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

Internet on a Cruise: How to Avoid Huge Bills for Connectivity

Aug 6, 2025 09:14 AM

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

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM
More News
Open passport with multiple entry and exit stamps

Hannover Airport Launches New EU Entry–Exit System for Non-EU Travellers

Dec 1, 2025 23:46 PM
SAS aircraft taxiing at a Scandinavian airport

New SAS–Aeromexico Codeshare Opens Links Between Scandinavia and Mexico

Dec 1, 2025 22:59 PM

New Canada–Brazil Links Set to Boost Travel Across South America

Dec 1, 2025 21:33 PM

A Redesigned Mirihi Brings Fresh Choices for Future Maldives Trips

Dec 1, 2025 20:44 PM
Rail workers carrying out maintenance

December Rail Disruptions Set to Impact Travel Through Somerset

Dec 1, 2025 19:27 PM
Modern hotel room with a large double bed and soft lighting

Travel Tuesday Offers Bring Rare Chance for Lower Hotel Costs Worldwide

Dec 1, 2025 18:51 PM
Saxophone player performing under stage lights

Pattaya Confirms Dates for 2025 Beachfront Jazz Festival

Nov 30, 2025 16:55 PM
Exterior of a Chinese airport terminal at sunset with parked buses

Lhasa Airport Introduces New Check-In Deadline for Domestic Flights

Nov 29, 2025 17:42 PM
Black Friday travel deals graphic on a warm gradient background

Major Airlines Roll Out Black Friday Deals for 2026 Travel

Nov 29, 2025 16:39 PM

New Direct Link: Wizz Air to Launch Vilnius–Reykjavík Route in March 2026

Nov 29, 2025 15:26 PM

TUI Expands Schedule from Paderborn/Lippstadt

Nov 29, 2025 14:43 PM
Lufthansa aircraft seen through airport terminal windows at Frankfurt

Frankfurt Airport Unveils Lufthansa’s Upgraded Check-in Space for Premium Passengers

Nov 29, 2025 13:39 PM
Passengers boarding a crowded aircraft cabin

Long-Haul Made Easier: Air India Cabin Crew Shares Simple In-Flight Tips

Nov 28, 2025 22:34 PM
Christmas tree and passengers moving through a busy airport hall

Gatwick Shares Practical Tips for Europe’s Christmas Market Rush

Nov 28, 2025 20:49 PM
Large waves crashing against a coastal breakwater during stormy weather

Strong Winds Disrupt Travel Plans Along Croatia’s Coast

Nov 28, 2025 20:23 PM

Unsettled UK Forecast Brings Challenges for Travellers

Nov 28, 2025 19:36 PM

Holiday Bus Changes Set to Affect Regional Travel Plans

Nov 28, 2025 18:48 PM
Ski gondola carrying skis with mountain peaks behind

Flying With Skis: Finnair Snow Team Member Shares Practical Tips for Winter Travellers

Nov 28, 2025 02:22 AM
Aerial view of central Pristina with landmarks and residential areas

Direct Salzburg–Pristina Flights Launching in 2026

Nov 28, 2025 01:35 AM
Passengers waiting at a London bus stop on a cloudy autumn day

London Bus Strikes to Disrupt Key Holiday Travel Days

Nov 27, 2025 23:29 PM
Japan Airlines aircraft taking off with snowy mountains in the background

Seasonal Flights to Tokyo See Black Friday Price Shift

Nov 27, 2025 21:46 PM
Dark storm clouds illuminated by multiple lightning strikes

Red Storm Alert Brings Travel Challenges to Epirus

Nov 27, 2025 21:33 PM

Amsterdam’s Canals Transform for Annual Light Festival

Nov 27, 2025 21:27 PM

New A350 Aircraft Set to Join Emirates’ Montréal Route in 2026

Nov 27, 2025 02:44 AM
Passengers walking along a platform at Milan’s central station

Weekend Rail Works Disrupt Services Across Milan

Nov 27, 2025 01:31 AM
Ryanair aircraft touching down on the runway

Ryanair Adds Thousands of Extra Christmas Seats on Bournemouth Routes This Year

Nov 26, 2025 22:23 PM