The tropics are best known for their year-round heat, rainy seasons, lush vegetation, soft beaches, and sparkling waves. The equatorial region, which stretches from Tropic of Cancer to Tropic of Cancer, is not only home to colorful plants, but also sugar cane and resort bars stocked with rum.
Although the continental United States is too far north to be considered truly tropical, you can still find American destinations that boast mild climates, sugar-sand beaches, and frozen rum. The southern region of the Lower 48 has a pleasant subtropical and Mediterranean climate zone. If you leave the mainland, you can escape to literal tropical destinations like Hawaii and Puerto Rico without a passport. (The territories of American Samoa and Guam are also in the tropics, but passports are required for the more remote islands.)
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Whether geographically tropical or not, these U.S. islands, beach towns, and resorts make for the perfect sun-drenched getaway.
key west florida
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Florida is the land of sunshine, daiquiris, and endless beaches, with 1,300 miles of coastline stretching along the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. It is also home to Key West, an island city in the Florida Keys, the southernmost tip of the continental United States. This palm-lined paradise is known for its sweet sands and Bahamian-style architecture. The scent of key limes and cigar smoke lulls you into the relaxing atmosphere that attracted the likes of Ernest Hemingway, Rita Hayworth, Gregory Peck and Robert Frost. Experience old Hollywood living by booking an oceanfront room at the majestic Casa Marina Key West, which has hosted stars since 1920.
Kauai, Hawaii
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If you’re looking for an authentic tropical destination, head to Hawaii. Home to some of the world’s best islands, Hawaii is filled with blue lagoons and fragrant hibiscus. Kauai is beautiful with rainforests and waterfalls, best seen on a hike. After a day on the trails, head to the oceanfront Koa Kea Resort on Poipu Beach to relax at the spa, take a dip in the pool, or take a nap on the secluded beach.
Amelia Island, Florida
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Look for beach-glass shorelines and barnacle-covered piers on this tranquil barrier island off Florida’s northeast coast. Spend the morning searching for seashells, then head to quaint downtown Fernandina Beach to beat the afternoon heat with a cone of strawberry ice cream. When you’re not strolling along the flat, wide beaches, explore the area’s diverse wildlife at Amelia Island State Park. When it’s time to relax, head to The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island for a massage or one of the hotel’s signature spa treatments.
St. Croix, US Virgin Islands
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The U.S. Virgin Islands, a Caribbean archipelago, consists of three islands: St. Thomas, St. John, and perhaps the most laid-back island, St. Croix. There are vibrant coral reefs, sugar sand beaches, and hidden coves to discover by snorkeling or scuba diving. The candy-colored towns of Christiansted to the east and Frederiksted to the west are rich in historical sites, fine dining, golf and shopping. The island is home to cozy hotels and all-inclusive resorts where you can choose anything from barefoot luxury to complete luxury.
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama
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The aquamarine waters and soft sands of the U.S. Gulf Coast are legendary. And with summer temperatures in the 80s (never mind the water), Alabama’s Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are a bona fide tropical vacation destination. Lie with a glass of rum on a fluffy white beach, go deep sea fishing, ride the waves on a speedboat, and pick up his airbrushed t-shirt to remember it all as you head home. Rent a home from Kiva Dunes Resort and Golf and soak up the sun in your own private pool.
Maui, Hawaii
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Take the scenic road to Hana on Maui, Hawaii, and see the area’s black sand beaches, inland farms, and luxury resorts. If you’d rather explore on foot than by car, take advantage of the island’s legendary hikes to discover lush cliffs, misty waterfalls, and bold rainbows. One of the state’s largest nature preserves, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua has it all: palm shade, rocky shoreline, and championship greens.
dauphin island, alabama
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Watch for dolphin fins cutting through the glassy waters off the coast of this barrier island south of Mobile Bay in the Gulf of Mexico. First, you’ll have to cross a three-mile-long bridge to see the white sand and brilliant sunsets. Local accommodations include beachfront rentals and popular pastel resort condominiums. It’s worth spending a day exploring the underwater life at the Alabama Aquarium, the aerial life at Audubon Bird Sanctuary, and the past life at Indian Midden Park.
South Padre Island, Texas
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This barrier island near the southern tip of Texas is a year-round oasis. The island has 54 miles of white sand beaches, clear, warm waters, a mild climate, and plenty of activities. Fishing, boating, bird watching, and visiting nature centers and alligator sanctuaries are just a few ways to enjoy the area. Sip a margarita at Isla Grand Beach Resort’s waterfront cafe, take a dip in the pool, listen to live music, and watch spectacular sunsets from the comfort of your own private beach cabana.
Catalina Island, California
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Located off the coast of Southern California, Catalina Island is a hot, lush island with beaches, mountains, and plenty of lodging options, from resorts to campgrounds. Hotel Atwater has been serving Catalina Island guests in Avalon since 1920. Banning House Lodge in the Two Harbors area offers chic B&B accommodations with views of Catalina Harbor. Snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, diving, boating, mountain biking, ziplining, and hiking are just some of the activities you can enjoy on this gem of an island.
Oahu, Hawaii
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From the sophisticated capital of Honolulu to the rolling waves of the North Shore to the picturesque sands of Waikiki, Oahu is a little paradise in the Pacific Ocean. Grab a shaved ice before heading out to Diamond Head (Leahi), one of the area’s most famous volcanic craters, or exploring world-famous Waikiki Beach. Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani Resort is surrounded by sparkling turquoise waters and rooms that are as heavenly as the signature coconut cake.
Santa Barbara, California
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Often referred to as the “American Riviera,” Santa Barbara feels like a tropical island thanks to its lush palm trees, lush gardens, sandy beaches, and boat-filled harbor. Visitors enjoy the sunny climate, views of the Pacific Ocean, and outdoor adventures such as hiking, biking, fishing, and golf. Rest in the shade of palm trees at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara Santa Barbara, perched on a steep cliff overlooking the water. Enjoy balmy evenings around your private fire pit on your room’s patio or breathe in the soothing scents of the spa’s eucalyptus steam room.
Daufuskie Island, South Carolina
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The Spanish moss, salt marshes, and coastal waterways of South Carolina’s Lowcountry decorate this idyllic landscape nestled between savannah and Hilton Head Island. The scenery is as rich as the taste on the plate as you sample fresh seafood boils, shrimp & grits, and gumbo. This pristine island is only accessible by ferry, so enjoy the tranquility of the car-free environment as you cycle beneath the dense trees and up to the shell-strewn coastline. Boating, horse riding and guided tours are available here. The island’s charm continues with its oceanfront cottages and plentiful vacation rentals.
Tybee Island, Georgia
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About a 19-mile drive from Savannah, Tybee Island’s grassy dunes and historic black-and-white striped lighthouse give it a quaint coastal feel. Enjoy a basket of fresh shrimp and a chilled Tropicalia IPA while watching a colorful sunset under the umbrellas of a beachfront restaurant. Loggerhead sea turtles nest on the barrier islands, and the Tybee Island Marine Science Center offers educational programs about their habitat. Day-trippers can stay at charming hotels on Savannah’s mossy cobblestone streets, including boutique accommodation at the Old Harbor Inn and the smartly decorated Perry Lane Hotel.
Molokai, Hawaii
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About a 25-minute flight from Maui, Molokai, a remote Hawaiian island, is the perfect place for a tropical getaway. Tucked away behind a barrier reef, this island is home to the world’s tallest sea cliffs and Hawaii’s tallest waterfall, making his outdoor adventures in this tropical environment irresistible. Check into Hotel Molokai, featuring Polynesian-style bungalows, a spacious restaurant, and an ocean-view pool.
san juan, puerto rico
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Home to palm trees, white sand beaches, and the only rainforest in the U.S. forest system, Puerto Rico is a dreamy Caribbean getaway. He is 1,000 miles south of Miami, and you don’t need a passport to visit this U.S. territory. Go hiking through the rainforest, soak up the sun on the island’s beautiful beaches, and explore everything from Old San Juan to restaurants to jungle. Fill up on ceviche and piña coladas, then head to the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel. Guests enjoy five-star accommodations, fine dining, a tranquil spa, and ocean views.
Las Vegas, Nevada
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It’s no mirage, just a palm-lined pool and a Polynesian-style cafe where you can dine at the resort of the same name. Yes, we’re in the middle of the Nevada desert, but you can find a tropical oasis around every corner in Las Vegas. Mandalay Bay, for example, brings you the South Pacific with its sandy beaches, wave pools, lazy river, and aquarium.
