Discover the Best Islands in the Continental U.S.

If you thought you had to travel to Hawaii to experience island life in the U.S., you may be surprised to discover that some of the most well-loved islands are scattered around the country’s coasts.

Every year, iBestTravel asks readers to rank their travel experiences in our World’s Best survey. Here, they share their opinions on the best hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise lines, spas, airlines, and more. Reader scores for the top islands were based on their natural attractions, beaches, sights, activities, friendliness, food, and overall value.

Highlighting the Islands

In 2016, regardless of your location, you won’t likely be too far from one of the best islands in the continental U.S. Many of these islands fringe the American South, while others flank New England, the Pacific Northwest, and the southernmost tip of Florida—there’s even one in the Midwest. For instance, in the Salish Sea, just a short ferry ride from the Washington State mainland, travelers have discovered the San Juan Islands, a counterculture stronghold known for its tight-knit communities spread across 172 islands. Here, creative designers, sculptors, foragers, and nature enthusiasts create a welcoming atmosphere.

On the opposite coast, readers loved Cumberland Island, Georgia, which features a 17.5-mile-long stretch of woodlands, marshes, and beaches located at the end of Georgia’s Sea Island chain. One reader enthused, “It was wonderful to see wild horses,” while another praised the island’s “peaceful, untouched” quality. This same timeless experience helped Mackinac Island—nestled between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas in Lake Huron—score the No. 9 spot. With cars outlawed, travelers often explore via horse-drawn carriages and bicycles. Approximately 80% of the island is preserved parkland, encouraging visitors to roam on foot, taking in historical forts, iconic rock formations, and caves. Most travelers stay at the 19th-century Grand Hotel, where lawn games and after-dinner dancing abound.

Top Island Ranking

This year’s top pick? A symbol of Southern hospitality and traditional American recreation, the best islands in the continental U.S. excel at slowing down the pace of life, evoking simpler times and a more laid-back living experience.