Denis Bay Beach

Denis Bay is a long, white-sand beach on St. John’s north shore, reached on foot between the better-known Hawksnest and Trunk Bay areas. It’s a good pick if you want a quieter stretch of coast and don’t mind a short, uneven walk down from the road.

Park at the small Peace Hill pullout on North Shore Road. Start up the Peace Hill path, then take the narrow spur on the right as it drops through the woods to the beach. The walk takes about ten minutes; the footing can be uneven and slippery, so sturdy shoes are a better call than flip-flops. You can visit the windmill ruin on Peace Hill on the same outing, but it’s a separate stop above the beach.

The open view faces the British Virgin Islands, with Perkins Cay offshore. Rocky outcrops at either end are the spots local guides point to for snorkeling. For a beach photo, include the curve of the shoreline with Perkins Cay out in the water; the walk-in setting is part of what makes this stop feel different from the drive-up beaches.

The bay can be gentle, but it’s exposed to northern swell and currents that can make the water rough. Check conditions before swimming or snorkeling, and stay ashore when the surf or current is strong. There are no beach-side restrooms, picnic tables, concessions, or rentals, so bring drinking water, food, and anything else you’ll need.

A collapsed pier and old estate remains are reported near the far end of the beach, but their dates and original use aren’t established. The land inland above the high-water line is private; keep to the beach rather than wandering up to the ruins.