12 US Islands for the Perfect Beach Holiday
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From getting a perfect chance to slow down and destress to fully enjoying breathtaking and secluded beaches, an island vacation has many advantages. You, however, don’t have to fly to Bora Bora or Boracay to enjoy picture-perfect island holidays. The U.S. has a lot of picturesque islands, and these 12 will give you the beach vacation of your lifetime.
1. Maui, Hawaii
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Maui is renowned for its long stretches of breathtaking beaches. Ka’anapali Beach, for instance, is known for its endless stretches of golden sands and azure waters. This beach is ideal for surfing, snorkeling, swimming, and watching the sunset.
While you could easily spend your entire getaway at Ka’anapali Beach, you may want to sample other stunning beaches that Maui has to offer, such as Wailea Beach, which is famed for its beauty and luxury hotels, Napili Bay, which is known for its calm waters and tropical green vegetation, and Kapalua Bay loved for its white sands. If you visit Maui between December and April, you may get lucky and see whales migrating from Alaska.
Read also: Top Secret Beaches in the US
2. Oahu, Hawaii
Oahu is home to one of the world’s most famous beaches, Waikiki Beach. The soft sands, sparkling waters, and the iconic skyline of Waikiki Beach keep beckoning tourists. Stop by Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay on the North Shore if you would love a surfing break.
Finish your beach-hopping trip by visiting Kailua Beach for its vast white sand shores and crystal-clear waters. A snorkeler’s trip in Oahu is never complete without snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, Shark’s Cove, and Electric Beach. You’re guaranteed to spot abundant marine life at these spots.
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3. Nantucket, Massachusetts
Nantucket is the best place to go and experience historical charm fused with tranquil beaches; there aren’t a lot of places where you can find this combination. Start your island getaway at Cisco Beach, which offers vast stretches of golden sands and rolling waves, making it a perfect spot for sunbathers and surfers. Other perfect beaches to explore include Madaket Beach, characterized by picturesque dunes, and Siasconset Beach, dotted with rugged cliffs.
Don’t miss the chance to cruise to Nantucket Harbor to spot humpbacks, finbacks, and minkewhales. If you’re into history, take the opportunity to stroll the Nantucket town for a dose of historic architecture and timeless New England charm.
Read also: Amazing Uncrowded Seaside Destinations in the US
4. Key West, Florida
Key West is known for its vibrant history and laid-back atmosphere. If you’re looking for a destination offering out-of-the-world natural beauty and loads of activity, you will not regret going to Key West. Ensure you go to Smathers Beach, bask on its soft white sands, walk along its long shore, picnic, or play volleyball.
You may want to visit Fort Zachary Taylor State Park Beach, Higgs Beach, and Dog Beach. If you’re into nightlife, visit the lively bars and restaurants on Duval Street after a long day of water activities.
History fanatics should stop by Key West Cemetery and President Harry S. Truman’s Little White House. Wind up your trip by taking cool panoramic views of Key West from the Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters Museum.
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5. Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
Martha’s Vineyard is located just south of Cape Cod in Massachusetts. The island is known for its pristine beaches and scenic landscapes. Beach lovers would love Katama Beach’s expansiveness along the island’s southern coast. This beach is the perfect spot to enjoy soft sand and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s also great for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and beachcombing.
You also want to check out Joseph Sylvia State Beach and Moshup Beach, which are known for their colorful clay cliffs. Wind up your island vacation by visiting Edgartown to savor the charming 19th-century architecture and iconic landmarks such as Edgartown Lighthouse and Oak Bluffs.
Read also: Awesome Hidden Beaches in the World
6. Catalina Island, California
Santa Catalina Island (simply referred to as Catalina Island) is located on a rocky island southwest of Los Angeles. It is known for its diverse wildlife, dive sites, and the stunning Mt. Orizaba. Visit Avalon, the city’s main town, with colorful buildings, palm trees, and cozy waterfront restaurants. Beach lovers would have the time of their lives at Descanso Beach, Two Harbors Beach, and Lovers Cove. A must-do is the zipline eco-tour that lets you enjoy panoramic views of the coastline, canyons, and the Pacific Ocean.
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7. Whidbey Island, Michigan
Whidbey Island, situated in the Puget Sound region of Washington state, is a vibrant destination known for its stunning natural beauty and fun outdoor activities. The island is home to iconic landmarks such as Fort Casey State Park, Admiralty Head Lighthouse, and the Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve.
Whidbey boasts picturesque beaches such as Double Bluff Beach, Penn Cove, and Joseph Whidbey State Park. These beaches are popular spots for beachcombing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and whale watching. You can also take guided tours from Langley and Coupeville to watch orcas, gray whales, and humpback whales.
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8. Sanibel Island, Florida
If you’re looking for a laid-back beach setting, you will not regret visiting Sanibel Island. Beach enthusiasts can savor this island’s tropical and humid climate on the secluded Bowman’s Island, Lighthouse Beach Park, and the unspoiled Blind Pass Beach. Blind Pass Beach is perfect for shell collecting, birdwatching, and fishing.
Here, tourists can enjoy stunning sunsets and panoramic views of Captiva Island and Pine Island Sound. Tourists should not miss the vast mangrove forest, J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, which offers many activities for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Lastly, take a trip up the Sanibel Lighthouse for magnificent island views.
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9. Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
Wrightsville Beach is known for its vast beach and blue waters. The walkable barrier island city is the perfect place to live an active island life because of its many activities. Stop by Wrightsville Beach itself and Johnnie Mercer and Crystal Fishing Piers. These spots offer magnificent views in a serene environment. Wind up your evenings by taking sailing tours for breathtaking sunset views.
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10. Mount Desert Island, Maine
The dramatic landscape of Mount Desert should get you adding this picturesque island to your bucket list. To get the best Mount Desert Island, take scenic drives on Park Loop Road and the Cadillac Summit Road to enjoy breathtaking views of the island’s rugged coastline, high peaks, and lush forests. Ensure to tour the island’s uniquely beautiful beaches, including Sand Beach Acadia, Echo Lake Beach, and Little Hunters Beach.
Read also: Hidden Beaches in the Caribbean
11. Kauai, Hawaii
Kauai, the northernmost island in the Hawaiian archipelago, is a sought-after destination for stunning natural beauty and rugged coastline. Na Pali Coast, one of Kauai’s must-visits, is home to towering sea cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and pristine beaches. It is accessible only by helicopter, boat, or hiking trail.
Kauai has many picturesque beaches, but some of the most popular include Ke’e Beach, Haena Beach Park, Poipu Beach Park, and Hanalei Bay. Kauai is also known for the scenic drives it has to offer. If you’re into road trips, drive along the Kauai South Shore and Kauai North Shore.
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12. Amelia Beach
Amelia Beach is a charming destination that offers visitors historic charm and natural beauty. Main Beach Park is famous for its amenities, including vast stretches of sandy shoreline, picnic areas, playgrounds, and volleyball courts.
On the other hand, the unspoiled Fort Clinch State Park offers a tranquil retreat amidst scenic dunes and marine forests. Ensure you experience kayaking and paddleboarding on Amelia’s waterways, such as Amelia River and Egan’s Creek.
Read also: Must-Visit Beaches in the Caribbean
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