For more inspiration, see our full Puerto Rico Travel Guide, including the best hotels in Puerto Rico and the best things to do in Puerto Rico.
Northern Mariana Islands
The Northern Mariana Islands, south of Japan and Korea, are a balmy reprieve from winter’s chill and the insistence of spring rain. If you’re looking to completely unplug from your daily routine, these Micronesian islands are as far as you can get from the US without leaving American jurisdiction.
Saipan
Of the 14 Northern Mariana Islands, Saipan is the largest and most populated. The capital island is only 12 miles long and 5.5 miles wide, yet it’s packed with activities. If you enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving, the island is known for its sandy beaches, lagoons, and coral reefs, where you’ll spot turtles and colorful fish swimming among Pacific War shipwrecks. If you prefer on-land activities, there are also plenty of hiking trails and vista points woven throughout Saipan’s tropical jungles and Mount Tapochau. Or go on a day trip to Managaha Island to rev up a jet ski (or parasail on the back of one). History buffs will appreciate the prehistoric latte stone structures of the Indigenous Chamorro people, which stand alongside World War II artifacts. Just don’t forget to take a lunch break: You don’t want to miss a mouthwatering plate of red rice and chicken kelaguen, or the crisp, sweet, and more-ish bites of buñelos aga (banana donuts).
Tinian
When in Saipan, consider island-hopping three miles south across the Saipan Channel to Tinian, where travelers can book a beachfront resort and enjoy the soft sands of Taga and Tachogna Beach. Much like its northern neighbor, the coral reefs at Tinian are a snorkeler’s dream.
Back on land, bird watchers can try to catch a glimpse of the Tinian monarch, an endangered species endemic to the island before. For a dose of archaeological and historical enrichment, check out around the island’s Shinto shrines, Chamorro structures, and World War II landmarks (including the bomb pits used for the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki).
Rota
Rota, the southernmost Northern Mariana Island, houses unique mementos from around the world, including prehistoric pictographs, the German Santa Lourdes Chapel, and Japanese World War II cannons.
Of course, the island is also lined with pristine beaches. Frolic in the white sands of Guata and Teteto beach, or spend the afternoon snorkeling around shipwrecks and coral reefs, especially at the popular Teteto Beach and Rota Grotto. Or, if you’re a birder, visit the Bird Sanctuary. Round out your itinerary with a visit to the prehistoric latte stones of the As Nieves Latte Stone Quarry, a US national landmark.
US Virgin Islands
No need to bring a passport to visit the US Virgin Islands (USVI), so long as you show proof of US citizenship—whether it be a raised-seal birth certificate or a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license.
The USVI—which are made up of the main islands of St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, along with a sprinkling of some 50 other islets and cays east of Puerto Rico—offer plenty of reasons to escape the mainland for a spell, from spectacular beaches to excellent wildlife experiences to world-class festivals.
St. Croix
In St. Croix, visitors who love hotels with history can bed down at the 300-year-old King Christian Hotel, a waterfront landmark in downtown Christiansted that overlooks the historic Fort Christiansvaern. Following a 2022 renovation, the boutique property unveiled 46 fully remodeled rooms and suites and offers multiple on-site dining options. The pool area has also been refurbished.
