10 American cities that will make you think that you are on a tropical island

No passport is required to visit these small slices of paradise.


When you want a serious R&R - and a change of rhythm compared to your work full of action and the life of the house - the island vibrations are exactly what the doctor ordered. After all, there is nothing like pouring your toesvirgin white sand Or relax in an ocean hut with a Tiki cocktail in one hand and a fascinating book in the other. But if your budget does not allow a trip abroad, or if you simply do not want to take a long international flight, rest assured that many American cities can offer the same time, landscapes and activities sought in the places of the Caribbean.

If you plan aromantic honeymoon, fungirls' trip, or a relaxing solo getaway, there is no shortage of exotic locations in the United States, islands isolated in coastal cities soaked in sun, here is a handful of destinations that look like a tropical paradise - and above all ,,require a passport to visit.

Read this then:The 10 best seaside resorts in the United States for a stressless getaway.

The best tropical holidays in the United States

1. St. Simons island, Georgia

St. Simons Island
Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock

Halfway between Savannah and Jacksonville is this breathtaking island, which is known for its remarkable beaches, its rich history, its unique stores and its world class golf courses. What makes a tropical island look like the most - like palm trees - is time.

"Its colder season makes it a paradise for snowbirds who seek to escape the hardness of the northern frozen winters, while its warm and humid climate in the hottest months attracts crowds in search of sun, sand and relaxed island, "said"Albanian combined, founder ofDried up in the world.

Like many getaway from the tropical island, seafood occupy the front of the stage in the menus of the restaurant here - think of freshly private oysters, crab cakes in blue stripe manufacturing and blackened shrimp. And the activities are endless, local ruins and climbing at the top of the beacon of the island of St. Simons with sailing, horse riding and deep sea fishing.

2. South Padre Island, Texas

South Padre Island
Davy Lane Photography / Shutterstock

This seaside resort, which is right next to the southern coast of Texas, has some of the best beaches in the Gulf of Mexico. It also houses a multitude of tourist attractions of nature, abundant wind and nautical activities and exceptional local restaurants representing a wide range of kitchens.

Rae andJason Miller, travel bloggers behindCouple of escape, call South Padre Island one of their favorite places to visit, thanks to seafood well well, live music and a breathtaking view at sunset. They recommend reserving an observation visit to dolphins or taking private sand construction lessons to intensify your game on the beach.

"This idyllic island has opportunities for observing turtles, fishing and scuba diving," explainsGiacomo Piva, travel industry analyst and co -founder ofRadical storage.

Do not forget to stop at the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center, which houses a 5 -story watchtower with views of migratory birds, and the South Padre Island Dolphin Research & Sealife Nature Center, which offers excursions by boat And touch tanks.

3. San Diego, California

San Diego California
DancesTrokes / Shutterstock

"San Diego is seated at the southernmost tip in California, which means that it is super hot all year round - so it's easy to forget that you are in the United States," saidMegan Jones, founder of the blogTraveler's Elixir. "The weather is on average 70 degrees all year roundAn animated nightlifeAnd a range of activities to take care of you for weeks. ""

According to Jones, San Diego isIdeal for gourmets- Especially if you have a penchant for tacos - due to the choices of loose restaurants. With 31 beaches to explore, she says that you will never miss options, that you are trying to soak up the sun, to dive with snorkel, to make waves or to tide. "My favorite beach must be the Jolla because there is a friendly seal population calling for this beach at home," adds Jones.

Pro advice: if you are ready to drive about 20 minutes outside the city, it could be worth doing a day trip to Coronado Island, which has one of the best beaches in the region and Amazing seaside restaurants with San Diego horizon views.

4. Santa Catalina Island, California

Santa Catalina California
Rob Crandall / Shutterstock

Jump on a one -hour ferry journey from South California to reach this paradise - which according toMelissa beers, co -owner ofMy trip starts to travel, will transport you directly to the coast of Greece. Known for its abundant wildlife and diving sites, it is the ideal place for an adventure getaway.AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

If you want to get the full experience of the tropical island, the Millers recommend booking a boat visit to reefs and shipwrecks. Or, pack your underwater diving or diving equipment and explore Lover's Cove or Descanso Beach.

"Underwater opinions are almost identical to those we have known in tropical places around the world," said the Millers.

After a hectic day of nautical activities, they suggest seizing seafood locally caught in Bluewater Avalon or lobster trap - both restaurants which are cherished by tourists and inhabitants.

5. Key West, Florida

Key West Florida
Romain7189 / Shutterstock

Like the southernmost point in the continental United States, Key West is literally as close as you arrive at the tropics. With animated coral reefs, pastel conch style houses and high -end luxury stations, Beers says that this island city almost looks like a movie board. Perfect sunsets are definitely a plus, and nightlife on Duval Street competes with that of South Beach nearby.

Whether you are trying to party at sunrise, exploring marine life closely or feasting on conch donuts and other freshly taken seafood specialties, there is something for everyone here.

6. Galveston, Texas

Galveston Texas
J. Henning Buchholz / Shutterstock

You might not expect to find an oasis of the island in the Lone Star State, but that's exactly what Galveston is, with many water parks adapted to families, first -rate restaurants and attractions centered on the nature.

"This island offers travelers 30 miles beautiful beaches, and many of them have white sand like the tropics," explainsMichael Belmont, Owner ofThe prodigy of the park. "The climate is hot and people are sympathetic - what could you ask more in a tropical escape? By a windy day, you could even be able to take a surf from the island, if you know the good places to to look at."

The historic district of Strand has a multitude of chic shops, art galleries, museums and restaurants, while the historic East End district is just a walk to marvel at the majestic Victorian architecture. Do not forget to swing by the Galveston Island state park, which includes many fishing places, hiking trails and kayak launches. At Moody Gardens, which houses both an aquarium and an interactive tropical forest zoo, you can discover reptiles, birds, butterflies, sharks and a wide range of other wild animals.

7. Oceanside, California

Oceanside California
Jon Bilous / Shutterstock

Known as the center of southern California, this seaside oasis is ideally located between San Diego and Los Angeles, which means that you can easily make a day trip in one or the other city. In addition, it is full of recreational activities, picturesque palm beaches and a multitude of superb golf courses.

Anna Krizova, a travel expert atCamino Adventures, recommends visiting the California Surf Museum, which presents a collection of memories, photographs and videos and surf boards of famous surfers. She also suggests stopping at the Oceanside Museum of Art, which presents a rotating selection of modern works - many local artists. Or, if you are looking for a more active getaway, plan to cycle on the San Luis Rey river path, take surf lessons in a local store or rent a boat to do sea dive.

"Don't miss the Sunset Market Oceanside on Thursdays," adds Krizova. "It combines a street fair, a producer market, a place of entertainment and a fun family event."

8. Tarpon Springs, Florida

Tarpon Springs Florida
A.HIXON / Shutterstock

While this city is located on the coast of the Gulf of the Center of Florida,Kathryn Anderson—The travel blogger behindCoffee and mascara“See it looks like a Greek island. Seeing on average 246 days of sun per year, there is no bad weather to visit Tarpon Springs.

"Going down the main strip bordered by fishing and sponge quay boats, the atmosphere is almost as alive as an evening in Athens," added Anderson. "The music fills the streets while the sellers try to attract you to their restaurants with the best Greek cuisine in the city. Although everything is delicious, make sure you try the inflamed saganaki and the grilled octopus in Dimitri's on the Water . "

Take a stroll through the brick streets in the historic district while browsing antiques stores, art galleries and other specialized stores - then take a concert or play Tarpon Springs Performing Arts and Cultural Center. From sailing to scuba diving, there are a lot of nautical activities to take care of you - or, if you are looking for a more relaxing day on the water, go up on a tiki bar boat to sip tropical cocktails With dear beings during the sun together.

9. St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine Florida
Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

Just on the northeast coast of Florida is the oldest city in the United States, known for its quiet sandy beaches, its Spanish colonial architecture and its protected fauna sanctuary.

"The city sister of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, is a world renowned family getaway for white sandy beaches and tropical time," saidKatie Mitura, director of marketing ofVisit Jacksonville. "Explore his story through large visits to monuments,haunted attractionsand established institutions. Not only can you learn one or two during your trip, but you can also escape reality in any nightlife in St. Augustine, including the St. Augustine amphitheater, which attracts artists from the artists whole world. ""

Climb on a bike, a sailboat or a paddleboard to absorb all the rich flora, fauna and fauna that this coastal community has to offer. From kayak on an interior navigable track and browsing the high -end stores of Ponte Vedra beach to eat on the gain of freshness of the day and the golf where the pros play, there are infinite activities for all ages.

"The life of Saint-Augustin moves at a slower pace," explains Beers. "And the national monument of Castillo de San Marcos is a fortress that has the impression of being in Puerto Rico or elsewhere in the Caribbean."

10. Daufuskie island, South Carolina

Daufuskie Island
Silvia Bibi Montanari / Shutterstock

Call to allHistory buffs, Beachcombs, and fun and solar researchers: this island has a rich culture, shores of distant white sand and historic monuments in Gogo. A perfect stay here could involve walking on the rustic earth roads of the island to absorb Lowntry culture, check the eclectic art galleries and the studios, make a walk at sunset by the ocean and Taste a variety of different rums at Dafuskie Island Distillery Island Distillery Island Distillery Island.

Accessible by Ferry, this island is located a stone's throw from Savannah and Hilton Head. However, it has maintained a kind of mystical over the years - in fact, there are only about 400 permanent local residents, which is why the beaches are still as virgin. Although there may not be many hotels here, that is part of the charm of the island: it has the impression that it was frozen in time. In addition, there are a lot of charming airbnbs and vacation rentals to choose.

"The island of Daufuskie is an essential visit for all travelers looking for the tropical atmosphere," explains Piva. "Appointed in the national register of historic places, this island of South Carolina houses houses, churches and museums of Fantastic Gullah, head on an ecotour, with opportunities to identify alligators, birds and native plants . The perfect day should be rounded by listening to live music and sampling the piece of iron moon. "


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