9 US Island Escapes That Feel a World Away—No Passport Required

Kelli Acciardo

Tue, August 26, 2025 at 3:37 PM UTC

There's nothing quite like an island getaway . Posting up somewhere, toes in the sand with a book in one hand and a cold drink in the other. Island time means moving at your own pace, soaking in the beauty of nature and cooling off in balmy waters whenever the fancy strikes.

The only catch? Many of the world's most coveted islands require a passport —and often a long (and pricey) flight to get there. That's why more Americans are eschewing international travel this summer, with a whopping 74% opting for stateside island escapes. After all, nothing kills a vacation buzz faster than a super-long customs line.

Ahead, we've highlighted nine island getaways in the U.S. and its territories that are more than worthy of a prime spot on your bucket list.

Which US Islands Don't Require a Passport?

If you're a U.S. citizen, traveling to any U.S. state or territory—including islands—is passport-free. A REAL ID-compliant driver's license or other government-issued photo ID is usually enough for air travel within these states and territories:

U.S. States (Islands)

Hawai'i
Key West & Florida Keys
San Juan Islands, Washington State
Johns Island, South Carolina
Martha's Vineyard & Nantucket, Massachusetts
Block Island, Rhode Island
Channel Islands, California

U.S. Territories (in the Caribbean & Pacific)

Puerto Rico
U.S. Virgin Islands(St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix)
Guam
Northern Mariana Islands(Saipan, Tinian, Rota)
American Samoa(though proof of U.S. citizenship is still required)

9 Best US Island Escapes

From secluded islets off the Florida Keys to sun-soaked archipelagos in the Caribbean and beyond, you can get from boarding gate to beach chair in just a few hours—no passport required.

1. Vieques, Puerto Rico

Maybe it's the wild horses roaming free or the sleepy beach town vibe, but Viequesfeels like a wonderful little secret for anyone lucky enough to experience this captivating slice of paradise. Here, U.S. travelers can enjoy one of the best passport-free escapes at Finca Victoria , a boutique wellness retreat created by designer and hotelier Sylvia De Marco. Opened in 2019, the property seamlessly blends bohemian style and sustainability with De Marco's passion for Ayurveda, offering a range of services that include daily yoga, plant-based meals and personalized detox programs. Plus, nearly everything is hyper-local—from the food to the spa treatments—thanks to organic gardens just outside your door.

2. St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

Two-thirds national park and fringed with powdery beaches, St. Johnis the wildest and most unspoiled of the U.S. Virgin Islands—and one of the best places to experience the Caribbean without a passport. Hike thicketed rainforest trails that lead to hidden sugar mill ruins, snorkel with sea turtles at Maho Bay or simply sink into the azure shallows of Trunk Bay, considered one of the most beautiful stretches of shoreline in the world. The island's small size and eco-minded ethos make it feel intimate, but there are plenty of ways to stay, from budget-friendly inns to high-end hideaways. A few of our favorites include Cruz Bay Boutique Hotel (for modest, yet stylish rooms that won't break the bank), Cinnamon Bay Resort & Campground (for beachfront cottages and tent camping within Virgin Islands National Park) and Lovango Resort + Beach Club (to live the villa life with five-star service).

3. Little Palm Island, Florida

A longstanding hideaway for presidents and celebrities seeking privacy in the crystalline waters off the Florida Keys, Little Palm Island is accessible only by boat or seaplane and is considered the country's only private island resort. Thatched-roof bungalows tucked along white-sand shores set the stage for quiet luxury, while the Palapa Bar remains the social heartbeat of the island, where beloved bartenders sling rum punches and tiki-style cocktails all day. Even the resident white-tailed Key deer occasionally swim over to wander the gardens and nibble on flowering trees. An adults-only escape, Little Palm promises days filled with technicolor scuba diving, golden-hour cruises and all the barefoot bliss you could dream of.

4. Johns Island, South Carolina

For a Lowcountry escape in sunny South Carolina, look no further than Johns Island, the state's largest island, just 20 miles outside of Charleston. Home to over 430 bird species, get to know the locals—roseate spoonbills, wood storks, bald eagles and painted buntings—on a leisurely kayak through the marshlands, or join a guided tour to nearby sanctuaries like Bird Key Stono for unforgettable wildlife sightings. The Dunlin , an Auberge Resorts Collection property, sets the standard for accommodations, blending whimsical charm with luxury across 2,000 acres along the Kiawah River. With scenic trails as far as the eye can see, a destination spa and its sweet storybook setting, they excel at Southern coastal living.

5. San Juan Islands, Washington State

Nestled between Washington State and Canada, the San Juan Islands—a dreamy archipelago of more than 170 islands and islets—feel as if they were plucked straight from the Norwegian fjords. With miles of craggy coastline, evergreen forests tumbling into the sea and idyllic fishing villages, the three main islands—San Juan, Orcas and Lopez—are each worth exploring. Spot orcas on a whale-watching tour from Friday Harbor, paddle along glassy inlets or cycle Lopez's quiet backroads framed by wildflower meadows. When it's time to unwind, check into Doe Bay Resort & Retreat , beloved for its rustic cabins and cliffside soaking tubs, or splurge on Roche Harbor Resort , the grand dame of the islands, with sunset views tailor-made for a glass of rosé.

6. St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

No passport, no problem— St. Thomasmakes slipping into island time easier than ever. With crystal-clear turquoise bays and quick access to the rest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, it's a sailing hub where you can hop aboard a catamaran or simply laze on a postcard-perfect beach. Coki Point, Sapphire Beach and Secret Harbor are some of the best for spotting sea turtles and colorful fish, while Magens Bay lures sunseekers with its mile-long crescent of sugar white sand. Beyond the water, stroll the cobblestoned streets of Charlotte Amalie for duty-free shopping and historic sites like Blackbeard's Castle. Come sunset, you can take advantage of the live music and nightlife scene, though families will find plenty to love too—resorts like The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas , Bolongo Bay and Margaritaville Vacation Club keep kids entertained with structured programs and splashy pool amenities.

7. Guam

If Guam hasn't been on your radar thus far, consider this your sign to add it. This tropical island in the Western Pacific blends lush jungles, cerulean waters and rich Chamorro culture for a one-of-a-kind stay. Most visitors head straight to Tumon Bay, the island's resort hub, where you can spend lazy afternoons on soft sand, snorkel colorful coral reefs just offshore or sip sundowners at breezy oceanfront bars. For a dose of history, stop by World War II landmarks like Asan Beach Park or explore the exhibits at the Guam Museum. When it's time to catch some Zzz's, Dusit Thani Guam Resort in Tumon is a posh option for beachfront bliss. Or, keep things relaxed and low-key at the family-friendly Lotte Hotel Guam , perfectly perched on the beach.

8. 7. Lāna'i, Hawai'i

Just a short ferry ride from Maui or a quick flight from Honolulu, Lāna'ifeels like Hawai'i's best-kept secret. With only about 3,000 residents and far fewer crowds than its neighboring islands, this secluded island offers a blend of rugged landscapes and luxe indulgence. Adventure seekers can rent a 4x4 to explore Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods), a dramatic red-rock desert that looks more like Mars than the Pacific, or snorkel the crystal waters of Hulopo'e Bay, a marine preserve where you can get up close and personal with spinner dolphins at play. At night, retreat to one of the island's two standout resorts: the Four Seasons Resort Lāna'i , perched on ocean cliffs with world-class dining, or the adults-only Sensei Lāna'i , a wellness sanctuary tucked into the mountains.

9. Channel Islands, California

Technically, the Channel Islandsjust off the Southern California coast aren't just one—they're a quintet of rugged, windswept gems, each with its own wild personality and distinct sense of place. Perfect for nature lovers craving a quiet, offbeat escape, they're reachable by ferry or small plane from Ventura or Oxnard. Santa Cruz and Anacapa are ideal for hiking, kayaking and making friends with curious sea lions and seals, while Santa Rosa and San Miguel cater to the boldest adventurers, offering backcountry camping and untouched landscapes. Forget traditional hotels—most visitors hop back to the mainland at night—but if you're craving a true off-the-grid vacay, a few spots offer primitive camping under star-studded skies.

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This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 26, 2025, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.