16 Best Tropical Vacations in the U.S.

The tropics are best known for their year-round heat, rainy season, lush vegetation, soft beaches, and glistening waves. In addition to bursting with colorful flora, the equatorial region stretching from the Tropic of Cancer to the Tropic of Capricorn grows the sugar cane that keeps resort bars stocked with rum.

While the continental United States is too far north to be considered truly tropical, you can still find American destinations that boast balmy weather, sugar-sand beaches, and frozen rum runners. The southern regions of the Lower 48 sit within the pleasant subtropical and Mediterranean climate zones. Off the mainland, you can escape to the literal tropics in spots like Hawaii and Puerto Rico without needing a passport. (The territories of American Samoa and Guam also lie within the tropics, but passports are required for those more distant isles.)   

Whether they're technically in the tropics or not, these islands, beach towns, and resorts will make you feel like you're on a tropical vacation without leaving the U.S.

Key West, Florida

Florida is the land of sunshine, daiquiris, and endless beaches, with 1,300 miles of coastline stretching along the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. It's also home to the island city of Key West in the Florida Keys, the southernmost point in the continental U.S. This palm-lined paradise is known for its sugary sand and Bahamian-inspired architecture. The aromas of Key lime and cigar smoke entice you into the laid-back atmosphere that attracted the likes of Ernest Hemingway, Rita Hayworth, Gregory Peck, and Robert Frost. Experience how Old Hollywood lived by booking an oceanfront room at the majestic Casa Marina Key West, which has been hosting stars since 1920.   

Kauai, Hawaii

For a true tropical destination, head to Hawaii. Home to some of the world's best islands, Hawaii is all blue lagoons and fragrant hibiscus. Kauai is resplendent with rain forests and waterfalls best viewed on a hike. After a day on the trails, head to the oceanfront Ko'a Kea Resort on Po'ipu Beach for a relaxing spa visit, a dip in the pool, or a nap on the tranquil beach.

Amelia Island, Florida

Find shorelines fringed in beach grass and barnacle-covered piers on this quiet barrier island off the northeast coast of Florida. Hunt for seashells in the morning and then head to quaint downtown Fernandina Beach for a strawberry ice cream cone to beat the rising heat in the afternoon. When you’re not strolling the flat, wide beach, explore the area's diverse wildlife at Amelia Island State Park. And when it's time to wind down, head to The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island for a massage or one of the hotel's signature spa treatments.

St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

The U.S. Virgin Islands — an archipelago in the Caribbean — encompasses three islands: St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, the largest and perhaps most relaxed. It's awash with vibrant reefs, sugar-sand beaches, and hidden coves to discover by snorkeling and scuba diving. The candy-colored towns of Christiansted in the east and Frederiksted in the west offer a wealth of historical sites, fine dining, golf, and shopping. The island has intimate hotels and all-inclusive resorts, so you can choose anything from barefoot luxury to outright extravagance.

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama

The aquamarine waters and soft sands of the U.S. Gulf Coast are legendary. And, with summer (never mind water) temps in the 80s, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama, are bona fide tropical vacation destinations. Recline on fluffy white beaches with a rum punch, go deep-sea fishing, hit the waves in a speedboat, and pick up an airbrushed T-shirt to remember it all when you get home. Catch some sun by your own private pool when you rent a house from Kiva Dunes Resort and Golf. 

Maui, Hawaii

Travel the scenic road to Hana on the Hawaiian island of Maui to see the area's black-sand beaches, upcountry farms, and posh resorts. If sightseeing on foot rather than by car is more your style, take advantage of the island's legendary hiking and discover its verdant cliffs, misty waterfalls, and bold rainbows. Found on one of the state’s largest nature preserves, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua has all the palm shade, rocky shoreline, and championship greens you could ever want. 

Dauphin Island, Alabama

Be on the lookout for dolphins' fins cutting through the glassy waters off this barrier island south of Mobile Bay in the Gulf of Mexico. First, you’ll have to traverse a three-mile-long bridge to reach its white sands and vibrant sunsets. Local accommodations include beachfront rentals and popular pastel resort condominiums. It's worth spending a day exploring life under the water at the Alabama Aquarium, in the air at the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, or from the past at the Indian Shell Mound Park.

South Padre Island, Texas

This barrier island near the southern tip of Texas is a year-round oasis. The island features 34 miles of white-sand beaches, clear, warm water, mild weather, and lots to do. Fishing, boating, and visiting the Birding, Nature Center, and Alligator Sanctuary are just a few ways to enjoy the area. At Isla Grand Beach Resort, you can savor a margarita in the waterfront café, hop in the pool, take in some live music, or gaze at the glorious sunset from the comfort of your very own beach cabana.

Catalina Island, California

Located off the coast of Southern California, Catalina Island is both hot and lush, with beaches, mountains, and plenty of places to stay, from resorts to campsites. The Hotel Atwater has been hosting Catalina Island guests in Avalon since 1920, while over at Banning House Lodge in the Two Harbors area, you’ll find chic bed-and-breakfast accommodations and views of Catalina Harbor. Snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, diving, boating, mountain biking, zip lining, and hiking are just a few activities to keep you entertained on this island gem.

Oahu, Hawaii

From the sophisticated capital of Honolulu to the massive swells on the North Shore and Waikiki’s picture-perfect sand, Oahu is a little slice of paradise in the Pacific Ocean. Grab a shave ice before heading out to Diamond Head (Leahi), one of the area’s most famous volcanic craters, or exploring the world-famous Waikiki Beach. Sparkling blue-green waters stretch out around Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani resort, where the guest rooms are as heavenly as the signature coconut cake. 

Santa Barbara, California

Though it's often called the "American Riviera," Santa Barbara feels like a tropical island thanks to its abundant palm trees, verdant gardens, sandy beaches, and boat-filled harbor. Visitors enjoy the sunny climate, Pacific Ocean views, and outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, fishing, and golf. Rest in the shade of a palm at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara, set on the rugged cliffs overlooking the water. Enjoy the breezy nights around a private fire pit on your room’s patio or breathe in the calming scent of the spa's eucalyptus steam room.  

Daufuskie Island, South Carolina

The Spanish moss, salt marshes, and coastal waterways of the South Carolina Lowcountry color this idyll sandwiched between Savannah and Hilton Head Island. Daufuskie Island's landscape is as rich as the flavors on your plate when you sample fresh seafood boils, shrimp and grits, and gumbo. The pristine island is only accessible by ferry, so enjoy the car-free tranquility as you ride a bike (or a horse) under dense tree canopies to the shell-strewn shoreline. The charm carries over into the island's oceanfront cottages and abundant vacation home rentals.

Tybee Island, Georgia

Grassy sand dunes and a historic black-and-white striped lighthouse bring a quaint coastal feel to Tybee Island, about 18 miles by car from Savannah. Savor a basket of fresh shrimp and a cold Tropicália IPA under an umbrella at a beachfront restaurant while you watch the colorful sunset. Loggerhead turtles nest on the barrier island, and the Tybee Island Marine Science Center offers educational programs on their habitats. Day trippers can stay in a charming hotel off one of Savannah’s mossy, cobblestone streets, like the boutique accommodations at the Olde Harbour Inn or the sophisticated trappings of the Perry Lane Hotel.  

Molokai, Hawaii

About a 25-minute flight from Maui, the remote Hawaiian island of Molokai is a great tropical vacation option. Tucked behind a barrier reef, it boasts the world's highest sea cliffs and Hawaii's tallest waterfall, so you’ll never want for outdoor adventures in these tropical environs. Check in to Hotel Moloka’i for its Polynesian-style bungalows, airy restaurant, and ocean-view pool.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

With palm trees, white-sand beaches, and the only tropical rain forest in the U.S. forest system, Puerto Rico is the Caribbean getaway of your dreams. It’s 1,000 miles south of Miami, and you won’t need a passport to visit this U.S. territory. Hike in the rain forest, sunbathe on the island’s stunning beaches, and tour Old San Juan. When you’ve had your fill of ceviche and piña coladas, head to the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, one of Travel + Leisure readers' favorite Puerto Rico resorts of 2023. Revel in five-star accommodations, fine dining, a tranquil spa, and sea views. 

Las Vegas, Nevada

That’s no mirage — it's just the palm-lined pool at the resort of the same name where you can dine in a Polynesian-style café. Yes, it's in the middle of the Nevada desert, but in Las Vegas, you can find tropical oases around every corner. At Mandalay Bay, for instance, a sandy beach, wave pool, lazy river, and aquarium bring the South Pacific to you.