Summer is a great time to visit an island and soak up the sun, water and views. Travel experts are weighing in on the most gorgeous islands in the U.S., so you don’t have to spend too much time trying to figure out which spots to visit. I realize summer is winding down, so you can always make plans to visit these islands in the fall or next year. Without further ado, let’s get into the most gorgeous islands in the U.S., according to experts.
Experts Love These Gorgeous Islands
The travel experts at TravelandLeisure.com have put together a roster of the best and most gorgeous islands in America. This list only features islands in the continental U.S. “It’s hard to wrap your mind around just how wide-ranging and varied the American experience can be, but this year’s list of the best islands in the continental U.S. captures it well,” they write in the article. They continue, “The islands here are a testament to just how much natural and cultural diversity our own backyard has to offer.”
As for methodology, for the survey, the publication asked readers to discuss and share their travel experiences and share their experiences with the finest hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines and more. The survey counted more than 186,000 readers, so a ton of people contributed to this report. In voting on the islands, the criteria included natural attractions and beaches; activities and sights; restaurants and food; people and friendliness; and value.
No. 1 on the tally from Travel and Leisure is Golden Isles in Georgia, which includes the gorgeous islands of Jekyll Island, Little St. Simons Island, Sea Island and St. Simons Island. Of the spot, Travel and Leisure notes, “Southern prep reigns on glitzy Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island is all untrammeled coastal preserve but for a single 16-room luxury lodge, St. Simons is home to a thriving community (and some of the best barbecue the region has to offer), and Jekyll Island marries a bit of all three, with remnants of Gilded-Age splendor and family-friendly beaches nestled up against swathes of undeveloped forests and tidal marsh. And it seems every reader has their go-to isle.” That sounds so fun, and I definitely want to go there sometime.
Amelia Island in Florida was No. 2. Amelia Island is located right off the northeast coast of Florida. Mackinac Island in Michigan ranked No. 3. I’m actually familiar with this island, because I’m from Michigan. One of the best parts of Mackinac Island is that no motorized vehicles are allowed on the island, so it truly feels like you’re stepping back in time. If you really want to get away, I recommend it. If you go, The Grand Hotel is legendary and historic. Really, you can’t visit this island and not stay at The Grand Hotel.
Rounding out the top five is Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts at No. 4 and the Florida Keys in Florida at No. 5. These gorgeous islands are absolute must-sees if you’re an island enthusiast.