10 best tropical destinations within the United States

By TravelWiseJan 15, 2024 16:50 PMNews
Share:
10 best tropical destinations within the United States
Florida, USA. Source: Pinterest

You don't have to fly to the Maldives or Bali to soak up the sun on the beach in the tropics. You can have a tropical vacation in America as well. Although the continental United States is too far north to be considered tropical, you can find destinations with good weather and beautiful beaches.

Travel + Leisure magazine has identified 16 regions of the United States where you can have a tropical-style vacation. However, TravelWise tells you about the top ten.

Key West, Florida

Florida's coastline, which is just over two thousand kilometers long, is an ideal place to relax. And Key West is a small "Caribbean" island, as the locals call it. There is always a large flow of tourists here because this is the only place where the temperature never drops below zero. If you want to spend your entire vacation on the beach, then this is where the longest famous beach, Smathers, is located. It is equipped with all the amenities for visitors: parking, toilets, shopping tents, and you can also rent chairs and sunbeds. We can assure you that this is a paradise among palm trees with the taste of lime and the smell of cigars.

10 best tropical destinations within the United States
Key West, Florida. Source: Wikipedia

Kauai, Hawaii

Pack your swimsuit, mask, and snorkel, and let's go to Hawaii! Here you will find a rich program: cultural attractions, spas, diving, surfing, stage shows, and that's not the whole list! In addition, there is also incredible nature here: black-tite lagoons, hickories, waterfalls, and rainforests. So don't hesitate and go in search of new experiences!

10 best tropical destinations within the United States
Kauai, Hawaii. Source: Wikipedia

Amelia Island, Florida

The island is located in the far northeast of Florida. It is home to two international resorts: Amelia Island Plantation and the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Various animals can be seen on the island's coast: sea turtles lay their eggs, and dolphins, manatees, and sometimes northern fur seals, which are on the verge of extinction, can be found off the coast of Amelia.

10 best tropical destinations within the United States
Amelia Island, Florida. Source: Wikipedia

Santa Cruz, Virgin Islands

The sandy archipelago in the Caribbean Sea consists of three islands, and Santa Cruz, the largest, attracts those who want to take a break and relax from their responsibilities. This does not mean that the island's colorful towns do not have a variety of historical sites, gourmet restaurants, and shops. St. Croix is filled with colorful reefs, white beaches, and hidden coves just waiting to be discovered. Take a walk on the beach and forget about the worries of everyday life.

10 best tropical destinations within the United States
St. Croix, Virgin Islands. Source: Wikipedia

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama

These are small resort towns in the southeastern United States. They have a humid subtropical climate with long, hot summers and mild, temperate winters. Although the cities are small, you will not be short of things to do. Here you can relax on the beach or in nature, go ocean fishing, dolphin watching, or water sports. There is also a golf course, a water park, and the Gulf Coast Zoo.

10 best tropical destinations within the United States
Gulf Shores, Alabama. Source: Wikipedia

Maui, Hawaii

Travel the scenic road to Hana on the Hawaiian island of Maui for black sand beaches, rustic farms, and chic resorts. Or, if sightseeing on foot rather than behind the wheel is more your style, take a self-guided island walk to discover misty waterfalls and bright rainbows above. This tropical place is known for its golden stripes of shore and rocks that shimmer with all shades of green.

10 best tropical destinations within the United States
Maui, Hawaii. Source: Wikipedia

Dauphin Island, Alabama

The city is also called a "bird sanctuary," and thousands of tourists come here every year to see their annual migrations. It has white sand beaches, golf courses, and amusement parks. All this makes Dauphin an attractive vacation resort. Here you can rent a hotel room, apartment, resort, or private apartment. You can go fishing from the pier or rent a charter boat in the Gulf of Mexico.

10 best tropical destinations within the United States
Dauphin Island. Source: Wikipedia

South Padre Island, Texas

This is an oasis where you can escape and hide from problems. White sand beaches, clear, warm water, sunny weather, and plenty of things to do. Isn't it a paradise! Fishing, boating, visiting the bird-watching center, nature center, and alligator sanctuary are just a few ways to enjoy the island.

10 best tropical destinations within the United States
South Padre Island, Texas. Source: Wikipedia

Santa Catalina, California

It has hot weather, but incredible nature, mountains, beaches, and luxury resorts and hotels. Snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, diving, boating, mountain biking, zip-lining, and hiking are just a few of the activities that will help you have fun on the island.

10 best tropical destinations within the United States
Santa Catalina, California. Source: Wikipedia

Oahu, Hawaii

This is an earthly paradise in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Beach vacations are not so popular here. Instead, kitesurfing and hiking are the most popular activities. There is also a large selection of accommodation. Most of them are located in the capital Honolulu.

10 best tropical destinations within the United States
Oahu, Hawaii. Source: Wikipedia
Top Articles
Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
More News
Calabria’s Tyrrhenian coastline with beaches and rocky headlands

Direct Bremen–Calabria Flights Return This Autumn

Jul 25, 2026 21:59 PM
Adults-only cruise ship sun deck with loungers

Norwegian Jade and Gem Cruise Ships Get New Spas and Sun Decks

Jul 25, 2026 21:46 PM

Harry Potter and Home Alone Join US Christmas Ice Line-Up

Jul 25, 2026 21:33 PM

UK Airport Drop-Off Fees Jump by a Third

Jul 25, 2026 21:27 PM
Cars parked inside a multistorey car park

Robotic Parking Is Coming to Gatwick This August

Jul 25, 2026 21:14 PM
Rendering of the greenery-covered Rotterdam ROCKS building

Rotterdam will get a £204m ‘New Wonder of the World’

Jul 25, 2026 21:01 PM
easyJet aircraft approaching an airport runway

easyJet Opens Three New Routes This Winter

Jul 25, 2026 20:58 PM
Hand holding a bottle of liquid

Heathrow Drops the 100ml Liquid Limit

Jul 25, 2026 20:45 PM
Busy Portuguese beach below whitewashed coastal buildings

Portugal’s Beach Rules Could Cost Tourists €4,000

Jul 25, 2026 20:32 PM

New €88,000 Tour Retraces Homer’s Odyssey

Jul 24, 2026 04:29 AM

Wolf Sightings Prompt Tourist Advice in Denmark

Jul 24, 2026 04:16 AM
Colourful parasols on a busy French beach

French Beach Town Targets Late-Night Drinking

Jul 24, 2026 04:03 AM
Eurowings aircraft preparing to land

More Direct Winter Flights Take Off From Berlin

Jul 24, 2026 03:57 AM
ScotRail train waiting at a station platform

ScotRail Adds Late Trains for Edinburgh Festival Nights

Jul 24, 2026 03:44 AM
Air France Paris Stopover promotional graphic

Long Paris Layovers Can Now Include a City Break

Jul 23, 2026 23:51 PM

US Lawmakers Push Permanent Ban on In-Flight Calls

Jul 23, 2026 23:48 PM

Turkey Passport Rule Could Stop Brits at the Gate

Jul 23, 2026 23:35 PM
Air France passenger aircraft in flight

Air France Cancels Flights to Dubai, Riyadh and Beirut

Jul 23, 2026 23:22 PM
Aerial view of La Concha Bay in San Sebastián

Glasgow Gets a Direct Route to Spain’s Food Capital

Jul 23, 2026 23:19 PM
Slovak Lines coach outside Nivy bus station

Győr Gets a One-Hour Link to Bratislava Airport

Jul 23, 2026 23:06 PM
Two hikers walking towards snowy mountains

This New European Trail Is Ten Everests High

Jul 23, 2026 22:53 PM
Two giant pandas eating bamboo

Pandas Lead Travellers’ Wildlife Wish Lists

Jul 23, 2026 22:47 PM

WestJet’s Winter Map Adds Five New Sun Routes

Jul 23, 2026 22:34 PM

A Bauhaus-Inspired Hotel Opens Beside Leipzig Station

Jul 23, 2026 22:21 PM
People beside Belfast Airport’s accessible parking sign

Belfast Opens a UK-First Car Park for Blue Badge Holders

Jul 23, 2026 22:18 PM
Jet2 aircraft on an airport runway

Jet2 Brings La Rochelle Within Direct Reach

Jul 22, 2026 23:15 PM