The Caribbean is beautiful and a perfect getaway, but it can also be expensive. The average cost of a week-long stay in the Caribbean is $2910, excluding flight tickets, other transit, and food charges, all of which could make the price go much higher. Apart from the expenses, a trip to Caribbean islands outside the U.S. will require lots of planning, which a U.S.-based island won’t need.
If you’re looking for a vacation that is both enjoyable and affordable, here is a list of eleven cheap American islands that are perfect Caribbean alternatives.
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
If you want to stay in the U.S. but still get a piece of the Caribbean, then St. Thomas is the place to go. Located on the coast of the eastern Caribbean Sea, St. Thomas has more than forty major beaches, including Magens Bay, which is one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Many of the island’s beaches are less crowded and cheaper, allowing travelers to enjoy their stay peacefully.
The average cost of a one-week trip to St. Thomas, including accommodation, food, and sightseeing, is $1528.
St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
Yet another beautiful island in the Caribbean Sea, St. John, is one of the best places in the U.S. for snorkeling. It has beautiful white-sand beaches and clear waters filled with colored fish and sea turtles. Apart from beaches, St. John is also home to the Virgin Islands National Park, a 5,500-acre sanctuary for rare flora and fauna.
The average cost of a one-week trip to St. John, including accommodation, food, and sightseeing, is $1343.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Named USA Today’s Best Summer Travel Destination 2024, Mackinac Island is a perfect vacation spot and a peaceful alternative to the Caribbean. It offers everything, from peaceful and secluded beaches with crystal clear water to historic forts like Fort Mackinac, golf courses, and horse-drawn carriage tours.
The average cost of a one-week trip to Mackinac Island, including accommodation, food, and sightseeing, is $1574.
Tybee Island, Georgia
With its wide sandy beaches, historic lighthouse, and laid-back coastal vibe, Tybee is a popular vacation destination. Travelers can enjoy outdoor activities like fishing, dolphin cruises, and water sports or watch Loggerhead Sea turtles during the nesting season.
The average cost of a one-week trip to Tybee Island, including accommodation, food, and sightseeing, is $2000.
Maui, Hawaii
Maui, known as the “Valley Isle,” is one of Hawaii’s most beautiful islands. The island is a paradise in disguise, with its lush rainforests, stunning waterfalls, and breathtaking views of the Haleakalā National Park, a dormant volcano. Maui is also a popular destination for diving and whale watching.
The average cost of a one-week trip to Maui Island is $1926, including accommodation, food, and sightseeing.
Jekyll Island, Georgia
Jekyll Island is a family-friendly island with pristine beaches like the famous Driftwood Beach. When travelers are not lounging on the beautiful beaches, they can visit the island’s historic sites like the National Historic Landmark District and Horton House. The Island is also home to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.
The average cost of a one-week trip to Jekyll Island, including accommodation, food, and sightseeing, is $1092.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan is the largest city in Puerto Rico and the oldest city under U.S. jurisdiction. It has three beaches, Ocean Park, Condado, and Isla Verde, which are ideal for swimming and snorkeling. San Juan offers more than a beach experience. Tourists can enjoy the beach and the sun in the morning, go shopping downtown, and enjoy the nightlife in the city.
The average cost of a one-week trip to San Juan, including accommodation, food, and sightseeing, is $1342.
Key West, Florida
Key West island is located at the southernmost point of the Florida Keys; with its vibrant arts scene, colorful architecture, and beaches filled with white sand and tropical palms, Key West offers a taste of the Caribbean without leaving the U.S.
The island also has other attractions, such as Hemingway’s home, Mer Fisher Maritime Museum, and the Little White House.
A one-week trip to Key West Island costs $2060, including accommodation, food, and sightseeing.
Amelia Island, Florida
Amelia Island, with over 13 miles of uncrowded shoreline, is home to beautiful beaches, from the lively Main Beach, a famous beachfront park with picnic areas and water sports, to the nineteenth-century Fort Clinch State Park.
Amelia Island has beautiful white-sand beaches and is the best and most affordable American alternative to the Caribbeans. The average cost of a one-week trip to Amelia Island, including accommodation, food, and sightseeing, is $2505.
Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island, apart from being one of the best beaches in Florida, is one of the most unique islands in the world; it has an east-west orientation as opposed to north-south, like other islands and beaches. This is the reason you can find many shells on the island.
The island is home to several public beaches, such as Lighthouse Beach and Bowman’s Beach, each offering perfect views of the Gulf of Mexico. The island is also home to the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, known for its many migratory bird populations.
A one-week trip to Sanibel Island costs $2372, including accommodation, food, and sightseeing.
South Padre Island, Texas
With over 300 days of sunshine each year, South Padre is the perfect American alternative to the Caribbean. Stretching over 34 miles along the Gulf of Mexico, the island’s soft, sandy shores are perfect for water sports like jet skiing. USA Today ranks South Padre Island’s Isla Blanca Park as the Best Beach in Texas. Apart from beautiful beaches, the island also has the South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center, and Alligator Sanctuary.
The average cost of a one-week trip to South Padre Island, including accommodation, food, and sightseeing, is $2521.