17 Best Tropical Destinations in the US for an Exotic Vacation in 2024

Located on Florida’s eastern side, Boca Raton is one of the best tropical vacation spots in the US, with something to offer the entire family. Boca’s many beaches stretch out for miles, with lifeguards securing most of them.

One of Boca Raton’s best beach destinations is Red Reed Park along Road A1A. The swimming and snorkeling here are first-rate, with lifeguards keeping a close eye on children. It is close to the Red Reef Executive Golf Court, many picnic areas, and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center.

The Daggerwing Nature Center in West Boca Raton has live animals and a butterfly garden. The elevated boardwalk leads visitors through a tropical swamp with an observation tower to view the birds, butterflies, turtles, and alligators, as well as an outdoor aquarium.

Visitors to this tropical paradise can also enjoy a visit to Mizner Park, with its amphitheater for outdoor concerts and retail shopping opportunities. Deerfield Beach is small and more intimate than many other Bacon Raton beaches and has been awarded the “Blue Wave” award for its superb water quality. Best yet, it is close to an abundance of shops and eateries, as well as the Quiet Water Park which offers camping and fishing.

As one of the tropical locations in the US, Miami has it all – top beaches, a scenic skyline, luxury hotels, shops, and first-rate nightlife. Visitors should also be aware of the nearby breathtaking Everglades National Park. South Beach is Miami’s best-known beach.

This beach has been seen in almost every movie shot in Miami – and visitors have probably seen parts of it on their favorite television shows. It is very photogenic. Loungers and umbrellas can be rented, but South Beach was meant for strolling.

Fairchild Tropical Garden offers a welcome relief from Miami’s hustle and bustle. This is one of the largest tropical gardens in the US, with a butterfly grove, a conservatory, and various habitats. Paths within the garden will take visitors through the Rare Plant House, a tropical rainforest with a stream and waterfalls. The garden also has the largest exhibit of Victoria water lilies anywhere.

It is open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The entrance fee is $24.95 for adults and $15.95 for children under 17 and can be reached via Metrorail. It is very handicapped-friendly with shuttle service and wheelchair accessibility.

While in Miami, couples can enjoy a visit to the Faena Theater with its grand opera house architecture, decadent cabaret shows, and several restaurants. Artists like Bon Jovi are no strangers to performing in this lavish theatre.

One of the tropical vacations in the US like no other is incredible Key West. It is actually closer to Cuba than it is to Miami. The summer here is infinite, with January rising to a balmy 75 degrees.

There is much inspiration this far south, including a visit to the former home of writer Ernest Hemingway. A tour highlights Hemingway's life in general when he lived here. His favorite six-toed cats, or their descendants, are still on the property.

A firm rule for Key West is when on Duval Street – it’s time to party! The choices of restaurants and bars seem unlimited. From Hemingway’s favorite Sloppy Joe’s Bar to Aqua, with its nightly drag shows, the party doesn’t stop. Live music takes over Duval Street as bar hopping becomes everyone’s favorite sport. Accommodations are available on Duval Street at the Key West Hotel, placing it amid all the action.

Key West is home to terrific beaches, but none is as stunning as Fort Zachary Taylor Beach. With its white sand and palm trees, it has the best snorkeling and marine life in town.

Fish for dinner at the West Rock Jetty or take a narrated tour of Fort Zachary Taylor Park and its Civil War cannons. The park has plenty of picnic areas and grills to cook any caught fish. Loungers, umbrellas, snorkels, and more can be rented at Chickee Hut Beach Rentals.

People gather on Mallory Square every night to watch the best show in town – the breathtaking sunset over Key West. It is traditional to sip a cold brew as the sun disappears beneath the Gulf of Mexico as street performers celebrate this nightly occasion. “See you at sunset” is a traditional daily greeting here.

And nothing says sunset like a two-hour Fort Zachary Taylor Beach Sunset Cruise starting at $80.00. Dinner and drinks (wine and champagne) are included, as is the music and dancing under the stars.

A US tropical vacation destination where you would not expect to find one is Olympic National Park, Washington. This is the location of one of the largest rainforests in the US – the Hoh Rainforest, with its lush greenery and copious wildlife.

Visitors can get the whole rainforest experience by camping and waking up in the forest. It's as close to the Amazon as the U.S. and is a distinguished World Heritage Site. The common trees here are Sitka Spruce and Western Hemlock. These can grow up to 300 feet and reach seven feet around. All the trees are surrounded by moss, which is everywhere here.

From the visitor’s center, several convenient trails lead through the park. The temperature in this iconic rainforest rarely reaches the mid-70s, even in the summer. A range of animals makes their home here, from the Roosevelt elk, river otters, and black bears. Occasionally, a bobcat may be spotted. The trees collapse downward, providing welcome shade and a lush overhead canopy.

Visiting the rainforest costs $10.00 and is open daily from April to November. During the winter months, it is open on weekends only.

Soothing temperatures await visitors to the Gulf Shores who wish to enjoy some of the best tropical places in the US. Revel in 32 miles of pure white beachfront, many with picnic facilities and showers. The primary beach is at the end of Hwy 59, and here visitors will find restaurants, shopping, and places for a picnic. Parking is $3.00. 

For several days in mid-October, this is also the place for the annual National Shrimp Festival, when 250,000 visitors enjoy rock and jazz on two stages, shrimp any way one would want, and explore some of the best arts and crafts scenes. It is a wonderful end-of-summer festival. After the party, try a dolphin cruise or a trip to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo with the kids. There is also a choice of 15 premium golf courses.

Visit Tacky Jacks Gulf Shores on 240 E. 24th Ave. for breakfast, lunch, or dinner inside or outside with a breathtaking view. Enjoy a drink or two at Jack’s bar. Tacky Jacks was voted best happy hour and best hangout by the locals.

Are you looking for a tropical island vacation that is easily reachable? Congratulations on discovering San Juan, one of the wonderful tropical places to visit without a passport. The mix of African, Spanish, and Indian cultures has earned Puerto Rico the nickname, Isle of Enchantment. And San Juan is the capital of all this beauty.

San Juan has plenty of scenic beaches, with Playa Peña offering one of the most spectacular vistas in San Juan. Condado Beach is also extremely popular for those who love a beach party. Life can heat up quickly here. Stroll the cobblestoned streets of Old San Juan for the city’s best bars, restaurants, and 16^th-century architecture. And honestly, there is no avoiding dancing the salsa while in San Juan.

The island of Puerto Rico has its own offshore island east of San Juan named Culebra. Here, Flamenco Beach has been named one of the “World’s Best Beaches.” This is a day trip not to be missed. Another day trip is the El Yunque Rainforest, filled with hundreds of animals, lush plants, and waterfalls. San Juan’s nightlife is hotter than the beaches. Check out La Factoria, named one of the “Best 50 Bars in the World.” Put on your salsa shoes and swing.

Looking for some romance? One of the most romantic tropical places in the US is the Island of Port Aransas, Texas. Newlyweds and honeymooners have found their escape here. Romantic places to stay include cozy cottages by the beach, beach houses, condos, and motels. Campgrounds are available for spending nights beneath the stars.

TripAdvisor has named Port Aransas one of the top 25 beaches in the country. Southern Living calls it one of the best beach towns. With 18 miles of sparkling sand, this is the place to surf, parasail, or windsurf in the Gulf’s warm waters.

The Chapel in the Dunes is a chapel that can be visited – or get married in. The cost to rent the chapel is $375 to enjoy a fabulous island ceremony. Following the wedding, there are hoppin’ nightclubs and taverns to visit, many on the waterfront and with live music.

For those brave enough to get married, skydiving over Port Aransas is a piece of cake. For something more relaxing, don’t miss a sunset cruise around the shore. Love is all around you.

Malibu's 27 miles of astonishing beaches qualify it as one of the most picturesque tropical places in the US, and these beaches are accessible to all. It is recommended that visitors spend at least three days exploring this city. One of the must-do activities in Malibu is to be at a beach at sunset when the sinking sun in the west puts on a spectacular show.

There are many beaches surrounding Malibu. Topanga Beach is known as a great surfer beach. Malibu Lagoon State Beach (by 232000 Pacific Coast Highway) has convenient parking and is the starting point for some joyful hiking. Escondido Beach (27200 PCH) can be reached by taking the stairs down Geoffrey’s Malibu Restaurant. It is a well-known diving beach.

Paradise Cove is located at 28128 PCH and is surrounded by striking cliffs. There is a restaurant and tanning bed. This is not a quiet, secluded beach. The Malibu Pier is a popular place to shoot movie and television scenes. Visitors can view the million-dollar Malibu mansions from here or watch the fishermen reel in their catch. Malibu Farms is located at the end of the pier and serves food with the best possible view.

Not to be missed in this tropical nirvana is the Getty Villa at 17985 PCH. This Roman villa that once belonged to J. Paul Getty has 45,000 Greek and Roman artifacts and a stunning art gallery that includes a bronze nude. Admission is free, but parking is $15.00. The Malibu Surf Shack provides surfing and kayaking lessons and kayak tours. Pacific Coast Highway by Malibu is lined with great restaurants and accommodations.

Tybee Island can be found 18 miles off the coast of Savannah’s Beach. It has been named the best beach in the US. It is perfect for families and couples looking for an ideal wedding location. It is one of the best tropical destinations in the US to escape everything.

The three-mile stretch of beaches on Tybee Island is a quiet getaway. A hidden gem is Back River Beach, with its gentle waves, dolphins, and lack of a crowd. The perfect setting for the ultimate relaxation. Time stands a bit still here. Accommodations range from B&Bs to hotels. The DeSoto Beach Hotel stands out as it is the sole beachfront hotel on the island. Guests can enjoy rooms with balconies facing the beach.

Visitors can enjoy the island’s many Charters and Tours, especially dolphin, fishing, and eco-tours. The water sports are phenomenal along the breathtaking beach. Loungers and umbrellas can be rented, and shopping and restaurants are located nearby.

Not coincidentally, Tybee Island is a preferred fabulous wedding destination. Check the Tybee Island Wedding Guide for the different types of weddings local wedding planners can set up. "I dos" are possible at the beach, inside the island’s charming century-old wedding chapel with a grand ballroom and cocktail lounge, or in any of the hotels.

Las Vegas is in the desert, but it does have tropical heat. It also has top-level entertainment and resorts, making Vegas one of the most exotic places in the US. Despite its desert location, Las Vegas makes excellent use of its water with dozens of resort pools. And this is not a shy town.

Bare Pool Lounge within the Mirage Hotel offers secluded topless lounging for anyone over the age of 21, which is one way of beating the sizzling Vegas heat. With six cabanas, eight daybeds, and two pools, it is a sure bet that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. The entrance fee is $30 for women and $40 for men. VIP services are additional.

Las Vegas’ love of water doesn’t stop at its pools. One of the best free shows in town is the Bellagio Hotel’s Dancing Fountain which happens regularly throughout the day. Resorts offers dining and drinks 24 hours a day. While Las Vegas is all about gambling, it also has family-friendly activities such as the incredible Shark Reef Aquarium and fun at the Circus Circus resort.

If summer is your season and you can’t bear to see it end, one of the warm, tropical places in the United States that is calling you is Phoenix. Say goodbye to the winter freeze and visit a place where sunshine rules in the southwestern US and luxury resorts await.

There is much to do here. Phoenix is surrounded by majestic mountains and incredible deserts filled with desert wildlife. The Friendship Garden of Phoenix is one of the city’s more exotic offerings. The garden is an authentic Japanese tea garden with a tea house.

The rocks, wood, plants, koi ponds, and bridges were erected for ultimate tranquillity. A stroll down each path reveals secrets and treasures. Click below for times and entrance fees. Japan and tea go together. Get away from the harsh world and take part in an authentic Japanese tea ceremony while focusing on being served. Teatime is $45.00.

For more desert tranquillity, the Desert Botanical Garden leads visitors through five trails of desert magic, from cacti and different desert landscaping. Tours are available. For Phoenix visitors wanting more, Century Grand: Platform 18 is a century-old bar built to look like a luxury railroad car. It was created during Prohibition when alcohol was thought to bring down mankind.

It deliberately specialized, and still does, in creative cocktails. The waitstaff, and frequently the guests, are dressed in 1920s flapper outfits. Platform 18 has been named one of the best 50 bars in the U.S.

For anyone looking for a Garden of Eden, it may be found in one of the tropical getaways in the US, the Hawaiian island of Maui. Besides its two volcanos and startling waterfalls, visitors have a choice of 120 miles of shoreline and 80 beaches, which range from gentle to crashing waves.

The summers are warm and busy, while the winters are mild, with springtime whale watching a favorite activity. The resorts on Maui are luxurious and meant to pamper, and most of them border the ocean. Guests can take part in sailing, diving, snorkeling, golfing, and more.

Choosing between the many top-quality restaurants in Maui isn’t easy, but Mamas Fishhouse is a good bet. Fishermen deliver their catch directly to Mamas, where it is prepared within 24 hours. Mamas has been named one of the top 10 fine dining restaurants in the US, and TripAdvisor calls it the second most popular restaurant in the US.

The best and favorite Maui day trip is the 10-hour Road to Hana Tour at $274.99 with hotel pickup and a picnic lunch. The 64-mile trip moves past Maui's coast and beautiful beaches through winding roads over 50 bridges, waterfalls, and hiking trails. Each tour decides on the stops. It's like seeing everything Maui has to offer on one fabulous trip.

When looking for one of the most tropical places in the US, look no further than the lush island of Kauai with its stunning landscape, which varies depending on the side of the island.

Kauai's west side owns the awesome, 3,600 feet deep Waimea Canyon – the US’s other Grand Canyon located within the Waimea Canyon State Park.

This canyon can be reached via Waimea Canyon Drive with its Red Dirt Waterfall – one of Kauai’s most spectacular falls.

Stunning Napali rules over Kauai’s north coast, and Napali Air and Boat Tours are the best way to experience its grandeur, high cliffs, and remote beaches.

Aerial tours provide access to otherwise inaccessible parts of the island, such as the incredible Manawaiopuna Falls, a setting used in the movie "Jurassic Park."

The East Side may be Kauai’s biggest draw. Known as the "Royal Coconut Coast," clusters of residential and incredible beaches are surrounded by coconut groves. Ocean pools here are perfect for snorkelers and families.

The Wailua River is a favorite for kayaking or boating, while the Nounou Mountain offers scenic hiking.

Shop for Hawaiian arts and crafts in the town of Kapa’a, and on the east side of the island, no one should miss the traditional luau that has been a part of the Smith Family Garden for 50 years.

The California coastline is stunning, but little can equal the 96 miles known as Big Sur. One of the most tropical places in the US, the cliffs, redwoods, sheer natural beauty, varied marine life, and beaches provide drama under the sun with plenty of stops along Highway 1 to marvel at the scenery, many of them hidden gems.

For a stay at Big Sur, the all-inclusive Alila Hotel and Resort offers secluded luxurious suites with balconies to view either the redwoods or the ocean, first-rate eating, and a luxury spa. For outdoor types, the resort has a glamping area with tents and fire pits, power outlets with lamps, chairs, towels, and a picnic table.

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is ideal for exploring the redwoods and trails, while the Andrew Molera State Park is small, but its trail has a view of the ocean. For sheer drama, Big Sur is one of the most magnificent tropical places to visit in the US.

The Virgin Islands are part of an unincorporated United States Territory, and St. John called the “Beverly Hills of the Caribbean,” is one of the most glamorous tropical places in the US to vacation. Here, white sand, opportunities for snorkelers, and simply being an unspoiled paradise knows no equal. It’s a Caribbean fairy tale that can be accessed by boat or ferry from St. Thomas.

Let’s not forget the private yachts. Nothing but the finest for St. John. Even the temperature is perfect – mid-80s year-round. The occasional rain keeps everything green. Some of St. John’s legendary palm-tree-lined beaches are Trunk Bay, Maho Bay, Honeymoon Beach, and many more.

Away from the beach, 20 hiking trails provide astonishing views of nature’s wonders, such as the waterfall in the Reef Bay Valley. The Coral Reef Underwater Park Trail leads to some of the best snorkeling at Trunk Bay. Don’t miss the Floating Taco Bar. Cruz Bay is the major town in St. John’s, and visitors won’t be surprised that goods here are fabulously high-end.

St. John is one of the few islands lacking all-inclusive resorts, but it has an assortment of fine rentals, such as the Westin St. John with all its amenities.

South Padre Island in the Gulf of Texas can easily be reached by crossing the Queen Isabela Causeway Bridge to reach 12 miles of golden beaches. The weather is excellent year-round, as is the swimming and all watersports. Food ranges from seafood shacks in the sand to dining by the shore at the Painted Marlin or the Café by the Beach.

Gravity Park is a go-to for the family with its mini-golf, arcade, and go-karts. Then visit Sea Turtle Inc., a rehabilitation for homeless or injured turtles prepared to be placed back into the ocean. During a release, everyone is at the beach cheering. It’s a big moment.

For the adventuresome visitor, South Padre Island Adventure Park offers horseback riding, ziplining, or parasailing. Cruising with the Black Dragon Pirate Ship is fun for all and a chance to raise some heck on the high seas while fighting other pirates and hunting for treasures. Tickets are between $27.00 and $38.00.

Sodas, beer, and wine are available on board, as well as coladas and tequilas. Then, move on to sword fighting, water pistol duels, face painting, and treasure hunts. Of course, there is always dolphin watching. All this fighting may prepare interested couples to hold their wedding on the pirate ship as marital preparation. Call 956-592-2223 for wedding planning details.

This would qualify as one of the most unique tropical vacations in the US as well as one of the most memorable weddings.

Beaches lined with palm trees and luxurious mansions, surrounded by the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Channel Islands – Santa Barbara is one of the US tropical vacation destinations that is a fabulous painting created by nature. It is known as the American Riviera for a reason.

The inviting beaches are perfect for watersports and whale watching, and the mountains invite hiking and exploring. Santa Barbara’s best beaches have something for all. Hendry’s Beach and Arroyo Burro Beach are very dog-friendly – and puppies sure love that sand. Fishing fans should head straight for Goleta Beach in Goleta Beach County Park and enjoy a fishing charter.

West Beach by Stearns Wharf Pier is a magical Riviera with luxury accommodations where visitors can lull in a lounger or jog along the shoreline. The views of the waters and the mountains are magical here. The beach is calm, so it’s a great place for families, as is East Beach with its grassy play area, playgrounds, art shows, and Santa Barbara’s largest resorts.

After visiting the beaches, guests should not miss Santa Barbara’s only standing colonial mission, still in the hands of the original Franciscans. Self-guided tours of the mission, gardens, and cemetery are available at $25.00 for adults and $18.00 for kids under the age of 17. For anyone wishing to just get a sense of Santa Barbara, a 90-minute trolley tour from Garden Street and Cabrillo Blvd. is recommended, as it catches most of the city's top spots.

Lanai, a part of the Hawaiian Islands, is as authentic as the tropics can get. Unlike most tropical US destinations that are bustling with tourists, Lanai has a private luxury getaway feel.

Only 3,000 residents call this unspoiled bit of nature home. For many, privacy is the ultimate luxury.

It is the privacy factor that draws people, and once they are here, they find how indulgent and beautiful a utopia can be. Lanai is just a few minutes from populated Maui, which also makes it a fabulous day trip.

It is definitely worth spending some time here and exploring. Hulopo’e Bay Beach has a busy marine life and is home to dolphins and turtles.

The waters are calm and perfect for kids, swimming, and snorkeling. Polihua Beach is on the northern side of the island and spans one and a half miles.

It is popular for strolling and sunbathing. Shipwreck Beach, as the name implies, is an actual shipwreck to explore.

For romance, Huawei Bay and its cliffs and tide pools are difficult to beat.

Lanai has several outstanding resorts, the most lavish and popular being the Seasons Resort Lanai on Hulopoe Bay, which puts luxury and spoiling into action. Its restaurant, Nobu, carries on the tradition of luxury with its outstanding Japanese cuisine.

Of all the tropical places to visit in the US, perhaps Texas doesn't come to mind immediately. However, Corpus Christi has more sand than Cowboys as the Coastal Bend stretches along the Texas Gulf Coast for 150 scenic miles.

North Beach is meant for the entire family. It is the location of the USS Lexington, an aircraft carrier that made a starring appearance in "Top Gun."

The nearby aquarium houses sharks, flamingos, dolphins, and other marine life. Visitors can stroll the Beachwalk, enjoy the view, and fish.

Further Downtown, McGee Beach is surrounded by resorts, restaurants, and shopping. The water is calm enough for the entire family.

Then visitors can hike the lovely 9-mile Corpus Christi Bay Trail, a waterfront trail that links many major Corpus Christi sights such as the Art Museum of South Texas and the Museum of Science and History.

Mustang Island has miles of golden sand, picnic areas, and dolphin-sighting opportunities. There are campsites that begin at $20.00 for an overnight stay. Another beach with camping on the waterfront is North Packery Beach.

One of the US’s favorite windsurfing areas is Bird Island Basin.

Family-friendly dining by the beach includes Snoopy’s Pier with the freshest seafood. Hamburgers and fries are also available for the young ones, especially the popular Snoopyburger.

Blackbeard's on the Beach has a pirate theme and live entertainment each evening. It is also known for its outstanding seafood.

The Island of Hilton Head is one of the most tropical places to visit in the US, with its 12 miles of beach and golf courses at every turn.

This is the place to relax or take a bike ride around the island if you are feeling energetic. Or just slow down at one of the luxury resorts.

The Sea Pines Resort offers private villas, exceptional dining, and golf and tennis packages. The Harbour Town Yacht Basin has boat charters and adventure tours.

The island’s most luxurious resort is the Westin Hilton Head Island Resort and Spa, which happens to be one of the world’s most sought-after golfing destinations. There are also many fine dining experiences.

To embrace nature, the Coastal Discovery Museum is especially popular with children with dolphin tours, butterfly gardens, and horses.

The Harbour Town Lighthouse Museum, by the Harbour Town Golf Course, is a remarkable Hilton Head Island landmark and should be visited for its superb view.

It wouldn’t be a proper tropical destination if it didn't have appropriate pirates. Visit the Pirates of Hilton Head, otherwise known as Stinky Pete, which puts your under-ten-year-old youngsters on a pirate ship to hunt for hidden treasures. Parents can just relax and watch the action.

Tropical locations near the US don’t get any better than Nassau in the Bahamas.

Pick one of the popular resorts for your stay – Prince William and Kate stayed at the Royal at Atlantis, which has exclusive suites and rooms, live entertainment, 14 pools, an aqua world for kids, and fine dining.

Who needs to leave this resort (except for William and Kate, who had to get back to England)?

If the Atlantis is not within the budget, you can live like the Prince and Princess for a day by purchasing a day pass and experiencing everything the Atlantis has to offer, from the waterpark, dining, the casino, pools, and beaches.

The price for this treat will vary according to the day, so contact them here.