24 Best Islands in the US to Visit

Are you searching for romantic, tropical, or just plain cool islands in the U.S. to visit? What, you say, islands in the U.S.?

Yes, and you don’t even need a passport. But you’ll want to consider travel insurance just like you would any other trip. Insurance like World Nomads and TravelInsurance.com.

Whether your vision of island ambiance leans toward crystal clear water, coral reefs, and tropical trees or ventures to mountains, pine forests, and rugged terrain, we’ve got an island destination for you and your crew. There are even urban islands, believe it or not.

We’ve searched the shorelines from the Atlantic to the Pacific and the Gulf to the Great Lakes. So, let’s get started!

Here are the best rugged, romantic, and relaxing U.S. islands for couples, families, groups, or single travelers.

TLDR

How to Prepare for an Island Vacation

After checking Skyscanner for the best deals on flights, hotels, and rental cars, you’ll want to get that pen and paper (or keyboard and fingers) ready to start a packing list.

An island vacation typically brings to mind sand, sun, and surf. That means sunscreen, sunscreen, and more sunscreen. Additionally, you’ll want to bring hats, sunglasses, swimwear, sandals, walking shoes, and backpacks (to hold the sunscreen, of course).

For a rugged island adventure, pack hiking shoes and long sleeves, and rugged pants. Hikers can come into contact with mosquitos and branches in the forests. You may also want to include a nice outfit for dressier restaurants.

Best Islands in the U.S. to Visit

1. Mount Desert Island – Maine

Widely known for the coastal town of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island sits off the coast of Maine along the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Maine.

Rather than tropical touches, this U.S. island offers a landscape of mountain forests, jagged cliffs, rugged shorelines, and harborfront fishing village towns.

Explore the trails of Acadia, watch the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain, or visit the Asticou Azalea Garden. Sightseeing cruises on the Margaret Todd, a four-masted schooner, make unique travel memories.

Looking for hotels near Acadia?

The pet-friendly Holiday Inn Bar Harbor Regency Hotel overlooks Frenchman’s Bay and is about three miles from Eagle Lake in Acadia. There’s an oceanfront lounge, an on-site marina, a pool, a hot tub, a tennis court, and a couple of restaurants.

2. Cape Cod –…