10 Beautiful U.S. Islands That Don’t Require a Passport
A passport-free island trip feels like a small travel win, mainly when 74% of Americans are sticking closer to home these days. There are shores in the Caribbean, the Pacific, and along the mainland that offer warm water, diverse wildlife, rich history, and quiet corners where the only big decision is whether to swim or take a nap. Each of these ten spots sits within U.S. borders or territories, which means a government ID gets you from the airport to the sand without waiting in long customs lines. Here are ten islands worth adding to your list.
Vieques, Puerto Rico
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Wild horses are part of the everyday scenery here, and that detail alone sets a tone that feels different from busier Caribbean stops. This small island off the coast of Puerto Rico is known for its bioluminescent Mosquito Bay, which glows at night due to an unusually high concentration of microorganisms. Many visitors base themselves at Finca Victoria, a wellness retreat that opened in 2019 with yoga, plant-forward meals, and hyper-local treatments sourced from on-site gardens.
St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
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Two-thirds of this island is federally protected, and it offers miles of rainforest trails, unspoiled beaches, and historic sugar mill ruins hidden along the paths. Trunk Bay attracts travelers with clear water that’s ideal for snorkeling, while Maho Bay often has sea turtles drifting through the shallows. Travelers can keep costs down by opting for small inns.
Little Palm Island, Florida
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This private island in the Florida Keys has long been a retreat for those seeking privacy and warm, shallow waters. Guests arrive by boat or seaplane, since cars aren’t allowed. Thatched-roof bungalows, an adults-only policy, and regular Key deer sightings give the place an atmosphere that feels far from mainland Florida even though it’s only a short ride from shore.
Johns Island, South Carolina
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Bird lovers find Johns Island impressive because more than 430 species live or migrate through its marshlands. Kayakers glide past roseate spoonbills and wood storks while guided tours visit nearby sanctuaries, such as Bird Key Stono. The Dunlin, a resort spanning 2,000 acres along the Kiawah River, combines gentle outdoor activities with spa treatments and expansive trails.
San Juan Islands, Washington
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The group includes well over one hundred islands, with San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez being the most visited. Orcas are often spotted on boat tours leaving Friday Harbor, and cyclists love Lopez for its low-traffic backroads. Doe Bay Resort draws travelers who like simple cabins and cliffside soaking tubs, while Roche Harbor offers sunset views over the marina that many consider the best in the area.
Lāna‘i, Hawai‘i
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Only about 3,000 people live here, which gives it a slower pace of day-to-day life than other Hawaiian islands. Visitors often rent 4x4s to cross the red-rock area called Keahiakawelo, which resembles a Martian landscape. Hulopo‘e Bay forms a marine preserve where spinner dolphins sometimes pass by, and the island offers two high-end places to stay, one near ocean cliffs and one in the mountains.
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
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The island’s beaches come with crystal water that makes spotting fish easy, even from shore. Coki Point, Sapphire Beach, and Secret Harbor are favorites for swimming, while Magens Bay delivers one mile of soft sand framed by green hills. Charlotte Amalie offers shops, a rich colonial history, and sites connected to old pirate stories, including Blackbeard’s Castle.
Guam
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This Western Pacific island combines Chamorro culture, World War II history, and stunning coral-filled bays. Tumon Bay is the central hub, with resorts, snorkeling, and oceanfront bars that stay lively from afternoon through late evening. Asan Beach Park offers a look at the island’s role in the Pacific theater during WWII, and the Guam Museum covers historic and cultural details in more depth.
Channel Islands, California
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Five rugged islands form this national park off Ventura and Oxnard. Santa Cruz and Anacapa draw hikers and kayakers who want sea caves and wildlife sightings, while Santa Rosa and San Miguel appeal to backpackers who enjoy remote camping. Most travelers sleep on the mainland, but primitive campsites let people stay under the stars with almost no light pollution.
Key West, Florida
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Clear water and pastel houses, not to mention a long history of writers and artists, give Key West an easygoing feel. Many people visit the coral reefs at Fort Zachary Taylor or watch the nightly sunset celebration at Mallory Square. The Overseas Highway makes the drive memorable, as the route spans dozens of bridges before reaching the southernmost point in the continental U.S.