Tropical Places in the U.S.: 10 Getaways and Where to Stay
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For real tropical weather in the U.S., head to Hawaii, the Florida Keys, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands: you can swim there even in the middle of winter. California, Alabama and Texas offer their best beaches in summer. Here are our 10 favourite destinations, each with its airport, best season and hotels you can book with points.
To pay for your hotel, the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express® Card gets you a hotel in 7 of these 10 destinations. For your flight, we recommend the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card. You'll find what each one is worth in the first year further down.
The U.S. also has several tropical overseas territories, including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.
And let’s not forget Hawaii, the Pacific island state, where it's warm all year. We picked Kauai and Maui.
The table below gives you, for each of the 10 destinations, the winter weather to expect, the most convenient airport, the best time to go and a hotel you can book with points.
The 10 destinations at a glance
| Destination | Winter weather | Airport | Best time to go | Hotel you can book with points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key West, Florida | Tropical, dry season | EYW or Miami (MIA) | December to April | Fairfield Inn (Marriott), Hilton Key West |
| Puerto Rico | Tropical | SJU, nonstop flights from Montreal and Toronto | December to April | San Juan Marriott, Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve |
| Catalina Island, California | Mild and cool | LAX or LGB, then ferry | June to October | None of the major programs in our selection |
| Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama | Mild, cool water | PNS or MOB | May to October | SpringHill Suites (Marriott), The Lodge (Hilton) |
| Kauai, Hawaii | Tropical | LIH | Year-round | Koloa Landing (Marriott), Grand Hyatt Kauai |
| Key Largo, Florida | Tropical, dry season | Miami (MIA) | December to April | Courtyard (Marriott), Baker's Cay (Hilton) |
| Maui, Hawaii | Tropical | OGG, nonstop flights from Vancouver | Year-round | Wailea Beach Resort (Marriott), Hyatt Regency Maui |
| Santa Barbara, California | Mild and cool | SBA | July and August | Mar Monte (Hyatt) |
| St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands | Tropical, dry season | STX | December to April | None of the major programs in our selection |
| South Padre Island, Texas | Mild, cool water | BRO or HRL | April to October | Courtyard (Marriott) |
Key West, Florida
The Keys are a string of tropical islands off the southern tip of Florida.
With their relaxed atmosphere, turquoise waters and dazzling coral reefs, the Keys are a paradise for diving, snorkeling and water sports enthusiasts.
Key West, in particular, captivates with its lively atmosphere and superb sunsets.
In Key West, be sure to visit the home of Ernest Hemingway, the famous American writer, as well as the southernmost point of the continental USA, marked by an iconic buoy-shaped monument.
- Airport: Key West (EYW), no nonstop flights from Canada; you can also land in Miami and drive the roughly 260 km Overseas Highway
- Best time to go: December to April, the dry season; hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30
Popular Key West hotels include:
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory located in the Caribbean, is well worth a visit for its culture, heavenly beaches and diversity of landscapes, from verdant mountains to historic cities.
You’ll love discovering the rainforest of El Yunque, the magnificent beaches of Vieques and strolling through the picturesque streets of San Juan’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Airport: San Juan (SJU), with nonstop flights from Montreal and Toronto
- Entry: Canadian travellers need a valid passport; the U.S. dollar is the local currency
- Best time to go: December to April, the dry season; hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30
Here are some of the best hotels in Puerto Rico:
- The Royal Sonesta San Juan
- Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico
- Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort
- San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
Catalina Island, California
Off the coast of Southern California, Catalina Island offers a seaside getaway about an hour by ferry from Long Beach or San Pedro, near Los Angeles.
You can explore the seabed on a dive trip, kayak along the rocky coastline or take a glass-bottom boat tour to see kelp forests and garibaldi fish. You can also stroll the charming streets of Avalon, admire its Mediterranean architecture and enjoy its shops and restaurants.
- Getting there: Los Angeles (LAX) or Long Beach (LGB), then the Catalina Express ferry from Long Beach, San Pedro or Dana Point
- Best time to go: June to October, when the water is warmest
Take a look at these Catalina Island establishments:
- Hotel Atwater
- Bellanca Hotel
- The Avalon Hotel
- Hotel Metropole
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama
Located on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are ideal for swimming, sunbathing and water sports!
In addition to superb beaches, seafood restaurants and spectacular sunsets, both destinations are popular with deep-sea fishing enthusiasts.
Gulf State Park is well worth a visit, with its hiking trails, unspoilt beaches and famous pier.
You can also explore The Wharf in Orange Beach, with its Ferris wheel and marina, visit Fort Morgan, a 19th-century fort at the mouth of Mobile Bay, or learn about local history at the Gulf Shores Museum.
- Airports: Pensacola (PNS), Florida, about an hour's drive away, or Mobile (MOB)
- Best time to go: May to October for swimming; winters are mild but the water is cool
Popular hotels in these destinations include:
- Best Western Premier The Tides
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott Orange Beach at The Wharf
- Perdido Beach Resort
- The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton Hotel
- Courtyard by Marriott Gulf Shores Craft Farms
Kauai, Hawaii
The island of Kauai is one of Hawaii‘s most stunning islands. It’s not for nothing that it’s nicknamed the “Garden Island”! On Kauai, we especially recommend the spectacular cliffs of the Napali Coast, the turquoise waters of Tunnels Beach on the north shore, and Waimea Canyon, nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”
- Airport: Lihue (LIH), no nonstop flights from Canada; most trips connect through Honolulu or the U.S. West Coast
- North shore: entry to Hāʻena State Park, the starting point of the Kalalau Trail, must be reserved in advance by visitors
Here are some choice hotels in Kauai:
- Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
- Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection
- Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort
- 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
Key Largo, Florida
Located at the northern end of Florida’s Keys chain, Key Largo is renowned for its coral reefs and crystal-clear waters, ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving.
You can explore John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park to admire marine life including colorful corals, tropical fish and sea turtles.
Popular Key Largo hotels include:
- Baker’s Cay Resort Key Largo, Curio Collection by Hilton
- Kona Kai Resort
- Hampton Inn Key Largo
- Courtyard by Marriott Key Largo
Maui, Hawaii
Maui, the second-largest island in the chain, is the one we recommend for a first trip to Hawaii. You'll find the long golden beaches of Kaanapali and Wailea, the scenic Road to Hana and its waterfalls, and sunrise at the summit of Haleakalā volcano, more than 3,000 metres up.
- Airport: Kahului (OGG), with nonstop flights from Vancouver on Air Canada and WestJet
- Haleakalā: summit access for sunrise must be booked in advance on the national park's website
- Lahaina: the town, hit by the August 2023 wildfires, is being rebuilt; we recommend checking which areas are open to visitors before you go
Here are some of the best hotels in Maui:
- Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
- Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott, Maui
- Hotel Wailea
- Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara is a popular seaside destination on the California coast. Its mild climate, golden beaches and elegant ambience make it an incomparable holiday destination.
You'll discover the famous Butterfly Beach and the palm-lined Stearns Wharf promenade for fresh seafood and breathtaking views, as well as picturesque vineyards, botanical gardens, art galleries and gourmet restaurants.
- Airport: Santa Barbara (SBA), no nonstop flights from Canada
- Best time to go: July and August for the beach; late spring and early fall to avoid the crowds, as winter is cooler and sometimes rainy
Take a look at these accommodations in Santa Barbara:
- Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
- Harbor House Inn
- Santa Barbara Inn
- Mar Monte Hotel, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
In the heart of the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Caribbean, St. Croix boasts lush natural surroundings, white sandy beaches and turquoise waters perfect for diving.
The island has several historic sites, such as the Estate Whim plantation and Christiansted, the former capital of the Danish West Indies. Above all, we recommend a day at Buck Island Reef National Monument: the islet lies 1.5 miles (about 2.4 km) off St. Croix, and its marked underwater trail can be visited with an authorized concessioner from Christiansted or Green Cay Marina.
- Airport: Henry E. Rohlsen (STX), no nonstop flights from Canada; nonstop flights leave from Miami and Atlanta, among others
- Entry: Canadian travellers need a valid passport, as for the rest of the United States
Popular St. Croix hotels include:
- The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort
- Sand Castle On The Beach
- The Fred
- The Waves Cane Bay
South Padre Island, Texas
While the western half of Texas is semi-arid, the eastern half enjoys a humid subtropical climate.
For a laid-back seaside vibe, head to South Padre Island, at the southern tip of Texas: you'll find long beaches, lively bars and beachfront resorts. For nature, we recommend Sea Turtle, Inc., a centre founded in 1977 that protects the Kemp's ridley sea turtle, and Isla Blanca Park, at the island's southern tip.
- Airports: Brownsville (BRO) or Harlingen Valley International (HRL)
- Sea turtles: nesting season runs from April to November; Sea Turtle, Inc. is closed on Mondays
In South Padre Island, popular accommodations include:
- La Copa Inn Beach Hotel
- Sand Rose Beach Resort
- Best Western Beachside Inn
- Courtyard by Marriott South Padre Island
Pay for your hotel and flight with points
Credit card rewards points could make your getaway virtually free. Discover our strategies for quickly accumulating travel points in our guide.
For your hotel, Marriott Bonvoy is the most useful program on this list: 7 of the 10 destinations have at least one hotel in the group, from the Fairfield Inn in Key West to the Wailea Beach Resort in Maui. We value a Marriott Bonvoy point at 1¢.
With the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express® Card, you earn 5 points per dollar at Marriott and 2 points per dollar everywhere else, and you get a free night every year after your card anniversary. Here's what the welcome offer shown on October 5, 2026 is worth:
- Welcome offer: 60,000 points after $3,000 in purchases within 3 months, then 10,000 points in month 13
- First-year value: 60,000 points × 1¢ = about $600
- Annual fee: $120 CAD
- Net first-year gain: about $480, before the points from your purchases
Prefer Hyatt or Hilton? Several hotels on our list let you use them. The Grand Hyatt Kauai, the Hyatt Regency Maui, the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve in Puerto Rico and the Mar Monte in Santa Barbara belong to World of Hyatt. The Lodge at Gulf State Park, Baker's Cay in Key Largo and the Hilton Key West Resort & Marina, formerly Oceans Edge, belong to Hilton Honors.
For your flight, the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card is the one we recommend. RBC shows a welcome offer paid in three instalments (as of October 5, 2026): 35,000 points on approval, 20,000 points after $5,000 in purchases within 6 months, then 15,000 points on the first anniversary. At our valuation of 1.7¢ per point, the 55,000 points of the first year are worth about $935, or about $815 net after the $120 CAD annual fee.
On the ground, every purchase in U.S. dollars costs you a 2.5% foreign transaction fee with most cards, including the two above. The Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite+ Card charges none: on $3,000 of spending during a week in Maui, you avoid about $75 in fees. It costs $150 CAD a year and includes 6 airport lounge visits.
Our verdict: where to go for winter sun?
For real tropical weather in the middle of winter, we pick three destinations, each for a specific traveller:
- Puerto Rico, if you want a flight from Montreal or Toronto, a historic city and the El Yunque rainforest in the same trip.
- The Florida Keys, if you love road trips, diving and Key West sunsets.
- Maui, if you live in Western Canada: Air Canada and WestJet fly nonstop from Vancouver.
Santa Barbara, Catalina, Gulf Shores and South Padre Island are at their best for beach days in summer. Wherever you go, we recommend paying for your hotel with Marriott Bonvoy points and covering your purchases on site with a card that charges no foreign transaction fees, like the Scotiabank Passport below.
- Annual fee
- $150
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$350Total$350Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $350
- Welcome offerAfter $2,000 in 3 months
- Up to 35,000 points
- Ends Nov 1, 2026
Apply Now
on Scotiabank's website
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places in the U.S. have a truly tropical climate?
Hawaii, the Florida Keys and the two U.S. territories in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The National Weather Service describes the Keys' climate as tropical-maritime, and Puerto Rico averages about 27°C year-round. The other destinations on our list, in California, Alabama and Texas, are mostly summer beach getaways.
Do I need a passport for Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands?
Yes. The Government of Canada requires a valid passport, or a NEXUS card, to enter the United States by air, and it names Puerto Rico specifically. The "no passport required" line you'll read on some sites applies only to U.S. citizens.
When should I go to avoid hurricanes?
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, according to the National Hurricane Center. It affects the Keys, the Gulf Coast, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. In the Keys, the dry season runs from December to April: it's the safest time to book.
Are there nonstop flights from Canada?
For Maui, Air Canada and WestJet fly nonstop from Vancouver. Puerto Rico is served from Montreal and Toronto, according to its tourism board. For Key West, Kauai, St. Croix and Santa Barbara, plan on a connection.
Can I pay for my hotel with points?
Yes, and Marriott Bonvoy is the most useful program here: 7 of the 10 destinations on our list have a hotel in the group. With the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card, you earn 5 points per dollar at Marriott and get a free night every year after your card anniversary. World of Hyatt and Hilton Honors cover several other properties, such as the Grand Hyatt Kauai or The Lodge at Gulf State Park.
Which card should I use to pay in U.S. dollars?
A card with no foreign transaction fees saves you the 2.5% most cards add to every purchase in U.S. dollars. The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite+ Card charges none and includes 6 airport lounge visits a year. It requires a personal income of at least $60,000 or a household income of at least $100,000.
Does my card's travel insurance cover me after 65?
Usually for only a few days. The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card's travel medical coverage drops from 15 days to 3 days at age 65, and the Scotiabank Passport's from 25 days to 3 days. For a longer stay, we recommend buying separate travel insurance before you leave.
What rules should I know about in Kauai and Maui?
In Kauai, entry to Hāʻena State Park, where the Kalalau Trail begins, must be reserved in advance by non-residents: 5 USD per person, plus 10 USD for parking per vehicle. In Lahaina, on Maui, the tourism board asks visitors to follow signage, stay out of closed areas and not photograph sites affected by the 2023 fire.
For your next Hilton stay, see the Hilton Honors American Express® Card available in Canada and the terms of its current offer.