15 US Accessible Destinations That Don’t Require A Passport And 3 That Do
No passport? No problem! You don’t have to cross oceans or navigate customs to enjoy an unforgettable vacation. Whether you’re dreaming of turquoise waters, scenic hikes, or rich cultural vibes, the U.S. is full of epic destinations that welcome you with just a standard ID.
From the sun-soaked beaches of Puerto Rico to the volcanic beauty of Hawaii, there’s a getaway for every kind of traveler—no passport stamp required. And if you’re on the fence about finally getting that passport, I’ll also clue you in on three international spots that are totally worth the effort.
Trust me, you might just be inspired to start that passport application after this list. Ready to find your perfect escape? Let’s go!
1. Puerto Rico: Caribbean Charm Without Passport Hassles
Craving turquoise waters and Latin culture? Puerto Rico delivers both without passport requirements. This U.S. territory combines stunning beaches, vibrant history, and delicious cuisine all in one accessible package.
Old San Juan’s colorful colonial buildings and massive forts transport visitors back centuries, while El Yunque National Forest offers the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest system. Locals welcome travelers with genuine hospitality.
The island’s recovery from Hurricane Maria has been remarkable, with most tourist areas fully operational. From salsa dancing to surfing, Puerto Rico packs Caribbean adventure into a convenient domestic trip.
2. U.S. Virgin Islands: Tropical Paradise on American Soil
White sand beaches and crystal-clear waters await in this Caribbean haven that’s technically part of America. The U.S. Virgin Islands—St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix—offer distinct personalities while sharing spectacular natural beauty.
St. Thomas buzzes with shopping and nightlife, perfect for those seeking entertainment alongside beach time. St. John dedicates two-thirds of its land to national park, making it a nature lover’s dream with hiking trails and secluded coves.
History buffs gravitate toward St. Croix with its preserved sugar mill ruins and distinctive architecture. Regardless which island you choose, expect world-class snorkeling, diving, and sailing opportunities without needing international documents.
3. Guam: Pacific Adventure with American Convenience
Few travelers realize this remote Pacific island is U.S. territory, offering exotic experiences without passport requirements. Located nearly 6,000 miles from mainland America, Guam blends Chamorro culture with Japanese and American influences.
The island’s western shores feature resort areas with luxury shopping and dining, while eastern beaches remain wonderfully undeveloped. War history enthusiasts appreciate Guam’s significant WWII sites and memorials scattered throughout the island.
Underwater explorers discover some of the world’s most pristine coral reefs and deepest ocean trenches just offshore. Though reaching Guam requires a long flight, the journey rewards visitors with unique cultural experiences and natural wonders rarely found elsewhere in U.S. territory.
4. Northern Mariana Islands: Remote Pacific Gems
Many Americans have never heard of this U.S. commonwealth in the western Pacific, making it perfect for travelers seeking authentic experiences off the beaten path. The Northern Mariana Islands comprise 14 islands, with Saipan, Tinian and Rota being the most developed for tourism.
Saipan offers world-class diving among WWII wrecks and vibrant coral gardens teeming with marine life. History surrounds visitors with remnants from Spanish colonization through the pivotal Pacific Theater battles.
The islands’ unique Chamorro-Carolinian culture shines through in festivals, cuisine, and warm hospitality. Despite being nearly 8,000 miles from Washington D.C., these islands welcome Americans with no passport required—just a valid ID and sense of adventure.
5. American Samoa: South Pacific Adventure on American Territory
If you’ve dreamed of visiting the South Pacific but lack a passport, American Samoa provides the perfect solution. This unincorporated U.S. territory sits nearly 2,600 miles south of Hawaii, offering authentic Polynesian culture without international travel restrictions.
The main island of Tutuila features dramatic volcanic landscapes where lush rainforests meet pristine beaches. National Park of American Samoa protects rare tropical ecosystems both on land and underwater, including some of the most unspoiled coral reefs under U.S. jurisdiction.
Visitors experience traditional Samoan village life, where ancient customs still govern daily activities. Though reaching this remote paradise requires effort, the reward is experiencing Polynesia in its most authentic form while technically remaining on American soil.
6. Hawaii: America’s Tropical Paradise State
Hawaii delivers everything travelers expect from an exotic vacation while remaining firmly within U.S. borders. Each of the six main islands offers distinct experiences, from Oahu’s famous Waikiki Beach to Kauai’s dramatic Na Pali Coast.
Active volcanoes on the Big Island provide otherworldly landscapes where visitors witness earth’s creative forces firsthand. Maui balances adventure with luxury, offering both challenging hikes to hidden waterfalls and world-class resorts along golden beaches.
Hawaiian culture infuses every experience with aloha spirit, from traditional luaus to surfing lessons. The islands’ isolation has created unique ecosystems with plants and animals found nowhere else on earth. Despite being America’s most remote state, Hawaii welcomes mainland travelers with nothing more than standard ID.
7. Alaska: America’s Last Great Wilderness
Alaska offers adventures impossible to find elsewhere in the United States, all without passport requirements. America’s largest state delivers wilderness experiences on an unimaginable scale, from towering mountain ranges to massive glaciers calving into pristine fjords.
Wildlife viewing opportunities surpass any other U.S. destination, with chances to spot bears, moose, wolves, whales, and eagles in their natural habitats. Summer visitors enjoy nearly endless daylight for hiking, fishing, and exploring national parks like Denali and Kenai Fjords.
Winter transforms Alaska into a wonderland for northern lights viewing, dog sledding, and snow sports. Contrary to popular belief, many Alaskan destinations are easily accessible by cruise ship or commercial flights, making this wilderness state surprisingly convenient for American travelers.
8. Florida Keys: Caribbean Vibes Without Leaving the Mainland
The Florida Keys deliver island atmosphere while remaining connected to the continental United States. This 120-mile-long archipelago stretches from just south of Miami to Key West, offering a unique road trip where Caribbean-blue waters surround you on both sides of the highway.
Key Largo welcomes visitors with America’s first underwater park, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, where snorkelers and divers explore vibrant marine ecosystems. Marathon and the middle keys highlight the area’s fishing heritage and marine conservation efforts, including the Turtle Hospital.
Key West caps the journey with colorful architecture, literary history, and legendary sunsets celebrated nightly at Mallory Square. Throughout the keys, visitors enjoy fresh seafood, water sports, and the distinctive laid-back attitude that makes this region feel worlds away from mainland life.
9. San Juan Islands: Pacific Northwest Island Escape
Washington State’s San Juan Islands offer a peaceful retreat that feels distinctly international without crossing any borders. This archipelago in the Salish Sea comprises 172 named islands, though only four have regular ferry service: San Juan, Orcas, Lopez, and Shaw.
Whale watching tops many visitors’ lists, with resident orca pods frequently spotted from shore or boat tours. The islands’ mild climate supports lavender farms, vineyards, and organic agriculture, creating a thriving farm-to-table culinary scene.
Outdoor enthusiasts find paradise in the islands’ network of hiking trails, kayaking routes, and cycling roads. Artists and craftspeople have established vibrant communities throughout the archipelago, giving the San Juans a distinctive creative character alongside their natural beauty.
10. Lake Tahoe: Alpine Splendor on State Borders
Straddling California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe combines crystal-clear waters with stunning mountain scenery for year-round adventures. This alpine lake sits 6,225 feet above sea level, creating a playground for outdoor enthusiasts regardless of season.
Winter transforms the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains into world-class ski resorts with powder-perfect slopes and stunning lake views. Summer visitors enjoy water temperatures that reach the mid-60s, perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and boating on Tahoe’s famously clear waters.
Hiking trails showcase wildflower meadows and panoramic vistas, while bicycle paths connect charming lakeside communities. The Nevada side offers casino entertainment for those seeking nightlife, creating a destination that truly offers something for everyone without requiring international travel.
11. Asheville, North Carolina: Mountain Magic in the Blue Ridge
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville combines natural beauty with vibrant culture in a way few American cities can match. The surrounding peaks offer four distinct seasons of outdoor recreation, from spring wildflower hikes to spectacular fall foliage drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Downtown Asheville buzzes with independent shops, farm-to-table restaurants, and more breweries per capita than any other U.S. city. The Biltmore Estate, America’s largest private home, showcases Gilded Age opulence with its 250-room French Renaissance château and meticulously maintained gardens.
Artists and craftspeople have flocked to the area for generations, creating a thriving arts district in the River Arts District. This creative energy, combined with Appalachian traditions and natural splendor, makes Asheville feel like an international destination within U.S. borders.
12. Sedona, Arizona: Red Rock Wonders in the Desert
Sedona’s otherworldly landscape of towering red rock formations creates an atmosphere that feels more like visiting another planet than staying within the U.S. The brilliant terracotta buttes and spires change color throughout the day, reaching peak vibrancy at sunrise and sunset.
Hiking trails wind through this geological wonderland, ranging from easy strolls to challenging scrambles with panoramic rewards. Spiritual seekers gravitate to Sedona’s famous vortex sites, believed to be centers of energy conducive to healing and meditation.
The compact downtown area features Southwestern architecture housing art galleries, crystal shops, and restaurants with stunning views. Just a two-hour drive from Phoenix, Sedona delivers an experience so unique and visually spectacular that visitors often compare it to international destinations—all accessible without a passport.
13. U.S. National Parks: America’s Greatest Natural Treasures
America’s 63 national parks preserve the country’s most spectacular landscapes, from Yellowstone’s geysers to the Grand Canyon’s massive gorge. These protected areas offer experiences rivaling any international destination while remaining accessible to U.S. citizens without passports.
Yosemite’s towering granite monoliths and waterfalls draw rock climbers and photographers from around the world. Glacier National Park’s alpine meadows and lakes provide habitat for grizzly bears and mountain goats against a backdrop of receding ice fields.
Zion’s slot canyons and Bryce’s hoodoos showcase the Southwest’s geological diversity within a day’s drive of each other. The National Park Service’s excellent facilities and educational programs make these natural wonders accessible to visitors of all abilities and interests.
14. Chicago, Illinois: World-Class City on the Great Lakes
Chicago delivers international-caliber architecture, cuisine, and culture without leaving the Midwest. The city’s stunning skyline rises dramatically along Lake Michigan’s shores, creating a metropolis that balances urban excitement with natural beauty.
The downtown Loop district showcases architectural innovations spanning centuries, best appreciated through boat tours along the Chicago River. Museum Campus houses world-renowned institutions including the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium, while Millennium Park features interactive public art like the famous Cloud Gate “Bean” sculpture.
Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods reflect the city’s immigrant history through distinct cultural experiences and cuisine. From deep-dish pizza to Michelin-starred restaurants, the food scene rivals any global destination. Add professional sports, theater, and blues clubs, and Chicago offers cosmopolitan experiences without passport requirements.
15. New Orleans, Louisiana: European Flair in the Deep South
New Orleans transports visitors to another world without leaving American soil. The French Quarter’s wrought-iron balconies, cobblestone streets, and centuries-old architecture create an atmosphere more reminiscent of Europe than the typical American city.
The city’s unique cultural gumbo blends French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences evident in everything from cuisine to music. Jazz was born here, and visitors can still experience authentic performances in intimate clubs throughout the city.
Mardi Gras represents just one of many festivals celebrating the city’s joie de vivre. Beyond the famous celebrations, travelers discover a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character. From Garden District mansions to Tremé’s deep cultural roots, New Orleans offers international ambiance accessible with just a driver’s license.
16. Mexico: Vibrant Culture Just Across the Border
Mexico rewards passport holders with extraordinary diversity just beyond U.S. borders. From Cancun’s picture-perfect beaches to Mexico City’s world-class museums, our southern neighbor packs countless experiences into one accessible country.
Colonial cities like San Miguel de Allende and Oaxaca preserve centuries of history through colorful architecture and traditional crafts. The cuisine varies dramatically by region, offering far more than the Tex-Mex familiar to most Americans—from Yucatecan specialties to Pacific seafood preparations.
Ancient ruins scattered throughout the country tell stories of advanced civilizations that thrived long before European arrival. Though a passport is required, Mexico’s proximity makes it perfect for Americans seeking international experiences without long flights. Many destinations offer direct flights from major U.S. cities, putting authentic Mexican experiences just hours away.
17. Canada: Vast Northern Neighbor with Diverse Attractions
Canada offers Americans passport-worthy experiences with minimal travel time. Our northern neighbor combines European charm, wilderness adventures, and cosmopolitan cities across its massive territory.
Quebec City transports visitors to France with its walled old town and distinctly Quebecois culture. Vancouver balances urban sophistication with easy access to mountains and Pacific coastline, while Toronto showcases Canada’s multicultural identity through diverse neighborhoods and cuisine.
Natural wonders abound, from Banff’s turquoise lakes to Newfoundland’s dramatic coastlines. Though passport requirements were implemented in 2009, the proximity and cultural familiarity make Canada an ideal first international destination for Americans. With major Canadian cities located just across the border from many U.S. states, international experiences await just a short drive or flight away.
18. Bahamas: Island Paradise Just Offshore
The Bahamas tempt passport holders with crystalline waters and pink-sand beaches just 50 miles from Florida’s coast. This archipelago of 700 islands offers experiences ranging from luxury resorts on Nassau and Paradise Island to secluded getaways on the Out Islands.
Underwater enthusiasts discover some of the world’s clearest diving conditions, with visibility often exceeding 100 feet. The famous swimming pigs of Exuma have become social media sensations, while Andros Island houses the world’s third-largest barrier reef.
Despite requiring a passport, the Bahamas’ proximity makes international travel remarkably convenient, with flights from Miami lasting under an hour. Cruise passengers can often visit on day trips from Florida ports. The islands combine Caribbean beauty with English-speaking convenience and infrastructure designed specifically for American visitors.