14 Most Beautiful Islands you should Visit

There are many offshore destinations in the U.S that stand out for a cool breeze vacation. Islands are the best couple or family getaway destination because of their exotic culture, exciting food, and importantly, the tranquil environment. 

In this article, we will highlight a few of the most beautiful islands you should visit here in the United States. The list is not exhaustive as there are too many beautiful islands – these are just the popular ones. best time to visit maine

1) Maui, Hawaii

Aloha!

Hawaii has a dozen islands that are quite stunning. However, if we were to compare, the queen of them all will definitely have to be Maui Island. Catch the sunrise at Haleakala national park – believed to be sacred. This is the same location where the tallest dormant volcano exists. There is a lot of spectacles.  Visit the Molokini Crater, which is the only marine sanctuary in the state of Hawaii.

There is plenty not to forget the Forest coastal drives, waterfalls, historic sites, and beautiful volcano mountains. Maui Island is a winner – hands down.

2) South Bass Island (found in Lake Erie), Ohio

There are several Islands on Lake Erie, but South Bass Island, home to the Put-In-Bay, stands out. Put-In-Bay is an Ohio village on South Bass Island in Lake Erie and a popular tourist destination during the summer. It’s a beautiful island, with lots of memories to be made –especially family fun getaways.

Popular attraction sites when you visit Put-In-Bay include; a 352 feet monument above Lake Erie called Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial, the butterfly house that boasts of hundreds of huge Costa Rican butterflies, Perry’s Cave & Family Center, an interesting small cave with an underground lake. 

According to Put-in-Bay Golf Carts, a reputable company that offers golf cart rental services to travelers, the most convenient and preferred way to get around in this island is golf carts. So, get ready to hire one and enjoy the cool breeze as you travel from one attraction site to another. 

3) Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

This is a popular destination for those with a brand name in the societies. We are talking about socialites, celebrities, affluent locals, and political bigwigs – the Clintons and Obamas have vacationed here.

The Island has a rich history and boasts of pure scenic beauty – throughout its six towns. The hospitality is excellent, food tastes great.  There are several historic mansions and food markets that are worth the visit.

4) Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

While the resort town boasts world-class golf courses, it’s unfortunate that the PGA tour is not hosted here. Yes, and the southern hospitality here is excellent.

This Island is known for its beautiful wildlife such as sea turtles, alligators, dolphins, and egrets. The white sandy beaches are a gem.

Apart from the beautiful resorts, there are world-class shopping centers, restaurants, and culture to experience.

5) Mackinac Island, Michigan

This 3.8 miles of floating land has a population of about 500 people. There are no cars on the Island – lots of horse buggies around.

The Island has a 1900 feel with monumental historic hotels ready to serve tourists with their wealth-tasting meals. The population might be small, but the town is beaming with life.

6) Catalina Island, California

Catalina Island or Santa Catalina is a beautiful island just off the coast of Los Angeles, California.

A tourist can engage in lots of adventurous stuff from parasailing, sunbathing, whale watching, dolphins, and shopping for souvenirs.

You can navigate the Island using a rental golf cart – expect buzzing golf cart traffic. 90% of the Island remains a rugged preserve. This makes the wildlife there to thrive.

7) San Juan Islands, Washington

Taking a quick ferry or flight to the Island, you will be mesmerized by the Archipelago beauty. Expect to find beautiful subalpine forests, reef-studded bays, and rocky beaches on this Island.

There is a lot to exploit from the thriving art scenes on the Island, the Pelindaba lavender farm, beaches, vineyards, whale watching, and pacific style meals, among others.

8) Amelia Island, Florida

This Island is the most idyllic, boasting palm tree-lined and clear blue waters that meet white sand beaches. Get an up-close look at alligators and manatees when you take a river cruise.

Interestingly, Amelia Island is one of the few islands in the U.S that allows horseback riding on the beach. The Island is famous for a turbulent history. Nevertheless, the Island offers a tranquil environment for ant tourist.

9) Sea Island, Georgia

Sea Island is part of Georgia’s Golden Isles and offers world-class luxury and the best in the United States.

The beach view tranquility combined with deliciously served meals makes you wish you never have to leave. The best hotel on the Island and an expensive one at that is the Cloister at Sea land. The luxurious services offered is exceptionally tremendous and worth the colossal dollar charged.

10) Mount Desert Island, Maine

The Island features a rugged coastline. Noticeably, the Island has s dense forest. Consequently, the Cadillac mountains found in the Acadia national park is the most popular hiking destination.

The Bar Harbor town is the main attraction with restaurants and shops. Here you can have lobsters, which is a popular meal on the Island.

11) Kodiak Island, Alaska

This is the second-largest Island here in the United States. Hawaii’s Big Island is the largest – even the name suggests it is.

Kodiak town is a fisher friendly town with a vast backyard that boasts of pristine lakes and a river full of salmons. The Island’s terrain is rugged, with glacial valleys full of elks.

12) Fire Island, New York

This Island is excellent if you want to get away from the city life and urban brands.

There are no paved roads, and consequently no cars here. You will hardly find any development along the parklands, which is a protected shore.

This Island is pristine and kept that way without development to protect its heritage and history.

13) Ocracoke Island, North Carolina — and Norfolk, Virginia

This Island is where the plane was invented. The wright brothers called its outer banks home.

The Island is not as easy terrain to navigate and takes a lot of effort to reach specific places – there are no bridges or crowds. If you want to put your life on a blissful pause, then this Island is the destination of choice. It’s a pirate town – mostly imposters having fun. You can rent a bicycle to navigate through the Island.

14) Block Island, Rhode Island

Escape into a more natural, quieter setting at Block Island and explore nature. Go on a hiking trail and visit natural preserves.

The Mohegan Bluffs is a fantastic place to check out the coastline. 

Wrap Up

These are just a few of the popular Islands. However, there are a dozen of other islands that offer a tranquil environment. Perhaps the most popular from the above list is Put-In-Bay, which can be considered the only “great lake island” on the listing. You can check Put-in-Bay tourist information online if you plan to spend some time on the island.