Dreaming of a tropical getaway but don’t want to spend a fortune flying to Hawaii?
Good news—you don’t have to!
There are many places right here in the U.S. that offer the same sun-soaked beaches, crystal-clear waters and laid-back island vibes, but without the sky-high price tag.
Whether you’re craving soft sandy shores, epic sunsets or lush greenery, these spots deliver serious Hawaiian feels—no passport required.
Ready to discover your next tropical escape?
1. Channel Islands National Park, California
The Channel Islands National Park in California is like a hidden paradise just off the Southern California coast.
Made up of five stunning islands, it’s known for its rugged cliffs, crystal-clear waters and lush green hills that totally give off Hawaii vibes.
You can snorkel through vibrant kelp forests, kayak into sea caves and hike along trails with epic ocean views—just like you’d do in Hawaii, but way cheaper!
The park is also home to unique wildlife, like adorable island foxes and playful dolphins, making it feel like you’re exploring a faraway island.
It’s only accessible by boat or plane, adding to that “remote island” feel, but it’s just 70 miles from Los Angeles!
2. Pensacola, Florida
Pensacola is a beach lover’s dream with white sugar-sand beaches and bright turquoise waters that make you feel like you’re in Hawaii!
Located on the Gulf Coast, this laid-back city offers warm weather, palm trees and clear blue waves perfect for swimming, paddle boarding and snorkeling.
The vibe here is super relaxed, and you can explore its historic downtown or catch stunning sunsets over the water.
Plus, Pensacola has a rich naval history, and you can even tour the nearby National Naval Aviation Museum or watch the famous Blue Angels soar in the sky.
With affordable seafood restaurants serving fresh gulf shrimp and grouper, it’s the perfect tropical escape without the Hawaii prices.
3. Key West, Florida
Key West feels like a mini-Hawaii with its tropical vibes, turquoise waters and lush palm trees.
Sitting at the southernmost point of the U.S., this island paradise is famous for its laid-back atmosphere, colorful sunsets and crystal-clear water perfect for snorkeling or diving in the nearby coral reefs.
You can explore charming streets lined with pastel houses, visit the Ernest Hemingway Home or just relax on a hammock while sipping a fruity drink.
The island is also known for its lively nightlife on Duval Street, where you can dance, listen to live music and eat fresh seafood.
Key West is surrounded by many stunning beaches, like Smathers Beach, and it’s also close to the famous Dry Tortugas National Park.
4. Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach might not be tropical, but it’s got major Hawaii vibes with its stunning coastline, dramatic sea stacks, and lush, green forests.
Located on the northern Oregon coast, this charming beach town is famous for Haystack Rock, a massive rock formation that rises from the ocean, similar to the volcanic scenery you’d see in Hawaii.
The beach is perfect for long walks, tidepooling or just watching the waves crash against the rugged shore.
Surrounded by misty forests, Cannon Beach also offers great hiking trails, like the ones in nearby Ecola State Park, where you’ll get breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
It’s a peaceful, nature-filled escape with cozy cafes, art galleries and cool ocean breezes.
5. Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks is a string of barrier islands that feel like a tropical escape with miles of sandy beaches and bright blue waters, just like Hawaii!
Known for its wild, untouched beauty, the Outer Banks offers plenty of space for relaxing, swimming or kiteboarding along the Atlantic coast.
You can explore cool historic spots like the Wright Brothers National Memorial, where flight first took off, or climb the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse for stunning ocean views.
It’s also famous for wild horses that roam the beaches!
Plus, the sunsets here are absolutely breathtaking, especially over the calm waters of the sound.
If you’re dreaming of island life but want a more affordable getaway, the Outer Banks gives you all the beachy charm without breaking the bank.
6. Gulf Shores, Alabama
Gulf Shores is a hidden gem with soft, white-sand beaches and clear, warm waters that give you major Hawaii vibes—without the steep price tag!
Located along the Gulf of Mexico, this beach town is perfect for swimming, sunbathing and beach volleyball, with turquoise waves gently rolling in.
Gulf Shores is famous for its fun, family-friendly atmosphere and offers everything from dolphin cruises to kayaking.
You can also visit the nearby Gulf State Park, where you can hike or bike through the beautiful coastal scenery.
Plus, the sunsets here are stunning, lighting up the sky in vibrant pinks and oranges.
7. Hoh Rainforest, Washington
The Hoh Rainforest feels like stepping into a Hawaiian jungle with its lush, moss-draped trees, ferns and misty atmosphere.
Located in Olympic National Park, this magical forest gets up to 14 feet of rain a year, creating a vibrant, green wonderland that’s perfect for hiking and exploring.
Trails like the Hall of Mosses lead you through ancient trees that seem straight out of a fairytale, with giant ferns and trickling streams adding to the tropical vibes.
The rainforest is also home to diverse wildlife, from elk to colorful birds.
Plus, it’s surrounded by snowy mountains and rivers, making it a unique mix of tropical and Pacific Northwest landscapes.
8. Block Island, Rhode Island
Block Island is the perfect getaway with its rolling green hills, sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters that will remind you of Hawaii—just on the East Coast!
Located about 13 miles off the coast of Rhode Island, this charming island is known for its dramatic cliffs, like Mohegan Bluffs, which offer breathtaking ocean views and a steep staircase down to a secluded beach.
You can bike around the island, explore lighthouses or take a boat out for some fantastic fishing and sailing.
Block Island is also a great spot for beachcombing, swimming and snorkeling in the summer, with 17 miles of coastline to explore.
The island’s laid-back atmosphere and small-town charm make it feel like a peaceful retreat.
9. Amelia Island, Florida
Florida’s Amelia Island feels like a tropical escape with its 13 miles of pristine beaches, swaying palm trees and warm Atlantic waters that will make you think of Hawaii.
Located just off the coast of northeast Florida, this charming island has a laid-back vibe, perfect for relaxing on the beach, collecting seashells or exploring by kayak.
The island is also rich in history, with its Victorian-style homes in Fernandina Beach and historic forts like Fort Clinch.
You can even spot dolphins and wild horses on nearby Cumberland Island!
Plus, the sunsets here are totally gorgeous, with golden skies that reflect off the calm ocean waters.
10. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Hilton Head Island has a tropical feel with its palm-lined beaches, warm Atlantic waters and lush greenery, making it feel like a slice of Hawaii on the East Coast.
This charming island is famous for its 12 miles of sandy shoreline which are perfect for swimming, paddleboarding or just soaking up the sun.
It’s also perfect for golfers with world-class golf courses that offer stunning ocean views.
Hilton Head’s natural beauty is everywhere, from bike paths that weave through shady, moss-covered oaks to wildlife-rich marshes where you might spot dolphins or sea turtles.
You can also explore cozy harbors like Harbour Town or grab fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant.
11. Gulfport, Mississippi
Gulfport offers a tropical escape with its white-sand beaches, swaying palm trees and warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico—giving off serious Hawaii vibes without the hefty price tag.
Located on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, this laid-back city is perfect for long beach days, with calm waters ideal for swimming, jet skiing or paddleboarding.
Gulfport is also known for its fresh seafood, and you can enjoy local favorites like shrimp and crab at one of the many beachfront restaurants.
Beyond the beach, you can visit the Gulf Islands Waterpark or take a boat tour to nearby Ship Island, where you can explore unspoiled beaches and Fort Massachusetts.
The sunsets here are stunning, turning the sky brilliant shades of pink and orange as the day winds down.
12. South Padre Island, Texas
Who knew that Texas had a secret beachy paradise?
South Padre Island is one of the biggest hidden gems in Texas with its crystal-clear waters, soft sandy beaches and year-round warm weather that feels a bit like Hawaii.
Located on the southern tip of Texas, this barrier island is a hotspot for water activities like snorkeling, parasailing and kiteboarding, thanks to its calm, turquoise Gulf of Mexico waters.
South Padre is also known for its incredible wildlife, from dolphins and sea turtles to the migratory birds that pass through during the year.
The island has a laid-back vibe, perfect for relaxing on the beach or enjoying fresh seafood at a beachside restaurant.
You can even visit Sea Turtle Inc., a local rescue center, to learn about sea turtles and watch them get released back into the ocean.
13. Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
Martha’s Vineyard is the perfect getaway with its sandy beaches, charming coastal towns and scenic ocean views, offering a Hawaii-like escape right off the New England coast.
Known for its laid-back island vibe, this famous summer spot has pristine beaches perfect for swimming, sailing or soaking up the sun, especially at spots like South Beach or Aquinnah Cliffs.
The island is dotted with picturesque lighthouses, colorful gingerbread houses and charming towns like Edgartown, making it perfect for leisurely bike rides or exploring by foot.
Martha’s Vineyard is also known for its fresh seafood, from lobster rolls to clam chowder, which you can enjoy at a local seaside restaurant.
For an island escape that feels a bit like Hawaii but is closer to home, Martha’s Vineyard is a fantastic choice!
14. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach has all the tropical vibes of Hawaii with its wide, sandy beaches, swaying palm trees and warm Atlantic waters—at a much lower cost.
Located along the Grand Strand, this lively beach town is famous for its 60 miles of coastline, perfect for swimming, surfing or just relaxing by the ocean.
Myrtle Beach is packed with fun activities like beachside amusement parks, mini-golf and the iconic SkyWheel, offering amazing views of the coastline.
You can explore the bustling boardwalk, grab fresh seafood or catch a live show at one of the many theaters in town.
The area also boasts world-class golf courses and plenty of spots for water sports, like jet skiing and parasailing.
15. Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach gives off tropical vibes with its golden sandy beaches, palm-lined boardwalk and warm Atlantic waters, making it feel like a slice of Hawaii on the East Coast.
Known for its bustling, three-mile oceanfront boardwalk, it’s the perfect spot for beachgoers to swim, surf or soak up the sun while enjoying stunning ocean views.
You can explore First Landing State Park, where lush greenery meets the shore, or visit the famous Cape Henry Lighthouse for a dose of history with your beach day.
The area is also full of fresh seafood restaurants, dolphin-watching tours and lively beach events, giving it a fun, island-like atmosphere.
Virginia Beach has a laid-back vibe with plenty of outdoor activities, like kayaking, biking and even horseback riding on the beach.
16. Cape May, New Jersey
Cape May is a relaxing place to visit with its sandy beaches, colorful Victorian houses and laid-back vibe that will remind you of Hawaii but without the hefty price.
Located at the southern tip of New Jersey, this historic beach town is known for its pristine beaches, perfect for sunbathing, swimming and beachcombing.
You can stroll along the picturesque promenade or take in views from the iconic Cape May Lighthouse.
The warm waters of the Atlantic make it great for kayaking, sailing or dolphin-watching tours.
Cape May also has its own unique charm with its quaint streets lined with boutiques, art galleries and cozy seafood restaurants serving fresh clams and lobster rolls.
For a Hawaii-like getaway that’s affordable and full of coastal charm, Cape May is a fantastic alternative!
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