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North Carolina Has One Of the Nation’s Most Beautiful Islands

Author Kayla Morgan

Americans often find themselves drawn to the allure of beautiful islands. These slices of paradise, graced with beaches, vibrant landscapes, and blue waters, extend an irresistible invitation to those seeking a blissful escape. Each island has a unique charm and appeal, promising many experiences as diverse as the travelers they attract.

Recently, a travel website called Touropia ranked the most beautiful islands in the United States, providing a glimpse into the nation’s diverse collection of landscapes and coastal treasures. From the sun-kissed beaches of Hawaii’s Maui to the untamed shores of Maine’s Mount Desert Island, the U.S. holds what some may say are the most beautiful islands.

Touropia features a variety of stunning attractions from around the globe, sorted into different “best of” lists. In a recent compilation, they have curated a selection of the 23 most beautiful islands in the U.S. This selection was made by gathering data from consumer reviews and opinions to ensure a well-rounded ranking of islands.

North Carolina and its beautiful island

The list includes a North Carolina island, with Outer Banks earning a place in the top ten. The travel website highlighted Outer Banks’ history, which dates back to the 1500s. “There’s no shortage of historic and romantic lighthouses, including Bodie Island Lighthouse from 1871,” they wrote.

Interestingly, the Netflix series “Outer Banks” draws inspiration from the real barrier islands along the East Coast. Although not filmed on the commonly known OBX island, the show is rooted in adventure novels and intertwined with the history and legends of the coastal areas in North Carolina.

The most beautiful island in the nation

Leading their rankings is Kauai, one of Hawaii’s most ancient and fourth-largest islands. It  is often referred to as the “Garden Island.” The list also includes other secluded spots, such as the San Juan Islands in Washington, which snagged the 9th position. Kodiak Island in Alaska found its place at the 16th spot. While Galveston Island in Texas was recognized at number 22. Rounding out the list at number 23 is Assateague Island, between Virginia and Maryland.

Check out their complete list of the most beautiful islands in the U.S. here.

5 Passport-Free Getaways Where Travelers Can Explore

Most of the time, if you’re traveling outside of the U.S., you need a current passport to do it. But there are some places outside of the country where you can visit without a passport.  And that’s good news for many Americans. A significant portion of Americans, roughly 55 percent, do not possess one.

Last year, the State Department reported that out of the 333,287,557 individuals residing in the United States, an estimated 55 percent, or a substantial portion, did not possess a passport. This figure, based on the total number of 151,814,305 valid U.S. passports in circulation, highlights the fact that a significant majority of Americans have yet to get one.

You don’t always need a passport to visit some awesome places. There are U.S. islands and territories, like the breathtaking U.S. Virgin Islands, where you can hop on a plane and explore without a passport. However, it’s important to note that the travel landscape can sometimes be confusing, as there are other U.S. territories, like Guam, where a passport is necessary for entry.

Do I need a passport for cruises?

When it comes to closed-loop cruises, which are voyages departing from the U.S. and returning to the same port, travelers have a bit of leeway when it comes to passport requirements. According to Ilisa Oman, a travel agent at One World Family Travel, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) allows passengers on these cruises to travel without providing proof of a passport. Instead, a state-issued driver’s license or identification card usually suffices.

Keep in mind that there are exceptions to this rule. It’s always best to check in with your cruise line for more information about your travels.

To make your trip planning a breeze, we’ve got your back with a list of cool destinations where you, as a U.S. citizen, can travel passport-free. Whether you don’t have one or simply prefer to explore without the hassle of carrying one, we’ve got you covered.

  • Puerto Rico

    This Caribbean island is part of the U.S. Puerto Rico has sandy beaches, mountains, waterfalls, and even a tropical rainforest. If you’re a U.S. citizen traveling from anywhere within the U.S., you don’t need to hassle with a passport to visit this paradise. It’s worth mentioning that starting from May 2025, there’s this thing called the Real ID Act that kicks in. If your state isn’t compliant with this Act, you’ll need to bring your trusty passport to explore the wonders of Puerto Rico. So, make sure to check if your state is all set with the Real ID Act before planning your trip.

    San Juan, Puerto Rico resort skyline on Condado Beach on dusk.

    Sean Pavone/ Getty Images

     

  • St. Croix

    If you’re craving island vibes, you might want to check out St. Croix. It is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, you won’t need to worry about bringing your passport when traveling to and from this island.

    Beautiful scenery with harbor of St Croix, green mountain, water and town along the coastline.

    NAPA74/ Getty Images

  • Northern Mariana Islands

    The Northern Mariana Islands, a collection of 14 tropical wonders has sandy shores, azure waters, and an array of thrilling activities like windsurfing, cavern dives, and jungle treks. And yes, U.S. citizens can venture to these remote islands without the need for a passport. However, it’s important to remember that you’ll need to carry a government-issued proof of identification along with you during your visit.

    Taga Beach is an idyllic little cove below the cliff lines and is one of the top attractions in Tinian, Northern Mariana Islands.

    raksybH/ Getty Images

  • St. Thomas

    St. Thomas, a Caribbean island known for its white sand beaches, snorkeling opportunities, and Danish colonial architecture. As a U.S. citizen, you won’t need a passport to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands, which includes St. Thomas. However, it’s important to note that if you plan to explore the neighboring British Virgin Islands, a valid passport will be required. For your adventures on St. Thomas, it only requires a government-issued ID with your photo.

    Trunk Bay, St John, United States Virgin Islands.

    SeanPavonePhoto/ Getty Images

  • St. John

    St. John, the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands. This island is home to the  Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, where you can embark on thrilling adventures like scuba diving, hiking, and even discover prehistoric archaeological sites. Since St. John is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, you can leave your passport at home when traveling there.

    Cruz Bay, St John, United States Virgin Islands.

    SeanPavonePhoto/ Getty Images

Kayla is the midday host on Detroit’s 105.1 The Bounce. She started her career in radio back in 2016 as an intern at another Detroit station and worked her way here. She's made stops in Knoxville, TN, Omaha, Ne and other places before returning to Detroit. She’s done almost everything in radio from promotions to web, creating content on social media, you name it. She’s a true Michigander, born and raised. So, you can catch her camping or vacationing up north to exploring the downtown Detroit or maybe even catching a sports game. During her free time, Kayla enjoys watching movies, roller-skating, crafting, and music festivals. She and her husband together dip into many of the great things Michigan has to offer. Together they also like to travel. A few hobbies of hers include wine and beer tastings, crafting, hiking, roller skating, movies, home improvement projects, gardening, and festivals. She’s always looking to take on more local events happening in the community. She loves connecting with the community. When writing, Kayla covers topics including lifestyle, pop culture, trending stories, hacks, and urban culture.

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