1. Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
This island off of Cape Cod has a year-round population of about 15,000, but visit during the summer months and that number swells to over 100,000.
2. Kiawah Island, South Carolina
They say this island just an hour from Charleston boasts some of the country’s most gorgeous sunsets and starry night skies.
3. Fire Island, New York
There are no paved roads and no cars on this pristine island where time seems to stand still.
4. Maui, Hawaii
Think: Volcanoes, waterfalls, black sand beaches, tropical jungles, and the jade-blue Pacific ocean. What more could you want?
5. Mackinac Island, Michigan
This gem on Lake Huron is just 3.8 square miles, sandwiched between Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas. There are no cars, but you’ll be just fine getting around by bike or horse drawn carriage.
6. San Juan Island, Washington
San Juan is the biggest of the archipelago of Islands between Washington and Vancouver. It’s home to artists, fishermen, and hippies who are lured by the charming, slow-paced, and rustic lifestyle.
7. St. Simons Island, Georgia
One of America’s cutest beach towns, St. Simons Island is one of Georgia’s golden isles. Tourists flock there in the summer months for swimming, golfing, biking, horseback riding, and browsing the shops and restaurants at Pier Village.
8. Kauai, Hawaii
Nicknamed the Garden isle, Kauai is known for its lush, tropical rainforests that cover the mountainous coast.
9. Mt. Desert Island, Maine
Come for the hiking and stunning nature, stay for the fresh Maine lobster. Mt. Desert Island is home to the seaside town of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park.
10. Santa Catalina Island, California
Nope, that’s not the French Riviera…it’s actually in California. Only 20 miles from Los Angeles, Santa Catalina feels worlds away.
11. Amelia Island, Florida
Located just by the Florida-Georgia border, this barrier island feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of Miami or Ft. Lauderdale. Between the 19th century town of Fernandina Beach to the white sandy shores and crashing waves of Amelia Island State Park, the island feels like a paradise.
12. Chincoteague Island, Virginia
Don’t be surprised to find wild horses wandering the shores of this barrier island off the coast of Virginia. The whole island, home to nature preserves and tons of wildlife, feels completely untouched.
13. South Padre Island, Texas
From June through August, tiny sea turtles hatch on the shores of Padre Island National Seashore and race into the Gulf of Mexico.
14. Sanibel and Captiva, Florida
Two of Florida’s most hidden treasures, the sister islands of Sanibel and Captiva feel like Caribbean transplants. There are no high-rise buildings (just modest houses for rent) and no chain restaurants (expect small, family-owned shops and eateries). It happens to be a prime spot for collecting seashells and a theater for Instagram-worthy sunsets.
15. Hilton Head, South Carolina
Part of South Carolina’s lowcountry region, Hilton Head is a paradise for golfers and beach-goers. If the beach isn’t your thing, you’ll find something to do among the bike trails, quiet lakes, and picture-perfect wildlife refuges.
