15 Best US Islands: 2022 Readers' Top Picks

The best islands in the continental United States are led by Mackinac Island in Michigan, followed by South Carolina's Kiawah Island and Massachusetts' Nantucket. According to reader rankings, many top-rated destinations are located in the Southeast, with Florida hosting five of the top fifteen spots. These best US islands are chosen for their unique mix of natural attractions, beaches, local food, and overall travel value.

An In-Depth Look at the 2022 Rankings

As a critic who has spent decades evaluating the nuances of American hospitality and geography, the results of the 2022 World's Best Awards offer more than just a list of vacation spots; they reflect a shifting preference toward destinations that offer a distinct sense of place. This year's survey, the 27th annual iteration, highlights a clear desire for islands that balance ecological preservation with sophisticated visitor infrastructure.

While tropical getaways often dominate the conversation, the readers have decisively pivoted toward the rugged character of the Great Lakes and the refined leisure of the Atlantic coast. The following table provides the quantitative breakdown of the top fifteen islands in the continental United States based on the scores provided by the thousands of travelers who participated in this rigorous assessment.

The Top Pick: Mackinac Island's Car-Free Charm

Securing the first position is Mackinac Island, Michigan, which achieved a reader score of 89.10. This is a significant achievement for a destination that lacks the year-round warm climates of its Southern competitors. The island's appeal lies in its preservation; roughly 80% of the land is protected as a state park.

The defining characteristic of Mackinac is its 1898 ban on motorized vehicles. This policy has created one of the best car-free island vacations in the US, where the sound of engines is replaced by horse-drawn carriages and the rhythmic clicking of bicycles. For the traveler, this offers a rare luxury: silence and a slower pace of life. Access is primarily handled via ferry access from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, with the Star Line and Shepler’s Ferry being the primary operators.

Pro Tip: The ferry ride from the mainland takes approximately 18 to 20 minutes. If staying overnight at the Grand Hotel or Mission Point Resort, luggage is usually transported directly from the ferry dock to your room via horse-drawn cart.

Lowcountry Luxury: South Carolina and Georgia Barrier Islands

The Atlantic Southeast continues to be a powerhouse for US island vacation destinations. Kiawah Island, located just south of Charleston, holds the second spot. It is widely considered one of the top rated US island destinations for golfers thanks to the legendary Ocean Course, which has hosted multiple PGA Championships.

The barrier islands of this region, including Hilton Head and the Golden Isles of Georgia, offer a deep immersion into Lowcountry culture. This culture is defined by its maritime history, Gullah-Geechee heritage, and a culinary scene that emphasizes local shrimp and stone crabs. The Golden Isles of Georgia, which frequently holds the top spot, was ranked No. 5 on the 2022 list. This enclave, comprising St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, Sea Island, and Little St. Simons Island, is favored for its moss-draped oaks and expansive marshlands.

Kiawah is also notable for its commitment to environmental stewardship alongside high-end development. The island provides a sanctuary for loggerhead turtles and bobcats, ensuring that the luxury resort experience does not come at the cost of the local ecosystem.

Florida’s Favorites: From Shelling to Tropical Keys

Florida dominates the 2022 list by volume, providing five top rated islands in continental US entries. These destinations range from the historic northern ports to the near-tropical environment of the Keys.

Sanibel and Captiva islands remain essential for families and nature enthusiasts. These islands are mathematically positioned to act as a "scoop" for shells traveling from the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. Travelers looking for the best islands for shelling and wildlife in Florida will find no better location than the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, which covers nearly half of Sanibel.

Further north, Amelia Island provides a different atmosphere. Known for its maritime history and the annual Shrimp Festival, it is a place where Victorian mansions meet the Atlantic. The island features unique lighthouse architecture and boutique beach hotels that cater to a more traditional, understated crowd compared to the high-energy scenes of Miami or Key West.

Pro Tip: To witness the peak shelling season on Sanibel, plan your visit following a cold front or a storm, when the tides push thousands of rare specimens onto the shore.

New England Classics: Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard

The Massachusetts islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard are perennial favorites for a reason. These locations represent the pinnacle of best US island getaways in the Northeast. Nantucket is particularly noted for its consistency; the entire town is a National Historic Landmark District.

Couples often cite these as the most romantic islands in the continental US for couples due to the windswept moors, cobblestone streets, and the abundance of high-end dining options. While Martha's Vineyard is larger and offers more geographic diversity—from the clay cliffs of Aquinnah to the colorful "gingerbread" cottages of Oak Bluffs—Nantucket provides a more concentrated, luxury-focused experience. Both islands are famous for their boutique beach hotels, many of which are housed in converted sea captains' homes.

Adventure in the North: Mount Desert and San Juan Islands

For those who find sitting on a beach too sedentary, the northern tier of American islands provides more rugged alternatives. Mount Desert Island in Maine and the San Juan Islands in Washington are the definitive US island getaways with great hiking and nature trails.

Mount Desert Island is the home of Acadia National Park, which offers everything from the challenging precipice trail to the gentle carriage roads designed by John D. Rockefeller Jr. It is a place where the mountains literally meet the sea, providing a dramatic backdrop for sunrise at Cadillac Mountain.

On the West Coast, the San Juan Islands offer a different kind of adventure. Located in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, these islands receive significantly less rain than Seattle. This makes them a premier destination for sea kayaking and whale watching. The proximity to national park boundaries and the emphasis on sustainable tourism ensure that the local orca populations and bald eagles remain the star attractions.

FAQ

Which island in the US is the best for a vacation?

The best island for a vacation depends on your personal travel style. Based on the 2022 reader data, Mackinac Island in Michigan is the top overall choice for those seeking a unique car-free experience and historic charm. For luxury and activities like golf, Kiawah Island is the premier selection, while Nantucket is the gold standard for New England coastal elegance.

Which US islands have the best beaches?

Islands in the Southeast generally offer the most traditional white-sand beach experiences. Florida’s Gulf Coast islands, like Sanibel and Captiva, are renowned for their calm waters and world-class shelling. For those who prefer wide, Atlantic-facing dunes, the Outer Banks in North Carolina and Hilton Head Island in South Carolina provide some of the most expansive shoreline in the country.

Which US island is best for a family trip?

Sanibel Island is often cited as the best for families due to the interactive nature of its beaches and the educational value of its wildlife refuges. Hilton Head also ranks highly for families because of its extensive network of bike paths, kid-friendly resorts, and abundance of shallow-water activities.

Are there any hidden gem islands in the US?

While many islands on the top 15 list are well-known, places like Block Island in Rhode Island and the San Juan Islands in Washington offer a more "hidden" feel due to their more remote locations and lack of large-scale chain developments. These spots appeal to travelers looking to escape the crowds of the more accessible mainland beaches.

What are the top-rated islands for outdoor activities in the US?

Mount Desert Island in Maine is the industry leader for outdoor activities, specifically hiking and rock climbing, thanks to Acadia National Park. The San Juan Islands in Washington are the top choice for water-based activities like kayaking and wildlife sightseeing, specifically orca watching.

The diversity of these fifteen islands showcases the vast geography of the United States. Whether one is drawn to the championship golf courses of the South or the rustic trails of the North, these reader-approved destinations represent the gold standard of domestic travel. For the modern traveler, the hardest decision isn't whether to visit an island, but which unique ecosystem to explore first.