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Universal Orlando Resort: Where to Stay & Play for a Few Days

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My recent stay at Universal Orlando Resort was so much fun and I’m going to share and highlight my favorite moments with you. First and foremost, I stayed at the Cabana Bay Beach Resort on the property which allowed me early access (one hour) to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™. It was my first time experiencing Diagon Alley™. I took advantage of the complimentary shuttle service to Universal Studios Florida and was able to … [Read More...]

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Navigating Disney World During a Pandemic

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I recently had an opportunity to visit Walt Disney World as part of my Goofy Getaways FAM Training. It was exciting and I was a bit anxious because even though some restrictions are being lifted, guidelines are more relaxed, and travel is starting to … [Read More...]

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The Most Photogenic Spots in St. John’s National Park

St. John is the kind of destination where a short drive can produce a full camera roll. Within Virgin Islands National Park, mountain roads open onto bright bays, quiet beaches, historic ruins, and trails with views that seem designed for postcards. The scenery changes constantly, from dense tropical forest to dry, rocky coastline.

During my time exploring the island, I found that the best photographs were not always captured from the most famous viewpoint. Early morning light, calm water, and a few extra minutes away from the busiest parking areas often made the biggest difference.

A rental car is helpful, although taxis and guided tours can reach many of the major attractions. Cell service may be inconsistent, and some roads are steep or winding, so planning each stop before leaving Cruz Bay makes the day easier.

Trunk Bay’s famous overlook

The view of Trunk Bay from the North Shore Road overlook is one of the first scenes many visitors associate with St. John. From above, the beach curves around luminous turquoise water, with a small island offshore and green hills framing the background. It is especially beautiful when the sun is high enough to bring out the different shades of blue.

I like stopping at the overlook before going down to the beach because the elevated perspective shows the entire bay. A wide-angle lens works well here, but even a phone camera can capture the sweeping composition. Try photographing toward the water rather than standing directly in the center of the lookout; the trees and stone wall can add depth to the image.

Down at Trunk Bay, the beach itself offers a different mood. Palm trees, pale sand, and shallow water make it ideal for relaxed vacation photos. The underwater snorkeling trail is another reason to bring a waterproof phone case or action camera, especially on a clear day.

Maho Bay for sea turtles and calm water

Maho Bay is one of the easiest places on St. John to photograph wildlife without a demanding hike. The water is generally calm, and green sea turtles are often seen feeding in the seagrass near shore. Watching them surface is exciting, but visitors should keep a respectful distance and never touch or chase them.

Morning light gives Maho Bay a soft, polished look, while late afternoon creates warmer colors along the shoreline. I found that the best turtle photos came from floating quietly and keeping the camera ready rather than swimming after every movement. A polarized lens can reduce glare, although it may also make it harder to see below the surface at certain angles.

The road runs close to the beach, so Maho is convenient for combining with other North Shore stops. A few minutes farther along, you can also look for scenic pullouts where the coastline, reef, and surrounding hills appear in one frame.

A practical look at the best photo stops

Each location has a distinct visual character. Some are better for broad landscape images, while others are more rewarding for portraits, wildlife photography, or detail shots of old stonework and tropical vegetation.

Location Best visual subjects Ideal time What to bring
Trunk Bay overlook Wide beach and island views Morning or late afternoon Wide-angle lens, water
Maho Bay Sea turtles and calm shoreline Morning Waterproof case, reef-safe sunscreen
Annaberg ruins Stone walls, sugar mill, harbor Early morning Hat, comfortable shoes
Cinnamon Bay Beach, palms, forested hills Early morning Towel, camera protection
Hawksnest Bay Reef, beach, and shallow water Midmorning Snorkel gear, dry bag
Ram Head Trail Cliffs, cactus, and open sea Early morning Sturdy shoes, extra water

Annaberg’s ruins and harbor views

Annaberg Plantation is one of the most atmospheric places in the park. The preserved sugar mill, stone walls, and remnants of the historic estate provide strong subjects for architectural and travel photography. The textures are particularly appealing: weathered stone, rough wooden details, and tropical plants growing around the old structures.

I would visit early in the day, when the light is less harsh and the site is quieter. The sun can become intense around the ruins, and there is limited shade in some areas. Framing the sugar mill with palms or a nearby stone wall helps create a photograph that feels connected to the landscape rather than simply documenting a building.

The overlook near the plantation adds another layer to the visit. From there, the harbor and neighboring islands stretch across the horizon. This is a good place for panoramic images, especially when the water is calm and the sky has a few clouds to give the composition more texture.

Cinnamon Bay’s classic Caribbean scenery

Cinnamon Bay combines the elements many people hope to see on a Caribbean beach: pale sand, clear water, palms, and green hills rising behind the shoreline. It is broad enough that you can usually find a quieter section for photographs, even when the main beach area is active.

For beach portraits, I prefer the edges of the bay, where vegetation and driftwood create natural framing. Shooting toward the water gives a bright, airy image, while turning inland captures the contrast between the sand and the dense forest. Sunrise is especially appealing here because the beach can look almost untouched before the day’s visitors arrive.

Cinnamon Bay is also a useful stop for a longer park itinerary. You can swim, walk along the shore, or use it as a break between scenic drives. Keep cameras and phones protected from sand, since even a light breeze can carry grains into bags and equipment.

Hawksnest Bay and the colors below the surface

Hawksnest Bay is a strong choice when the goal is to photograph both the shoreline and the underwater world. The beach is compact, and the surrounding hills give it a more enclosed feeling than the larger North Shore bays. From the sand, the combination of reef, sea, and forest makes a simple but colorful composition.

Snorkeling conditions can be good close to shore, though visibility depends on weather and water movement. I like using a waterproof camera here because the reef often provides more visual variety than the beach alone. Fish, coral formations, and beams of sunlight through the water can create memorable images without requiring an advanced dive setup.

As with every snorkeling location in the park, avoid standing on coral and do not remove shells or marine life. Reef-safe sunscreen, a rash guard, and a dry bag make the stop more comfortable and help protect the environment that gives the bay its color.

Ram Head for a wilder perspective

The Ram Head Trail offers a completely different view of St. John. Instead of lush hills and sheltered bays, the route crosses a drier landscape with exposed rock, low scrub, and dramatic coastal cliffs. The trail begins near Saltpond Bay and leads toward a rocky point overlooking the Caribbean.

This is one of the best places for photographs that feel rugged rather than resort-like. Cactus, windswept vegetation, and deep blue water create strong contrast, particularly under a partly cloudy sky. The final viewpoint is wide open, so there is little protection from sun and wind. I would avoid the hottest part of the afternoon and carry more water than you expect to need.

The hike is manageable for many active visitors, but uneven terrain and heat make sturdy shoes essential. Take care near cliff edges, especially when concentrating on a screen or viewfinder. The landscape rewards patience: sometimes the most striking image appears after turning away from the obvious viewpoint toward the trail, rocks, and distant islands.

Simple ways to make the images stronger

A few practical choices can make the day more enjoyable and improve the photographs:

The most rewarding photo day on St. John is rarely about rushing from one famous beach to another. Give each place time to reveal its own character: the broad blues of Trunk Bay, the quiet movement of turtles at Maho, the history of Annaberg, or the windswept cliffs above Saltpond Bay.

Save these locations for your next Virgin Islands trip, then explore them with a camera, a little patience, and enough time to enjoy the scenery between shots.