You might think you have to travel far and wide to find white sand beaches, turquoise ocean waters, and year-round pleasant weather… but did you know there are tropical places you can visit without a passport as an American citizen? From mainland US options like Miami, to far-flung destinations like American Samoa, here are the top 14 tropical places you can visit without a passport!
Best Tropical Destinations You Can Visit Without a Passport
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Tropical Places You Can Visit Without a Passport: Carribean
1. St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
Have the Caribbean vacation of your dreams on St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands! Because the USVI are an unincorporated island territory of the United States, no passport is required to visit this tropical destination.
St. Thomas is great for shopping, dining, and hitting the beaches for some sun.
Where to Stay: click here for amazing rentals! Or stay at a resort in one of these incredible condos.
2. St. John, US Virgin Islands
St. John, another US Virgin Island, is home to (and mostly comprised of) the Virgin Islands National Park. Swim along beaches rimmed with stunning coral reefs, and you might even see sea turtles if you’re lucky!
Alternatively, trek along jungle hiking paths and keep an eye out for tropical birds and gorgeous flora.
Where to Stay: St. John Hotels
Need a new swimsuit? Check out some of my faves on Amazon that are super affordable!
3. St. Croix, US Virgin Islands
St. Croix is another great USVI destination if you’re looking for places that don’t require a passport! Stroll through town for a view of the historically quaint Danish architecture.
For an outdoorsy adventure, head to Salt River Bay National Park to see impressive archeological sites, mangroves, and coral reefs.
Where to Stay: Saint Croix Hotels or Resort Condos
You Might Also Like: 18 Gorgeous Places to Visit in the Caribbean
4. San Juan, Puerto Rico
Because Puerto Rico is a US territory, no passport is needed to visit this tropical destination! San Juan, the capital and largest city of Puerto Rico, is filled with great food, colorful architecture, and rich culture.
Check out the fortress of El Moro for sweeping ocean views, or head to El Escambrón beach for some fun in the sun.
5. Culebra, Puerto Rico
Located off the east coast of Puerto Rico’s main island, Culebra is a tiny island surrounded by beautiful cays. Don’t miss Flamenco Beach, which is known for its tropical white sand beaches and refreshing turquoise waters.
As the sun goes down, head to the southwest side of Culebra to Punta Melones. This beach known for its incredible sunset views!
Tropical Places in the USA
6. Key West, Florida
Key West is home to the only living barrier reef in the entire continental US, so it’s a popular choice among snorkelers and SCUBA fanatics too! See some of the awesome rentals available in Key West HERE.
Don’t forget a cute beach bag:
7. Miami, Florida
As the third most populated city along the east coast of the US, Miami is a great choice for travelers who want the convenience of city life alongside their tropical vacation.
Whether you’re after incredible Cuban food, want to soak up the kitschy art deco architecture, or simply can’t wait to experience the lively nightlife, Miami has something for everyone.
Where to Stay: Miami’s Top Hotels
8. Anna Maria Island, Florida
If you’re looking for a tropical beach vacation that’s a little more laidback than Key West or Miami, try Anna Maria Island. A small barrier island on Florida’s gulf coast, Anna Maria has a laid back resort vibe.
Enjoy a swim at the relaxed Manatee Beach Park or do some shopping along the quaint Pine Avenue while you’re here! The island has some beautiful rental properties, check them out here.
9. Santa Catalina Island, California
Santa Catalina Island is the ideal destination if you’re looking for tropical places you can visit without a passport on the west coast. Just southwest of LA, Catalina Island is known both for its incredible dive sites and upscale resort feel.
Whether you’re hiking to the top of Mt. Orizaba or grabbing brunch in the resort town of Two Harbors, Catalina Island makes it easy to feel like you’re on a tropical vacation even though you’re only an hour away from mainland California.
10. Oahu, Hawaii
While only the third largest island of Hawaii, Oahu is known for having the best nightlife in the state. Home to the state capital of Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, and the world-famous Waikiki Beach, you don’t want to miss all Oahu has to offer.
This island is one of the best tropical places you can visit without a passport! Filled with luxury shopping options, incredible upscale dining, and all sorts of outdoor activities, you’ll never be bored on Oahu.
See Oahu’s Top resorts HERE.
You Might Also Like: What to Pack for a Tropical Beach Vacation – packing checklist
11. Kauai, Hawaii
The Hawaiian island of Kauai is home to everything from outrageously beautiful mountain views and sea cliffs to incredible snorkeling and diving locations along coral reefs and sandy beaches.
You can hike to a waterfall one day, ATV through the jungle the next, and follow that all up with a zip-lining tour. Stay at one of Kauai’s stunning resorts.
12. Maui, Hawaii
Maui is the second-largest island in Hawaii and world-renowned as one of the best tropical destinations for honeymooners. That should come as no surprise — this island is filled with decadent resorts, stunning white-sand beaches, and magnificent sunrises and sunsets from the Haleakala volcano.
Maui’s Kaanapali Beach is a great spot to swim with sea turtles in their natural habitat.
Where to Stay: Maui’s Best Resorts
Other Tropical Places You Can Visit Without a Passport:
13. Guam
This tiny island nation is one of the farthest places you can travel to that doesn’t require a passport. Located in the south of the Mariana Islands, Guam is beloved by off-the-beaten-path travelers for its crystal clear ocean waters and relatively empty beaches.
If you’re looking for tropical dive locations that aren’t overrun by other divers or exotic beaches, then consider adding Guam to your list!
Cute and affordable beach hats:
14. American Samoa
UPDATE: Americans now do need a passport to travel to American Samoa.
Located below the equator, American Samoa is the southernmost American territory. This island nation is known for its pristine beaches, volcanic peaks, and lush rainforests.
Located almost halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand, much of the island remains completely untouched by touristic development, making it best for intrepid and adventurous travelers.
Be sure to check out my tropical vacay packing list – it includes a link to a customizable + printable check list: What to Pack for a Tropical Beach Vacation
Have you been to any of these fabulous tropical locales? Have I left any of your faves off this list? Leave me a comment below or DM me on Instagram!
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xx Chels
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All places are very beautiful. We all should visit these places once in a life and as we know that passport is not required so it will be easy to visit there.
Thanks for giving the information.
Regards,
Siddharth.
You should go as soon as posible! you can visit Puerto Rico around by cab as it is a small island.
Here you have some information.
TAXIS
Puerto Rico is great for visiting a very enchanting little island.
Puerto Rico is great for visiting a very enchanting little island.
Thanks for information