Rugged and remote, this natural paradise is the fourth largest island in the US. Stretching across more than 2,230 square miles (3,588sq km) in southeast Alaska, the Prince of Wales Island is a vast landscape of old-growth forests, fish-filled streams and rocky mountains. Its 900 miles (1,448km) of coastline meanders around a plethora of coves, islands and bays, that are popular with kayakers and canoeists.
This postcard-worthy paradise is best known for the dreamy Avalon Bay, which beautifully frames its namesake city. Characterised by its swaying palm trees, sandy beaches, luxury hotels and delicious seafood, Santa Catalina has everything you could want from an island retreat and more. The island is the perfect place for an adventure, its wildlife-rich clear waters are ideal for scuba diving and kayaking, while its rugged and varied terrain is laced with more than 165 miles (265km) of scenic trails.
Packed with culture, history and world-class diving and fishing spots, it’s easy to see why Key West is the most famous island of the Florida Keys. As the state's southernmost point, the island feels like its own little world where Caribbean-style pastel-hued villages serve as adorable B&Bs and impossibly clear waters are bordered by pretty palm-fringed shores. Writers have always loved the Keys, the island’s tin roof houses were once home to the likes of Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams. Hemingway Home & Museum, where the famous author lived for more than 10 years, has become a major tourist hot spot.
Florida’s southwest coast is scattered with isles reminiscent of sparkling green jewels, but Marco Island is arguably the most enchanting. It's the largest of Florida's Ten Thousand Islands area: think luxury resorts, sun-bleached swathes of sand, dolphins frolicking in the warm blue waters and a casual slow-paced lifestyle that is hard to resist. Visitors can experience the wilderness of the Ten Thousand Islands by land, boat or air, with plenty of fishing spots and nature to enjoy.
A seven-mile (11.2km) strip of sugar-white sand and crystal-blue waters, Anna Maria Island is like one continuous tropical beach. Once a best-kept secret among Floridians, the island’s picturesque coastline and tropical foliage have become a much-loved spot for residents and tourists alike. Strict rules govern the buildings and businesses that can open here, giving it an old-time atmosphere. One of the island’s most visited spots is Pine Avenue, lined with restaurants, dessert shops, boutiques, art galleries and more, it trails through the island’s resort city of the same name.
Georgia’s largest barrier island also serves as one of the most breathtaking natural habitats in the Northern Hemisphere. Wild horses and other wildlife roam freely through Cumberland Island’s twisted trees, wide marshes and stunning beaches, giving it an untamed feel. Thomas Morrison Carnegie and his wife Lucy came to the island in the late 19th century and quickly established their family’s presence here, leaving behind eerily beautiful ruins which are dotted across the scenery, offering a glimpse into the island's past.
The most southerly of Georgia’s Golden Isles, Jekyll Island is hauntingly picturesque. The tranquil spot is best known for its scenic stretches of sand, with Driftwood Beach a firm favourite. Named after the ancient driftwood strewn across the shoreline, the eerily beautiful weathered trees make the area look like a scene from another world and is often hailed as one of the most romantic beaches in America.
Check out America’s most beautiful beaches photographed from above
Often called “the Gathering Place”, with its buzzing capital city and diverse community, Oahu undoubtedly lives up to its name. The third largest of Hawaii’s islands, Oahu’s rich landscape ranges from stunning mountains and enchanting tropical scenery to towering skyscrapers and luxury resorts. The island is the hub of Hawaii’s culture and nightlife too, hosting plenty of events and festivals throughout the year as well as top-notch restaurants, cafés and bars.
The oldest of Hawaii’s islands, Kauai is often regarded as one of the most beautiful places in the world. Known as the ‘Garden Island’, most of its gorgeous landscape is carpeted in thick forests, undeveloped mountain ranges and lush greenery. Over 90% of Kauai cannot be reached by road, making it a dreamy, unspoilt paradise, with some of the best hiking trails and vistas in Hawaii. The pretty trails range from beach strolls towards rocky canyons and lush jungles, to breathtaking mountain scenery.
Much of the Acadia National Park, the second busiest national park in the US, can be found on Mount Desert Island in Maine. Cadillac Mountain, the tallest point along the North Atlantic Seaboard, rises 1,530 feet (465m) high above the island’s rocky coastline. The magnificent mountain is at its best in the early hours of the day, when the sun paints the sky, landscape and sea in a vivid orange hue. From 7 October through 6 March of each year, Cadillac Mountain is the first place in the US to see the sunrise. Often hailed as some of the most breathtaking scenery on the East Coast, Mount Desert Island attracts millions of visitors each year.
Wild ponies dominate this barrier island, and with its incredibly diverse and varied landscape, we can see the allure. Spanning the border between Maryland and Virginia, Assateague is a designated national park of maritime forests, salt marshes, sand dunes and pastel-toned beaches sparkling with seashells. The island’s 'wild' horses are actually descendants of domestic animals that freely roam the land alongside other wildlife such as white-tailed deer and red foxes. The occasional whale can also be spotted off the coast – if you're lucky.
Situated just off Massachusetts’ coastline, Martha’s Vineyard has been a treasured summer hideaway for the rich and famous for decades. Nicknamed 'Hollywood East', the island is primarily populated and visited by celebrities, drawing notable guests like former president Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey and Jackie Kennedy. An oasis of peace and privacy, the only way to get to the island is by boat or plane. With its pristine beaches, laid-back small towns and stunning scenery, Martha’s Vineyard is a much-loved weekend escape.
Dubbed the Faraway Land, Nantucket certainly feels worlds apart from the rest of Massachusetts. With its 82 miles (132km) of stunning coastline, the island is often regarded as the perfect New England escape. A historic gem, the highest concentration of pre-Civil War homes in the US can be found here, while bicycles and pedestrians dominate the streets. The island comes alive especially in the warmer months when its restaurants and boutiques are filled with visitors, and surfers and swimmers enjoy its warm peaceful waters.
With its stunning Victorian architecture, colourful foliage and carriage filled streets, Mackinac feels like it's frozen in time. Just over three square miles (10sq km) in size, the small island is located on Lake Huron in Michigan. Since 1898, Mackinac has been completely car-free, horse-drawn carriages and bicycles are all that travel through the town’s streets, adding to its vintage charm. The island is also home to the oldest structure in Michigan, Fort Mackinac. Built in 1780 by British troops during the American Revolution, the fort is one of the most popular attractions on the island.
With its laid-back charm and miles upon miles of undeveloped coastline, Ocracoke has a different feel from the other islands of North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Only accessible by boat, the small island has been detached from the rest of the world for decades, creating its tranquil atmosphere. Just one tiny village is surrounded by uncrowded beaches which make the occasional visitor to Ocracoke feel like they’re on their own private island.
A naturally beautiful resort town and barrier island, Hilton Head showcases some of South Carolina’s best scenery. With its 12 miles (19km) of sand overlooking sparkling blue waters, this island is as picturesque as it gets. In addition to its gorgeous beaches, Hilton Head features nearly 100 miles (160km) of biking trails and plenty of enchanting spots for kayaking, fishing and watching the dolphins that frolic in its waters.
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On the southern tip of Padre Island, the longest barrier island in the world, South Padre has firmly cemented itself as one of the best beach destinations in Texas. Its white sand and warm emerald Gulf waters backed by soaring sand dunes make the area feel like a tropical oasis. Experiencing more than 300 days of sunshine each year, the island is the perfect little patch of paradise to explore in any season.
Just off the Gulf Coast near Texas, Galveston is a haven for historic architecture, incredible artwork and vibrant attractions. Originally a European settlement, the island is home to one of the largest well-preserved concentrations of Victorian architecture in the country. With 32 miles (51.4km) of shoreline, the charming Southern retreat has oodles of sun, sea and sand to enjoy. Galveston is home to plenty of landmarks and hosts events too, from its historic Pleasure Pier to its colourful Mardi Gras celebrations, this island has it all.
From the mainland in Utah, this 43.8-square-mile island (113.4sq km) looks almost empty, but Antelope Island is home to a unique variety of wildlife and natural wonders. The largest island in the Great Salt Lake, every inch is beautiful from the craggy mountains and sandy beaches to the flora and fauna-rich terrain. Its namesake antelope roam across the landscape alongside bison, mule deer and coyote while millions of birds nest along the shoreline. With its unparalleled pollution-free skies and starry nights, the island is a designated International Dark Sky Park.
Part of Washington’s island chain of the same name, this scenic patch of land showcases the Pacific Northwest in all its glory. Lying just off America’s northern coast in the Salish Sea, San Juan is the largest of the islands with plenty to enjoy. Visitors can discover its famous lighthouses, the island’s rich maritime history, spot the orcas dotted in its waters or explore the town of Friday Harbor. The charming seaport town is home to a large marina filled with small independent shops and restaurants serving up the freshest seafood.
These next few places aren't in the US per se, but it would be remiss to leave off the incredible islands that form America's territories, especially when they're this beautiful... The most easterly point in the country and the biggest of the US Virgin Islands, St Croix is one of the most popular vacation spots in the Caribbean. With a diverse landscape of grassy hills, sandy coves and lush rainforests, the island is brimming with natural beauty and stunning sights. White sand and turquoise waters make it the perfect beach escape too. Just off its shores, is the Buck Island Reef National Monument. Divers and snorkellers can follow a gorgeous underwater trail and discover the colourful marine life that swims in the reefs.
At just nine miles (14.4km) long, St John is the smallest of the US Virgin Islands dotted across the Atlantic Ocean and eastern Caribbean Sea, but packs in more natural beauty than places 10 times bigger. It’s a lovely, colourful mix of near-deserted Caribbean beaches, historical ruins like petroglyphs from tribes that once called the island home and vibrant coral reefs buzzing with marine life. More than 500 species of fish are thought to swim in the island’s clear waters including blue tang, queen triggerfish and spiny lobster.
Diamond-dust sand, tropical waters and an abundance of wildlife are what you’ll come across in Culebra, one of Puerto Rico’s most underrated gems. Around 20 miles (32km) off the coast of Fajardo, this US territory feels like its own little world away from the bustling mainland. Serving as a US Naval base until 1975, traces of its military past can be found dotted across the shoreline, including an abandoned tank on Flamenco Beach, which is a striking sight. Surrounded by more than 20 cays and underwater landscapes, Culebra is the perfect spot for snorkelling and diving.
Situated six miles (9.6km) off Puerto Rico’s east coast, with its picture-perfect beaches, semi-wild horses and lush tropical flora, US territory Vieques is a true beauty spot of the Caribbean. The island is known for its incredible Mosquito Bay, the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world. Organisms nicknamed 'dinos' produce a burst of blue light when shaken or when they’re in contact with something which, at night, looks magical. The island is also a haven for wildlife; here you’ll find the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge which is the largest in the Caribbean and one of the most ecologically diverse too.
A rugged mountain range winds from west to east of Tutuila, a volcanic island that forms part of American Samoa in Polynesia. The main island of the US territory, Tutuila's rocky ridge is flanked by steep cliffs as it weaves from yellow sandy beaches to rocky outcrops, offering breathtaking views across the landscape. Blanketed by grassy hills and verdant trees, is the natural harbour of Pago Pago which is also American Samoa’s capital city. Sitting in the shadow of Mount Alava, Pago Pago is dotted with small shops selling handicrafts, charming restaurants and pretty beaches.