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Dreaming of turquoise waters, volcanic peaks, or simply escaping the on a regular basis? What in case your subsequent unimaginable island getaway required no passport, no customs strains, simply… your driver’s license? For Americans, some really gorgeous locations really feel like they seem to be a world away, however since they’re truly a part of the U.S. (as states or territories), visiting them is surprisingly straightforward. Get able to discover vibrant Caribbean islands and breathtaking Pacific gems flying the Stars and Stripes, all with out the worldwide journey trouble. Let’s dive into 10 wonderful non-mainland U.S. spots the place paradise is nearer (and simpler) than you assume!

Americans Can Leave Their Passports At Home Traveling To These 10 Beach Destinations

1. Puerto Rico

  • Why Go: This vibrant Caribbean island affords a wealthy tapestry of experiences. Discover the 500-year-old streets and massive forts of Old San Juan, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Then, hit a few of the 300+ seashores lining its 270 miles of shoreline. You’ll be able to snorkel in crystal-clear waters, kayak by means of bioluminescent bays, hike within the El Yunque rainforest (the one tropical rainforest within the U.S. Nationwide Forest System!), and savor scrumptious meals like mofongo and lechón (roast pork).
  • Vibe: Energetic, historic, beachy, foodie paradise.
Aerial vantage of Isla Verde Beach in Carolina, Puerto Rico

2. U.S. Virgin Islands – St. Thomas

  • Why Go: Recognized for its gorgeous seashores like Magens Bay (usually listed among the many world’s most lovely) and nice duty-free procuring in Charlotte Amalie. Get panoramic views from Mountain High (supposedly the house of the banana daiquiri!), snorkel with turtles at Honeymoon Beach, or take a ferry to close by islands.
  • Vibe: Well-liked, full of life, lovely seashores, shopper-friendly.
St. Thomas Port

3. U.S. Virgin Islands – St. Croix

  • Why Go: The biggest of the USVI, St. Croix affords a extra laid-back vibe with a wealthy Danish colonial historical past seen within the charming cities of Christiansted and Frederiksted. Tour historic sugar plantations, go to the Cruzan Rum Distillery, kayak the Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve (the place Columbus landed), or go diving alongside the well-known underwater wall.
  • Vibe: Historic, various, relaxed, culturally wealthy.
Davis Beach on St Croix US Virgin Islands

4. U.S. Virgin Islands – St. John

  • Why Go: If nature is your bliss, St. John is your island. Over 60% of it’s protected because the Virgin Islands Nationwide Park, preserving miles of mountain climbing trails, pristine seashores like Trunk Bay (with its well-known underwater snorkeling path), and vibrant coral reefs teeming with life. It is quieter and fewer developed than St. Thomas.
  • Vibe: Pure, tranquil, eco-focused, stunningly lovely.
Aerial view of Caneel Bay on the island of St. John with St. Thomas in the distance in the United States Virgin Islands

5. Hawaii – The Massive Island (Hawaiʻi Island)

  • Why Go: Expertise unimaginable geological variety. Go to the stark, dramatic landscapes of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes Nationwide Park, stroll on black sand seashores like Punaluʻu (the place sea turtles usually bask), stargaze from Mauna Kea, and tour lush Kona coffee farms. Winter affords heat temps (usually close to 80°F) with out peak summer season humidity.
  • Vibe: Adventurous, dramatic landscapes, volcanic wonders, various climates.
Panorama of the northern coast of the Big Island with steep green cliffs and blue Pacific Ocean, Hawaii

6. Hawaii – Oahu

  • Why Go: Residence to the state capital, Honolulu, the enduring Waikiki Seaside, and the historic Pearl Harbor memorials. Be taught to surf, hike Diamond Head for unimaginable views, discover Polynesian cultures on the Polynesian Cultural Middle, or hit the legendary surf breaks on the North Shore (particularly in winter).
  • Vibe: Bustling metropolis meets island paradise, iconic sights, surf tradition.
Scenic aerial panoramic Waikiki Beach vista, Honolulu, Hawaii

7. Hawaii – Maui

  • Why Go: Well-known for the scenic Highway to Hāna, dawn viewing atop the dormant Haleakalā volcano, and world-class seashores like Kaʻanapali and Wailea. In winter, it is a prime spot for whale watching as humpback whales migrate right here to breed and calve.
  • Vibe: Romantic, scenic drives, whale watching hub, luxurious resorts and charming cities.
Makena Beach, Maui, Hawaii USA - One of the top beaches in the world located in Maui, Hawaii

8. Guam

  • Why Go: Situated within the Western Pacific, Guam affords a novel mix of indigenous Chamorro tradition, Spanish colonial historical past, and American affect. Often known as “The place America’s Day Begins,” it boasts lovely seashores (Tumon Bay is a hub), implausible diving (together with shipwrecks and reefs), and duty-free procuring.
  • Vibe: Tropical Pacific, culturally distinctive, historic significance (WWII), water sports activities focus.
Breathtaking View of Tumon Bay with Clear Blue Waters and Palm Trees in Guam

9. American Samoa

  • Why Go: For a really off-the-beaten-path expertise, head to this distant U.S. territory within the South Pacific. It is made up of 5 volcanic islands and two coral atolls, providing dramatic cliffs, lush rainforests, and a deeply conventional Polynesian (Samoan) tradition. The National Park of American Samoa protects distinctive ecosystems throughout three islands.
  • Vibe: Distant, culturally immersive, rugged pure magnificence, untouched Polynesia.
National Park of American Samoa, Tutuila island, American Samoa, South Pacific

10. Northern Mariana Islands

  • Why Go: This U.S. Commonwealth in Micronesia consists of 14 islands (Saipan, Tinian, and Rota being probably the most visited). Saipan affords lovely seashores, resorts, and golf, alongside vital WWII websites like Suicide Cliff and Banzai Cliff. Tinian is much more relaxed, whereas Rota is understood for its historic Chamorro quarries. Diving, notably in Saipan’s Grotto cavern, is world-renowned.
  • Vibe: Pacific island appeal, vital WWII historical past, wonderful diving, much less crowded.
Saipan white sand beach with beautiful palms background, North Mariana Islands.

So, decide your paradise! Whether or not you are dreaming of Caribbean heat or Pacific journey, these 10 locations provide unimaginable getaways with out the necessity to dig out your passport. Benefit from the ease of home journey with an unique really feel!

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Opinions expressed listed here are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorized or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the publish.





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