Top places to visit in USA:America’s 23 most beautiful islands
These islands of the United States exhibit incredible diversity. They offer you captivating scenery, local culture, history, and unique flora and fauna.
The differences among these American islands ensure there’s a travel style that suits you. Whether it’s traveling to Kodiak Island in Alaska or enjoying cocktails on the golden beaches of St. John.
23. Assateague Island, Virginia and Maryland

When you are cycling and sunbathing on Assateague Island, you will find horses roaming freely. The homes of two herds of horses can be easily found on the island, and your time here will surely be unique.
When you head to the island’s golden beaches, you will effortlessly see the beautiful animals, watching them run freely toward the waves or chew on the nearby grass.
Travel along the four bike paths on Assateague Island, drive to the beach, or kayak along the marshes. To complete the experience, camp along the shoreline.
22. Galveston Island, Texas
Texas’s answer to Santa Monica, Galveston Island offers an equal measure of fun and relaxation. About 60 minutes from Houston, it is a popular getaway for locals, but its history and beauty attract visitors from near and far.

It all begins in the historic Strand, lined with charming shops that take you through downtown to the famous pier. It extends into the Gulf of Mexico, offering thrilling rides and equally spectacular sunsets.
The island also boasts many historic buildings and interesting museums.
21. Block Island, Rhode Island

A relaxed public atmosphere. This is an island of simple times, focusing on fine food, wine, magnificent scenery, and good friends.
Away from Boston, New York, or any upper East Coast city, you’ll soon feel a sense of calm. Everything moves slowly here, from the few cars traveling from one end to the other to the animals at the 1661 Farm and Garden.
Once you get your bearings, you’ll find that you can enjoy not only the magnificent coastline but also the numerous first-class restaurants scattered throughout.
20. Marco Island, Florida

The convenience and beauty of Marco Island will attract all travelers. Departing from Naples or Fort Myers, you’ll soon discover a pearl on Florida’s Paradise Coast.
Whether for a weekend getaway or settling in for a longer vacation, you’ll find long, open, pristine beaches covered with seashells and beautiful scenery. Canals cross the barrier island, showcasing a series of estuaries and mangroves, perfect for kayaking.
From Marco Island, you can easily explore the state’s best national park, the Everglades.
19. Catalina Island, California

Catalina Island is an easy trip from Los Angeles, offering a leisurely experience in just over an hour. After sailing along the Pacific Ocean by speedboat, get ready to welcome beautiful natural scenery and an equal amount of history.
The island’s history dates back to the 1920s, when your favorite chewing gum manufacturer, William Wrigley Jr., established the island. You can learn all about it at the Catalina Island Museum.
However, the island’s true quality lies in its natural scenery and surrounding waters. It is home to a herd of wild bison and is a great place for watching migrating whales.
18. Fire Island, New York

For members of New York’s five boroughs, it has long been a popular island resort. But due to Fire Island’s clean beaches located on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean and Great South Bay.
If you enjoy water sports, you’ll find a long list of opportunities from sailing and kayaking to water skiing and kitesurfing. In addition, you can explore a car-free island and enjoy the fresh air and tranquil atmosphere that comes with it. The best examples can be found in Robert Moses State Park and the High Dune Wilderness.
17. Amelia Island, Florida

Located in northeastern Florida, Amelia Island is easily accessible but a world away from nearby Jacksonville. The barrier island boasts 13 miles of postcard-perfect beaches, making it an ideal destination for a relaxing getaway.
At your chosen beach gathering place, you will enjoy the clear Atlantic waters, wonderful swimming and snorkeling. On the mainland side, there are beautiful waterways that are home to wild manatees and fishing spots.
Numerous restaurants throughout Amelia Island offer delicious local products, with wonderful views to enjoy whether in the early morning or as the sun is about to touch the horizon.
16. Kodiak Island, Alaska

Islands aren’t always about azure seas and golden beaches. A destination that goes against the grain is Kodiak Island. Here, you can sunbathe on epic hiking trails, fish offshore, and overlook the island’s spectacular peaks from above.
When you explore the wilderness home of bears, you can complete your hikes on foot or by all-terrain vehicle. But to truly understand this wilderness, you need to fly high. During your sightseeing flight, you’ll admire the majestic Katmai coast and the rugged Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge.
15. Anna Maria Island, Florida

Anna Maria Island, located on the state’s Gulf Coast, is a showcase of Old Florida. It features the state’s typical golden sand beaches, emerald green waters, and manatee-inhabited marshes. But there are also many local charms waiting to be discovered.
Your days here will always include some time on the beach. The island offers great shelling, calm waters, and excellent swimming facilities. For more activities, rent a bike to explore local highlights from the many coastal docks (including the City Pier). Or relax and ride the free trolley to explore the island’s old jail and museum.
14. Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

When warm sunlight shines on Martha’s Vineyard, so do a group of travelers eager to explore typical summer experiences. The island has colorful, charming villages surrounded by rugged coastline, with everything one could need.
Martha’s Vineyard is divided into two parts. One is the Lower Island on the east coast. This is where delicious restaurants are located, serving local cuisine and high-end fashion. However, the Upper Island covers the southwest corner. It feels relatively remote, with ancient fishing villages and forests waiting to be explored.
13. Golden Isles, Georgia

The extraordinary beaches of the Golden Isles attract large numbers of tourists. But it doesn’t take much to find yourself getting away from the crowds. The Golden Isles consist of five islands and offer much more than meets the eye.
Beyond the soft white sand beaches, there is a rich history. Venture beyond the coast to visit national monuments that date back to early 1800s sea battles and lighthouses.
There are many unspoiled natural landscapes here, including the stunning live oak forests on St. Simons Island, which are reportedly haunted!
12. St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

St. John is primarily a national park, the crown jewel of the U.S. Virgin Islands. After arriving at Cruz Bay, hop on a local open-air taxi and travel along the road that is both busy and scenic.
Soon, you will say goodbye to the hotels and see nothing but rolling hills and beaches, some of which appear untouched while others are world-famous, including Trunk and Maho Bay.
The former journey offers fascinating underwater snorkeling trails and thrilling waves. The latter is a more relaxed experience, best enjoyed with the local Bushwacker.
11. Maui, Hawaii

Maui is the second largest island in Hawaii and a main landing point for traveling to the island chain. Around the city of Honolulu, you’ll find golden beaches, exotic resorts, and famous surfing spots.
However, it’s when you get away from the popular spots that you can truly discover Maui’s real beauty. Its black sand beaches, scorched by ancient and not-so-ancient lava, create a different experience. The majestic Haleakalā mountain is always looming in the distance, where you can experience one of Hawaii’s best sunrises.
10. North Carolina Outer Banks

Its history can be traced back to the 1500s, and today most of it is fully displayed. That is, if you can find space in your itinerary after adding the three islands in the chain and their endless list of beautiful beaches.
In the Outer Banks, days spent by the sea and exploring underwater treasures will create an unforgettable vacation for you. Along the coast, there are plenty of historic and romantic lighthouses, including the Bodie Island Lighthouse built in 1871. Then there are inland and coastal hikes, more wild horses, and the historic Carolla Park.
9. San Juan Islands, Washington

The San Juan Islands are not just a small island group, but an archipelago with more than 450 islands and islets. Of this astonishing number, 20 are inhabited, offering convenience for adventure, and when they come to town, they can see local wildlife and whales.
Distributed between Seattle and Vancouver, each island is as remote as any island in our guide. Many have beautiful coastlines and unobstructed views. Behind the coast are rolling hills and epic sunset spots.
However, an important reason to visit is that kayaking on the water can take you to uninhabited islands.
8. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Hilton Head Island is famous for its golf courses and consistently earns a spot on this list. Hilton Head Island is close to the mainland in distance but far in spirit, making it an excellent way to escape the modern world.
Make the most of your vacation by taking full advantage of the island’s 12 miles of pristine beaches. Between the roads and the coastline are striking sand dunes, whose flowing grasses capture the sun as it casts a golden glow into the distance.
Afterward, brush off the sand and enjoy shopping for local art and crafts, then savor fresh seafood from the Atlantic Ocean.
7. Sanibel and Captiva Islands, Florida

The islands of Sanibel and Captiva are arguably Florida’s most beautiful destinations, combining to offer unparalleled natural beauty and fun for the whole family. Interestingly, it was after experiencing several hurricanes in the 1920s that this paradise became two separate islands.
Upon arrival, travelers will discover a world full of outdoor fun. Hiking trails will take you through a nearly untouched natural world, exploring unique coastal ecosystems, where various striking wildlife and birds inhabit.
But in the evening, all eyes turn westward to watch the sunset, and the best places to celebrate are on the beach or at one of the island’s highest-rated restaurants.
6. Big Island, Hawaii

As the name suggests, the Big Island is the largest of Hawaii’s spectacular island chain. Its towering mountains offer travelers a range of experiences from deep valleys to alpine tundra.
The Big Island’s highest peaks include Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano on Earth. The volcanoes reach nearly 14,000 feet in elevation and even receive snow in winter. Not quite the Hawaii you might imagine.
After hiking in the high mountains, return to sea level to explore the stunning Hamakua Coast and the charming black sand beach of Punalu’u.
5. Mackinac Island, Michigan

As one of the smallest islands on this list, Mackinac Island is indeed very appealing. About 80% of this small island is a state park, offering endless opportunities to explore this pristine land, which also tells stories of past wars.
However, the charming downtown area attracts most visitors. From the famous fudge shops to historic buildings and delightful galleries, the island does an excellent job of preserving its rich history.
It’s also a fascinating history, as a key battle of the War of 1812 took place here. You’ll have an unforgettable time exploring this car-free island by bicycle. Horse-drawn carriages are also popular.
4. Desert Mountain Island, Maine

Mount Desert Island is home to the famous Acadia National Park, offering a quintessential experience along Maine’s renowned coast. It is one of the largest islands in the continental United States, offering extraordinary hiking and for early birds, unparalleled sunrises.
For those who love adventure, you’ll find yourself hiking up Cadillac Mountain and the challenging cobblestones. Afterwards, mingle in Bar Harbor with those who chose the R&R route.
This famous town welcomes visitors from around the world, offering quaint shopping, world-class dining, and a beautiful place to celebrate an unforgettable day.
3. Nantucket, Massachusetts

The legends of Nantucket Island have long been famous throughout the world. This historic island has few peers, telling an American story unlike the important moments on the country’s timeline.
From the late 1600s to the 19th century, Nantucket was the whaling capital of the world. It has over 800 historic buildings that showcase the pre-Civil War era. It can certainly be said that this island is a wonder worth exploring.
Nantucket features 82 miles of beautiful coastline, dunes, marshes, and delicious seafood restaurants that should not be missed.
2. Key West, Florida

Part of the fun of Key West is driving into it. But once you arrive, you’ll quickly forget about that as you run around chasing sunsets, striking architecture, and an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in America.
In Key West, pastel-colored houses dot the island, creating a scene as colorful as the surrounding waters. However, the town has a lot of history, including the Hemingway House and Museum.
After experiencing the local culture, of course, have a few cocktails and then head to the southernmost point of the continental United States. Afterward, celebrate with an unrestrained paradise sunset.
1. Kauai, Hawaii

It’s hard to surpass Kauai as the most beautiful island in America. It combines immense beauty with the sheer formidable power of Mother Nature, creating an adventure like no other.
The lush tropical rainforests with year-round downpours have earned the island its fitting nickname ‘The Garden Isle.’ It is Hawaii’s oldest island, featuring some of the most spectacular cliff faces leading to towering mountains.
Below the valleys are rushing rivers and tumbling waterfalls flowing toward golden, and sometimes black, coastlines. From there, exotic scuba diving and charming villages await you.
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