What’s Your Favorite Beach?
by: KC Bsisu, Agent, Islandia | Christie’s Intl Real Estate

How many times have you been asked, “What’s YOUR favorite beach?”

My answer: ALL OF THEM! Well, it varies each beach day…. It all depends on what the plan is (it feels wrong to attach a goal to a beach day) – and some days, especially in season, my favorite one is simply the one with a parking spot!

I truly love a beach that has a hike attached.” Not a beach that requires a hike, that means hiking back UP at the end of the day…. Cinnamon Bay is the favorite I’ll share this time, since the hike is not required.

Why Cinnamon Bay Checks So Many Boxes

Cinnamon Bay checks a lot off the list for a convenient beach. It kicks off strong with lots of parking and plenty of taxi activity. Accessibility-check. You don’t even have to unpack the beach gear until your hike is finished; it just stays locked in the Jeep.

Three Levels of Adventure

Right across the street, you have 3 levels of activity.

The Cinnamon Bay Nature Loop

First, just across Northshore Road, right at street level, is the Cinnamon Bay Nature Loop. Here you can meander on a relatively flat boardwalk and trail through the ruins while pausing to read the history along the way. Make sure you breathe in the scent of Bay Rum trees on this path.

America Hill Ruins

To the left of the Nature Loop is the entrance to the Cinnamon Bay trail and activity level options 2 & 3. It’s a fairly steep uphill to start, but a few years back, Friends of the VINP installed a few steps that make the initial incline much more palatable.

Just past the top of this climb, you will step over the gut. Depending on the weather, there will be a little “stream” to step over.

A bit further, and you will come to a fork in the path, options 2 and 3. Taking the left will lead you up to the America Hill ruins and a stunning view over to Maho. This route is approximately .6 mile, making the round trip 1.2 miles.

Up to Centerline Road

Going “straight” will lead through a few different switchbacks, all the way up to Centerline Road. There is a great little lookout as you get closer to the top that includes the views towards Peter Bay. If you go all the way to Centerline Road, you will have gone a bit over 1 mile, for over a 2-mile round trip.

Of course, you don’t have to do one or the other; combine all 3 to get plenty of vacation steps in!

The Reward

After the hike is the reward.

Cinnamon Bay has a paved sidewalk to the beach, a convenient bathhouse, and dining!

The Rain Tree Cafe serves both breakfast (until 9:30) and dinner in the cafe, check out their special nights like Friday prime rib. The cafe also hosts various Friends of the Park events, such as the Tuesday Turtle Talks. While the cafe is not serving, the Rain Tree Food Truck is available for lunch and libations.

It is the longest beach on St. John, in case you didn’t already get enough steps in, with lots of space for visitors to spread out. It can get a little wavy at Cinnamon on a windy day, so it’s not always the best snorkeling. However, with all it has to offer, from the beauty, convenience, and options, Cinnamon ranks pretty high on my “favorite beaches list.”

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Meet KC

Originally from rural Kansas, KC, her husband, and their dog Buddy found their way to St. John in 2015.

The initial draw was the Virgin Islands National Park and primarily the water – diving, boating, snorkeling, and beach days.

KC’s first job on the island, Jake’s (a beloved former breakfast spot), drew her into the close-knit community in a way she will always be thankful for. This community and the lifestyle of hiking with her dogs (Johnny and June), gardening, and generally being outdoors locked her in.

Her husband has taken his love for the water into a volunteer position aiding St. John Rescue with their dive team training.

KC first experienced St. John real estate as an island novice Buyer, and eventually selling as a real estate professional; she understands the unique experience of owning real estate on St. John and the lifestyle that comes with it. She has managed short and long-term rentals for her own property and for additional owners.

The experience of purchasing led to following the market closely and finally choosing to pursue her real estate license and join the team at Islandia | Christie’s International Real Estate.

Known for her approachable personality and thoughtful attention to detail, KC enjoys helping buyers navigate the island market while sharing the local knowledge and experiences that made her fall head over heels (down a trail) with St. John herself.