6 “Must-See” Exotic Vacation Spots You’ll Love in the US

Have you ever been on an exotic vacation?

Imagine packing your bags for an exotic vacation to a tropical place in some far-flung destination far away from home. But the problem for many is finding the time and the funds to pull off something like this.

Besides that, it takes some planning ahead if you don’t already have a passport. When we think about some far-off exotic vacations where we can escape the stress of everyday life, the US probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind.

But not many realize that exotic vacation spots can be found scattered all across our beautiful country.

So the next time you think about heading out to Thailand, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, or any other tropical place, remember that there are areas in our own backyard where you can find peace and tranquility.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach setting with a memorable trip to a hidden cave or diving underwater for some treasure hunting, these destinations in the US definitely have a lot to offer tourists looking for an exotic vacation.

Click “Next” to discover the possibilities!

Culebra, Puerto Rico

If the Fiji Islands are your idea of the ultimate escape, but you can’t venture that far, Culebra offers the ideal tropical getaway in a US territory a bit closer to the mainland. And trust us when we say that its beaches rival those found in the South Pacific.

This island is a pretty amazing spot for those looking to get away on an exotic vacation. With Puerto Rico being a territory of the United States, it makes it so much easier to access this tropical escape.

Located less than 20 miles from the mainland of Puerto Rico, Culebra is still relatively undiscovered, with a lack of big-chain hotels, shopping, and well-known restaurants.

So you won’t find much of anything in the way of an active nightlife, but on this 7-mile-long island, you’ll likely spot the giant Culebra anole and leatherback turtles.

You’ll also get the chance to see the bioluminescent organisms that light up some coastal waters after the sun sets.

St Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine is an authentic city that’s rich in history. The location was established back in 1565 and is an essential part of Spanish history in the Sunshine State. Its architecture reflects that tenfold. It’s located a mere 30 minutes away from Jacksonville.

But you’ll feel as though you’re a million miles away from the urban terrains of Florida’s largest metropolitan region. Surrounded by an old-world atmosphere and historic attractions, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into Spain in St. Augustine.

The Spanish founded the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in North America after explorer Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles arrived on its shores and named it after the Roman saint Augustine.

Many original structures still stand and can be seen today, like the historical city gate, Castillo de San Marcos, and the Plaza de la Constitucion.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe happens to be the oldest state capital in the US. So as you can imagine, it’s cloaked in colorful history, including a historic plaza that will make you feel like you’ve flown to an entirely different country.

It’s famous for its unique art galleries, attractions, impressive museums, and exquisite architecture. The adobe city is also well-known for its healing qualities. Many come just for the area’s restorative energy.

Not surprisingly, for many years, this exotic vacation hot spot has also been a haven for artists, Georgia O’Keefe, among them.

Stay in the downtown area’s historic La Fonda, and you can take a leisurely stroll to the Plaza, buy some handmade jewelry, and browse through stunning works of art.

Key West, Florida

Key West is tiny, a mere four miles wide and one mile long. But it features a ton of fantastic wildlife and an endless amount of stunning beaches.

It’s part of the Florida Keys, stretching from Biscayne National Park in the north over 125 miles, and this chain of islands hanging off the southern coast of the Sunshine State is a fantastic place to experience the Caribbean without leaving the US.

The Caribbean vibe makes the Florida Keys feel a lot more international than back on the mainland. Main Streets have colorful buildings, beachy boutiques, and art galleries. And fun activities like snorkeling, sailing, and kayaking await you on this exotic vacation.

And when you want to experience a cultural moment, you can check out the former home of Ernest Hemingway. Of course, you won’t go hungry while visiting either. There’s plenty of delicious, fresh seafood to keep you happy!

The Byodo-In Temple at Ahuimanu, Oahu, Hawaii

Byodo-In Temple is one of a few Japanese Buddhist temples in Hawaii. But because of its association with the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the same moniker in Japan, it’s probably the most sought-after temple in Hawaii.

Even so, it’s still considered a lesser-known gem on the island of Oahu. Those dreaming of visiting Japan could get the same serene experience at Byodo-In Temple in Oahu. It’s an exact reproduction of the 950-year-old historical Byodoin Temple of Uji in Kyoto.

While on this exotic vacation, you can relax and get in tune with nature among the large reflecting Koi pond, peaceful waterfalls, meditation nooks, and authentic Japanese architecture.

St Thomas, US Virgin Islands

St. Thomas, the gateway island to the US Virgin Islands, is one of the best exotic vacations you can take without a passport. The European colonial history here creates a fascinating culture that only enriches the harborside and beach activities of the island.

For instance, Charlotte Amalie is one of the most visited port cities in the world, and we understand why. Its historical Danish colonial sites, like Fort Christian and Blackbeard’s Castle, go all the way back to the 1600s.

But you can also dine at modern upscale restaurants and bars. And there’s plenty of unique shopping to keep you busy. Those looking to stay active should know that water activities and attractions are at every turn on this island.

And nature lovers will relish Magens Bay Beach, which has a stunning array of native flowers and trees lining its beautiful sands and turquoise waters.

Pack your bags (don’t forget your camera), and be sure to leave us a comment to let us know which of these exotic vacations you would take first. And if you liked this article, we also recommend reading: 5 Magnificent and Low-Cost Summer Destinations in the US