Looking for a getaway that doesn’t require a passport? I’ve got you covered. After traveling to 66 countries around the world, I’ve found that you don’t always need to cross borders to find incredible destinations. Just wait until you see this epic list I’ve put together!
Whether you’re dreaming of tropical beaches, mountain escapes, or vibrant city scenes, there are plenty of amazing spots right here that offer all the adventure and relaxation you’re craving—no passport required. I’ve been to each of these places, and I can confidently say they’re the best options if you’re looking for that perfect vacation vibe without the extra hassle.
Best No-Passport-Needed Destinations at a Glance
Don’t have time to read the full guide? Here are the most amazing locations you can travel without a passport in 2025!
- Top Wilderness Escape: Alaska
- Best Tropical Getaway: Puerto Rico
- Caribbean Paradise: US Virgin Islands
- Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure: American Samoa
- Most Exotic Island: Guam
- Best for Beach Lovers & History Buffs: The Northern Mariana Islands
- Classic Tropical Escape: Hawaii
- Best Road Trip Destination: Florida Keys
- Best Nature Retreat: San Juan Islands, Washington
- Best Coastal Getaway: Catalina Island
Now, let’s dive into each of these incredible destinations in more detail below.
1. Alaska
Getting to the Last Frontier is way easier than most people think. You don’t need a passport since Alaska is obviously still part of the US, but honestly, it feels like traveling to another country. Flights from the West Coast run about $400-600 roundtrip, while East Coast travelers should budget around $600-800. I flew from Seattle last summer and the views during landing were absolutely incredible.
Summer is peak season (June-August) when you’ll pay top dollar but get 19+ hours of daylight and temperatures in the 60s-70s. I’d actually recommend May or September if you want to save money and avoid the crowds. Hotel prices drop by about 20-30% during shoulder season, and you’ll still get decent weather for outdoor activities.
Anchorage is your main hub, but don’t just stay there. Denali National Park is a must-see, especially for wildlife viewing. I spotted grizzly bears, caribou, and moose during my bus tour into the park. The northern lights in Fairbanks are spectacular if you visit between September and March. Kenai Fjords offers some of the best glacier viewing and whale watching I’ve ever experienced.
My Pro Tip: Book accommodations way in advance. Even budget hotels run $200+ per night in summer, and nicer places can easily hit $400-500. Car rentals are essential outside of Anchorage and start around $100 per day. Alaska’s expensive, but if you’ve got the budget, it’s honestly one of the most epic places you can visit without a passport.
- Read next: Best Airlines for Alaska
2. Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is basically the perfect tropical getaway that doesn’t require dealing with customs or currency exchange. As a US territory, you just hop on a domestic flight and you’re in the Caribbean. Flights from the mainland typically run $250-400 roundtrip, which is way cheaper than most Caribbean destinations.
San Juan is where most people start, and for good reason. Old San Juan is incredibly walkable with those famous colorful buildings and historic forts like Castillo San Felipe del Morro. I spent hours just wandering those cobblestone streets and taking photos. The food scene here is absolutely killer – from street vendors selling alcapurrias to upscale restaurants serving innovative Puerto Rican cuisine.
Don’t miss El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System. The hiking trails lead to gorgeous waterfalls, and it’s completely free to enter (though some trails require timed entry reservations). Culebra and Vieques are worth the ferry ride for some of the best beaches you’ll find anywhere. Flamenco Beach in Culebra consistently ranks as one of the world’s best beaches.
Budget around $150-200 per day for mid-range travel, including a decent hotel ($100-150/night), meals, and activities. The best part? Your cell phone works normally, you can use US dollars, and there’s no passport hassle. Hurricane season runs June-November, so I’d recommend visiting December through May for the best weather.
- Read next: San Juan Must-See Attractions
- You may also like: Must-See Spots in Aguadilla
- For more reading: Fun Rainy Day Activities in Puerto Rico
3. US Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands give you that classic Caribbean experience without the international travel headaches. You’ve got three main islands to choose from: St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. Each has its own personality, so it’s worth researching which fits your vibe best.
St. Thomas is the busiest and most developed, with Charlotte Amalie being a major cruise ship port. The shopping is duty-free, which is pretty sweet, and Magens Bay is consistently rated one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. I personally think it lives up to the hype. Paradise Point offers incredible panoramic views via skyride that costs about $25 roundtrip.
St. John is where you go for a more laid-back experience. Two-thirds of the island is Virgin Islands National Park, which means pristine beaches and hiking trails. Trunk Bay is famous for its underwater snorkeling trail, though it can get crowded with cruise passengers. I’d recommend hitting it early morning or late afternoon.
St. Croix has more of a local feel with great rum distilleries (hello, Cruzan Rum) and excellent diving. The food scene here is underrated – some of the best Caribbean cuisine I’ve had.
Flights typically cost $400-700 from the mainland, and hotels range from $200-500+ per night depending on the island and season. Ferry service between islands runs about $100 roundtrip per person. Budget around $200-250 per day for a comfortable experience. Peak season is December-April, so expect higher prices and more crowds during those months.
4. American Samoa
This is probably the most off-the-beaten-path destination you can reach without a passport. American Samoa sits in the South Pacific and feels like you’ve discovered a hidden paradise. Getting there requires some planning since flights from Honolulu only run twice a week on Hawaiian Airlines and cost around $1,200-1,500 roundtrip.
Pago Pago (pronounced “Pango Pango”) is the main hub on Tutuila Island. The harbor here is absolutely stunning – one of the most beautiful natural harbors in the Pacific. National Park of American Samoa offers incredible hiking through tropical rainforest. The Mount Alava Trail gives you panoramic views of the islands that are worth every step of the 6-mile roundtrip hike.
Ofu Beach on the Manu’a Islands is often called one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, with soft coral reefs perfect for snorkeling. Getting to the outer islands requires small planes (about $160 each way) or boats, but it’s totally worth it if you have the time.
The culture here is incredibly welcoming – I was invited to a traditional Samoan feast called a fiafia, where everything’s cooked in an underground oven called an umu. The experience felt more authentic than any resort activity I’ve ever done. Accommodation options are limited but affordable, with simple hotels running $80-120 per night.
This isn’t a destination for luxury travelers, but if you want a true adventure without leaving US territory, American Samoa delivers an experience you literally can’t get anywhere else.
- Read next: Tropical US Destinations
5. Guam
Guam feels like Asia meets America in the best possible way. You’re technically still in the US, but the island sits in the Western Pacific with incredible beaches, amazing diving, and a unique blend of Chamorro culture and modern amenities. Flights from the West Coast take about 14-15 hours with connections and typically cost $800-1,500 roundtrip.
Tumon Bay is the main tourist area with crystal-clear water perfect for snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding. I spent an entire afternoon just floating around and watching tropical fish. Two Lovers Point offers dramatic cliff views and one of the most romantic sunset spots you’ll find anywhere. The legend behind the name is pretty tragic but beautiful.
The diving here is world-class. Blue Hole is an underwater cavern that drops 300 feet and attracts divers from around the world. MDA Guam offers excellent dive trips if you’re certified. For history buffs, War in the Pacific National Historical Park provides sobering reminders of WWII battles fought here.
Shopping is a major draw with duty-free prices on electronics, designer goods, and cosmetics. Guam Premier Outlets has familiar brands at significant discounts. The food scene blends Japanese, Filipino, and Chamorro influences – the red rice and barbecue are incredible.
Hotels typically run $150-300 per night, and car rentals are essential for exploring the island (about $40-60 per day). The weather is consistently warm and humid year-round, but typhoon season runs June through December. I’d recommend visiting March through May for the best weather and fewer storms.
6. The Northern Mariana Islands
Saipan, Tinian, and Rota make up the main islands in this US Commonwealth, and they’re honestly some of the most underrated destinations in the Pacific. Most Americans have never heard of these islands, which means you get incredible beauty without the crowds. Flights from the mainland typically require connections through Guam or Japan and cost $1,000-1,800 roundtrip.
Saipan is where most visitors start, and The Grotto is hands down one of the world’s best diving spots. It’s an underwater limestone cavern that’s absolutely mind-blowing if you’re a certified diver. Even snorkeling here is incredible. Banzai Cliff and Suicide Cliff are sobering WWII historical sites with panoramic ocean views.
Managaha Island is a tiny offshore islet that’s perfect for a day trip. The water is so clear and blue it looks fake in photos. I spent an entire day here snorkeling, kayaking, and just lounging on the white sand beach. Day trips cost about $50-70 and include transportation and lunch.
Tinian has some fascinating WWII history – this is where the atomic bombs were loaded onto planes before being dropped on Japan. The bomb pits are still there and provide a powerful historical experience. Rota is the most laid-back of the three islands with incredible hiking and some of the best beaches for shell collecting.
Hotels range from $120-300 per night, and rental cars are necessary for exploring (about $50-70 per day). The weather is tropical year-round, but December through May offers the driest conditions. This isn’t a budget destination, but if you want a truly unique Pacific paradise experience, the Northern Mariana Islands deliver.
7. Hawaii
I know Hawaii seems obvious, but it’s still one of the absolute best passport-free tropical destinations. Each island has its own personality, so choosing the right one makes a huge difference. Oahu is most budget-friendly with the most flight options, while Maui tends to be the most expensive but incredibly romantic.
Oahu gives you the classic Hawaii experience. Waikiki Beach can be crowded but it’s iconic for a reason – the surfing, the energy, the sunset views from Diamond Head. North Shore is where serious surfers go, especially in winter when the waves are massive. Pearl Harbor is a must-visit historical site that requires advance reservations.
Maui is perfect for couples and outdoor enthusiasts. Watching sunrise from Haleakala Crater is magical (though you need reservations and it requires a 3am wake-up call). The Road to Hana is one of America’s most scenic drives with waterfalls, black sand beaches, and rainbow eucalyptus trees. Snorkeling at Molokini Crater offers some of the clearest water you’ll ever see.
Big Island has the most diverse landscapes – active volcanoes in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, snow-capped mountains, black sand beaches, and some of the world’s best stargazing at Mauna Kea. Kauai is the most lush and dramatic with the Na Pali Coast offering helicopter tours that are absolutely worth the splurge.
Budget $250-400 per night for decent hotels, $50-100 per day for food, and $40-60 daily for car rentals. Flights from the West Coast run $300-600, while East Coast flights are typically $500-800. Peak season is summer and winter holidays, so shoulder season (April-May, September-October) offers better deals and fewer crowds.
- Read next: Magical Places to Live in Maui
- You may also like: Nightlife Adventures in Waikiki
- For more reading: Unique Honolulu Experiences for Young Travelers
- Keep reading: Cheap Flights to Hawaii
- Also worth reading: Hidden Gems in Hawaii
8. Florida Keys
The Florida Keys feel like a completely different country despite being connected to mainland Florida by highway. The Overseas Highway (US Route 1) is one of America’s most scenic drives, connecting the keys with 42 bridges including the famous Seven Mile Bridge. It’s about 3.5 hours from Miami to Key West, but honestly the journey is half the fun.
Key Largo is the first major key and calls itself the “Diving Capital of the World.” John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park offers incredible snorkeling and glass-bottom boat tours if you don’t dive. I spent a full day here and saw sea turtles, tropical fish, and the famous Christ of the Abyss statue underwater.
Marathon in the Middle Keys has Bahia Honda State Park with some of the Keys’ best beaches. The old railroad bridge here makes for incredible sunset photos. The Turtle Hospital offers educational tours about sea turtle rehabilitation that are both fun and meaningful.
Key West is where most people end up, and Duval Street is legendary for its bars, street performers, and party atmosphere. Mallory Square sunset celebration is a daily event with musicians, artists, and some of the most beautiful sunsets you’ll see anywhere. Dry Tortugas National Park requires a 2.5-hour ferry ride but offers incredible snorkeling and historical fort exploration.
Hotels range from $150-400+ per night depending on the season and location. Fantasy Fest in October and winter months are peak season with highest prices. Hurricane season runs June-November, so I’d recommend visiting December-May for best weather. Budget around $200-250 per day including accommodations, food, and activities.
- Read next: Miami to Key West Road Trip
- You may also like: Top Airbnbs in the Florida Keys
9. San Juan Islands, Washington
The San Juan Islands are like the Pacific Northwest’s best-kept secret for a peaceful, no-passport getaway. You’ll take Washington State Ferries from Anacortes (about 90 minutes north of Seattle) to reach the main islands: San Juan Island, Orcas Island, Lopez Island, and Shaw Island. The ferry ride itself is part of the experience with incredible mountain and water views.
San Juan Islands has the most amenities with Friday Harbor as the main town. Lime Kiln Point State Park is one of the world’s best land-based whale watching spots – I saw a pod of orcas from shore during my visit in July. English Camp and American Camp offer fascinating history from the “Pig War” of 1859, the only conflict between the US and Britain that resulted in just one casualty (a pig).
Orcas Island is the largest and most mountainous. Mount Constitution provides panoramic views of the entire archipelago and the Cascade Mountains. The hiking here is incredible, and Doe Bay Resort has natural hot tubs right on the water. I soaked there while watching seals play in the bay.
Lopez Island is the most laid-back and bicycle-friendly. The pace here is so slow that locals do the “Lopez Wave” – waving at everyone they pass. It’s incredibly charming and feels like stepping back in time.
Ferry fares are around $15-20 per person one-way, plus $65-85 for vehicles during peak season. Hotels and B&Bs run $150-300 per night, and vacation rentals offer good value for longer stays. Summer (June-September) is peak season with the best weather but highest prices and crowds. I’d recommend May or September for fewer people and still decent weather.
- Read next: Unique Washington State Restaurants
10. Catalina Island, California
Catalina Island sits just 22 miles off the Los Angeles coast but feels like a Mediterranean escape. The Catalina Express ferry from Long Beach, San Pedro, or Dana Point takes about an hour and costs around $84 roundtrip for adults. I always book the early morning ferry to maximize island time.
Avalon is the main town and it’s absolutely charming with its art deco Catalina Casino (which isn’t actually for gambling – it’s a ballroom and movie theater). The harbor is perfect for walking, and golf carts are the preferred transportation method. You can rent them for about $50-80 per day, which is way more fun than walking everywhere.
Two Harbors on the island’s west end is much quieter and perfect for camping or more adventurous activities. The Trans-Catalina Trail is a challenging 38.5-mile hiking trail that crosses the entire island. I did sections of it and the views are incredible, but you need to be prepared with plenty of water and stamina.
Snorkeling at Lover’s Cove is excellent, and the underwater park protects the marine life. Zip lining through the island’s interior offers incredible views and an adrenaline rush. Buffalo roam freely on the island (leftover from a 1920s movie), which is pretty surreal to see in California.
Day trips are totally doable, but staying overnight lets you experience the island after the day-trippers leave. Hotels in Avalon run $200-400+ per night, while camping at Two Harbors costs about $40-60 per night. I’d recommend visiting April-October for the best weather, though winter can be beautiful and much less crowded.
- Read next: Hidden Gems in Southern California
