New No.1 Beach Destination in the World

American Travelers Are Choosing the Caribbean

For years, Americans looking for warmer weather and sandy beaches have headed to our East and West Coasts more than any other region of the world. But a new report from Beach.com indicates the Caribbean will be the top beach destination for U.S. travelers this year. In fact, more than one-third of Americans now say the Caribbean islands are their number-one pick for a seaside getaway.

The East Coast of the United States — from Maine down to Miami — still ranks second among all beach regions for American leisure travelers. The West Coast comes next, followed by the Pacific Islands and the Gulf Coast. Even so, this marks the first time the Caribbean has taken the top spot.

According to the Caribbean Tourism Organization, more than 34 million travelers from around the world visited the Caribbean in 2024. Nearly half of them — about 16.8 million — came from the United States.

Why is the region so appealing? It offers a mix of tropical weather, stunning scenery, rich cultural experiences and travel convenience that’s difficult to find within the U.S.

Key Attractions of Caribbean Destinations 

The Caribbean’s tropical climate — with sunshine and warm temperatures most of the year — is a big draw for Americans hoping to escape cold winters. The islands are also well known for their white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise water, colorful coral reefs and lush scenery. All of this creates the perfect setting for relaxing or enjoying outdoor activities like swimming, snorkeling, sailing and scuba diving.

Another major factor behind the Caribbean’s popularity is how close it is to the United States. Many islands are just a few hours away by plane, making them ideal for shorter vacations or even long weekend getaways. Cruise travel also plays a role, with frequent and relatively affordable options that allow visitors to explore several islands in a single trip.

But what truly makes the Caribbean stand out, though, is its vibrant culture. The region reflects influences from African, European, Asian and Indigenous traditions, so visitors enjoy a variety of local music, festivals, cuisine and historic sites. Add in the wide range of lodging — from high-end resorts to budget-friendly motels — it’s easy to see why the Caribbean appeals to so many types of travelers.

Altogether, the Caribbean tourism region includes more than 30 island territories along with several mainland coastal destinations located in the Caribbean Sea and tropical Atlantic.

Caribbean Hotspot Countdown  

Total U.S. Travelers (2025) 
The U.S. remains the source market of Caribbean tourists, sending roughly 16–18 million visitors annually. Here are our ten favorite destinations in reverse order:

10. Curaçao 
~300,000 U.S. Visitors 

9. Cayman Islands 
~370,000 U.S. Visitors 

8. Aruba 
~950,000 U.S. Visitors 
American tourists represent about two-thirds of all arrivals.

6. Jamaica
~2.4 Million U.S. Visitors
Major beach resorts: Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios.

5. U.S. Virgin Islands 
~2.7 Million U.S. Visitors 
No passport required for U.S. citizens visiting St. Thomas, St. John or St. Croix.

4. Dominican Republic 
~3.2 Million U.S. Visitors 
Popular beach regions include Punta Cana and Puerto Plata.

3. Puerto Rico 
~5.5–5.8 Million U.S. Visitors 
Nearly all tourists are Americans because it is a U.S. territory.

2. The Bahamas 
~10.6 Million U.S. Visitors 
About 85% of all tourists are from the United States.

1. Mexico 
You may not think of Mexico as part of the Caribbean, but destinations like Cancún, Playa del Carmen and Tulum are considered part of Mexico’s Caribbean Coast. Last year, roughly 7 million U.S. travelers visited this region by air alone (excluding cruise arrivals).

Hmmmm, where to begin? You could enjoy the nearly perfect weather in Aruba or check out the mix of lively resorts and quiet islands in the Bahamas. Maybe you’d rather relax on the bright, white-sand beaches of Grand Cayman or take in the laid-back luxury of Saint Barthélemy.

But if you’re more interested in discovering a few hidden gems, consider the picks from readers of Travel + Leisure. They ranked Anguilla as the top Caribbean island last year, followed by Dominica, Saint Lucia, Exuma and Eleuthera.

Of course, those are just a handful of the more than 30 incredible destinations across the Caribbean. Do a little research and you’ll likely find one that’s perfect for you.

And remember, every great trip is even better when you choose Joe’s Airport Parking. We’re the convenient, affordable, hassle-free choice of smart LAX travelers. But we also fill up quickly during busy peak periods—so it’s extra smart to book now.