In this article, we will be taking a look at the 25 most tropical cities in the US. You can skip our detailed analysis on climate change and directly head to the 5 Most Tropical Cities In The US. 

The Tropics: A Hub of Biodiversity, Economic Growth, and Climate Vulnerability

The tropics, home to 3.3 billion people or 40% of the global population as of 2023, are expected to see 60% of the global urban population growth by 2050. Tropical forests, covering 1.84 billion hectares (about 12% of Earth’s land surface), are rich in biodiversity and located mostly in the equatorial zone, which receives constant sunlight, maintaining warm temperatures year-round. The tropics, defined by the National Geographic Society as regions between 23.5 degrees North and South of the Equator, cover 36% of Earth’s landmass and have an average temperature of 25 to 28 degrees Celsius.

Climate change is a major global challenge, leading to significant economic impacts such as loss of farmland, reduced productivity, and changing infrastructure needs. The Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) reports that by 2050, climate change could result in an annual economic loss of $38 trillion, reducing global GDP by 17% and income by 19%, with potentially even greater losses if immediate action isn’t taken.

Meanwhile, global tourism especially in tropical areas rebounded strongly in 2023, with a 22% rise in tourist arrivals in Q3, reaching 92% of pre-pandemic levels by July. Tourism is expected to recover to nearly 90% by year-end, with receipts projected at USD 1.4 trillion, or 93% of the 2019 total.

This recovery is particularly important for the Caribbean, a tropical region highly dependent on tourism, which contributed 13.9% to GDP in 2019 and 9.1% in 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the region, but it has since seen rapid recovery. The Caribbean’s tourism GDP is projected to grow by 27.2% this year and 5.5% annually over the next decade, potentially creating 1.34 million new jobs by 2032, doubling the sector’s growth compared to the overall economy.

Travel Giants Expedia and Booking Holdings: Q2 2024 Performance and Strategic Developments

Companies like Expedia Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE), Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG), and Trip Advisor are some of the largest booking companies that can help you find the best places to live in tropical areas. In December 2023, Expedia Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE) announced new partnerships in Europe, including collaborations with Ryanair, Iceland Air, and ADAC. These partnerships aim to expand its B2B services by utilizing Expedia’s technologies to improve service offerings for clients.

Expedia’s total gross bookings reached $28.8 billion in Q2 2024, marking a 6% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Expedia Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE) reported revenue of $3.6 billion in the same period which is also up 6% year-over-year and net income was $386 million, with adjusted net income at $469 million. The B2B segment generated $1.0 billion in revenue in Q2 which is a 22% increase year-over-year and Expedia also repurchased approximately 9.2 million shares for $1.2 billion in the first half of 2024.

Similarly, Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG) is also recognized as the world’s leading provider of online travel and related services. Booking Holdings reported revenue of $5.9 billion in Q2 2024, marking a 7% increase year over year and adjusted EBITDA also grew by 7% to $1.9 billion in the same period. Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) increased by 11% to $41.90. Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG) recorded 287 million room nights booked in Q2, a 7% increase compared to the previous year. Gross bookings grew by 4%, although this was impacted by a 2% decrease in constant currency accommodation ADRs. There was high growth in Asia and a slight improvement in the U.S. market. However, there was a mild moderation in market growth in Europe, which could affect future performance. Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG) provided a conservative outlook for Q3 2024, with expected room night growth between 3% to 5%.

While we acknowledge the potential of BKNG as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and that too within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than BKNG but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

READ ALSO: 18 Countries with the Largest Tropical Forest Areas in the World and 20 Cheap Tropical Places to Live that Speak English.

Our Methodology 

For our methodology, we have ranked the most tropical cities in the US based on a consensus-driven approach. We considered factors like green spaces, temperature and biodiversity, among others for our research. The cities that appeared most frequently in our research were selected and each city was given a score of 1 every time we came across it in our research. Finally, after selecting 25 cities, we ranked them and derived their scores based on their rankings. The topmost tropical city received a score of 1 (25/25=1) and the city in second place received a score of 0.96 (24/25=0.96) and so on.

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Here is our list of the 25 most tropical cities in the US.

25. Laguna Beach, California 

Insider Monkey Score: 0.04 

Laguna Beach is often likened to a tropical paradise due to its distinctive geography and climate. Tourism is a cornerstone of Laguna Beach’s economy, attracting over six million visitors annually. Tourism generates substantial revenue for Laguna Beach.

24. Boca Raton, Florida 

Insider Monkey Score: 0.08 

Boca Raton’s tropical allure is primarily due to its climate and natural beauty. The city enjoys a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round. Boca Raton has a population of approximately 95,347, with a median age of 47.4 years and an average individual income of $63,095. Tourism is a cornerstone of Boca Raton’s economy, driven by its stunning beaches, cultural attractions, and recreational facilities.

23. South Padre Island, Texas 

Insider Monkey Score: 0.12 

Tourism is the cornerstone of South Padre Island’s economy. The island attracts over 7 million visitors annually, contributing significantly to the local economy. The island’s hotel occupancy rate stands at 65%, and the Hotel Occupancy Tax collections reflect its popularity as a tourist destination. The island’s beaches are a major draw, with opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and beach sports. There are 25 public beach access points, and some allow vehicles on the beach for a small fee.

22. Cocoa Beach, Florida 

Insider Monkey Score: 0.16 

Cocoa Beach is located on a barrier island between the Banana River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean, providing it with a unique tropical environment. The city features 6 miles of Atlantic Ocean beaches, which are accessible from one end of the city to the other. The Ron Jon Surf Shop, a major tourist attraction, receives approximately 2 million visitors annually. Cocoa Beach has a population of approximately 11,334 as of 2022, with a median age of 58.6 years. The estimated median household income in 2022 was $85,431, a significant increase from $42,372 in 2000.

21. St. Petersburg, Florida 

Insider Monkey Score: 0.2 

St. Petersburg city enjoys an average of 361 days of sunshine per year, earning it a Guinness World Record for the most consecutive days of sunshine The average water temperature around St. Petersburg is approximately 76°F (24°C). St. Petersburg is part of the Tampa Bay metropolitan area, which is the second-largest in Florida with a population of around 3.2 million. The city’s population was 258,308 as of the 2020 census. The city supports a workforce of over 1.4 million people in the region, with educational institutions like the University of South Florida and Eckerd College contributing to a skilled labor pool.

20. Virginia Beach, Virginia 

Insider Monkey Score: 0.24 

Virginia Beach city is renowned for its 38 miles of beaches, including the longest pleasure beach in the world, as recognized by the Guinness Book of Records. In 2022, the city welcomed 13.6 million visitors, resulting in $2.4 billion in direct visitor expenditures. The overall economic impact of tourism reached $3.7 billion, marking a robust recovery and growth from previous years. In 2015, tourism revenue was $1.4 billion, with 6.4 million overnight visitors annually.

19. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 

Insider Monkey Score: 0.28 

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, is a renowned resort town and barrier island located in Beaufort County. The island features 12 miles of Atlantic Ocean beachfront, which is a significant draw for visitors seeking a beach vacation. In 2020, tourism accounted for approximately $1.37 billion in economic impact. The island is frequently recognized in national rankings, such as being named the No. 1 Island in the Continental U.S. by Travel + Leisure multiple times.

18. Sarasota, Florida 

Insider Monkey Score: 0.32 

Sarasota, Florida stands among the most tropical cities in the US. The city is renowned for its arts scene, including institutions like the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Sarasota Opera House, and the Asolo Repertory Theatre. As of the 2020 census, Sarasota’s population was 54,842, with the larger North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota Metropolitan Area housing over 700,000 residents.

17. Clearwater Beach, Florida 

Insider Monkey Score: 0.36 

Clearwater Beach, Florida, is renowned as a top tropical destination in the United States. It is also continuously ranked as one of the best beaches in the US. Key attractions include Pier 60, which hosts daily sunset celebrations with street performers and local artists, and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, which rehabilitates injured marine animals. The city is part of the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area, which had a population of over 3.1 million as of 2020.

16. Corpus Christi, Texas 

Insider Monkey Score: 0.4 

The presence of diverse ecosystems, such as the Padre Island National Seashore and the Suter Wildlife Refuge, enhances Corpus Christi’s tropical allure.  The city generates 26% of the sales tax collections, underscoring its economic importance. The presence of educational institutions like Texas A&M Corpus Christi and Del Mar College contributes to the city’s growth and development.

15. Puerto Rico 

Insider Monkey Score: 0.44 

Puerto Rico, while not a city, is a tropical island and an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the Caribbean. In 2021, World Data notes that the island welcomed approximately 2.75 million tourists, generating around $2.80 billion in revenue, which accounted for 2.5% of its GDP. In 2021, tourists spent an average of $941 per visit, contributing significantly to local businesses and services. By 2022, tourism revenue increased significantly to $8.9 billion, marking a 39% rise from pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

14. Galveston, Texas 

Insider Monkey Score: 0.48 

Galveston has a rich history as a resort city, once known as the “Playground of the South” in the late 1800s. Today, it remains a popular tourist destination, drawing millions of visitors annually. In 2022, Galveston reported a record $1.2 billion in tourist spending, with a 25% increase in annual visitation, reaching 8.1 million visitors. Tourism is a vital component of Galveston’s economy. The industry supports over 11,800 jobs and generated $228.5 million in taxes from tourism spending in 2022.

13. Palm Springs, California 

Insider Monkey Score: 0.52 

Palm Springs stands thirteenth among the most tropical cities in the US. The Greater Palm Springs area, which includes Palm Springs and eight other cities, attracts about 14 million visitors annually, with 6.4 million staying overnight. The tourism industry is a significant economic driver, generating a total economic impact of $8.7 billion in 2022 and supporting one in four jobs in the region.

12. Kauai, Hawaii 

Insider Monkey Score: 0.56 

Kauai, often referred to as the “Garden Island,” is one of the most tropical locations in the United States.  Kauai typically receives between 100,000 to 140,000 visitors each month, which is lower compared to other Hawaiian Islands like Oahu, which receives between 450,000 to 560,000 visitors monthly.  In the first seven months of 2023, Hawaii saw significant visitor numbers, with the U.S. West contributing 3,110,046 visitors and spending $6.05 billion, while the U.S. East added 1,563,393 visitors, spending $4.05 billion. International visitors from Japan and Canada also contributed significantly to the tourism economy.

11. Maui, Hawaii 

Insider Monkey Score: 0.6 

Maui is the second-largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, covering 727.2 square miles. Hawaii as a whole saw over 10 million visitors in 2019, with tourism expenditures reaching nearly $18 billion. This industry provided over 216,000 jobs statewide and contributed more than $2 billion in tax revenue, according to Hawaii Tourism Authority.

10. Destin, Florida 

Insider Monkey Score: 0.64 

The climate in Destin is characterized by warm temperatures year-round, with the best travel times being in April and May when temperatures are comfortably in the mid-70s to 80s. The city is often referred to as “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” due to its rich fishing heritage and the presence of the largest fishing fleet in Florida. Destin attracts a significant portion of the Emerald Coast’s 4.5 million annual visitors, with over 80% of these tourists visiting the city. During peak tourist seasons, the city’s population can swell from around 13,000 permanent residents to between 25,000 and 60,000 people, including transient tourists.

9. Naples, Florida 

Insider Monkey Score: 0.68 

Naples enjoys a subtropical climate, which contributes to its tropical appeal. Naples generally ranks as the sixth most popular destination in Florida for overseas visitors, with approximately 84,000 overseas tourists in 2021. As of 2022, the city had a population of approximately 19,300, with a median age of 66.9 years and a median household income of $135,657. The median property value in Naples was reported at $1.2 million, reflecting the high demand for real estate in this desirable location.

8. Santa Barbara, California 

Insider Monkey Score: 0.72 

The Santa Barbara city attracts approximately 7.2 million visitors annually, contributing over $2.24 billion to the local economy. This influx of tourists supports more than 15,000 jobs and generates $82.9 million in local tax revenues each year. The region is home to over 200 wineries, making wine tasting a popular activity for visitors. This aspect of tourism significantly contributes to the local economy, with nearly 40% of visitors engaging in wine tasting during their stay.

7. San Diego, California 

Insider Monkey Score: 0.76 

San Diego city enjoys approximately 70 miles of coastline, which includes beautiful beaches and a variety of natural landscapes such as low inland mountains and deserts. In 2016, San Diego attracted 34.9 million visitors, generating $10.4 billion and supporting 183,000 tourism jobs. According to sandiego.org, in 2022, visitors numbered 28.8 million, with over half staying overnight. San Diego is recognized as a top location for life sciences and biosciences, with 14 advanced industries generating $42.1 billion and offering an average annual salary of $116,600.

6. Tampa, Florida 

Insider Monkey Score: 0.8 

Tampa, Florida stands sixth among the most tropical locations in the United States. In recent years, Tampa has experienced a surge in tourism, with visitors contributing over $8.5 billion annually to the local economy. The city surpassed $1 billion in taxable hotel revenue for the fiscal year 2023. The tourism sector supports more than 57,000 jobs in Hillsborough County, underscoring its importance to the local economy. The city’s tourism infrastructure has expanded significantly, with the addition of over 2,500 new hotel rooms in recent years and recognition in the inaugural Michelin Guide to Florida. Tampa International Airport was named the best large airport in North America in 2023.

5. Orlando, Florida 

Insider Monkey Score: 0.84 

Orlando is famously known as “The Theme Park Capital of the World” and is a top tourist destination in the United States.  In 2023, Orlando welcomed approximately 74 million visitors, maintaining its status as the most-visited city in the U.S. This was a recovery from the pandemic-related decline in 2020 when visitor numbers fell to 35.28 million. In 2022, visitors spent over $55.49 billion during their trips to Orlando, reflecting a robust recovery in the tourism sector post-pandemic. The Orange County Convention Center plays a critical role in the local economy, hosting over 230 events annually with an economic impact of $2.3 billion, according to news.orlando.org.

4. Fort Lauderdale, Florida 

Insider Monkey Score: 0.88 

Fort Lauderdale is often referred to as the “Venice of America” due to its extensive network of canals, featuring 165 miles of inland waterways.  The city’s job market is expanding at a rate of 2.4%, surpassing the U.S. average of 1.6%. The city is also home to Port Everglades, the third largest cruise port in the world, handling nearly four million cruise passengers annually Fort Lauderdale is known as the yachting capital of the world, with over 50,000 registered yachts and 100 marinas, as noted by visitlauderdale.com.

3. Honolulu, Hawaii 

Insider Monkey Score: 0.92 

Honolulu, Hawaii stands third among the most tropical cities in the US. In 2022, Honolulu was the tenth-most visited city in the United States, drawing over 711,000 visitors. The city’s appeal lies in its natural beauty, including iconic locations such as Waikīkī Beach, Diamond Head, and Pearl Harbor. Honolulu also offers a rich cultural experience with attractions like the ʻIolani Palace, the Bishop Museum, and the Honolulu Museum of Art.

2. Key West, Florida 

Insider Monkey Score: 0.96 

Key West’s tropical nature is largely attributed to its geographical location and climate.  The city is famous for its historic sites, such as the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum and the Audubon House, as well as its lively cultural scene, including festivals like the Hemingway Days Festival and Fantasy Fest. Cruise tourism is particularly noteworthy; over one million cruise visitors contributed about $73 million in spending, despite not requiring accommodations like hotels or flights. The city’s tourism industry is not only a major source of revenue but also a vital component of local employment, with approximately 71% of all jobs in Key West sustained by tourism.

1. Miami, Florida 

Insider Monkey Score: 1.0

Miami, Florida tops the list for being the most tropical city in the US. Tourism is a cornerstone of Miami’s economy, with the city being the second most visited in the United States after New York City. In 2022, Miami’s tourism industry generated over $25 billion in annual revenue, supporting approximately 146,800 jobs, which accounted for 11.4% of the total employment in Miami-Dade County. The city attracted 10.4 million domestic overnight visitors and 4.7 million international visitors in the same year.

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Disclosure. None: The 25 Most Tropical Cities in the US is originally published on Insider Monkey.