These U.S. Beaches Feel Like the Caribbean (No Passport Needed)

When you imagine yourself vacationing in a gorgeous beach destination, you probably envision the classic tropical locale, complete with white sands, waving palm trees, and vivid turquoise waters. And if you were then asked to point out a spot on the map where that daydream could become reality, you’d probably immediately point to the Caribbean. However, you don’t need to jet off to an island to find crystalline waves, soft sands, and tropical flora and fauna.

Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative to a Caribbean all-inclusive resort, don’t have time to renew your passport, or have already explored the islands and want somewhere new, these beaches deliver. They really do feel like the Caribbean—all while keeping you close to the American mainland.

This state park in California is a near-perfect dupe for the beaches along the southern coast of Barbados. Crystal Cove State Park offers 3.2 miles of beach in Orange County, just a short drive away from Laguna Beach and Corona del Mar. It’s situated off the Pacific Coast Highway, too, so a great stopping point if you’re planning a greater Pacific Coast Highway road trip.

The jagged cliff sides, vibrant waters, and golden sand aren’t the only attractants at this park, though. You can easily spend a full day exploring beyond the beach. The park’s historic district features nearly 50 vintage cottages that were once part of a 1930s seaside colony. There are also hiking trails and programs like guided tide-pool walks.

Note that the beach is not dog-friendly and parking fees range from $5 per hour to $20 per day, depending on the day and where you park. On-site food (with an ocean view!) is available.

The beaches at Bahia Honda State Park, in the Florida Keys, are basically Caribbean in every way that matters. You’ve got palm trees, white sand, shockingly clear water. The plants, the birds, the marine life, like dolphins and sea turtles—it’s all the same. What more could you want?

The one thing to keep in mind is that this park can get quite busy, so if you plan on stopping by during peak tourism season (December through April), arrive early to claim your spot on the sand (you might actually be turned away if you arrive and parking space isn’t available).

A concessionaire rents out beach gear like umbrellas and kayaks, and popular activities include scuba diving, going out on a boat tour, and/or snorkeling.

If you want to explore a Caribbean-esque Florida beach, but without actually driving down to the Keys, consider Henderson Beach State Park in Destin. The beach sits on Florida’s Emerald Coast, named such due to the region’s emerald-green waters. It’s not just the gemstone-reminiscent waves that this area of the state is known for, though; it also boasts ultra-fine, pure-white, sugary sand.

The protected shoreline measures about a mile long and also offers a popular nature trail that’s dog-friendly. Check it out to see some of the park’s endangered and protected plant species and shore birds.

You’ve probably heard of Sanibel Island, but have you heard of the adjacent Captiva Island? The five-mile Florida island is smaller and quieter, but just as breathtaking, with palm trees, white sands, and aquamarine waters aplenty. 

Two popular beach options on the island include Turner Beach and Alison Hagerup Beach Park. Additionally, even though the island is small, you’ll still find a selection of hotels, shops and restaurants, in case you want to spend the entirety of your trip on the island without leaving.

You can’t put together a list of U.S. beaches that might as well be in the Caribbean, without including the beach that is practically the gateway between the United States and the Caribbean. Dry Tortugas National Park is as close as you can get to destinations like Cuba or the Bahamas without actually leaving American airspace.

Now, it is going to take you a bit of effort to get to Dry Tortugas National Park. The park is only accessible via boat or seaplane, but the effort is well worth it. Not only do you enjoy beautiful white, sandy beaches, and sapphire waters, but the beaches are framed by the historic, 19th century Fort Jefferson (giving big Old San Juan, Puerto Rico vibes).

Snorkeling and diving are some of the premier activities here, as the park is 99% open waters that are home to hundreds of shipwrecks.

Not all beaches throughout the United States that give Caribbean vibes are on the coast or on an island, though. Head inland to Bear Lake, which sits between Utah and Idaho and has deservedly come to be known as “the Caribbean of the Rockies.” Sure, the mountains framing the lake don’t really feel all that Caribbean, but once you take a look at those bright blue waters (caused by limestone deposits), you’ll get the hype.

There are multiple beaches around the lake, including North Beach, Rendezvous Beach, and Cisco Beach. North Beach is a favorite (even if it is a bit crowded) thanks to its extensive shallow area.

If it’s crystal-clear, bright blue waters that you want most out of a Caribbean-inspired U.S. beach vacay, you have a few other inland options beyond the Caribbean of the Rockies. 

Another potential spot to visit, Sand Harbor State Park might show off snow-capped mountains in the distance, but the Lake Tahoe waters here are as clear and blue as it gets. In fact, you can sometimes see underwater for distances of more than 50 feet.

If you’re visiting during the summer, make sure to arrive early, before the park fills up. An on-site rental company will equip you with a kayak, sailing kayak or paddleboard, if desired, and guided experiences are available, too. Scuba diving is also popular, thanks to the clear waters. If you’re lucky, you can make the park’s annual Shakespeare festival, which takes place in July and August.

Another fan favorite that’s just a quick stop off California’s Pacific Coast Highway, Treasure Island Beach is relatively uncrowded, clean and oh-so-picturesque. Located in Laguna Beach, visitors report that the beach is very accessible and free parking is available. Shrub and flower-covered cliffs lead down to bright sands that slope out to the vivid waves.

If you’re looking for a Texas beach, you can’t go wrong with then Padre Island National Seashore. The seashore is the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the entire world, with 70 miles of coastline, a dune system, tidal flats and a bevy of protected species, both plant and animal. It also is home to sea turtle hatching grounds, specifically for the most endangered sea turtle species, the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle. While you’re beachcombing here, keep an eye out for what’s known as sea beans: tropical nuts and seeds that have been slowly transported via the ocean from the Caribbean and Latin America.

At first glance, you’d think that this lush, mountainous island off the southern coast of California was perhaps Dominica or St. Lucia. However, it’s not. This is Santa Catalina Island.

The 22-mile-long island is unique in that it’s partially owned by the Catalina Island Conservancy and partially owned by the Catalina Island Company, the latter of which oversees much of the island’s tourist operations—including some of your beach options, such as the Descanso Beach Club and Harbor Sands.

Other, public beaches include South Beach, Middle Beach, Pebbly Beach, and Step Beach, but Descanso Beach is still widely the favorite.

Getting to Santa Catalina Island will require taking a ferry from nearby cities such as Newport Beach or Long Beach.

Lastly, we have to give a shoutout to the “Caribbean of the North,” aka Torch Lake in Michigan. The lake’s crystal-clear, bright blue-green waters have garnered claims that it’s an underutilized, completely unexpected dupe for those dreaming of a Caribbean getaway but stuck in the Midwest.

Do note, though, that the lake is primarily a boating destination, with little in the way of beach space. However, there are public access points where you can get out and swim, paddle or snorkel, or even walk in the shallows for a good ways, and the Torch Lake Sandbar is the gathering spot of choice.