Bay

Salt Pond is perfect for someone looking for a pleasant stroll to a beautiful beach. Just a half mile hike from the parking area to beach, has only a slight grade though the trail surface is uneven and rocky.

Go beyond Virgin Islands National Park's stunning white-sand beaches. Hike to historic plantation sites to learn about a challenging past when sugar and enslaved labor dominated life on the island. Visit the Indigenous Taino's ancient petroglyphs. Snorkel coral reefs to discover hidden marine life. Two-thirds of the island of St. John is national park, making it a unique destination for visitors.