It’s a common belief that you need to travel outside of the country to enjoy an island experience. Who wouldn’t jump at the opportunity to visit the Bahamas, Tahiti, or Ibiza? Traveling to an island is a dream many people have.
When it comes to an island paradise, the United States can compete with the best of them, except a passport or travel visa isn’t required. All you have to do is hop in your car and drive to one (or more) of these fabulous destinations.
Amelia Island, Florida
In Northeast Florida, you’ll find Amelia Island and its 13 miles of white sand beaches that beckon all sunbathers and swimmers. If you time your visit between May and October, you can watch the sea turtles during their annual nesting season.
Travel + Leisure magazine readers voted it 8th of the “Best Islands in the Continental United States” and for good reason. The top-notch hospitality, sustainable tourism practices, and pristine environment combine to make Amelia Island a leading destination.
Assateague Island, Maryland
A barrier island shared by Maryland and Virginia, Assateague Island practically calls for outdoor activities. On the water that includes clamming, fishing, and kayaking. On the land you can observe deer, birds, and wild horses in their natural habitats.
After you’ve enjoyed your busy day on the island, you can set up camp. If you like camping or glamping, you can pitch your tent on the beach. You can also bring your recreational vehicle or trailer. There are even two dedicated horse camps.
Chincoteague Island, Virginia
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can travel across Assateague Island in Maryland into Chincoteague Island in Virginia. This part of the barrier island also has a lot to offer, especially if you’re a fan of nature and being outdoors.
Chincoteague Island hosts a number of family-friendly activities, like the annual Chincoteague Pony Swim, the Chincoteague Blueberry Festival, and the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company Carnival. The island isn’t too far from cities in Maryland and Virginia, not to mention Washington, D.C.
Coronado Island, California
Catalina Island and Santa Barbara are among some of the most famous Golden State islands, but that makes Coronado Island all that more special. Coronado Island may be just across the bay in San Diego, but it’s a different world from the city.
Ride on a Venetian-style gondola to see the island from the water, or hop on the Island Express for door-to-door transit to various places of interest, at no charge. You may even spot the Coronado Island mermaid!
Galveston Island, Texas
Texas may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think about vacationing on an island, but when you hear about Galveston Island, you’ll change your mind. The 32 miles of beaches and fresh from the ocean seafood will make you want to book your next vacation there.
Fishing enthusiasts can practice their craft from jetties, a park, or a couple of piers. If you’re interested in other athletic pursuits, you can take a running tour of the island, or participate in sunrise yoga on the beach. Of course, you can always lounge on the beach.
Jekyll Island, Georgia
One of the terrific things distinguishing Jekyll Island from other islands is that it’s the location of the only rehabilitation facility educational center for sea turtles in the state of Georgia. Seeing the turtles nesting and diamondback terrapins crossing is a unique opportunity.
Weekends at Jekyll Island mean the chance to visit the Summer Waves Water Park. The park features exciting attractions like the epic Pirate’s Passage, Force 3, and Man o’ War waterslides. There’s also a surf shop and a restaurant on site.
Kiawah Island, South Carolina
With 10 miles of beaches, five golf courses, and a wide range of activities, Kiawah Island is everything you could possibly look for in an island getaway. Stand-up paddleboarding, tandem kayaking, and learning to surf are just a few of the things you can do beachside.
The island is located in South Carolina’s Lowcountry, and its rich culture can be found in the local cuisine. As you expect, fresh seafood is on the menu practically everywhere you go, but the real gem is authentic Lowcountry food like shrimp and grits.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
An island doesn’t need palm trees to be an amazing vacation destination, and Mackinac Island is proof of that. It’s a standout for many reasons, including the fact that its streets have been free of cars for more than 100 years. To access the island, you park on the outskirts and take the ferry.
This car-free environment is perfect for riding bicycles or for taking a ride in a horse drawn carriage. The diverse neighborhoods on the island are ideal for sightseeing. The green spaces of Surrey Hill and the views from Stonecliffe are made for picture taking.
Marco Island, Florida
For a laid back beach trip full of sun and surf, a visit to Marco Island is just what the doctor ordered. The tropical lands are home to hundreds of species of birds, including American bald eagles, and the blue seas are populated by lively dolphins.
Families will appreciate all of the kid friendly attractions Marco Island has to offer, including parks, resorts that are tailored for children, and dolphin tours. Dog parents are also welcome to bring their fur kids to places like Canine Cove dog park.
Mount Desert Island, Maine
Acadia National Park is located on Mount Desert Island, but that’s not the island’s only reason to visit. There’s approximately 10,000 people living and thriving on the island, and those numbers increase with summer residents like Martha Stewart.
The island is home to communities such as Bar Harbor, Bass Harbor, Northeast Harbor, and Southwest Harbor, each with its own distinctive attributes, such as numerous campgrounds, ice cream shops, art galleries, and one-of-a-kind boutiques.
Orcas Island, Washington
One of the San Juan Islands is Orcas Island, located off the coast of Washington State. As the name implies, when you’re on the water, there is a strong likelihood that you’ll see one or more orcas, as well as other whale species
From the beginning of May through the end of September, you can embark on an orca only tour, with a 98% success rate of seeing an orca. From March through November, you can go on an orca and whale tour with a 99% chance of seeing any type of whale and a 75% chance of seeing orcas.
Tybee Island, Georgia
Not too far from Savannah, Georgia is Tybee island, a city that’s a welcome change of pace from the normal daily rush of life, no matter what time of year you visit. The places to see and things to do are plentiful.
Watch a film at the Tybee Post Theater, catch amazing views of the land and sea from the Tybee Light Station & Museum, and get acquainted with marine life at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center. Those are only the beginning of the experiences awaiting your arrival.