Tropical Places to Visit Without a U.S. Passport

St. Croix, US Virgin Islands

St. Croix is a picturesque Caribbean island that offers visitors a perfect mix of culture, history, and relaxation. Located in the United States Virgin Islands, St. Croix is an easy destination to travel to, as no passport is required for US citizens. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and colorful coral reefs, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. St. Croix also has a rich cultural history, with historical landmarks such as Fort Christiansvaern, providing fascinating insights into the island’s past.

Best time to visit St. Croix:  

The months of December to April offer the most pleasant weather. Early December and April to May are considered the shoulder season, when you can enjoy lower prices and fewer crowds. But if you're keen on snorkeling and scuba diving, June through early September promises calmer, clearer waters. Prices are typically lowest during peak hurricane season – September through November – but you risk nasty weather, so it's wise to purchase travel insurance. 

Key West, Florida

Key West is a tropical paradise located at the southernmost point in the continental United States. This charming island city boasts stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a vibrant nightlife scene. Visitors can explore the city’s historic landmarks, including the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum and the Harry S. Truman Little White House. Key West is also famous for its water sports, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing, making it a perfect destination for adventure enthusiasts. Flying from Fort Lauderdale to the Key West airport usually takes just over an hour.  

Best time to visit Key West:

March through May and November through December are the best times to visit for nice weather. Keep in mind that March is the peak of the tourist season, so lodging prices will be higher. For a more budget-friendly trip, without the heat and humidity of summer, choose autumn. While the fall months coincide with hurricane season, there tend to be fewer of those storms than in the summer months. 

Anna Maria Island, Florida

Anna Maria Island is a charming barrier island located in the Gulf of Mexico, off the coast of Florida. The island is known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, from relaxing on the beach to kayaking through the mangroves. The island is also home to several top-notch seafood restaurants, making it a perfect destination for foodies. 

Best time to visit Anna Maria Island:

For the best weather, choose April through May or October and November. The heat and humidity are lower, and the crowds are thinner. If you enjoy swimming in warm ocean water, the summer months are best; just expect heat, humidity, afternoon thunderstorms, and more people.  

Santa Catalina Island, California

Santa Catalina Island is a beautiful destination located off the coast of Southern California. The island is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and incredible marine life. Visitors can explore the island’s scenic hiking trails, go snorkeling or scuba diving, or take a glass-bottom boat tour to see the underwater world up close. Santa Catalina Island is also home to several historic landmarks, including the Catalina Casino, which was built in 1929 and is now a museum and performing arts center.

Best time to visit Santa Catalina Island:

To enjoy plenty of outdoor activities, summer is best, but it's also peak season, so prices are higher and there are more people. For a quieter visit with pleasant weather, book your travel in April to May or September to October.  

St. John, US Virgin Islands

St. John is a beautiful Caribbean island located in the US Virgin Islands. The island is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush tropical forests. Visitors can explore the island’s scenic hiking trails, go snorkeling or scuba diving, or simply relax on the beach. St. John is also home to several historic landmarks, including the Catherineberg Ruins, which was once a sugar and rum mill in the 18th century.

Best time to visit St. John:

The months of April through May offer the best weather for relaxing on the beach. June through August tends to be hot and humid, with July also bringing in the most people. September and October are the peak of hurricane season for the island, so consider travel insurance and keep an eye on the weather. 

Hawaii

Hawaii is a world-renowned travel destination located in the Pacific Ocean. Hawaii is known for its stunning beaches, incredible volcanic landscapes, and unique culture. Visitors can explore the island’s natural wonders, such as the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or the stunning Waimea Canyon. Hawaii is also home to Pearl Harbor, which played a significant role in World War II. Stop in or leave from Los Angeles for around a six-hour flight from the west coast.  

Best time to visit Hawaii:

March through September offers warm temperatures and less rainfall, with June through August attracting larger crowds during peak season. Consider the shoulder months of April and May and September through November for lower prices and fewer people. 

South Padre Island, Texas

South Padre Island is a popular destination among tourists, and for good reason. The island boasts over 300 days of sunshine per year, making it a perfect spot for those looking to soak up some sun. In addition to its stunning beaches, South Padre Island is also known for its rich wildlife and diverse ecosystem. Visitors can explore the island’s various nature reserves, such as the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge or the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center, which is home to over 300 species of birds.

Best time to visit South Padre Island:

If you don't mind heat and humidity and enjoy an excuse to swim in the Gulf or relax in a pool, summer is peak season. But if you'd prefer to avoid the intensity of summer, April, May, and September through February are quieter and cooler. It is a party destination for spring break, so unless that's your preference, you may want to avoid the area during March. 

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a beautiful Caribbean island that is a US territory, so US citizens do not need a passport to visit. The island is known for its stunning beaches, colorful architecture, and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the historic landmarks of Old San Juan, such as the El Morro fortress or the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista. Puerto Rico is also home to several natural wonders, such as the El Yunque National Forest, which is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species.

Best time to visit Puerto Rico:

The dry season starts in December and lasts into mid-April. February and March tend to be more popular, with spring breakers crowding the beaches. For a more relaxed and less expensive vacation, consider the shoulder months of mid-April through June. As with other Atlantic and Caribbean destinations, hurricane season offers the best budget-friendly deals but comes with the risk of dangerous weather.

Start Your Tropical Vacation with a Relaxing Ride 

Now that we've answered, "What islands can I visit without a passport?" let's consider the least stressful way to start your vacation. Book your ride to the airport with LUXY! Booking a luxurious ride to get you to the airport means arriving on time, not having to worry about finding and paying for parking, and enjoying your travel experience from start to finish.  

International travel can be exciting, but if you don’t have a passport or are waiting for one, there are many fantastic tropical destinations you can still visit in the meantime. From the picturesque beaches of St. Croix and South Padre Island to the cultural landmarks of Key West and Puerto Rico, there is something for every kind of traveler.  So pack your bags, schedule your trip to the nearest airport, and explore all that these amazing destinations have to offer!