12 Tropical Vacations in the US That Feel Like Paradise (No Passport Required)

You don’t have to travel far from the US mainland to experience the ultimate tropical paradise. From island getaways to energetic big cities, you’ll have plenty of dreamy destinations to choose from.

The US is a vast country with many climates, from arctic wilderness to deserts and forests. For those of us who want a cocktail under a palm tree-type climate, it has that, too.

For a relaxing time lounging in the tropics, you’ll have several incredible destinations in the US to choose from. Below are the top 12 tropical vacations in the US.

Table of Contents

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Warm Destinations in the World in September_Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu, HI 1/5

Best Beaches in the World Trunk Bay, St. John, US Virgin Islands

St John, USVI 2/5

Tropical Vacations in the US Sanibel, Florida

Sanibel, FL 3/5

U.S. Cities for an Ultimate Shopping Experience Miami

Miami, FL 4/5

Tropical Vacations in the US Maui, Hawaii Big Beach and Little Beach

Maui, HI 5/5

Results

Honolulu, HI

4 6

St John, USVI

6 4

Sanibel, FL

4 6

Miami, FL

4 6

Maui, HI

6 4

Miami, Florida

Florida’s largest city is where people travel to party, lay in the sun, and experience a diverse cultural tapestry. You’ll find plenty to see and do, between events downtown to late-night beach parties in South Beach.

When you arrive, Miami’s energy will sweep you away. Head to Miami Beach to rent a jet ski or grab a table on Ocean Drive to take in the ocean scenery while sipping on something delicious.

If you’re a foodie, Miami won’t disappoint. Head downtown to sample some of the best sushi in the US or to Little Havana to try endless Cuban restaurants and cafes. If you’ve never enjoyed a Cuban coffee while watching the sunrise over the city, you’re missing something special.

Plan for the Heat & Humidity: Miami can be hot and humid, especially in summer. Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and dress in light, breathable clothing to stay comfortable while exploring.
Avoid Peak Traffic Times: Traffic in Miami can be intense, especially during rush hours (7-10 AM & 4-7 PM). Use rideshares, public transport, or walk in areas like South Beach to avoid congestion.

Honolulu, Hawaii

Hawaii’s capital and largest city is full of tropical island vibes, a strong cultural heritage, and some of the best beaches in the US. No matter if you’re looking for relaxation under the palms or a game of golf, you’ll find it in Honolulu.

First, head to Waikiki Beach to witness the birthplace of surfing. Then, take a snorkeling tour or deep-sea fishing charter to experience the local wildlife. When the sun goes down, you can head downtown to enjoy the city’s clubs, live music venues, and hip bars.

If the ocean and big-city entertainment aren’t your thing, you’ll have endless hiking trails and wildlife adventures close by. Hit the trails near town and experience the Mānoa Falls Trail. You’ll see plenty of wildlife, colorful plants, and cultural landmarks before making your way back to the beach to rest.

Book Activities in Advance: Popular tours like snorkeling at Hanauma Bay or visiting Pearl Harbor can sell out quickly. Plan ahead to secure your spot and avoid last-minute disappointment.
Use Public Transport or Walk: Traffic and parking in Honolulu can be challenging, especially in Waikiki. Consider using TheBus, rideshares, or walking to explore the city with ease.

Sanibel, Florida

Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, Sanibel Island is a paradise for boaters, anglers, or anyone who wants a quiet stroll on a tropical beach. You’ll find plenty of relaxing spaces with few people.

Take your time to explore the sands and collect pristine sea shells. Or, make your way to one of the island’s many seaside eateries for delicious fresh-caught seafood and oysters.

One of the most enjoyable activities in Sanibel, Florida, is deep-sea fishing. You can hop on a charter boat and hit the open sea. Try your luck before returning to shore to cook up your catch and end the day with a world-famous Florida sunset.

Pack Water Shoes: The beaches are famous for their seashells, but they can be sharp. Water shoes will help protect your feet while shell-hunting.
Visit J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge: This protected area offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching, kayaking, and spotting local wildlife in a serene setting.

St John, US Virgin Islands

For nature lovers, St John is hard to beat. The small island is home to the famous Virgin Islands National Park. Here, you’ll find archeological ruins and rare flora and fauna.

You can rent kayaks and hit the azure waters looking for sea turtles and colorful fish. Pull up onto a secluded beach and just let time pass by slowly as you bask in the tropical sun. Or, you can hike the Lind Point Trail or the L’Esperance trailhead for unbeatable views.

After adventuring through the island, head to the charming town of Cruz Bay for food and refreshments. End your day by the beach with some cocktails and fresh seafood. If this doesn’t sound like the perfect getaway, there’s always Fargo, North Dakota.

Rent a Jeep: Many of the island’s best beaches and hiking spots require driving on rough, unpaved roads, so a 4WD vehicle will make exploring much easier.
Bring Snorkeling Gear: The crystal-clear waters around St. John are teeming with marine life, and some of the best snorkeling spots, like Trunk Bay and Maho Bay, are easily accessible from the shore.

Maui, Hawaii

With beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife, and friendly people, it’s hard to find a better tropical getaway than in Maui, Hawaii. No matter if you’re looking for a resort experience or an outdoor adventure of a lifetime, you’ll find it here.

Start your stay in the beautiful city of Kahului and try homemade poke bowls. Then, take a drive through the beautiful countryside to the black sands and jungle-lined shores of Waiʻānapanapa State Park. Afterward, end your day at Wailea-Makena for epic sunsets by the beach.

Maui went through a challenging natural disaster in 2023. However, the resilient island is ready once again for tourists. When you visit, keep in mind the tragic fires that swept through the town of Lahaina, and enjoy the island respectfully.

Drive the Road to Hana Early: This scenic route is stunning but can get crowded. Start early to avoid traffic and have more time to enjoy waterfalls, black sand beaches, and lush rainforests along the way.
Respect Local Communities: While Maui welcomes visitors, be mindful of areas still recovering from the 2023 fires. Support local businesses, follow posted guidelines, and show respect for the island’s culture and history.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico’s capital is where to go for UNESCO World Heritage Sites, great food, and endless nightlife. This beautiful Caribbean city has a habit of charming first-time visitors.

First, stroll down the centuries-old streets of Old San Juan and enjoy the colonial architecture and ambient music. Then, visit La Fortaleza, one of the best-preserved 16th-century Spanish forts in the Caribbean.

🏨 Explore all your hotel options here

As the night falls, San Juan turns on. You can get lost in the many bars and nightclubs around the city. In La Placita, you can dance until the sun comes up. This is where salsa and reggaeton music evolved and the vibe will be like nothing on the mainland.

Wear Comfortable Shoes: The cobblestone streets of Old San Juan are beautiful but uneven, so wear comfortable walking shoes while exploring the historic sites.
Try the Local Cuisine: Don’t miss out on classic Puerto Rican dishes like mofongo (mashed plantains with garlic and meat) and lechón (slow-roasted pork), best enjoyed at local eateries.

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Key West, Florida

Put down the Beach Boys albums, and just book your ticket already. Key West is a beach destination full of history and natural beauty. Imagine sipping on margaritas under swaying palm trees at the southernmost point in the US Lower 48. It truly doesn’t get much better than this.

Start your excursion by visiting historical landmarks like the home of writer Ernest Hemingway. Then, consider taking a deep-sea fishing charter to test your angling skills in clear tropical waters.

On land, there are dozens of bars and restaurants to relax in. Don’t miss the chance to sample the island’s signature dessert, Key Lime Pie. For dinner, you’ll have highly-rated restaurants that serve everything from burgers to seafood.

Catch the Sunset at Mallory Square: Every evening, Mallory Square hosts a lively sunset celebration with street performers, food vendors, and stunning ocean views.
Rent a Bike or Golf Cart: Key West is a small, walkable island, but renting a bike or golf cart makes exploring its charming streets and hidden gems even easier.

Kauai, Hawaii

If you’ve seen Jurassic Park, you know how gorgeous this island is. Kauai may not have dinosaurs, but it is full of natural beauty that rivals any destination on the planet.

You can start your journey on the picturesque Kalapaki Beach. Then, head to Anahola Beach Park to take in the calm island waters before grabbing a poke bowl or juice in town. You can continue driving north to the Kīlauea Lighthouse and the Na ‘Aina Kai Botanical Gardens & Sculpture Park.

For more adventure, consider hiking one of the island’s many trails. These hiking experiences take you through dense rainforests. On the way, pay attention to marked cultural landmarks and sacred sites and always keep an eye out for velociraptors.

Explore the Nā Pali Coast by Boat or Helicopter: Some of Kauai’s most breathtaking landscapes, including towering cliffs and hidden beaches, are only accessible by boat or helicopter.
Pack for Rain: Kauai is known as the “Garden Isle” for a reason—it gets a lot of rain! Bring a light rain jacket and waterproof gear, especially if you plan to hike.

Key Largo, Florida

Florida’s Key Largo is a mellow destination full of beautiful beaches and secluded inns. If you want to get away from it all and just relax, this is the place for you.

Key Largo is a small island key just a short drive from Miami. Once you get there, you’ll enjoy the beautiful ocean and calm mangrove forests. You’ll also enjoy the many bars and restaurants on the beach where you can just sip on a cold drink and get lost in the views.

After you’ve had your fill of relaxation, consider joining a kayaking tour of the mangrove swamps. You can also join a guided snorkeling adventure and dolphin cruise with the chance to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and maybe a shark.

Visit John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park: This underwater park is perfect for snorkeling or diving, offering a chance to explore vibrant coral reefs and marine life.
Try the Local Seafood: Don’t leave without tasting the fresh-caught seafood, especially conch fritters and Key Largo’s famous fish tacos.

Vieques, Puerto Rico

Just off the east coast of Puerto Rico is the island of Vieques. This beautiful island is a little off the beaten path for tourism, but well worth visiting.

You’ll find streets with no traffic lights and a contagious laid-back vibe. Throughout the island are secluded beaches with coconut palms and crystal blue water. The capital city of Vieques is full of white-washed buildings and friendly places to sample the local seafood.

The island is famous for the bioluminescent light shows of Mosquito Bay. You can rent a kayak at night and glide through colorful phosphorescent plankton that turns bright shades of blue and purple.

Book a Bioluminescent Bay Tour in Advance: Mosquito Bay is the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world, and tours fill up quickly. Plan ahead to secure your spot.
Rent a Jeep for Easy Exploration: Many of Vieques’ best beaches, like Playa Negra and Playa Caracas, are only accessible via rough roads, so a rental jeep is the best way to explore the island.

St Thomas, US Virgin Islands

While St John takes the prize for nature in the US Virgin Islands, St Thomas is where to go for food and entertainment. The island is home to historic monuments, great restaurants, and relaxing beaches just waiting for you. Realistically, they’re probably not waiting for you, but you know what we’re saying.

Start your vacation off in Charlotte Amalie. This beautiful town has an island charm that sweeps visitors off their feet. Immediately, you’ll forget what time, day, month, and year it is and get lost in the community’s vibes.

For more adventure, drive to Hull Bay Beach to enjoy the warm tropical water. Then, make your way east to the Coral World Ocean Park. This wonderful attraction showcases the diverse fish and corals that call this island home.

Visit Magens Bay Early: One of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, Magens Bay gets crowded quickly. Arriving early ensures a more peaceful experience.
Take the Skyride to Paradise Point: For stunning panoramic views of Charlotte Amalie and the harbor, ride the Skyride gondola, especially around sunset for the best scenery.

Palm Beach, Florida

Just north of Miami is the city of Palm Beach, Florida. From 5-star hotels to quirky inns, you’ll find the perfect place to relax and take it easy. Plus, Palm Beach has award-winning golf courses where you can improve your swing in style or just hit the bar and tell everyone you played a perfect game.

The highlight of Palm Beach is its beach. Long stretches of white sand and coconut palms will remind you that you are in the tropics. There are also offshore reefs where you can see colorful tropical fish and occasional sharks.

When the sound goes down, head across the Lake Worth Lagoon to West Palm Beach. Here, you’ll enjoy exciting nightlife, popular restaurants, and beautiful walking spaces. If you’re up for shopping, take a stroll through City Place or head back to Palm Beach’s Worth Avenue for luxury goods and people-watching.

Dress for the Scene: Palm Beach is known for its upscale atmosphere, so pack stylish resort wear for fine dining, shopping on Worth Avenue, and exclusive social spots.
Explore by Bike: Rent a bike and ride the scenic Palm Beach Lake Trail for stunning waterfront views, historic mansions, and a relaxed way to explore the island.