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The 15 Most Breathtaking Islands in the United States

08/02/2023

IT'S ISLAND LIFE in the United States

For travelers in love with paradise-like islands, you don't have to go far. This country brims with countless destinations to discover, each with its unique features and attractions. You can find islands in the United States with pristine beaches, forests, breathtaking cliffs, and whales to marvel at in their natural habitat. You can choose between the islands of Maine, with their mountains and sea stacks, or those of the Virgin Islands, with their turquoise waters and Caribbean culture.

Here is a short guide to the 15 Island destinations for an unforgettable experience.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Some of these islands are also perfect for winter getaways such as Key West, Puerto Rico, and St John's.

(1) O’ahu (Hawaii)

Hawaii is one of the most sought-after destinations for a beach holiday in the U.S. These Pacific islands are brimming with palm trees, beaches, and attractions. Oʻahu, the most visited one, offers the capital Honolulu, famous beaches (like Waikiki), hiking trails (like Diamond Head), and shave-ice stands. Waterfall enthusiasts, skyscraper admirers, city lovers, and surfers will find their paradise here. You can come in a group or alone (maybe with a surfboard) and enjoy one of the island's public beaches in peace.

(2) Puerto Rico (U.S. Territory)

Puerto Rico is a captivating island, where one can discover historical sites, cultural events, and natural landscapes. The capital, San Juan, is the starting point for exploring its heritage and rich nightlife, with the Santurce neighborhood as the primary hangout spot. Here you can savor the famous piña coladas invented at the Caribe Hilton hotel in 1954. Nature lovers can visit the El Yunque rainforest, where parrots, frogs, and wild hawks can be admired. Beach lovers can relish the clear waters and breathtaking sunsets.

(3) Santa Catalina (California)

Santa Catalina is one of the most enchanting islands in the United States, right next to Los Angeles. Here you can holiday like a Hollywood star (following in Marilyn Monroe's footsteps). The place can be reached by ferry from Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point, and it's possible to visit its two towns, Avalon and Two Harbors, in various ways: by bicycle, golf cart, or on foot. On the island, you can partake in various water activities, such as paragliding, glass-bottom boating, and wildlife spotting (sea lions, dolphins, and whales). On land, you can admire the palms, ride the Island Mountain Railway (the historic funicular,) and enjoy the famous brunch at Mt Ada.

(4) Martha’s Vineyard (Massachusetts)

Martha’s Vineyard is the perfect island for a seaside holiday in the U.S. Located in New England, close to Cape Cod, this beautiful outpost (much loved by Martha Stewart, even if she has nothing to do with the name) has an enchanting atmosphere, with summer parties and public beaches. The island is divided into two zones: "up-island" and "down-island." The "down-island" hosts Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, complete with shops, bars, and restaurants of every kind. It also features Joseph Sylvia State Beach, famous for being the backdrop of the movie "Jaws". In the "up-island", you can marvel at the splendid Aquinnah Cliffs, rocks of beautiful red-orange color.

(5) St. John (U.S. Virgin Islands)

The U.S. Virgin Islands are a paradise composed of St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, plus dozens of tiny dream-like islets. All three main locations boast tasty restaurants, year-round warm weather, and beaches of indescribable beauty. St. John is undoubtedly the best for nature lovers: its vast Virgin Island National Park covers two-thirds of the island and enthralls with its historical ruins, adventurous hiking trails, and even an underwater trail for snorkeling at Trunk Bay. The American Virgin Islands are beloved for their Caribbean magic, rum-based cocktails, and radiant sun.

(6) Outer Banks (North Carolina)

In the quaint Outer Banks of North Carolina, the Wright brothers made their groundbreaking first flight in 1903 at Kill Devil Hills. Today, these peripheral but delightful barrier islands continue to be a place of interesting history and one of the best seaside destinations in the U.S., as quoted in numerous local magazines. Top activities in the Outer Banks include hang gliding at Jockey’s Ridge, visiting the largest sand dune on the East Coast, and a trip to Cape Hatteras to climb the tallest brick lighthouse in North America.

(7) Mackinac Island (Michigan)

Mackinac Island in Michigan is a unique U.S. island without cars, especially suited for families. Eighty percent of the island forms the protected Mackinac Island Park and is well-preserved thanks to its scarce resident population. The island is rich with boutique shops, colorful facades, and centuries-old accommodations. One of these properties is the Grand Hotel, which has amazed residents and visitors since 1887 (rumored to have the world's longest porch). Since cars were banned in 1898, tourists will have to explore this Victorian-style island on foot, by bike, or even by horse or carriage!

(8) Kauai Island (Hawaii)

Kauai is famous for its rich biodiversity: its legendary mountainous coastline has starred in over a hundred movies including “Jurassic Park”. Kauai hosts the spectacular Waimea Canyon State Park, a colorful natural wonder that has been dubbed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”. Kauai is the coldest place where cocoa trees can grow, which typically thrive only in humid equatorial climates, thus earning the nickname "North Pole of Cocoa". A helicopter tour over its cinematic cliffs is an unforgettable experience every traveler dreams of.

(9) San Juan Islands (Washington)

The San Juan Islands of Washington are perfect for seaside getaways in the U.S. Hidden between three large cities (Vancouver BC, Victoria BC, and Seattle), they are a hub of outdoor activities and nightlife. Many come to spot the black and white orcas residing in the archipelago year-round. Fishing expeditions, sailing trips, hiking, and scenic beauties along the San Juan Islands scenic byway keep visitors busy. Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan are the three main island destinations. In the latter, one can head to Friday Harbor on any day of the week; it's the only incorporated town in the archipelago with a collection of boutiques, bookshops, cultural centers, and a museum dedicated to the region's starring mammal.

(10) Vieques (Near Puerto Rico)

Vieques, an island about 6 miles off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico, is a great choice for your itinerary. More than half of the island is a national park, where a population of horses roams freely; the island offers hiking, biking, and even turtle-spotting expeditions. For those short on time, it's recommended to stay in Mosquito Bay: one of Puerto Rico's three bioluminescent bays, officially certified by the Guinness World Records in 2006 as the brightest on the planet. A guided kayak tour along the bay, where plankton-rich waters sparkle and dazzle, will provide visitors with an authentic symphony of lights.

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ISLANDS IN THE UNITED STATES: THE MAP

(11) Hilton Head (South Carolina)

Hilton Head is a U.S. island located 45 minutes from Savannah, just off the coast of South Carolina. The main characters of Hilton Head are beach lovers drawn to its long soft sand beach, golfers who appreciate its over 20-course golf court, and cyclists attracted by its extensive nature trails equipped for shared use and public paths. It is recommended not to leave the island without taking a look at the red and white striped Harbour Town lighthouse, whose 114 steps upward offer splendid panoramic views of the Lowcountry.

(12) Key West (Florida)

“It’s the best place I’ve ever been,” said Ernest Hemingway about Key West. Closer to Havana than Miami, the city is the southernmost point in the United States. The historic downtown is a pleasure to discover on foot with a myriad of beautiful Victorian buildings. Mallory Square and the adjacent Sunset Pier are the places to be for those who do not want to miss the daily date with a dreamy sunset. And for Hemingway fans, the author’s former home is a must-see attraction in Florida. One can spend an afternoon visiting the Hemingway Home & Museum or enjoy a Hemingway-inspired drink in one of the four bars at the Southernmost Beach Resort.

(13) Mount Desert Island (Maine)

Acadia National Park, which is primarily located on Mount Desert Island (the largest island in Maine), is one of the best seaside locations in the U.S. Here, you can participate in a treasure hunt to spot bears, moose, coyotes, and lynxes, spend days and days kayaking, climbing cliffs, cycling, and hiking the park's famous peaks (for some months of the year, Cadillac Mountain is the first place in the U.S. where the sun rises). When looking for food, you can taste lobster in all its forms in one of the island's coastal villages like Bar Harbor and Northeast Harbor, or embark on a beautiful sunset cruise.

(14) Nantucket (Massachusetts)

Nantucket, located off the coast of Cape Cod, is a popular summer destination in New England. Here, you can enjoy delicious seafood, stroll through the charming cobbled central district, and admire the Whaling Museum which offers a glimpse into Nantucket's past (the world capital of whaling - thankfully now banned for years). You can bike around the island to discover your favorite coffee shop, stop by an oyster restaurant, or relax on the beach. From 2022, sunbathing topless is allowed for everyone on all Nantucket beaches, so sun lovers can take advantage of this. If you're interested in learning to surf, beginners can turn to the Nantucket Island Surf School.

(15) Maui (Hawaii)

Maui is the second-largest location in Hawaii and one of the most beautiful islands in the U.S. It's a magnificent mosaic of volcanic beaches, spectacular waterfalls, fascinating towns (like Pāʻia and Lāhainā), stylish oceanfront resorts, and cutting-edge restaurants. Attractions include the multi-tiered 'Ohe'o Gulch pools and Haleakalā, the largest dormant volcano in the world. Many choose to admire the island's panoramic offerings while driving the Road to Hana, a long route composed of 59 bridges, 620 curves, and captivating seaside landscapes. Those looking for less adrenaline can simply relax on Maui's beaches in hues of gold, black, and even rust-red.