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Dreams of turquoise waters, volcanic peaks or just escaping daily? What if your next incredible island outing did not require a passport, no customs lines, only … your driver’s license? For American citizens, some really amazing destinations have the feeling that they are a world away, but because they are actually part of the US (as states or areas), it is surprisingly easy to visit them. Get ready to explore lively Caribbean islands and breathtaking pacific precious stones that fly the stars and stripes, all without the international travel duff. Let’s dive into 10 amazing non-Mainland US spots where paradise is closer (and easier) than you think!
1. Puerto Rico
- Why go: This lively Caribbean island offers a rich carpet of experiences. Explore the 500-year-old streets and Solid forts from the old San Juan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then hit some of the 300+ beaches along the coastline of 270 miles. You can snorkel in crystal clear water, kayak through organic bays, walk in the El Yunque registration forest (the only tropical rainforest in the American national forest system!) And enjoy delicious food such as Mofongo And Lechón (roast pork).
- Mood: Energetic, historical, beachy, foodie paradise.
2. US Virgin Islands – St. Thomas
- Why go: Known for its beautiful beaches such as Magens Bay (often mentioned between the world’s most beautiful) and great tax -free shopping in Charlotte Amalie. Get a panoramic view from the mountain top (supposedly the home of the Banana Daiquiri!), Snorkel with turtles on Honeymoon BeachOr take a ferry to nearby islands.
- Mood: Popular, lively, beautiful beaches, shopper friendly.
3. US Virgin Islands – St. Croix
- Why go: The largest of the USVI, St. Croix offers a more relaxed atmosphere with a rich Danish colonial history visible in the charming cities of Christiansted and Frederiksted. Tour Historic Sugar Plantations, visit the Cruzan Rum Distillery, Kayak the Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve (where Columbus landed), or go diving along the famous underwater wall.
- Mood: Historical, diverse, relaxed, cultural empire.
4. US Virgin Islands – St. John
- Why go: If nature is your bliss, St. John is your island. More than 60% of them are protected when the National Park of the Virgin Island, which snorkeling for kilometers of hiking trails, unspoilt beaches such as Trunk Bay (with its famous underwater), and lively coral reefs that are teeming of life. It is quieter and less developed than St. Thomas.
- Mood: Of course, quiet, environmentally oriented, amazingly beautiful.
5. Hawaii – The Big Island (Hawaiʻi Island)
- Why go: Experience incredible geological diversity. Visit the grim, dramatic landscapes of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, walk on black sandy beaches such as Punaluʻu (where sea turtles often cherish), Stargaze of Mauna Kea and Tour Lush Kona Coffee Farms. Winter offers warm temperatures (often nearly 80 ° F) without peakness in the summer.
- Mood: Adventure, dramatic landscapes, volcanic miracles, various climates.
6. Hawaii – Oahu
- Why go: The home of the capital of the state, Honolulu, the iconic Waikiki Beach and the historic Pearl Harbor Memorials. Learn surfing, walk diamond heads for incredible views, explore the Polynesian cultures in the Polynesian cultural center or hit the legendary surf breaks on the North Shore (especially in winter).
- Mood: The bustling city meets island paradise, iconic sights, surf culture.
7. Hawaii – Maui
- Why go: Famous for the picturesque road to Hāna, sunrise that looks on top of the sleeping Haleakalā volcanoAnd beaches of world class such as Kaʻanapali and Wailea. In the winter it is an excellent place to watch whales while humpbacks migrate here to breed and calves.
- Mood: Romantic, picturesque drives, whales watch hub, luxury resorts and charming cities.
8. Guam
- Why go: Guam is located in the Western Pacific and offers a unique mix of the native Chamorro culture, Spanish colonial history and American influence. Known as “Where America’s Day Begins”, has beautiful beaches (Tumon Bay is a hub), fantastic diving (including shipwrecks and reefs), and tax -free shopping.
- Mood: Tropical Pacific Ocean, Cultural Unique, Historical Significance (WWII), Water Sports Focus.
9. American Samoa
- Why go: Go for a real off-the-beeten-path experience to this remote American territory in the Pacific South Sea. It consists of five volcanic islands and two corala rolls, with dramatic cliffs, lush rain forests and a deeply traditional Polynesian (Samoan) culture. The National Park of the American Samoa Protects unique ecosystems on three islands.
- Mood: Remote, culturally compelling, robust natural beauty, untouched Polynesia.
10. Northern Mariana Islands
- Why go: This American Commonwealth in Micronesia consists of 14 islands (Saipan, Tinian and Rota are the most visited). Saipan offers beautiful beaches, resorts and golf, in addition to important WWII sites such as Suicide Cliff and Banzai Cliff. Tinian is even more relaxed, while Rota is known for its old Chamorro brick sizes. Diving, especially in Saipan’s Grotto CavernIs world famous.
- Mood: Pacific Island Charme, important history of the Second World War, excellent diving, less busy.
So choose your paradise! Whether you dream of Caribbean warmth or Pacific Adventure, these 10 destinations offer incredible outings without needing your passport. Enjoy the convenience of domestic journeys with an exotic feeling!
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This article originally appeared on Traveloffpath.com
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