A tropical paradise within the United States: 12 breathtaking natural oases in America

Discover a tropical paradise by visiting these 17 natural oases of America invites Only in Your State.

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There's a reason tropical vacations are so popular. Bright sun, white sand beaches, turquoise water as far as the eye can see; the tropics are a little piece of heaven here on earth. A vacation in a tropical paradise isn't just beautiful; it is good for the mind, body and soul. However, these great holiday destinations are often out of reach due to location, cost and logistics. But here's the thing: there are some truly wonderful natural oases right here in America. These are the places that will force you to check your passport to make sure you are actually still in the US. From deserts to inland islands and everything in between, you'll discover a tropical paradise when you visit these 17 natural oases in the Americas.

Big Sur - California

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Everything in Big Sur, California is impressive, from the turquoise waters and white sand shores to the brightly colored plants and fauna dotting its coastal mountains and hillsides. This area is home to many beautiful beaches and waterfalls that appear to be on a hidden island of the Pacific Ocean. Big Sur has been voted a "Best Fun Destination" and a "Best Romantic Getaway" - and it does just that. If Hawaii seems out of reach, Big Sur is an equally extraordinary tropical destination located right here on the US mainland.

Olympic National Park - Washington

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Olympic National Park is tucked away in the far northwest corner of the United States. It's home to a breathtakingly wild coastline, surrounded by old-growth forests and glacier-capped mountains, several waterfalls, and pure Washington wilderness. Olympic National Park receives over 12 feet of rainfall per year, which is why you will find lush temperate rainforests in the park. The Hoh Rainforest is home to some of the world's most impressive natural wonders: giant Douglas fir trees, Sitka firs, and flowering ferns and mosses. Olympic National Park is a veritable Garden of Eden; a perfect paradise that should be on your bucket list.

Pacific City - Oregon

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Pacific City is one of the most stunning areas on the Oregon Coast. This beach town sits beneath Oregon's large Cape Kiwanda and offers unrivaled views of some of the Pacific Northwest's most famous landmarks. Pacific City has a high sand dune that provides access to the top of Cape Kiwanda and spectacular views of the ocean. Sandy beaches, stunning blue water, beautiful views, and powerful surf (yes, you can surf in Oregon!) make Pacific City a dream destination to visit.

Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming

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Every year, millions of people travel to Wyoming to visit Yellowstone National Park. While the country's first national park certainly deserves all the attention it's getting, there's another national park right next door to Yellowstone, and it's a hidden paradise hiding right in plain sight. Grand Teton National Park is 125452,549 acres of mountains and valleys filled with dozens of alpine lakes that are located in the foothills, canyons and valley floors. Jenny Lake is one of these beautiful bodies of water, and the way the trees reflect in its clear blue waters is simply dazzling. While it's not the largest lake in the park—that honor goes to Lake Jackson—it features a luxury lodge, primitive camping, and miles of pristine shoreline that will make you feel like you've stepped into your own tropical town.

Havasu Falls - Arizona

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The Grand Canyon is a must-see destination and is at the top of countless bucket lists. But there's a lot more to see and do at the Grand Canyon than just photograph popular views and tourist spots. In fact, hidden deep in the canyon is a beautiful natural oasis: the mesmerizing blue-green Havasu Falls. This 30-meter-tall waterfall falls from a crevice in the canyon's famous red rock. It gets its stunning azure color from the high concentration of calcium carbonate in the water and looks too beautiful to be real. The falls are located on the Havasupai Indian Reservation, and they control access to the falls and surrounding area. Visitors cannot enter this area by car; rather, reaching the village requires walking or horseback riding. Due to the falls' location on the Havasupai Indian Reservation, visitors must make reservations and obtain permission to camp and hike to the stunning, photo-worthy falls. But trust us: it's absolutely worth the planning and effort, as Havasu Falls is one of the most spectacular hidden oases in the country.

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument - Utah

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Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument occupies a vast area in the wilds of Utah, spanning five climate zones, from lowland desert to coniferous forest. It is one of the richest and most beautiful treasures in the American Southwest, full of deep canyons and unique geological features. Within this vast landscape is an emerald green waterfall that you might mistake for a mirage in the desert, but it is absolutely, completely real. Calf Creek Falls is a stunningly beautiful duo of cascades; Upper Calf Creek Falls measures 26 meters, and Lower Calf Creek Falls measures almost 40 meters. Together, these waterfalls flow into a cool, beautiful pool, offering visitors a quiet and truly wonderful place to relax and reflect.

Broken Bow Lake - Oklahoma

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Tucked away in the southwest corner of Oklahoma, Broken Bow Lake is a vision. The reservoir is bordered by 300 miles of shoreline, making it the perfect oasis for Oklahomans looking to spend a day on the water. Boating, kayaking, swimming and fishing are all popular activities on this beautiful lake, which boasts stunning sunsets. In a state known for its cornfields and tumbleweeds, Broken Bow Lake is a coveted and wonderful slice of heaven.

Hamilton Pool - Texas

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Hamilton Pool is one of the most beautiful spots in Texas (and the country), with an azure blue pool set beneath an expansive limestone grotto. A 15-meter waterfall flows into the pool, creating an absolutely fabulous experience. This Texas oasis was formed thousands of years ago when the dome of an underground river collapsed due to erosion. Today, it is a beloved beach and one of the most beautiful and unexpected places you can visit in the Lone Star State.

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Apostle Islands - Wisconsin

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Scattered like jewels in the icy waters of Lake Superior are wild islands that locals simply call “The Apostles.” The Apostle Islands in Wisconsin are the epitome of a hidden oasis: a dream world filled with sea caves, emerald green pools, deserted beaches and lighthouses that still signal waters littered with the wrecks of old schooners. For visitors to reach this sheer, distant beauty, little effort is required; but when you arrive at the islands, your hard work will be richly rewarded. These pristine beaches and pools will give you the feeling of being on your own private island, and like the locals, you'll soon lovingly refer to Wisconsin's Apostle Islands as simply "The Apostles."

Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Lakeshore - Michigan

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Michigan is often called the "Third Coast" because it boasts the most miles of coastline in the contiguous United States. Indeed, Michigan is home to some truly beautiful bodies of water and wonderful natural oases. Sleeping Bear Dunes State Park is one such paradise; Located on the north side of Lake Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a beautiful sight. Its coastal views have a Caribbean feel, with stunning sunsets and beautiful panoramas. Could these be the tropical white sand beaches you're looking for? The Sleeping Bear Dunes themselves are impressive in their beauty, with some of them reaching 140 meters in height!

Dry Tortugas National Park - Florida

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For crystal-clear waters that rival anything you'll find in the Caribbean, head to Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida. Just 100 km West of Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the most spectacular beaches in the world. However, getting to such beauty requires a lot of planning as Dry Tortugas can only be reached by boat or seaplane. Pristine blue water and white sandy shores await you when you arrive at the island, which is actually a collection of seven outlying islands, as well as one of the largest 19th century forts in the country. Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the least visited national parks in the country due to the effort required to access it. But great work brings great rewards, and this piece of heaven is the best reward.

Juniper Springs - Florida

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Florida is home to over 700 springs; the largest collection on the planet. But the best and most beautiful is hidden deep in the lush Ocala National Forest. Because this is where you will find Juniper Springs, a true hidden oasis. It seems to be a tropical paradise, harboring hundreds of small, bubbling cascades, as well as massive springs that pump cool 72-degree water throughout the day. Set in a verdant rainforest, visitors can enjoy an afternoon swim in the shade of Florida palms and oaks.

Jekyll Island - Georgia

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Georgia's Golden Isles are made up of four barrier islands—St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Jekyll Island, and Little St. Simons Island—each of which offers unique and unforgettable natural oases. Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island is by far the most magical, thanks in part to its vibrant green trees and driftwood-covered sands. The island itself has quite a distinctive history: in 1886, Jekyll Island was purchased by the Jekyll Island Club and went on to become one of the most exclusive islands in the world, visited by families such as the Rockefellers and the Vanderbilts. Today, fortunately, this island has become much more accessible, but its intriguing beauty remains. When you land on the white sandy shore, surrounded by cobalt blue waters, you will truly feel like you have landed on your own private island. And this is a bucket list item you should really strive for.

Hilton Head Island - South Carolina

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Hilton Head Island is popular vacation spot in the United States, and this is because it is completely perfect. Undoubtedly, this South Carolina island is home to some of the country's most beautiful beaches. From the moment you cross over to the island via the famous James F. Byrnes Bridge, you will truly experience island time. This picturesque island boasts 20 km of beaches and is divided into 11 different regions, each offering something different for its guests. Whether it's an adventure beach trip or a laidback Caribbean getaway, you're sure to find it on Hilton Head Island.

Martha's Vineyard - Massachusetts

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Over the years, Martha's Vineyard has become synonymous with prestige, luxury and incredible beauty. This Massachusetts island is located in the Atlantic south of Cape Cod and is a perennial favorite of New Englanders. While Martha's Vineyard may seem about as far from the Caribbean as you can get, this New England island is actually the peak of beach vibes. Instead of palm trees there are lighthouses; instead of tiki bars, there are waterfront restaurants. The stunning Aquinnah Cliffs look like something you'd expect to see in Hawaii; they are infused with a rainbow of natural colors and offer 360-degree views. Martha's Vineyard can only be reached by boat or air. But if you're looking for a complete escape in New England, Martha's Vineyard looks like a dream come true.

Assateague Island - Maryland

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Like something out of science fiction, wild horses roam freely on Assateague Island, a 60-mile island off the coast of Maryland. Assateague Island is a secluded preserve home to herds of wild horses that can come and go as they please. A trip to Assateague Island is a bit of a hike (accessible only by foot or boat), but it's worth it if you're looking for a quiet, secluded, and stunning scenic oasis. Truly, the coastal views here are so stunning that you'll completely forget you're in Maryland. And if you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a wild horse.

Acadia National Park - Maine

Known as the “crown jewel of the North Atlantic Coast,” Acadia National Park boasts stunning panoramas that will take your breath away. In this wonderful place you will find a stunning emerald green oasis that will take you by surprise. Sand Beach is a beautiful small beach nestled between majestic mountains and rocky shores on the east side of Mount Desert Island in Acadia National Park. Access to this hidden oasis is via Park Loop Road just south of the Bar Harbor entrance fee station. However, it's worth spending a little time planning; The sandy beach has 280 meters of pristine sand and bright turquoise water, and it truly feels like a world of its own.

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The United States is home to so much amazing beauty, and while many of these hidden oases require a little effort and planning to get to, they are all worth it. Step outside your door and discover your own little piece of heaven right here in our incredible country.

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