Trunk Bay on St. John was named the world’s top beach in Beach’s 2026 World’s Best Beaches rankings, leading a strong showing for the U.S. Virgin Islands, which placed three beaches on the annual list, a press release announced.
Trunk Bay earned the No. 1 spot, while Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge on St. Croix ranked No. 7 and Magens Bay Beach on St. Thomas came in at No. 17. The U.S. Virgin Islands was one of only a handful of destinations with multiple beaches recognized on the 2026 list, according to the press release.
Trunk Bay, located within Virgin Islands National Park, is known for its turquoise waters, white sand beach and underwater snorkeling trail, the press release stated.
Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge, on St. Croix’s southwest coast, is a two-mile stretch of shoreline that serves as a nesting habitat for endangered leatherback sea turtles. The beach is open to visitors seasonally, the release stated.
Magens Bay Beach, on St. Thomas, is recognized for its heart-shaped bay and calm waters that attract swimmers, snorkelers and other beachgoers, it stated.
The annual World’s Best Beaches rankings evaluate beaches based on natural beauty, visitor experience, accessibility, wildlife, environmental preservation and recommendations from local experts, it stated.
