18 Tropical Destinations Americans Can Visit – Without a Passport
If you’re looking to jet off to a sunny Caribbean destination or to some remote beach surrounded by tropical jungle, you might not need to look as far as you’d think. There are plenty of tropical destinations that American travelers can visit with no passport required. These are the 18 best destinations for a tropical getaway sans passport.
Puerto Rico
The U.S. territory of Puerto Rico is perhaps the best tropical destination for Americans sans passport. It is easily accessible from the U.S. mainland via flights through the island’s capital of San Juan. Puerto Rico has a wealth of historical, cultural, culinary, and natural gems to experience, meaning it has a little something for every type of visitor.
Vieques
While many travelers know that Puerto Rico is one of the best tropical destinations to visit without a passport, just a fraction have ever heard of the island of Vieques. This island belongs to Puerto Rico and sits just off its eastern shore. Accessible by ferry or flight, it’s a gem with some of the best beaches in the United States.
Saint Croix
One of the main islands of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix boasts stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters, perfect for relaxation and water activities. Compared to the other islands of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix tends to feel even more laidback than other islands and is a little more affordable. Historic sites like Christiansted and Frederiksted offer visitors a historic lens on their beach vacation.
Mexico
Did you know that you can actually visit Mexico without a passport? It’s true! However, this is only true for travelers who cross the U.S.-Mexico border via land crossing and have a passport card rather than a full passport. If you’re traveling to Mexico via plane, you’ll still need to bring a valid passport.
Miami
There are few more tropical-feeling spots in the U.S. mainland than the frentic city of Miami. Beachgoers will love its white sand shores, while culinary and cultural travelers will marvel at the diversity that makes this city one of a kind. Take an excursion into the nearby Everglades or head out on a cruise along the coast for even more tropical vibes.
Maui
The island of Maui is one of the Hawaiian archipelago’s greatest natural treasures. Its diverse range of outdoor activities, from snorkeling at Molokini Crater to exploring the scenic Road to Hana, make it a top choice for tropical vacations, and its beaches are second to none.
Saint Thomas
Saint Thomas is one of the three main islands of the U.S. Virgin Islands, and is a popular stop on many Caribbean cruises. The island has a great mix of attractions like shopping and restaurants, as well as natural attractions like beaches and forests.
Key West
Perched on the end of the Florida Keys, Key West is a popular if expensive tropical vacation destination within the continential United States. It’s known for being just 90 miles north of Cuba, and has a famous monument identifying it as such.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park, located near Key West, is one of the most remote national parks in the United States. Its isolation contributes to its pristine natural environment and makes it a haven for wildlife and marine life, and a popular if little-visited tropical destination you don’t need a passport to visit.
American Samoa
Located midway between Hawaii and New Zealand, American Samoa is a U.S. territory, meaning that U.S. travelers don’t need a passport to visit. From lush rainforests to pristine beaches, the islands boast unparalleled natural beauty, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and relaxation seekers alike, in a unique Polynesian setting you can’t find without leaving the country.
Northern Mariana Islands
The Northern Mariana Islands are a group of islands located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Like American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands are also considered a U.S. territory and don’t require U.S. travelers to bring a passport along for their trip. Warm, tropical weather year round and natural beauty in coral reefs of Managaha Island and the historic sites of Saipan make it a memorable, if little visited, vacation destination.
Big Island of Hawaii
Consider the “Big Island” of Hawaii for your tropical vacation sans passport. Not only is it easily accessible via flights from the mainland U.S., but it offers diverse landscapes to explore, including lush rainforests and volcanic terrain at iconic attractions such as Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Culebra
Like Vieques, the island of Culebra sits adjacent to Puerto Rico and is considered a part of Puerto Rico, a territory of the United States. Culebra is most famous for Playa Flamenco, a pristine stretch of white sand considered by many to be among the best beaches in the Caribbean.
Guam
In the heart of the Pacific Ocean is the U.S. territory of Guam, beckoning travelers without a US passport to its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant cultural scene. From exploring historical sites like the ancient latte stones to indulging in delicious Chamorro cuisine, visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty and hospitality of this enchanting tropical paradise even if they didn’t bring along their passport for the trip.
Islamorada
In the heart of the Florida Keys, Islamorada is a favorite vacation destination that offers tropical island vibes for travelers looking to stay within the continental United States. The island is famous for its world-class sport fishing, drawing anglers from around the globe to its abundant waters teeming with marlin, sailfish, and other prized game fish.
Saint John
Sometimes known as the Beverly Hills of the Caribbean for its upscale villas and private homes, Saint John is one of the three main islands that form the U.S. Virgin Islands in the heart of the Caribbean. In addition to its upscale appeal, it’s also known for having Trunk Bay Beach, considered among the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean.
Kauai
The “Garden Isle” of Kauai in Hawaii is just as lush and pristine as it sounds. Visitors will love exploring the island by hiking to waterfalls, exploring rainforest trails, and marveling at impressive cliffs that tower over the sea.
Oahu
Oahu beckons travelers without a US passport with its vibrant culture, world-renowned beaches, and iconic landmarks such as Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. In addition to enjoying the island’s beach and surfing, visitors can take a day trip to visit Pearl Harbor, one of the most important historical sites in the state.
Carley Rojas Avila is a bilingual New York-based travel writer, editor, content marketer, and the founder of the digital travel publications Explorers Away and Home to Havana. Carley is an expert on all things Latin America, the Caribbean, and Cuba, having lived and worked in four different countries in the region. Her writing has appeared on the Associated Press wires and in Travel + Leisure, Yahoo, MSN, Euronews, The Weather Channel, and more. When she's not writing about her travels, find her front row at a Bad Bunny concert, befriending street cats, and taste-testing every pizza in Havana.