Rainbow Beach

Updated August 16, 2026

Rainbow Beach is just north of Frederiksted on St. Croix’s west coast. It is the island’s most sociable beach, and the reliable answer when the north shore is rough.

What it is good for

Calm water. The west coast is sheltered from the trade winds, so while Cane Bay is chopping up in the afternoon, Rainbow is flat. If a north swell has shut down the north shore for a few days, this is where you go.

Sunset. St. Croix’s west coast faces the setting sun. Rainbow is the easiest place to be for it, with somewhere to sit and something to drink.

Doing nothing. There is a beach bar, food, and space. It is not a snorkelling destination or a hiking destination. It is a beach-day beach.

When to go

Afternoon into evening. Come over for the second half of the day, eat, stay for sunset, drive back. The drive from Christiansted is 35–40 minutes, so it is worth building the day around rather than dropping in.

Weekends are busier and more local, which is a feature.

Combine it with

The whole west end works as one day:

• Frederiksted Pier in the morning — snorkel or dive, if no cruise ship is in
• Lunch in Frederiksted town
• Rainbow Beach for the afternoon
• Sunset, then the drive back

Or add Hams Bluff Lighthouse and the rainforest drive at the start of the day.

Practical

• No lifeguard.
• Empty your car. Beach-lot break-ins are the most common problem visitors have here.
• Reef-safe sunscreen.
• Bar and food hours shift seasonally — check before relying on it for dinner.

Rainbow Beach is about 50 minutes from our villa on the east end. See all the beaches.

Common questions

Is Rainbow Beach good for swimming?

Yes. It is on the sheltered west coast, so the water is generally calm — a good option when north-shore swell has shut down Cane Bay.

Does Rainbow Beach have a bar?

There is a beach bar and food service in the immediate area, which is part of why it is the island's most sociable beach. Hours vary seasonally — check locally.