22 Best Islands To Visit Without Leaving The U.S.
Craving an island getaway but don’t want the hassle of international travel? Good news: you don’t need a passport to escape to paradise.
The U.S. is home to some truly stunning islands—each offering a different vibe, from laid-back beach towns to lush nature preserves and culturally rich communities. I’ve put together a list of 22 incredible American islands that deliver far more than just sand and sun.
Think historic streets, scenic hikes, mouthwatering local eats, and hidden beaches that feel a world away from the mainland. Ready to uncover a new side of America you didn’t know existed? Let’s dive in.
1. Kaua‘i Adventure, Hawaii
Did you ever picture a place where emerald valleys meet secret waterfalls? Kaua‘i’s wild beauty pulls me in, from its misty cliffs to sunlit canyons. Each hike along the Napali Coast feels like stepping onto another planet.
The island’s gentle breezes bring a sense of calm. Friendly locals share tales about ancient legends over poke bowls.
I find joy kayaking the Wailua River, where rainbows seem almost common. The adventure here isn’t just in the scenery, but in every welcoming smile and quiet sunrise.
2. Key West, Florida
How can you resist a place where chickens roam free and the sunset draws a nightly crowd? Key West, at the tip of Florida, oozes quirky charm. Hemingway’s old house stands guarded by six-toed cats.
It isn’t all parties—hidden alleyways whisper stories from the past.
I once tried a slice of key lime pie here that made me rethink dessert. The salty breeze, Conch music, and pastel homes make wandering every block a treasure hunt.
3. San Juan Island, Washington
When orcas surface offshore and the salty air tingles, I know I’m somewhere unforgettable. San Juan Island is a wonder, where wildflowers and whales greet you in equal measure.
Are local artists painting seascapes or selling fresh lavender at the market? Both!
Evenings bring cider tastings, and sometimes, the soft hush of fog rolling in. It’s a landscape that feels both rugged and gentle, all at once.
4. Moloka‘i Culture, Hawaii
With fewer visitors, Moloka‘i lets me step into a slower rhythm. Tall sea cliffs tower above secluded beaches, but it’s the spirit of aloha that lingers most.
Where do locals learn hula? Right on the grass, music drifting through the air.
Old traditions are alive here—fishing, farming, storytelling by firelight. Every day feels like a gentle lesson in island living, where community ties mean everything.
5. Mackinac Island, Michigan
If fudge and bicycles sound dreamy, Mackinac is your fantasy come true. No cars rumble here—just the clip-clop of horses and laughter from passing bikers.
Did you know locals pride themselves on their fudge-making skills? I taste-test every flavor.
Lilac blooms and grand hotels transport me to a bygone era. The air feels crisp off Lake Huron, perfect for a picnic beneath old trees.
6. Mount Desert Island, Maine
Where mountains touch the sea, Mount Desert Island offers irresistible drama. Acadia’s rugged trails wind through mossy woods and granite peaks.
I savor fresh lobster rolls on a chilly dock, seagulls wheeling overhead.
The changing light paints every cove and lighthouse in new colors. Sunrise on Cadillac Mountain makes me feel like I’m the first to greet the day.
7. Catalina Island, California
It’s easy to feel like a movie star on Catalina. Glass-bottom boats cruise over kelp forests, and the air smells faintly of salt and eucalyptus.
Did you spot bison roaming the hills? I did, and learned they’re descendants of movie extras!
Avalon’s art deco casino glows at dusk, while the harbor buzzes with visitors. Every day here sparkles with a little Hollywood magic.
8. Anna Maria Island, Florida
If slow afternoons and barefoot walks sound appealing, Anna Maria Island might steal your heart. Pastel cottages line quiet streets where kids peddle ice cream bikes.
Sometimes I watch dolphins playing right from the pier. The sunshine never feels rushed.
Fresh grouper sandwiches from beachside shacks taste better with sandy toes. This place reminds me that simple moments can be the most magical.
9. Orcas Island, Washington
Where green hills tumble into calm bays, Orcas Island feels like the Pacific Northwest’s best-kept secret. Locals wave from farm stands and cozy bookshops.
Did you know you can hike up Mount Constitution for sweeping views of distant islands? I promise it’s worth every step.
The air smells of cedar and salt. Evenings call for fresh blackberry pie and stories by the fireplace.
10. Amelia Island, Florida
When I wander Fernandina’s cobblestone streets, Amelia Island’s old soul comes alive. Moss-draped oaks and Victorian homes create a mood that’s easy to love.
Fresh shrimp boats line the harbor, their hauls destined for southern feasts.
How does it feel riding horseback at sunrise along the beach? Magical—soft sand beneath me, the ocean a gentle soundtrack.
11. Big Island, Hawaii
Though lava flows still shape the land, the Big Island pulses with energy. I watch red-hot rivers of magma illuminate night skies, feeling nature’s power up close.
Are snow-capped peaks normal in Hawaii? Here, yes—Mauna Kea towers above tropical valleys below.
Coffee farms, black sand beaches, and waterfalls are never far away. This island’s contrasts thrill me every visit.
12. Block Island, Rhode Island
If windswept bluffs feel like freedom, Block Island is for you. Wildflowers and stone walls hug winding roads, leading to secret coves.
I love the soft screech of gulls circling the old lighthouse. Biking here makes me feel like I’m in a storybook.
Did you know? The island’s Great Salt Pond once sheltered pirates. History and nature meet on every path.
13. Lopez Island, Washington
Where small farms and big skies meet, Lopez Island creates a welcoming retreat. Cyclists wave as they pedal quiet roads lined with wild roses.
I join in potluck dinners at the community center—everyone brings a dish and a smile.
The beaches feel uncrowded even in summer, with seals bobbing offshore. Peace comes naturally here, mixed with the sound of laughter.
14. South Padre Island, Texas
This island comes alive when the sun’s out and the Gulf breeze picks up. South Padre is famous for wild spring breaks, though I prefer its quieter mornings.
Where can you spot dolphins leaping from the surf? Right from the shore, if you’re lucky.
Fresh tacos, beach volleyball, and sunsets over the bay bring everyone together. Sand between my toes feels like summer itself.
15. St. Simons Island, Georgia
How would it feel to climb a lighthouse and see green marshes for miles? On St. Simons, history shares space with hidden beaches and old live oaks.
I wander through village squares where locals chat over sweet iced tea.
There’s always a porch swing or a bike to borrow. Evenings end with stories about pirates and Spanish moss.
16. Hilton Head, South Carolina
Golfers flock here for a reason, though I find Hilton Head’s beaches equally captivating. Miles of bike paths wind through pine forests toward the sand.
Resorts offer every comfort, but the best moments come from shrimp boils and barefoot walks at dusk.
Ospreys soar overhead, and the ocean’s hush invites quiet reflection. Sometimes, simple pleasures outshine luxury.
17. Tybee Island, Georgia
Where the Savannah River meets the sea, Tybee Island radiates coastal charm. I stroll past cheerful cottages painted every color of the rainbow.
Pelicans skim the surf as I hunt for seashells with sandy fingers.
The lighthouse stands proud, catching the first light of day. Tybee’s easygoing vibe makes every visit feel like a homecoming.
18. Ocracoke Island, North Carolina
Are wild ponies real? On Ocracoke, I spot them grazing near sand dunes almost daily. The ferry ride in sets the adventure tone.
Narrow lanes lead to a cozy harbor, where sailors trade stories at sunset.
I always find a hidden beach to myself. The lighthouse, weathered but proud, feels like the island’s steadfast guardian.
19. Jekyll Island, Georgia
How did millionaires build winter homes here? Jekyll’s story is written in its grand cottages and shaded bike trails.
Driftwood Beach, with its twisted trees, feels almost enchanted at dusk.
I love searching tide pools for tiny crabs while egrets stalk nearby. The island’s quiet beauty always has a touch of mystery.
20. Lanai Seclusion, Hawaii
If privacy is paradise, Lanai is my pick. Only a few roads cross this quiet island, where wild deer wander near empty beaches.
Sunrises cast golden light over red cliffs, making mornings feel sacred.
I sip local pineapple juice and watch spinner dolphins leap. Lanai’s peaceful mood seeps into my bones.
21. Bald Head Island, North Carolina
Where else are golf carts the main ride? Bald Head Island leaves cars behind, swapping them for winding trails and marsh views.
The scent of sea grass mingles with salty breezes. I pause to watch egrets in golden light.
Tucked away, this island feels like a secret. Every sunset glows a little brighter here.
22. Fire Island, New York
When summer crowds flock to Fire Island, the boardwalk buzzes with laughter and music. I bike between little villages, sand always sticking to my feet.
Rainbow lifeguard stands beam out over the dunes, inviting everyone to join the scene.
Evenings sparkle with bonfires and distant city lights. The lighthouse keeps watch, as it always has.