Amazing Islands You Can Visit Without a Passport

If the return of spring has you daydreaming of an island getaway, you'll be happy to know that there are plenty of exceptional islands that you don't need a passport to access. Here are the ones vacationers won't want to miss in 2020.

Puerto Rico is open for business and Americans have added incentive to visit as they don't require a passport to experience this enchanting Caribbean island as its a U.S. territory. Visitors can dive into rich history and culture in Old San Juan and tour unparalleled nature and wildlife in El Yunque National Forest.

Like Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands are a U.S. territory and therefore citizens won't need a passport to visit. The islands of St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas have plenty to offer, whether you're looking for romance, adventure or relaxation.

Only one of the 50 states is comprised entirely of islands and that's Hawaii. The Aloha State is not only a coveted vacation destination for many Americans but it's also more accessible than ever with low-cost carrier Southwest Airlines recently launching service to Hawaii last year. Whether you seek stunning beaches, world-class surfing, whale watching, snorkeling or extraordinary hiking and nature trails, the Hawaiian Islands are guaranteed to deliver.

California's Catalina Island attracts more than one million visitors each year. In addition to lounging under the sun on the beach, first-time visitors can take a glass-bottom boat tour to view reefs and shipwrecks, zipline across the Descanso Canyon and even take a backcountry expedition to see the island's famous bison.

On the East Coast, Martha's Vineyard is a charming summertime retreat greeting visitors with inviting sandy beaches, eye-popping lighthouses, awe-inspiring cliffs and quaint towns and villages such as Edgartown.

Elsewhere in New England, Block Island is known for its beautiful beaches but offers visitors much more than relaxing shorelines, including dozens of specialty shops and restaurants as well as a variety of activities like fishing, hiking, horseback riding and much more.

Renowned for both its mesmerizing sunsets and abundance of seashells, Florida's Sanibel Island is the ideal destination to escape the daily grind this spring. Whether casting a line or birding at the J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge or lounging at one of the island's elite beach resorts, visitors will be pleasantly surprised.

Further north along Florida's Gulf Coast, Siesta Key is beloved for its quartz-white-sand beach, which was ranked number one in America and number 11 in the world by the 2020 TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Awards. The barrier island is also a fantastic destination for outdoor dining and shopping.

In a state known for its abundant sunshine and beaches, it's easy to overlook Amelia Island. However, Florida's favorite island is not to be missed. Visitors will be greeted by 13 miles of beautiful beaches, an array of wildlife and fascinating history. Amelia Island has been showered with awards over the years and has emerged as one of the nation's top destinations for wellness travel.

Undoubtedly one of the best islands in the country, Michigan's Mackinac Island exudes charm and simplicity. Visitors can enjoy relaxing horse-drawn carriage rides and sample the island's world-famous fudge while staying at the iconic Grand Hotel or one Mackinac's many cozy bed and breakfasts.

Georgia's largest barrier island is also one of the nation's most pristine. Cumberland Island National Seashore preserves most of the island, which is famous for the Dungeness Ruins and miles of peaceful beaches that serve as a sanctuary to loggerhead sea turtles and migrating shorebirds.

Just north of Cumberland Island, Georgia's Jekyll Island is renowned for its history and sea turtles. The Island boasts a slew of historic sites and is home to Georgia's only sea turtle education and rehabilitation facility.

Assateague Island spans two states in the Mid-Atlantic and is famous for its wild horses. This national seashore is a popular camping destination and is located nearby to Ocean City, Maryland, one of the premier summer resort destinations on the East Coast.

The world's longest barrier island is a popular vacation destination, attracting tons of spring break travelers who flock to the island's gorgeous white-sand beaches. However, this island isn't all about revelry as visitors will discover plenty of calming nature trails and relaxing locales for fishing, birding and more.

There's much to see and do on Texas' Galveston Island, including dozens of miles of stellar beaches complemented by balmy year-round temperatures and a plethora of family-friendly activities and attractions such as Moody Gardens, Schlitterbahn Waterpark and the Historic Pleasure Pier. The island is also home to an underrated arts scene.

There's a strong case to be made that Hilton Head is America's best island, offering couples, families, groups and even solo travelers plenty to do under the sun, including miles of inviting beaches, hundreds of mouthwatering restaurants and unique experiences like helicopter tours of South Carolina's Lowcountry.

The Outer Banks off of the coast of North Carolina are ideal for those seeking a peaceful escape far from the daily grind. Uncrowded beaches, rich history and pristine nature and wildlife make this 130-mile stretch of barrier islands the perfect place to hit the reset button without leaving the U.S.