Beaches are beautiful, but there’s something about being surrounded on all sides by water that makes an island feel even more spectacular than a typical beachfront. While we certainly wouldn’t discourage you from traveling far and wide to experience the best islands in the world, you might be surprised to learn that the U.S. has its fair share of gorgeous islands to visit, no visa required.
And no, we’re not just talking about Hawaii. It turns out, where there is water, there may also be islands, and humans have long looked at these remote places and thought, “Let’s live there!” Lucky us, too, because it’s given us everything from luxury resort hotspots to rustic camping-only getaways.
Whether it’s just off the coast of Georgia, a ferry ride away in Washington or a long-haul flight to the middle of the Pacific, here are some places you can take the island vacation you’ve always dreamed of… without leaving the United States.
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A version of this post was originally published June 2018.
Orcas Island, Washington
The largest island in the San Juan Islands of Washington, Orcas Island has a charming small-town feel with several eateries and hotels to choose from in the main village of Eastsound. Go inland to hike Mount Constitution, excellent hiking with views of the Olympics and Mount Baker, or peruse the pristine beaches and keep an eye out for the local summer whales in the distance.
Where we suggest staying: This gorgeous home is perfect for families because it sleeps up to 6 people and it has stunning waterfront views. Plus, it only costs $236 per night.
Sanibel and Captiva Islands, Florida
These barrier islands off Florida’s Gulf Coast are genuinely surprising in their peacefulness — and yet not far at all from the city of Fort Myers (and, conveniently, its airport). Sanibel and Captiva have some of the best shelling (that’s seashell-hunting-and-gathering for the uninitiated, and yes, it’s a thing and a verb) in the world, largely due to the islands’ unique east-west orientation in the Gulf. This is where renowned writer and aviator Anne Morrow Lindbergh came to stay in the mid-20th-century for the ideal in solo travel and heart-healing — and you can, too.
Where we suggest staying: This family-friendly home has stunning beach views, a swimming pool and at only $239 per night, it’s a total bargain.
Santa Catalina Island, California
At 22 miles long and 8 miles across, Santa Catalina isn’t a huge island, but it packs a beautiful punch. There’s only one city on Santa Catalina, Avalon, but it contains several hotels, shops and restaurants. Take a zip line eco tour or dolphin cruise or just take a relaxing scenic drive around the island.
Where we suggest staying: You won’t find a better oceanfront villa than this gorgeous home that sleeps 6. Every room has oceanfront views and the home includes several resort-quality amenities. The prices averages about $660 per night.
Channel Islands National Park, California
Technically, Santa Catalina Island is part of the Channel Islands, but here we’re talking about the Channel Islands National Park, which offers absolutely stunning views and pristine waters. Be ready to really get cozy with nature, though — the island doesn’t contain any lodging besides camping facilities, and you’ll need to bring in all your own food.
Where we suggest staying: It doesn’t get more oceanfront than this luxurious and romantic home. Situated just a few feet from the beach, thie getaway sleeps 6 and costs around $595 per night.
Fire Island, New York
Fire Island is a barrier island off the shore of Long Island, and the permanent population is just 292 — but of course, the summer brings in lots of visitors. There are no paved roads on the island, making it a quiet, beautiful area with several choices for hotels, motels or resorts to stay at. You can get around by walking, biking or taking a golf cart.
Where we suggest staying: Situated in the heart of Ocean Bay Park, this quaint home sleeps 4 and is pet-friendly. The best part? It only costs about $165 per night.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Not all islands are oceanic — Mackinac Island is located in Lake Huron. At 3.8 square miles, it’s a tiny place, but it’s full of things to do. Take a ferry over to the island and stay at one of the 1,500 resorts. Take a bike ride to view the incredible mixture of architecture, from Victorian style to Gothic Revival, Greek Revival and Richardson Romanesque to the oldest on the island, 19th-century Native American structures.
Where we suggest staying: This home looks like something out of a fairytale and it’s perfect for big families because it sleeps up to 10 people. At just $300 per night, you won’t find a cozier home on the whole island.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Thirty miles south of Cape Cod by ferry, Nantucket is a National Historic Landmark District — oh, and island — in Massachusetts. If you’re fascinated by 18th- and 19th-century maritime New England towns, this is the island for you. Check out the island’s lighthouses, beautiful beaches and historic museums as well as it’s thriving theater and arts scene.
Where we suggest staying: You’d expect a luxury cottage to cost a fortune but this home, with its stunning harbor views, only costs $364 per night.
Mount Desert Island, Maine
At 108 square miles, Mount Desert Island is the sixth-largest island in the contiguous U.S., and Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the island, is the first place in the continental U.S. to see the sunrise every morning. Acadia National Park is a strong attraction for the island, but it’s also home to several small towns, like Bar Harbor, Northeast Harbor, Southwest Harbor and Bass Harbor.
Where we suggest staying: This home provides all of the modern amenities you want in a vacation home, nestled in some of Maine’s most gorgeous mountains. And at $190 per night, it’s a total steal.
Hilton Head, South Carolina
As a barrier island 20 miles northeast of Savannah, Georgia, Hilton Head offers 12 miles of beaches, 33 golf resorts and more than 250 restaurants. If you’re looking for a luxury island getaway, this will do it for you. Be on the lookout for wildlife too — alligators, sea turtles, manatees, dolphins and hundreds of species of birds all call the island home.
Where we suggest staying: Vacation rentals in Hilton Head can easily cost $800+ per night. But you’ll only have to pay $190 per night in this gorgeous three-bedroom villa that sleeps 8 people and is a two-minute walk from the beach.
Jekyll Island, Georgia
One of four islands of the Golden Isles of Georgia, Jekyll Island is part solid ground and part tidal marshland. A causeway allows cars to drive onto the island. Tour the maritime forest, kayak with dolphins and meander around Driftwood Beach, where numerous bleached and preserved trees create a surprising landscape.
Where we suggest staying: Book this home and you’re just seven quick minutes away from the beach. For $275 per night, you get this entire four-bedroom home with a resort-style swimming pool.
Padre Island, Texas
The largest of the Texas barrier islands at 113 miles long and 1.8 miles wide, Padre Island is also the second-largest island in the contiguous U.S. (after Long Island). Watch the sunset from Bob Hall Pier, revel in the Padre Island National Seashore or go bay or deep-sea fishing in the waters that surround the island.
Where we suggest staying: A beachfront home doesn’t have to cost a fortune. This condo is only $275 per night and sleeps 8 people.
Kodiak Island, Alaska
Islands aren’t just about sandy beaches. Kodiak Island in Alaska is as much about whale watching and salmon fishing as it is about bear viewing and gazing upon gorgeous glacially carved mountains. Looking for fossils at Fossil Beach and spotting buffalo are popular activities too.
Where we suggest staying: This cabin has it all — close to downtown, gorgeous ocean and mountain views and it will only set you back about $200 per night.
Maui, Hawaii
You can’t talk about U.S. islands without talking about Hawaii. Although you’re unlikely to forget about this gorgeous American gem, it’s worth reminding that you don’t need any fancy visas to visit the beautiful islands. Hike the dormant Haleakala volcano, drive the incredibly scenic Highway 360, and snorkel in the beautifully clear ocean waters.
Where we suggest staying: When you think about Hawaii, you probably think about the outrageous prices you find there. But do enough digging and you can find hidden gems that are super affordable. This oceanfront condo sleeps 6 and only costs $289 per night. It’s almost too good to be true!
St. John, US Virgin Islands
Hawaii gets a lot of attention, but fewer people remember that the U.S. claimed it’s own part of the Caribbean in 1917. Saint John is the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, and a full 60 percent of it is national parkland. Snorkeling, horseback riding and learning about the island’s colonial history are all popular activities. The island is still recovering from 2017’s Hurricane Irma, but most of the tourism industry — like hotel rooms, airport arrivals and cruise ships — is up and running again.
Where we suggest staying: If you want views, this condo has them all. Just open your door and gaze at Sir Francis Drake Channel, the Caribbean and the luscious valley of Coral Bay. It costs $310 per night and sleeps 4.
American Samoa
Another underrated island that’s part of the U.S.: American Samoa. These emerald islands are steeped in history and culture, and the islands lack a massive tourism industry, leaving them feeling relatively uncrowded and fresh. Go diving in the National Marine Sanctuary, snorkel in lagoons and sample traditional Samoan foods like palusami, which is a coconut and onion filling wrapped in taro leaves.
Where we suggest staying: Finding a place to stay here is tricky. Luckily, the Tradewinds Hotel is a great option. It has a restaurant, gorgeous pool and a 5-minute drive to the golf course.
Marco Island, Florida
A barrier island off the coast of Florida, it’s also the largest island in Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands area. Enjoy the white sand beaches, where you may spot leaping dolphins in the water. Fishing and golf are popular activities for vacationers, and there are dozens of luxury hotel options. Or go the rustic route and lay your head down at one of the campgrounds on the island.
Where we suggest staying: Water views and a tiki bar? Sign us up! This home only costs $200 per night but features a huge pool and yes, its very own tiki bar. It sleeps 8 people.
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