20 Islands Where You Don’t Need a Passport
For many, the word “vacation” conjures up images of a trip to a paradise island where you can lounge on the sand and sip cocktails by the water. It may seem frivolous, but it’s not — research has shown that vacations are necessary and beneficial to us in almost every way: mentally, emotionally, and physically.
One obstacle to achieving that dream: a lack of a passport. Just over half of Americans have a valid passport, meaning that for the other half, travel is limited to the United States itself. These days, you even need a passport to travel to and from Canada and Mexico. The reasons are many, from the cost (passports alone for a family of four can cost about $500) to the hassle of filling out forms, getting photos, and waiting about six weeks.
If you’re one of the millions of Americans without a passport, rejoice: The U.S. is so big that you still have plenty of options for the island getaway of your dreams ( you’ll probably need a real ID, though). Here are 20 island getaways you can book right now, even if you don’t have a valid passport.
Hawaii
Hawaii is perhaps the most obvious choice here – it’s a full-fledged US state, so there’s no barrier to getting there from almost anywhere else in the country (unless you consider hours spent on a plane a barrier). Hawaii feels like its own tropical country in many ways, thanks to its incredible natural beauty and unique indigenous culture. The main Hawaiian Islands, which are an archipelago, offer distinct experiences: The “Big Island” of Hawaii is filled with natural beauty and the region’s colorful history; Lanai, the smallest island, is almost entirely owned by billionaire Larry Ellison and offers a secluded, super-private getaway; Oahu, the state’s capital, is perfect if you want to combine a city vibe with pristine beaches; Maui is the place to go if you’re looking for a super-luxurious resort; and Kauai is perfect for those looking to explore untouched nature and experience a bit of adventure.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a self-governing, unincorporated territory of the United States, so you don’t need a passport to travel there (and residents are U.S. citizens). This makes it a pretty much perfect island getaway, even if you don’t have a passport. With gorgeous beaches, historic towns, and a vibrant culture that translates into one of the most exciting nightlife scenes you can travel to, Puerto Rico has something for everyone. For nightlife and old-world charm, check out San Juan (and Old San Juan). If you’re looking for a beach getaway, check out Flamenco Beach on Culebra Island, often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Pricey and exclusive, Nantucket is the perfect getaway if a tropical vibe isn’t your thing. Accessible by ferry or plane (you can bring your car on the ferry, but parking is limited and unnecessary), the island offers gorgeous beaches, incredible food, luxury shopping, and an incredibly charming small-town atmosphere. It’s the perfect place if your idea of a vacation involves renting bikes, having a picnic on the beach, and having a fancy dinner in the evening. Keep in mind that Nantucket empties out during the colder months, with many businesses closing, so it’s best suited for warmer weather.
Dauphin Island, Alabama
If you don’t think of Alabama as a vacation spot, you’re probably not alone. But Dauphin Island is beautiful, located in the Gulf and boasting expansive, pristine white sand beaches perfect for sunset strolls, and it’s usually not very crowded. It has a quiet, laid-back vibe, more focused on sleep than nightlife or water sports. If you’re looking for an island to relax and de-stress, this is the perfect choice.
Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands
A U.S. territory, Guam is located very far from the mainland (it takes 20 hours to get there from New York City, 17 from Los Angeles). It has a rich history, unique culture, and many stunning beaches. The tourist center of Tumon is famous for its fine restaurants and shops, but beyond that, you’ll find secluded beaches that are stunning in their beauty. The northern part of the same island chain, the Northern Mariana Islands, is a separate U.S. territory that offers more resort vacation options with the same breathtaking natural diversity.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
If you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing getaway, check out Mackinac Island in Michigan. Situated on Lake Huron, this charming little island is like a time portal. Cars are banned here, so you’ll be getting around by bike, horse-drawn carriage, or on foot. This is the perfect place to put on five pounds, get some sleep, and enjoy as many stunning lake views as possible.
Catalina Island, California
You might not think you can have a sun-drenched Mediterranean vacation just an hour from Los Angeles, but that’s because you’ve never seen Catalina Island. Step off the ferry and find yourself snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, shopping and dining in the picturesque town of Avalon, and hiking through picturesque hills. If that’s not enough, try a zip line or a canyon tour to add a little spice to your vacation.
Mount Desert Island, Maine
Much of Mount Desert Island is part of Acadia National Park, so if you’re looking for unspoiled natural beauty in the northeast, this is the place to be. Craggy and mountainous, the island has a unique vibe you won’t find anywhere else, and is the perfect spot for glamping, hiking, and just about any other outdoor activity you can imagine. The town of Bar Harbor also has great restaurants and shopping (you’ll eat so much lobster!).
Block Island, Rhode Island
Want a fresh ocean breeze, more seafood than you might expect, and a laid-back weekend getaway? Block Island is the place to be. Hike the stunning dunes, sunbathe on the beaches, admire the stunning cliffs—and eat ice cream, which is everywhere. Known for its seafood restaurants, Block Island is a great place to wear yourself out on the beach, then enjoy a delicious dinner (with extra ice cream, of course) while watching the sunset.
Fire Island, New York
If you want your island getaway to be one big party, visit Fire Island. Just an hour or two from New York City, this island offers several vacation options in one, thanks to its unique population split into several distinct communities, each with its own distinct vibe (including some of the oldest self-contained LGBTQ+ communities in the country, making Fire Island an iconic queer getaway). Shopping and water activities are available during the day, and music, dancing, and fun come nighttime.
San Juan Island, Washington
Accessible from Seattle, San Juan Island is a scenic, quiet, and peaceful getaway from the city. Friday Harbor is famous for its great food, nightlife, and shopping, but the main draw is the breathtaking beauty of the area, perfect for challenging hikes, kayaking excursions, and learning about American history at San Juan Island National Historical Park. You might even spot orcas.
Orcas Island, Washington
Looking for an island with easy hiking, beautiful lakes, and a local food culture? Orcas Island, Washington, is your best bet. Cascade Lake offers a peaceful atmosphere of calm waters (which you can paddle across if you want), and the farmers market (open May through September, then indoors from October through Thanksgiving) is a chef’s dream. Long walks turn into full-on evenings here, and the day ends with a drink at a local pub.
Isle Royale, Michigan
Secluded and remote, Isle Royale National Park is located on Lake Superior and is only accessible by boat or floatplane. Traditional Ojibwe land with many archaeological sites, so care must be taken to avoid damaging the island’s treasures. This is a vacation spot for campers, hikers, and kayakers. There are no hotels or settlements, just campsites (which require a permit) and wildlife – an incredible variety. It’s a challenging vacation, but if you’re looking for the perfect travel destination, you’ll probably never forget Isle Royale.
Assateague Island, Maryland and Virginia
If your island dreams are more about a cool getaway than a sun-drenched one, Assateague Island is the place to be. Situated between Maryland and Virginia, this barrier island is perfect for beachcombing, kayaking, and enjoying the pristine beauty. That beauty includes the wild ponies that call the island home (there’s an annual pony swim to watch) and a thriving wildlife population that’s largely protected from the modern world. There are no hotels here, making it the perfect getaway for those who enjoy a nature-filled vacation.
US Virgin Islands
Want a tropical getaway without the hassle of traveling? The U.S. Virgin Islands are the place to be. A U.S. territory, the islands of St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas (plus about 50 smaller islands) offer a unique atmosphere: St. Thomas is great for shopping and sightseeing, St. John is quieter and surrounded by natural beauty, and St. Croix is ideal for water-based activities like swimming, diving, and snorkeling.
Amelia Island, Florida
If your idea of a perfect island getaway includes golf, head to Amelia Island. This quiet and beautiful Florida island is located just outside of Jacksonville. There are golf clubs at Amelia River and Amelia Island, where you can work on your handicap while relaxing. If you want to do more than just golf, you can ride horses on the beach, take a dip in the ocean, or just enjoy the time spent relaxing in a bar or cafe.
American Samoa
American Samoa, the southernmost territory of the United States, is the place to go if you’re looking for a truly untouched corner of nature. People don’t come here to party, they come here to get away from it all, reconnect with nature, and embrace the proud Polynesian culture. If your ideal vacation involves a little rugged living, lots of hiking, and disconnection, American Samoa offers all of that without the hassle of a passport.
Daufuskie Island, South Carolina
No cars, almost no streets – Daufuskie Island is idyllic and quiet. And beautiful, with plenty of lush trails through mossy forests and beautiful beaches. It’s also a unique and historic place, steeped in the West African Gullah culture brought here by slaves and preserved to this day by their descendants. With tours and local craft shops, a vacation to Daufuskie Island isn’t just a great vacation, it’s also a chance to expand your understanding of American history.
Prince of Wales Island, Alaska
Prince of Wales Island is ideal for fishing enthusiasts (especially salmon and trout). It is huge for an island (about 200 km long) and is full of quaint, interesting towns. You will find the best of both worlds here: in Craig, the island’s largest village, you will find comfortable hotels, interesting restaurants and other urban attractions. But you can also hit the road with a backpack and boots and immerse yourself in the lush, picturesque nature by going on a long hike, spending the day fishing or exploring the small villages.
Florida Keys
If you want your vacation to have the same vibe as a Jimmy Buffett song, head south and don’t stop until you reach Key Largo, then keep driving until you reach Key West (you can drive the whole way). The islands have everything you need: beaches, water sports, and nightlife. Plus, they have a vibrant American vibe, with a laid-back, informal way of life that leads to unexpected experiences. Sure, you can pick a place to stay, but the Keys are also a great place to wander and explore, with plenty of hidden corners, quaint towns, and unexpected moments of natural bliss.