Dreamy Island Destinations – No Passport Required
Dreamy US Island Destinations
Travel is back! And those of us who love to roam couldn’t be more ecstatic.
While it’s always great to visit island destinations throughout the world we’ve dreamed about, the great news is that there are beautiful places we can visit within the U.S. and Caribbean where you don’t even need a passport to vacation in paradise.
From the East Coast to the West, out to the Pacific and south to the Caribbean isles, here are our favorite places to relax, chill, and fall in love with destinations that reflect their own unique flavor and vibe.
Amelia Island
Known as Florida’s Coastal Treasure, Amelia Island is very easy to reach and hard to forget.
Located off the shore of Northeast Florida and 30 miles from Jacksonville, this barrier island sports miles of stunning beaches, pristine waters, and an abundance of wildlife. Horseback riding on the beach is one of the most popular sought-after outdoor activities here.
Amelia Island’s historic district feels like a small town, frozen in time–the perfect setting for a Hallmark movie with its 1920s and 1930s Victorian homes. Add in historic Fort Clinch State Park, the Museum of History, and its charming inns, boutique shops, and tantalizing cuisine, and this island becomes an ideal and unforgettable escape destination.
Catalina Island
Just 22 miles from the California mainland, captivating Catalina Island feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of a hectic lifestyle. It’s only accessible by boat, plane, or helicopter and once on the island, the primary means of transportation is bike or golf cart.
A surprising 88 percent of this 76-square-mile remote gem remains uninhabited. Set aside as a nature conservatory, the island’s hidden coves, unspoiled beaches, rare indigenous plants, endangered species, and threatened habitats have been carefully protected.
Boats and ferries arrive in Avalon, Catalina’s picturesque and easily walkable town that reminds us of a Mediterranean seaport village. Verdant cliffs plunge into sparkling aquamarine waters and its surrounding hillsides lead to unparalleled views of the island and the Pacific Ocean.
Kauai
One of the most breathtaking islands in the world, the “Garden Isle” of Kauai is renowned for its unparalleled natural beauty and unique geography. 97 percent of its land is covered in undeveloped forested mountain ranges and lush, tropical vegetation. One of the best ways to view the island in all its splendor is by taking a helicopter ride into its “Jurassic Park”-like jungles and deep mountain valleys.
Kauai is an absolute hiker’s dream as the abundance of natural wonders waiting to be explored is endless.
Spectacular Na Pali Coast is globally famous for its rugged breathtaking grandeur, secluded beaches, rainbow falls, and as we came to realize, its daunting, but well-worth-it hikes. It’s a right of passage to say you’ve done it!
Along with the island’s stunning botanical gardens, historic towns, wet and dry caves, and wildlife refuges, Kauai is more than an island to be seen, it’s one that absorbed and savored with all of our senses.
Kiawah Island
Situated 25 miles southwest of Charleston, South Carolina, Kiawah is primarily a private beach and golf community rich in Lowcountry charm. Day visitors are welcome at the Kiawah Island Golf Resort and the Kiawah Beachwalker Park is open to the public.
What makes this barrier island stand out from others in the region is its sheer natural beauty. Beaches are amazing, and magnolias, live oaks, pine forests, and acres of marshland characterize the interior of Kiawah.
Though there are many accommodation choices, for a special-occasion place, The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island is a must-do. The five-star luxury beachfront resort provides exceptional Southern hospitality, and off-season prices are much more reasonable. We absolutely loved our stay here.
Mackinac Island
Lost in time. That’s the first thought that came to mind as we stepped off the ferry on Michigan’s quaint Mackinac Island. And it was actually the setting of the 1980 romance film Somewhere in Time starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour.
Mackinac was considered a sacred place by Native Americans who first traveled to the island. Even today, the four-mile strip of land lures visitors with its magic. 83 percent of the island is protected from development, nature abounds, and to this day, no cars are allowed on the island.
The white-Victorian Grand Hotel built in 1887 is a must-visit, sporting the longest porch in the U.S. And no one leaves the island without trying Mackinac’s famous delectably divine fudge.
Maui
We often call Maui the sampler platter of the Hawaiian Islands because it has it all. Postcard-perfect beaches, volcanic mountains, waterfalls, rainforests, historic towns, and some of the world’s most stunning sunsets make this destination an absolute paradise.
Though the island has many incredible things to see and do, we highly recommend two fabulous experiences. Taking in the sunrise high atop Haleakala is an almost-religious encounter described by Mark Twain as “the sublimest spectacle I ever witnessed…”
Then there’s the Road to Hana, an extraordinary zig-zag drive with more “honey, stop the car” moments than we could count. Waterfalls, awe-inspiring lookouts, picturesque bays, breathtaking beaches, tropical botanical gardens, and remote historic towns are just some of the many sites along the drive.
Puerto Rico
As a commonwealth of the U.S., travel to Puerto Rico is as easy as crossing a state border.
Though the country is only the size of Connecticut, Puerto Rico reverberates a resounding vibe unlike any other Caribbean Island. Proud Puerto Ricans love their island with a heartfelt passion, and want to share its beauty and fun-loving lifestyle with those who visit.
The island is blessed with fascinating history, Caribbean white sandy beaches, rainforests, towering mountain ranges, and a mix of captivating cultures reflected in its music, dancing, nightlife and creative dining scene.
Even its national anthem describes the island as a “flowering garden of exquisite magic…the daughter of the sea and the sun.”
San Juan Islands
An archipelago in the Pacific Northwest, Washington’s San Juan Islands are actually a mix of 172 named an many more un-named islands and reefs. The most accessible are Orcas, Lopez, San Juan, and Shaw Islands.
Visitors can access these islands by ferry, boat, water taxi, or charter plane. Either way, they are an unbelievable gift of nature with their salty breezes, shimmering emerald-green waters, glacier-carved mountains, and abundance of natural sea and wildlife.
Though the islands tend to be more crowded in the summer, the off-season brings a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere with moderate temperatures, tranquil landscapes, and idyllic natural surroundings. Kayaking and whale-watching are two of the most popular outdoor adventures here.
St John USVI
Spellbound by this island’s natural beauty, venture capitalist, philanthropist, and conservationist Laurance Rockefeller donated 60 percent of St. John to the U.S. National Park Service. In 1962, Congress expanded the boundary of the national park to preserve and protect its stunning coral gardens, seascapes, and sleepy lagoons.
Simply put, St. John is a pristine ecological wonder. The island beaches are beyond beautiful. Of no surprise, some are among the most photographed in the world. Snorkeling is supreme due to the immense number of tropical fish, sea turtles, colorful sea life found among its multi-hued reefs and warm crystal-clear tourmaline waters. Simply put, it’s heaven on Earth.
St. Simons Island
Stunning coastal salt marshes are the first glimpse of St. Simon’s, one of Georgia’s fabulous Golden Isles.
A unique combination of laid-back vibe, natural beauty, and breathtaking beaches, it gets even better with the island’s fascinating historical landmarks, moss-draped oaks, perfectly-manicured golf courses, exceptional Southern cuisine, and timeless tranquility.
Few destinations can claim an operational lighthouse that encourages visitors to come in and climb 129 steps for breathtaking views of neighboring Jekyll Island. The island’s wooden pier is an ideal location for whale-spotting from December through March.
Albert Einstein once said “The most beautiful gift of nature is that it gives one pleasure to look around and try to comprehend what we see.”
Even places close to home can do that for us. No passport required. We just have to pack a bag, and let the island destination cast its magic spell!