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You need no passport to go in search of paradise. From tropical to remote and deserted, the United States has some of the world’s most beautiful islands that are easy to reach but feel truly removed. Whether your dream getaway is snorkeling in turquoise water, long walks through the pines, or exploring historic seaside communities, these 10 islands offer an easy winter escape where beauty, adventure, and relaxation meet without ever leaving American soil.
Key West, Florida
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Take a ride down the picturesque Overseas Highway and land in laid-back Key West, where pastel homes, coral reefs, and sunset celebrations set the tone. Sip a margarita on Duval Street or snorkel in the crystal waters of the Dry Tortugas. Its blend of Caribbean color and old Florida architecture has created a mood that’s equal parts easygoing and electric, an island escape that feels worlds away but requires no passport at all.
Maui, Hawaii
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No passport required for America’s tropical crown jewel. Maui has verdant rainforests, views of volcanoes, and beaches with golden sands that look like they’d been pulled straight from a dream. Take the Road to Hana, catch sunrise from Haleakalā, or cool out in Lahaina’s seaside chill. It’s a mix of luxury and raw beauty, with stunning views in every direction. For travelers with a hankering for island life and a desire to enjoy the lesser-known side of America, Maui offers paradise without having to leave the United States.
Puerto Rico
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A U.S. territory with a rich history and tropical splendor, Puerto Rico has no passport requirement for American travelers. Share cobblestone streets in Old San Juan and rainforest in El Yunque, or frolic on the beaches of Culebra. English is spoken almost everywhere, the dollar is the accepted currency, and the vibe is pure Caribbean. It’s all a mashup of culture, flavor, and sunshine , an exotic escape that is also comfortingly familiar.
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
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Zip to St. Thomas and discover turquoise water, tax-free shopping, and coral reefs minutes from the ship. This Caribbean utopia comes with equal parts resort comfort and adventure. Be sure to climb Blackbeard’s Castle for panoramic views or ferry over to nearby St. John. There’s no passport required for this U.S. territory; have a swimsuit, sun tan cream, and a little bit of readiness to decompress in the crystal-clear oasis of an island you can be.
St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
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St. John, two-thirds of which is protected as a national park, feels both unspoiled and attainable. Hop on a quick ferry ride from St. Thomas, and it’s all emerald hills, coral gardens, and white-sand beaches. Do not miss Trunk Bay’s underwater trail if you’re a snorkeler. Tranquil, green, and naturally beautiful, St. John has managed to maintain the wild heart of the Caribbean while remaining easily accessible to American travelers.
San Juan Islands, Washington
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Just a ferry ride away from Seattle, the San Juan Islands are all about quiet beauty and rugged character. Offshore, orcas breach; lavender farms perfume the air, and cozy harbors beckon to slow exploration. Paddle a kayak in mirror-still waters or tuck into fresh seafood at sunset. Every island has its own character, but they all share the same placid rhythm, an idyllic Pacific Northwest getaway that is quietly otherworldly.
Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
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Ferried from Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard mashes up New England elegance with beachy ease. Its lighthouses, farmers’ markets, and shingled cottages present a postcard-perfect tableau. Bike the scenic trails, or drink coffee by the harbor. Kiawah Island. The laid-back island lifestyle and stunning natural landscapes go hand in hand, resulting in an always-hot destination for charm-seeking, nature-loving luxury travelers , except the U.S. coastline can still be your backdrop.
Guam
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Guam, a U.S. territory in the Pacific, is island hospitality meshed with American sensibility. Its turquoise lagoons, its coral reefs, and World War II history combine to form a unique cultural fabric. And to do it from beach resorts, eating Chamorro cuisine, and lush tropical landscapes that look more like Thailand than the United States, as your phone plan and dollars remain in use. Plus, though it’s remote, island-hopping to Guam will give you an international vibe without the now-unnecessary stamp in your passport.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
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Hilton Head, famed for having gracious beaches and golf courses, woos visitors with Southern politeness and gentle Atlantic waves. Families pedal under the moss-draped oaks or kayak through the tranquil marshes. The island strikes the right balance between nature and relaxation, making for an easy weekend away. Here you will find peace, style, and plenty of sunshine, all just a few hours away by car, no passport required.
Molokai, Hawaii
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Praised as the “Friendly Isle,” Molokai is Hawaii’s most peaceful gem. Accessible from Maui or Oahu, this is a world where time almost stops and authenticity lives. Hike to secret waterfalls, traverse Kalaupapa’s cliffs, or encounter locals who continue to honor the aloha way of life. Untouched and heartfelt, Molokai delivers a pure, Hawaiian island experience that feels personal, soulful, and undeniably American.
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