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
Wizz Air aircraft taking off above a runway

Spain’s Rail Shutdown Sparks Two New Wizz Air Routes

Nov 6, 2026 17:42 PM
Wooden Christmas market stalls near Harvey Nichols in Manchester

Manchester Christmas Markets Return With Rail Warning

Nov 6, 2026 17:27 PM

SWISS Cuts 25 Minutes Off Mumbai Flights With A350

Nov 6, 2026 17:14 PM

Birmingham Christmas Markets Open Ahead of Five-Day Rail Shutdown

Nov 5, 2026 22:21 PM
Severely damaged train carriage lying on its side beside railway tracks

Spain Rail Crash Leaves Major Route Shut as Strikes Loom

Nov 5, 2026 22:19 PM
Bologna skyline with historic towers and red-roofed buildings

New Airline Launches Six Chișinău Routes From €35

Nov 5, 2026 22:06 PM
Large crowd waving French flags on a busy street

France Strike Shuts Paris Stations and Cuts Trains

Nov 5, 2026 21:53 PM
City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, Spain

Valencia Enforces €3,000 Fines as Tourist Limits Loom

Nov 5, 2026 21:48 PM
Historic buildings and church towers in Bergamo’s Città Alta

Ryanair Adds Shannon–Milan Flights for Summer 2027

Nov 5, 2026 13:55 PM

UK–Spain Winter Flights Offer 170,000 Fewer Seats

Nov 4, 2026 23:32 PM

Ryanair Adds Mallorca and Calabria Flights From Kassel

Nov 4, 2026 23:27 PM
Woman travelling with two dogs in an aircraft cabin

UK Pet Passports Could Replace Costly Travel Certificates

Nov 4, 2026 23:14 PM
SAS aircraft with its tail and rear fuselage visible at an airfield

Seven Flights Caught Up in Bomb Alerts Across Europe

Nov 4, 2026 18:11 PM
Architectural rendering of the planned Scandic hotel in Stockholm

Stockholm to Open New Hotel Near Four Major Arenas

Nov 4, 2026 17:59 PM
Avanti West Coast staff member wearing a Santa hat beside a train

Avanti Christmas Tickets Released Ahead of Birmingham Rail Closure

Nov 4, 2026 12:56 PM

London’s Biggest Harry Potter Shop Opens With a Knight Bus Inside

Nov 4, 2026 12:43 PM

Cardiff Rugby Trains Added as Return Queues Move

Nov 4, 2026 11:38 AM
Modern skyscrapers overlooking a lake in Dubai

Dubai Reveals Invite-Only Rewards for Returning Tourists

Nov 4, 2026 11:25 AM
Aerial view of Porto's colourful Ribeira waterfront along the Douro River

Ryanair Adds Porto and Brindisi as Klagenfurt Flights Surge

Nov 4, 2026 11:12 AM
Crowd at an Italian demonstration carrying flags and banners

UK Keeps Italy Protest Warning After Dropping Strike Notice

Nov 4, 2026 10:37 AM
Beirut marina with moored yachts and waterfront buildings

Beirut Flights Expand as Travel Warnings Remain

Nov 4, 2026 10:24 AM
Car and motorcyclist travelling through a flooded street

Storm Agneta Floods Rhodes as Tourists Told to Stay Indoors

Nov 3, 2026 11:11 AM

Discover Airlines to Launch Frankfurt–Belize Flights via Costa Rica

Nov 3, 2026 10:49 AM

Groningen Gets New Nonstop Route to the Dolomites

Nov 2, 2026 23:45 PM
Eurowings aircraft in flight with landing gear extended

Eurowings Adds Five Routes, Including Two to Italy

Nov 2, 2026 23:12 PM
American flag flying above city buildings

Flying to the US? New Ebola Rules Start This Week

Nov 2, 2026 22:10 PM