Best Islands in the United States – 2025 Readers’ Choice Top 15
When readers of US Traveler cast more than 757,000 votes in the 38th annual Readers’ Choice survey, they awarded their top U.S. islands for travel in 2025. From well-known Hawaiian favorites to lesser-publicized mainland gems, here are the top 15 islands selected by you — complete with details for planning your next escape.
15. Sanibel Island, Florida
Just three miles off the coast of Fort Myers, Sanibel Island is a compact, car-accessible barrier island — and it comes with a bonus twin, Captiva Island. Together they offer roughly 15 miles of beach, 25 miles of biking trails, about 50 species of fish and around 230 bird species.
Highlights: Collect from among 250+ varieties of sea shells along its shores — low tide is ideal for the best finds.
Getting there: From Florida’s I-75 take exit 131 to Summerlin Road, turn west to the Sanibel Island Causeway (note a $6 toll), or fly to nearby Florida Regional Southwest (RSW) or Punta Gorda (PGD).
Why it’s special: A laid-back, natural setting with minimal traffic and maximum shell-collecting appeal.
14. Santa Catalina Island, California
Seeking Mediterranean-style weather without leaving the U.S.? Santa Catalina Island delivers with year-round mild temperatures (50–70°F) and a mix of green hills, rugged coastlines and sandy coves.
Highlights: In the resort town of Avalon, the historic Art Deco “Catalina Casino” houses a theater, ballroom and island art museum.
Getting there: Fast-ferries from multiple Southern California ports — Long Beach, San Pedro, Dana Point, Newport Beach — shuttle you there within one hour. Helicopter charters are also available.
Why it’s special: An accessible island escape from the mainland, blending resort culture and natural scenery.
13. Tybee Island, Georgia
Just under a 30-minute drive from historic downtown Savannah, Tybee Island offers a barrier-island experience rich in nature and historic landmarks.
Highlights: Visit the oldest lighthouse in Georgia and the nearby Little Tybee Island — the latter is twice the size of Tybee and far less developed, making it ideal for untouched nature exploration.
Getting there: Located 15 miles from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, then a 20-minute drive east from Savannah via I-95 or I-16.
Why it’s special: Combines Southern charm, coastal escape and access to historic Savannah.
12. Mackinac Island, Michigan
A classic Midwestern vacation spot — 80% of the island lies within a state park, meaning nature is protected and the ambiance peaceful. Automobiles are banned, preserving its old-world feel.
Highlights: The iconic Grand Hotel’s 660-foot front porch overlooking the water is a must-see. For transportation, take a horse-drawn taxi ride with the island’s historic carriage service.
Getting there: Seasonal ferries operate from St. Ignace (and Mackinaw City) — including hydro-jet and traditional services — and the island also has a small private airport for charter flights.
Why it’s special: A charming, car-free island steeped in history and natural beauty.
11. Florida Keys, Florida
This collection of hundreds of islands offers something for many kinds of travelers. The spotlight five: Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine & the Lower Keys, and Key West.
Highlights:
- Key Largo: renowned for diving and snorkeling.
- Islamorada: sport-fishing capital.
- Marathon: combines leisure with volunteer opportunities for conservation.
- Big Pine & Lower Keys: unspoiled nature.
- Key West: historic, lively and full of character.
Getting there: Fly into Key West (EYW), Marathon (MTH), Miami (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale (FLL). Alternatively, drive the scenic U.S. Route 1 Overseas Highway spanning the Keys.
Why it’s special: A uniquely connected chain of islands offering maritime adventure, history and nature.
10. Big Island (Hawaii)
The largest of the Hawaiian Islands is built for adventure rather than just beach-bumming.
Highlights: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park features lava flows, craters and steam vents around the active Kīlauea volcano. Visit lush valleys such as Waipiʻō Valley—a dramatic natural setting with waterfalls and hiking trails.
Getting there: Daily flights into Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA). If direct flights are unavailable, fly via Honolulu (HNL) then take a short hop.
Why it’s special: Epic landscapes and natural wonders make it more of an exploration destination than a typical “beach resort” island.
9. Amelia Island, Florida
A 13-mile long island off Florida’s northeastern coast, Amelia Island is less beaten-path and offers a serene escape with plenty of green space.
Highlights: Visit Fort Clinch State Park for trails through nature and historic fortifications, or explore the downtown shops and local dining.
Getting there: Just 30 minutes by car (crossing over the intracoastal waterway) from Jacksonville International Airport.
Why it’s special: A peaceful, natural island with strong local hospitality and fewer crowds than many rival beach destinations.
8. Kauaʻi, Hawaii
Nicknamed “The Garden Isle,” Kauaʻi is lush, green and somewhat rugged — not always easy to reach every part, but deeply rewarding.
Highlights: The dramatic Nā Pali Coast — best seen from an open-door helicopter flight or sea kayak. Try beaches like Polihale Beach and Honopū Beach (the latter accessible only by boat or a swim).
Getting there: Fly directly into Līhuʻe Airport (LIH), or fly into Honolulu (HNL) and take a short inter-island flight.
Why it’s special: A wild, younger-feel island in Hawaii — remote, rich in nature, and visually spectacular.
7. Nantucket, Massachusetts
This quintessential New England island features narrow lanes, wood-paneled historic houses, dunes, salt marshes and bluffs — a photographer’s dream.
Highlights: Bike or walk to the many iconic lighthouses surrounding the island. For a seafood feast, try the classic clam-bake at Sayle’s Seafood — lobsters, oysters, chowder and more.
Getting there: Accessible via plane from several Northeastern airports, but for scenic access you may prefer the ferry from Cape Cod (≈1 hour) or even from New York (≈6 hours).
Why it’s special: A refined yet relaxed island escape with New England charm and beautiful natural surroundings.
6. South Padre Island, Texas
On the southern tip of Texas, South Padre Island offers fun, nature, conservation and adventure all in one.
Highlights: Sandcastle-building classes, an adventure park with zip-lining, horseback rides on the beach, plus sea-turtle-rehab centres and bird-watching spots. Sea-turtle hatchling releases — from mid-June through August — are a unique experience.
Getting there: Fly into Brownsville SPI International (BRO), Valley International (HRL) or McAllen (MFE), then shuttle or taxi to the island. Driving there is also straightforward via major highways.
Why it’s special: A blend of family fun, nature conservation and beach time — especially for those seeking something different from standard resort islands.
5. Lānaʻi, Hawaii
A relatively small and exclusive island, Lānaʻi offers seclusion, luxury and unique landscapes.
Highlights: Beaches like Polihua Beach and Kaiōlia (Shipwreck) Beach provide remote settings. The Sensei Lanaʻi, A Four Seasons Resort offers wellness retreats, daily classes and gourmet dining (including Nobu).
Getting there: No direct flights from the continental U.S. – arrive via Honolulu (HNL) or Maui’s Kahului (OGG), then board a local flight to Lānaʻi Airport (LNY).
Why it’s special: A rich combination of luxury, peace and lesser-known Hawaiian island charm.
4. Oʻahu, Hawaii
The most visited of the Hawaiian islands, Oʻahu merges city energy (in Honolulu) with natural wonders and beach culture.
Highlights: Explore the tourist-famous spots like Waikiki Beach and the surf breaks of the North Shore — but also venture off the beaten path. At Mokulēʻia Beach Park you’ll find calmer waters, snorkeling and far fewer crowds. In Honolulu’s Chinatown you’ll find local favorites like shave ice, pork buns and creative burgers.
Getting there: Honolulu’s main international airport makes this island easy to reach from the continental U.S.
Why it’s special: A classic Hawaiian experience with the flexibility of both city and nature, culture and beach.
3. Maui, Hawaii
Known for its mix of volcanoes, beaches, family-friendly resorts and natural scenic drives, Maui is a versatile escape.
Highlights: Climb or drive to the summit of Haleakalā for sunrise. Take the legendary “Road to Hana” — a 52-mile scenic route passing dramatic waterfalls and the famed Seven Sacred Pools. Resorts, snorkeling, ziplines and turtle-spotting canoe tours round out the activities.
Getting there: Many mainland U.S. airlines offer direct flights to Maui; if not, fly into Honolulu and transfer by a short flight.
Why it’s special: Ideal for families, adventure-seekers and anyone wanting both relaxation and natural wonder.
2. Kiawah Island, South Carolina
This barrier island near Charleston seems tailor-made for a serene escape with a touch of luxury.
Highlights: Stay at the luxury oceanfront Sanctuary Hotel at Kiawah Island Resort and favour golf, tennis, pools, beach time and indulgence. On the southwest tip sits Kiawah Beachwalker Park — one of the few public beaches on the island, famed for its talcum-soft sand (fee $5–$10 in season).
Getting there: Roughly a one-hour drive from Charleston International Airport (CHS) via a causeway from the mainland.
Why it’s special: Offers a refined yet relaxed island experience with proximity to Charleston’s charm and an excellent resort environment.
1. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Topping the list again this year, Hilton Head Island retains its crown as readers’ favourite U.S. island getaway.
Highlights: With 12 miles of pristine sand, local artisan shopping, high-quality dining and endless outdoor options (cycling, paddle boarding, golf) — there’s something for everyone. Stay at the luxury beachfront Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort, which was voted one of the best resorts in the South.
Getting there: About one hour’s drive from Savannah (Georgia) via bridge from the mainland.
Why it’s special: Versatility, accessibility, natural beauty and strong resort-infrastructure make it the clear #1.
Planning Your Trip
- Timing matters. Many of these islands have ideal seasons — for example, the Florida Keys are best from November to April for low humidity; sea-turtle nests on South Padre start in April.
- Travel logistics. Consider how you’ll arrive — whether by ferry, car, or plane. Islands like Lānaʻi require inter-island flight connections.
- Experience depth. Some destinations are classic sun-and-sand (Hilton Head, Kiawah), while others lean toward adventure and nature (Big Island, Kauaʻi). Choose based on your travel mood.
- Mind the crowds. Popular islands such as Oʻahu and Maui are more visited. For quieter vibes, consider places like Amelia Island, Lānaʻi or the Florida mainland barrier islands.
Whether you’re seeking luxury resort pampering, beachfront repose, nature immersion or family-friendly fun, this list of the 2025 Readers’ Choice best U.S. islands offers a destination for every style. Pick your island — and start planning your next getaway.
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