When the skies are blue and summer vacation is on, it’s hard to ignore the siren song of the sea. While the Caribbean and Mediterranean are big draws for island-hoppers and sun-worshippers, Americans don’t need to journey that far to find beachy bliss. If you’d rather stay closer to home, there are plenty of stateside gems to get your fix. Read on for the nine best islands for a dreamy holiday in the U.S.
As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.
Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
For decades, The Vineyard, as it’s referred to by locals, has been a New England summer staple for socialites, celebs, and politicians (looking at you, Obamas, Clintons, and Kennedys). It lives up to the hype and while it’s a favorite of the blue-blooded set, there are plenty of welcoming places for everyone here.
The best way to explore the isle’s six preppy-chic towns is by moped. Rent one at Oak Bluffs, the main ferry port, and make a pitstop at the hamlet’s pedestrian-only grove of pastel gingerbread cottages.
Next, make your way to Edgartown, a whaling village dotted with historic captain’s houses. For breakfast check out Among the Flowers Cafe and grab a sweet treat at L’etoile. The menu rotates seasonally, but often features such decadent options as a chocolate oil cakelette with espresso chantilly.
Make your way along the island’s windswept southern coast to Chilmark, where you can sift through vintage treasures at the Chilmark Flea Market, but make sure to save the rest of the day for neighboring town, Aquinnah.
Few tourists come to the westernmost tip of the island, but those that do are rewarded with spectacular scenery. The rose-colored Gay Head Cliffs with the historic lighthouse perched precariously at the top make for breath-taking photographs.
Catalina Island, California
Swaying palms, white sandy beaches, epic dive sites — you’ll find all this and more in Santa Catalina. Just a half-hour ferry from LA, this island is super accessible to city-goers without the traffic found in the City of Angels (the whole inlet is pedestrian-only).
Besides the wildlife spotting — look out for buffalo that were brought here for a 1920s Western and never left — you can kick back at the private Descanso Beach Club, explore the 40-acre Botanic Garden or take in panoramic views at the top of the four-mile Hermit Gulch Trail.
For dinner, there’s clam chowder with a side of sea views at Bluewater Grill followed by drinks at Luau Larry’s, a delightfully divey tiki bar that serves the standout Wiki Wacker cocktail made with rum, brandy, pineapple and orange juice, and grenadine.
Fire Island, New York
Just two hours from NYC, car-free Fire Island somehow manages to feel worlds away. New Yorkers trade skyscrapers for state parks (the five-mile Robert Moses State Park is a must-visit thanks to its lively marina and perfect surf) and the island’s Sunken Forest, a maritime preserve accessible via boardwalk. Each summer, the island has one of the buzziest LGBTQ+ scenes on the east coast, with parties that often go until dawn. For a slightly more laid-back queer vibe, the cozy hamlet of Cherry Grove packs in plenty of charm.
When hunger strikes, Rachel’s Bakery and Restaurant on Ocean Beach hits the spot with its massive chocolate chip cookies and homemade pie. Fire Island Lighthouse is the perfect sunset photo op, especially if you climb the 182 spiral steps for sweeping vistas of the Great South Bay and Manhattan skyline on a clear day.
TIP: There are 17 communities in Fire Island and some like The Pines and Ocean Beach get very crowded in summer. Do your research and make sure you stay in the right area for your crew.
Key West, Florida
The 3.5-mile-long Key West is a Floridian favorite for a reason. Along with the powdery beaches, there’s everything from Ernest Hemingway’s former home to superb key lime pie and café con leche at the 70-year-old institution, 5 Brothers. Throw in an on-trend, chef-driven restaurant scene and you’ve got a recipe for a great time.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Not many know of this patch of land floating in Michigan’s Lake Huron, and we’re not surprised. With only 500 year-round residents, it’s maintained a throwback small-town feel that’s part of its Americana charm.
Coming here is like stepping into the 1900s: Horse-driven buggies clop down a Main Street lined with old-time general stores, quaint inns and artist markets. That’s not to say there’s little in the way of excitement on Mackinac.
Most visit for the restaurant scene, which you can sample for yourself at Pink Pony (the bistro burger is a crowd favorite). Sipping a rum cocktail in the sun here is just about the loveliest way to spend a lazy afternoon.
Oahu, Hawaii
Often overlooked for Maui and Kauai, Oahu is worth a trip of its own. The state capital, Honolulu, is where most locals live so it’s less touristy than the other islands.
Soak up the surfer vibes by riding the North Shore’s legendary waves, kick back at Kailua Beach on Oahu’s eastern end (way less crowded than Waikiki), and hike to the top of Diamond Head for swoon-worthy water views.
Tip: Don’t miss Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck for lunch, where the lemon butter scampi and white sticky rice is a knockout.
Orcas Island, Washington
Prefer pines over palms? Orcas Island, part of Washington’s San Juan atoll is all about the outdoors. Lush forests, placid lakes and a rugged coastline set the scene, and there are miles of hiking in Moran State Park.
It’s best to go between mid-April and October, when you can take a boat tour with Eclipse Charters to see orca whales, bald eagles, and other wildlife (plus, it’s the sunniest time of year).
St. Simon’s Island, Georgia
If you picked up Savannah and plopped it seaside, you’d get St. Simon’s Island. Mossy oaks, centuries-old sites and shops oozing with Southern charm are everywhere here.
St. Simon’s is all about the life of leisure — spend your days playing a round on one of the three 18-hole championship golf courses or catch some rays on East Beach, a popular windsurfing area.
Shelter Island, New York
This 12-square-mile atoll between North Fork’s vineyards and the Hampton’s swanky beach scene is where New Yorkers come to unwind and escape the crowds.
Everything here is au naturel, from the fiercely protected conservation land, which makes up a third of the island, to the farm-fresh fare found in restaurants like Vine Street Café (try the Montauk pearl oysters).
Rent a bike by the North Ferry dock and pedal down to Wades Beach for an afternoon by the water. To quench your thirst after a day in the sun, head to Shelter Island Craft Brewery for a flight of local ales and IPAs.
There’s no better way to end the day on the island than with a glass of rosé on Sunset Beach‘s deck.
This article was published through a partnership with Jetsetter magazine. Read the original story: 10 Best Islands to Visit in the U.S. by Chelsea Bengier, a regular contributor to Jetsetter.
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