I’ve always felt something shift in me when I step onto an island. The pace slows down, and I leave my worries on the mainland behind. Islands move to rhythms all their own. Some of my happiest memories are tied to different islands I’ve visited with family over the years—memories I still cherish.
When you think of the U.S., you don’t necessarily think of islands. But America has some of the most incredible ones. Its sheer diversity of landscape means you’ll find lush beaches, rugged coasts, and character-filled towns unlike anywhere else. These are the islands everyone should know about.
1. Maui, Hawai‘i
Maui is the Hawai‘i of Hawai‘i. Golden beaches stretch for miles, whales breach offshore, and the Road to Hana winds past waterfall after waterfall. Sunrise over Haleakalā crater is pure magic.
Whenever I visit, I slip into Island Time almost instantly. Stress falls away. I slow down, notice more, and savor the food—some of the best meals I’ve ever had were on Maui. It isn’t cheap, but it’s worth saving for because of how magical the experience is.
Traveler’s note: Fly into Kahului Airport (OGG). The best months for weather and whale-watching are December through March. Rent a car—the island is bigger than it looks.
Read More: 48 Hours in Maui: Where to Stay, Eat, and Explore the Island
2. Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i
One visit to Kaua‘i and you’ll understand why it’s called the Garden Isle. Farmers’ markets here are second to none—you’ll find fruits you’d never see on the mainland. The Nā Pali cliffs rise sharply above the sea, and Waimea Canyon’s rust-colored walls feel almost otherworldly.
One of my favorite memories there is eating a taro donut fried in coconut oil. Sweet, dense, and earthy, it was unlike anything else. Taro has long sustained the Hawaiian people, and trying it feels like tasting part of the island’s history.
Traveler’s note: Fly into Līhu‘e Airport (LIH). Kaua‘i is smaller and less developed than Maui, so give yourself at least four days. And don’t skip the taro donuts.
Read More: Paradise on the Cheap: Budget Travel in Kauai
3. Florida Keys
The Florida Keys don’t feel like Hawai‘i, but they’re wonderful in their own way. Driving the Overseas Highway is like skimming across the ocean itself. Each key has its own character, from Key Largo’s reefs to Key West’s pastel houses and nightly sunset gatherings.
I first came here with my family. I remember boating through mangroves and spotting manatees—gentle, curious creatures that stole my heart. They’re highly protected, so admire them from a distance.
The Keys carry a Caribbean vibe, characterized by a laid-back and easygoing atmosphere, and that’s what makes them special.
Traveler’s note: Fly into Miami or Key West. The drive from Miami to Key West takes about four hours without stops, but you’ll want to make plenty. Winter and spring have the best weather; summers are hot and stormy.
Read More: Top 4 Island Destinations in the Florida Keys: Which One Will You Choose?
4. Mackinac Island, Michigan
Mackinac Island feels like stepping into a painting. In spring, the air smells of lilacs, and the whole island blooms.
We spent a day biking around the perimeter, stopping for fried pickles and lake views. The Grand Hotel rises above the water like something out of a storybook—and it really is grand. Mackinac is small, but it’s unforgettable.
Traveler’s note: Reach the island by ferry from either Mackinaw City or St. Ignace. Summer is peak season; June is especially beautiful for lilacs. Rent a bike at the dock—no cars are allowed.
5. Mount Desert Island, Maine
Mount Desert Island is the heart of Acadia National Park, where pine forests run into granite cliffs and the Atlantic crashes below. From Cadillac Mountain, you can watch the sunrise before almost anyone else in America.
It was here that I learned to sail as a kid, and the memory of salt wind and spray has never left me. (Note: sailing is harder than it looks!) I also remember blueberry pie, mist rolling in off the sea, and trails that felt both wild and welcoming. Acadia is a place that pulls you back again and again.
Traveler’s note: Fly into Bangor or Portland, then drive. Summer and early autumn are ideal. Sailing lessons and kayak rentals are easy to find in Bar Harbor.
6. Nantucket, Massachusetts
Nantucket carries its history in cobblestones and weathered cottages. Once a seafaring hub, today it’s a quiet New England town.
What I love most about this part of the country is the atmosphere. Fog drifting over the ocean. Autumn lighting the trees. Small towns where the sea always feels close. Nantucket captures that mood perfectly.
Traveler’s note: Reach it by ferry from Hyannis on Cape Cod or by plane from Boston. Summer is lively, fall is peaceful. Bring layers—the weather shifts quickly.
7. San Juan Islands, Washington
The San Juans are reached by ferry from Washington State, and once you’re there, the world slows down. Orcas glide through the channels, kayaks skim across still water, and the air smells of cedar—that quintessential scent of the Pacific Northwest.
When I traveled there as a kid, I remember picking wild berries. The Northwest is full of them, though you need to know which ones are safe. The combination of forest, rain, and ocean feels like nowhere else.
Traveler’s note: Ferries run from Anacortes, about a 90-minute drive from Seattle. Summer is best for wildlife sightings and calm seas, though spring and fall are quieter.
The U.S. has no shortage of magical islands. They have a way of shrinking the world down to what really matters, whether it’s pedaling past lilacs on Mackinac, tasting taro donuts on Kaua‘i, or spotting manatees in the Keys. You might arrive for the scenery, but it’s the small joys that stay with you.
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