Do you ever find yourself dreaming about paradise in Kentucky? Kentucky might not scream Caribbean paradise; however, that’s just because our tropical locales are a bit more under the radar. But the Bluegrass has those tropical vibes, and you’ll find them in some of the most unexpected places. From cerulean lakes and white sand beaches to floating tiki bars and authentic Hawaiian shaved ice, you can absolutely enjoy a relaxing Caribbean paradise this summer… right here in Kentucky!

1. Pine Paradise Resort
Pine Paradise, 394 Peace Lane, Bee Spring, KY 42207, USA
Pine Paradise Resort
For an "all-inclusive tropical resort" type of getaway in the Bluegrass State, there's Pine Paradise. Situated on the banks of Nolin Lake, Pine Paradise is 10 acres of pure summer bliss, featuring calm waters, boat rentals, stunning accommodations, and even a floating tiki bar! If you're pining for tropical places in Kentucky, this is quite literally it!

2. Big Mike's Shaved Ice
Big Mike’s Shaved Ice, 1265 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40204, USA
Big Mike's Shaved Ice/Facebook
This Louisville shaved ice shack has been keeping Kentuckians cool since 2013, dishing out gargantuan cups of this colorful, flavorful frozen dessert to the masses. Whether you’re into classic cherry or blue raspberry, or craving a taste of the tropics à la mango or pineapple, this shaved ice shack in Kentucky will satisfy your every craving -- and make you feel as though you're somewhere warm and tropical.
3. Laurel River Lake
Laurel River Lake, Kentucky, USA
Holly Bay Marina/Facebook
We may not get those famous Caribbean sunsets on a lake in Kentucky -- but what we have is even better. The Bluegrass skies certainly put on a show in the morning and at night, especially at Laurel River Lake. In addition to its spectacular sunsets, Laurel River Lake also has white sand beaches and clear-blue waters that rival anything you'd find in the Caribbean.

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4. Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, 20781 Pennyrile Forest State Park Rd, Dawson Springs, KY 42408, USA
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park/Facebook
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park is simply perfect. This beautiful beachfront attraction in Kentucky boasts pristine, white-sand shores and dazzling turquoise waters. Not only that, but Pennyrile also offers an abundance of water recreation, including fishing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and swimming. It really is a place that will make you feel as though you're on a tropical vacation -- it's home to some of the clearest water in Kentucky!

5. Flamingo Row
2640 Perkins Creek Dr, Paducah, KY 42001, USA
Flamingo Row/Facebook
Escape to an island paradise at Flamingo Row, a fun-filled, tropical-themed restaurant in Paducah. The interior packs a tropical punch with colorful walls, towering palm trees, and flamingos everywhere you look. Some of the tables even have umbrellas, so you'll feel like you're dining at the beach. Order an umbrella-topped drink, close your eyes, and channel those Caribbean vibes!
6. Riverside Marina
Riverside Marina Bar and Grill, 145 Mary Ingles Hwy, Dayton, KY 41074, USA
Management/TripAdvisor
Riverside Marina is a full service location in Dayton, Kentucky, that's a slice of tropical paradise along the Ohio River. The marina has some of the best waterfront dining in Kentucky, too, surrounded by palm trees, a brightly colored marina, and deep blue waters. If you're looking for places to visit in Kentucky in the summer, this is a MUST.
7. Pennyroyal Scuba Center
Pennyroyal Scuba Center, 602 Christian Quarry Rd, Hopkinsville, KY 42240, USA
Pennyroyal Scuba Center Blue Springs Resort Inc./Facebook
Did you know you could go scuba diving in the Bluegrass State? There’s a place in western Kentucky where divers can experience turquoise waters and plenty of adventure. Pennyroyal Scuba Center at Blue Springs Resort in Hopkinsville is a hidden oasis in Kentucky and an epic scuba diving resort that you have to see to believe.

What’s your favorite summer destination in Kentucky? Did you know you could escape to a paradise in Kentucky? The Bluegrass State really is full of wonderful surprises!

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Tropical places near me

Sarah M. | May 16, 2022

What are some tropical-themed bars in Kentucky?

The best tropical-themed bars in Kentucky are:

  • Kon-Tiki on the Levee
  • Benson Marina Restaurant & Willie’s Tiki Bar
  • Black Market Saloon

 

In Newport, Kentucky, there's a little slice of paradise that's a total hidden gem. It's called Kon-Tiki on the Levee, and it is Kentucky's very own tiki bar! In addition to its stellar vistas, this tiki bar is known for two things: delicious libations and incredible, internationally-inspired food. Kon-Tiki's menu includes empanadas from its neighbor, Ché, an Argentinian restaurant that dishes up the best empanadas around. In addition, the frozen drinks here are a veritable ROYGBIV of colorful cocktails and the perfect accompaniment to a spicy empanada. Even when it's a dreary day in the Bluegrass, Kon-Tiki is all island vibes and good times!

What are some fun day trips to take during the summer in Kentucky?

The best fun day trips in Kentucky are:

  • Lincoln Heritage Scenic Byway
  • US 23 Country Music Heritage Museum
  • Wilderness Road Heritage Highway Pine Mountain
  • Red River Gorge Scenic Byway

 

When summer comes around in the Bluegrass State, it’s best to pack up the car and embark on one of the best day trips in Kentucky. If you’re wondering what those epic excursions include, you’ve come to the right place! If you find yourself getting a little restless and looking to try something new, do we have some adventures for you! Kentucky is full of adventure all year long, but especially in the summer, so we’ve rounded up 11 ideas for out-of-this-world day trips you can still take advantage of this summer. If you've been dreaming of some tropical paradises near me in Kentucky, you'll definitely want to check out SUP Kentucky, a stand-up paddleboarding outfitter in the Bluegrass, Awesome Lazy River in Shepherdsville, the cerulean-blue swimming pool Falling Rock Park in LaGrange, and gorgeous KY waterfalls like Dog Slaughter Falls and Cumberland Falls (add in a moonbow, and it truly feels like paradise!).

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