You don’t need a passport to visit these amazing places.
Travel & Leisure Readers Just Voted on the Best U.S. Islands (Continental US)
Some of the most beautiful island destinations (in the world are right here in the United States. Travel & Leisure’s 31st annual World’s Best Awards just announced which ones deserve a spot at the top of your travel list. More than 661,000 readers voted to choose the winners, making this one of the most popular rankings in travel publishing.
At the top of the list are Georgia’s Golden Isles, a group of barrier islands along the state’s Atlantic coast that includes St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Jekyll Island, and Little St. Simons Island. The Golden Isles are known for what Travel & Leisure calls remote luxury, excellent golf, and clean beaches, as well as a strong sense of Southern history that sets them apart from more commercial island destinations. The honors keep coming—the Golden Isles also ranked number 11 on Travel & Leisure’s global World’s Best Islands list and were recently named one of the best small towns for a summer getaway and one of the best places to retire on the East Coast.
The Top-Ranked Islands That Prove New England Belongs on Your Bucket List
Mount Desert Island in Maine takes the number two spot. It is home to Acadia National Park and the charming coastal town of Bar Harbor. This destination offers dramatic coastal views, hiking trails with wide ocean vistas, and a cooler summer climate that is perfect for travelers looking to escape the heat.
Nantucket, Massachusetts completes the top three. This classic New England island getaway is known for its cobblestone streets, gray-shingled buildings, upscale dining, and clean beaches that draw visitors from across the country each summer.
For WA Travelers, the Best Island Getaway Might Already Be in Your Backyard
As a Washington state resident, I’ve always believed the San Juan Islands are one of the most magical places in the country. It’s honestly amazing that, as enchanting as the San Juans are—with their breathtaking views, world-class whale watching, and that laid-back ferry-hopping lifestyle—there are actually four other islands in the lower 48 that ranked even higher. Still, for those of us who know and love the San Juans, our island paradise will always be tough to beat.
CLICK THIS LINK to discover the best hidden gems of the San Juan Islands
Sometimes, the best places to visit are closer than you might expect.
The 15 Best Islands in the Continental U.S.
- Golden Isles, Georgia
- Mount Desert, Maine
- Nantucket, Massachusetts
- Kiawah Island, South Carolina
- San Juan Islands, Washington
- Cumberland Island, Georgia
- Amelia Island, Florida
- Mackinac Island, Michigan
- Longboat Key, Florida
- Outer Banks, North Carolina
- Florida Keys, Florida
- Catalina Island, California
- Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
- Marco Island, Florida
- Block Island, Rhode Island
Source: Travel & Leisure
6 of the Best Islands To Escape to in Washington State
Here are my six picks of tourist-like islands you should visit in Washington State:
Gallery Credit: Rik Mikals
Everyday Photos That Perfectly Capture the Small-Town America We Remember
These photos, mostly from the 1970s, capture small-town life back when things were simpler, slower, and a whole lot more real.
Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz
LOOK: How Many of These Classic ’80s Summer Toys Do You Remember?
Whether you slipped and slid or jarted better than anyone, the toys of your childhood summers were everything. Here’s a look at just some of the classics.
Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz