15 Best Islands in the US That Are a Passport-Free Journey to Paradise

You could go to Bali or the Caribbean, but you can also lounge in a hammock, cracking open crab legs on beautiful islands around the US. You don’t need to fly halfway across the world or even have a passport.

Yes, these 15 best islands in the US can bring a slice of tropical paradise to your backyard. So, pack your shades and hop in your car to these island escapes that make it super easy to pretend you’re in the tropics!

1. Islands of Hawaii

I know I’m cheating by combining Hawaii into one destination when, in fact, it is made out of eight main islands and countless smaller day-trip paradises. But, having gone to four of them, it’s hard to just pick one.

The state is the ultimate tropical playground in the US, and it’s not just about the beaches (though the beaches are pretty epic). Lush canyons drop nearly vertically over much of the 750 miles of coastline.

Many islands have at least one active volcano or ancient crater to hike around, like Maui’s Haleakalā National Park or Volcanos National Park on Big Island. You’ll want to visit Oahu’s North Shore for world-class surf spots, swim with the manta’s in Kona, or snorkel and see sea turtles in the warm waters of Laniakea Beach.

2. Key West, Florida

In Key West, flip-flops count as formalwear, and sunsets are community events. Sitting at the southernmost point of the U.S., it’s just 90 miles from Cuba, and you feel that laid-back island vibe every day you’re there, mostly because everyone around you is a tourist, you included.

Famous for its colorful pastel homes and Hemingway’s six-toed cats, I remember taking my first ghost tour here and getting caught by the Coast Guard for dangling our legs over a yacht we had rented.

Take a tour of the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, or head out for a snorkeling trip at Dry Tortugas National Park, one of the most remote in the country. Just grab a slice of key lime pie before you head home.

3. Puerto Rico, US Territory

Puerto Rico has that Caribbean energy but without the passport fuss. With over 270 miles of coastline, sand, and surf, your days away, but that’s not all that’ll grab your attention.

El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. Forest System. San Juan’s old cobblestone streets are steeped in history, with forts like El Morro guarding the coast. Head to Culebra for the famous Flamenco Beach often ranked one of the best in the world. You may even catch the bioluminescent bay in Vieques glowing at night.

4. US Virgin Islands, US Territory 

I had never even heard of the US Virgin Islands before being invited on a sailing trip around the neighboring BVIs. A popular honeymoon destination, the USVI has three major islands, all connected with convenient ferry boats: St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix.

St. Thomas will be your main hub, with bustling Charlotte Amalie and a massive duty-free shopping scene. St. John is mostly a national park, with the waters at Trunk Bay possibly being one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen.

Fewer people visit St. Croix, which is further away, to see its historic sugar plantations and Buck Island Reef, the world’s only underwater national monument. 

5. San Juan Islands, Washington

San Juan Islands is the Pacific Northwest like you’ve never seen it before. Dotting the ocean between Washington and Canada, these islands may not be tropical in temperature, but they are wild with green landscapes and killer whale sightings you only see in documentaries.

Over 170 islands make up this chain, but only a few are inhabited, and the region is positively filled with hippies. Friday Harbor on San Juan Island is the main hub.

Kayaking here is almost a requirement. You can weave around sea caves and spot orcas during their summer migration. End your day snarfing fresh oysters and crab caught that morning.

6. Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

Martha’s Vineyard might be known for its celebrity visitors, but it’s also famous for windswept beaches and charming small towns.

This island comprises six distinct towns just a short ferry ride from mainland Massachusetts. Oak Bluffs is where you’ll find those iconic gingerbread houses, while Edgartown comes complete with an iconic lighthouse.

The beaches here are perfect for long walks and clambakes. Try to spot the filming locations for Jaws, which was shot here.

7. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Hilton Head Island is where you go to mix parring on golf courses with days at the beach munching on seafood. This island, famous for its 12 miles of beach, is a golfer’s paradise with over 20 championship courses.

There are bike trails all over the island, making it easy to explore without a car. The Harbour Town Lighthouse is also a must-see for views of the marina.

8. Catalina Island, California

Just 22 miles off the Southern California coast, Catalina Island feels like a Mediterranean getaway without the flight. Most people take the ferry as a day trip from LA to Avalon, the island’s main town, where golf carts outnumber cars. Otherwise, you’ll have to find a sailing friend to take you the adventurous way.

There are not many places for exciting snorkeling in SoCal, but Lover’s Cove is one of the few with clear waters showing off California’s marine life. After washing off the ocean salt, hike to the summit of Mount Orizaba, the highest point on the island.

9. Mackinac Island, Michigan

Mackinac Island takes you back to a time before cars, as they’re literally not allowed. You’ll be getting around by bike or horse-drawn carriage.

Fudge is the island’s specialty and the Grand Hotel boasts the longest porch in the world at 660 feet. For a bit of history, check out Fort Mackinac, a 19th-century military outpost. Arch Rock is a natural formation that’s great for photos, and nearby Lake Huron provides endless water activities. It’s an island with more quirks than you’d expect from beautiful Michigan.

10. Sanibel Island, Florida

It’s difficult to pick only one destination from Florida’s many islands, but Sanibel Island is unique as a shell collector’s dream. Thanks to its unique east-west orientation, people come from all over to scoop up seashells along the beach.

Beyond the shells, you can kayak through the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, where you’ll spot manatees and countless bird species. Bowman’s Beach is another prime spot for some sun and relaxation. This Gulf Coast gem also has a low-key nightlife, with small beachside restaurants serving fresh catch daily. 

11. Long Island, New York

Long Island might not scream “island getaway,” but for Tristater’s, it’s as close as we can get.

At least the island has enough of its fair share of beach towns and wineries that’ll make you forget the hustle of NYC.

Take a drive out to Montauk for wide-open beaches and great seafood shacks. The Hamptons are known for upscale summer homes and celebrity sightings, but anyone can enjoy the natural beauty of Coopers Beach. North Fork has vineyards for days. And go to Fire Island for a car-free summer destination with beaches that go on forever.

12. Chincoteague Island, Virginia

If wild ponies sound intriguing, Chincoteague Island is one place to see them. The famous Pony Swim takes place every year, where wild horses are rounded up from Assateague Island.

The island is laid-back, with beaches, seafood shacks, and marshes perfect for kayaking. Hundreds of bird species call Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge home, and fishing and crabbing are popular activities.

13. Mount Desert Island, Maine

Mount Desert Island is home to Acadia National Park, which is reason enough to visit. With over 47,000 acres of forests, lakes, and coastline, it’s a nature lover’s dream.

Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the East Coast and the perfect spot for sunrise. The town of Bar Harbor has plenty of shops and seafood restaurants for Maine lobster.

14. South Padre Island, Texas

Known for its spring break crowd, South Padre Island has more than just beach parties. Its miles of sandy shoreline and clear waters are ideal for swimming, kiteboarding, and fishing.

You can also check out the Sea Turtle Rescue Center or go dolphin watching, and the island is part of the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail.

15. Outer Banks, North Carolina

The Outer Banks may just be one of North Carolina’s most beautiful places to escape the crowds and kick back in a beach house. These barrier islands stretch for over 100 miles of uncrowded beaches, and wild horses roam the shorelines.

Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kitty Hawk, where the flight first took off. Jockey’s Ridge State Park has the tallest sand dunes on the East Coast to try sandboarding or flying a kite. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is another must-see, especially for sunset views.

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