Many travelers dream of exotic island getaways, but overlook the incredible island destinations in the United States. From tropical paradises to rugged wilderness retreats, America’s islands offer diverse landscapes, unique cultures, and unforgettable experiences—all without needing a passport.
The mainland U.S. is surrounded by water on three sides, creating perfect conditions for some truly remarkable island formations. Here are 20 amazing islands you can visit without leaving American soil. Each offers distinctive charm and attractions worth adding to your travel bucket list.
Maui, Hawaii
Maui delivers everything you could want from a Hawaiian vacation. The island combines breathtaking natural beauty with luxury resorts and authentic local culture.
Visitors can drive the famous Road to Hana, watch the sunrise from Haleakalā National Park, or simply relax on its golden beaches that seem to stretch forever.
Key West, Florida
Key West feels like a Caribbean escape at the southernmost point of the continental United States. The island’s colorful architecture and laid-back atmosphere create an immediately relaxing vibe.
Visitors flock to Duval Street for dining and entertainment, while history buffs appreciate Ernest Hemingway’s former home and the Harry S. Truman Little White House.
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Mackinac Island, Michigan
This car-free island in Lake Huron feels like stepping back in time. Transportation is limited to horses, bicycles, and your own two feet.
The island’s Victorian architecture, famous fudge shops, and the historic Grand Hotel make it a charming Midwestern retreat that feels worlds away from everyday life.
Santa Catalina Island, California
Just 22 miles off the coast of Southern California, Catalina Island offers Mediterranean vibes without leaving the country. The main town of Avalon features a beautiful harbor lined with shops and restaurants.
Adventure seekers can enjoy hiking, zip-lining, and underwater activities in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island.
Mount Desert Island, Maine
Home to most of Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island combines dramatic coastal scenery with dense forests and mountain peaks. The charming town of Bar Harbor serves as a gateway to outdoor adventures.
Visitors can hike granite peaks, bike historic carriage roads, or watch the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain.
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Amelia Island, Florida
This northeast Florida island offers 13 miles of pristine beaches alongside a historic downtown district. Fernandina Beach features Victorian-era architecture and a vibrant main street filled with boutiques and restaurants.
Nature lovers appreciate the island’s salt marshes and maritime forests teeming with wildlife.
San Juan Island, Washington
The largest of Washington’s San Juan Islands provides a perfect mix of outdoor adventure and small-town charm. Visitors can kayak alongside orcas, hike through old-growth forests, or explore historic Friday Harbor.
Lavender farms and vineyards dotting the island add to its peaceful atmosphere.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
This small island off Cape Cod maintains its historic whaling town character with cobblestone streets and preserved architecture. The entire island is designated as a National Historic District.
Visitors enjoy pristine beaches, excellent seafood restaurants, and boutique shopping in a setting that feels unchanged by time.
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Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Known for world-class golf courses and beautiful beaches, Hilton Head offers a refined coastal experience. The island’s careful development preserves natural beauty while providing luxury amenities.
Visitors can bike on 60 miles of leisure trails, enjoy water sports, or dine at exceptional restaurants throughout the island.
Kauai, Hawaii
The ‘Garden Isle’ is Hawaii at its most lush and dramatic. Kauai features natural wonders like the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and countless waterfalls.
The island maintains a more rural feel than some Hawaiian counterparts, offering a genuine connection to nature and traditional Hawaiian culture.
Marco Island, Florida
As the largest of Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands, Marco Island combines natural beauty with upscale amenities. The island features wide crescent beaches with white sand and clear Gulf waters.
Nearby Everglades National Park and Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge provide opportunities for wildlife viewing and eco-adventures.
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Block Island, Rhode Island
This small island off Rhode Island offers a relaxed New England escape. Nearly 40% of the island is protected from development, resulting in pristine beaches and natural landscapes.
Visitors can explore the historic Southeast Lighthouse, cycle the island’s rolling hills, or relax on secluded beaches.
Orcas Island, Washington
The horseshoe-shaped ‘gem’ of the San Juan Islands combines forests, mountains, and shoreline into one stunning package. The island’s Moran State Park features Mount Constitution, the highest point in the San Juan Islands, offering panoramic views of the archipelago.
Artists and craftspeople have created a thriving creative community throughout the island.
Kodiak Island, Alaska
For those seeking wilderness and adventure, Kodiak Island delivers spectacularly. This rugged island is home to the famous Kodiak bears and offers world-class fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
The working harbor in the main town showcases Alaska’s fishing industry in action.
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Jekyll Island, Georgia
Once an exclusive winter retreat for America’s wealthiest families, Jekyll Island now welcomes all visitors to enjoy its natural beauty and historic district. The island features 10 miles of beaches, a landmark historic district, and a sea turtle rehabilitation center. State law protects 65% of the island from development.
Sanibel Island, Florida
Famous for its abundant seashells and wildlife refuges, Sanibel Island is a natural paradise for beachcombers and nature enthusiasts. The island’s east-west orientation creates ideal conditions for shells to wash ashore.
The J.N. ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge protects mangrove forests and provides habitat for hundreds of bird species.
South Padre Island, Texas
This beach island on the southern end of Texas features the world’s longest stretch of open barrier island. South Padre combines lovely beaches with rich water sports and outdoor activities.
Visitors can enjoy watching dolphins, kiteboarding, and investigating the distinctive ecosystem of the island.
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Whidbey Island, Washington
Only a short ferry trip from Seattle, Whidbey Island is a world away from urban existence. The island has ocean bluffs in dramatic scenery, rural countryside, and quaint towns.
There are state parks to visit, fresh farm products to taste, and the Olympic Mountains on Puget Sound’s horizon.
Galveston Island, Texas
Rich in history and beach life, Galveston Island blends the charm of Victorian architecture with the Gulf Coast. The island’s historic Pleasure Pier features vintage amusement rides and a 32-mile beach.
Travelers enjoy the blend of historical attractions, natural attractions, and family-friendly entertainment opportunities.
Puerto Rico (Main Island)
Technically, Puerto Rico is a U.S. possession but not a state. It provides American visitors with the ultimate international experience without a passport. Old San Juan delights visitors with brightly painted colonial buildings and cobblestone streets.
The island has it all, from tropical rainforests to bioluminescent bays, creating an experience that feels pleasantly foreign yet convenient.
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Island Hopping Through America
America’s island diversity illustrates the nation’s incredible geographic extent. From the wilds of Alaska to Florida’s tropical enclaves, these homegrown islands offer top-notch vacationing for all travelers.
Outdoor enthusiasts, culture seekers, or beach lovers will discover it all without setting foot outside U.S. borders.
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