Published 22nd Apr. 2025
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As the fourth-largest country in the world, it’s easy to get lost in the mainland maze on a USA holiday. However, cast your attention beyond its shores, and you’ll discover a spectacular smattering of islands within (almost) touching distance. From the wildlife-rich Santa Catalina to Hawaii’s gorgeous ‘Garden Island’, read on to discover our pick of the most beautiful islands in the USA.
1. Santa Catalina, California
2. Kauai, Hawaii
3. Block Island, Rhode Island
4. Mount Desert Island, Maine
5. Mackinac Island, Michigan
Santa Catalina might be Californians’ favourite summer spot to beat the heat, but this island offers much more than just breezy beaches. Located 22 miles or a one-hour ferry ride south of Los Angeles, Catalina’s forest-cloaked hills, harbour towns and glassy waters invite visitors to hike, shop, snorkel and unwind beside ocean views. Itching for a wildlife fix? You’re in luck – Catalina foxes, bald eagles, seabirds, bats, deer and bison have all chosen the island life. Catalina’s underwater world also boasts myriad marine marvels, with 481 species of fish, four species of sea turtles and more than 5,000 species of invertebrates found beneath the surface.
Hawaii is home to some of the most diverse, dramatic and down-right beautiful islands in the USA. But today, our spotlight is on Kauai. This Hawaiian haven is nicknamed the ‘Garden Island’ for a reason – its canvas of emerald rainforests and flower-filled, vibrant valleys sets it apart from the rest. And these natural wonders aren’t just for show. Hike the Kalalau Trail along the Na Pali Coast, kayak to the Secret Falls, enjoy an iconically Hawaiian surf lesson and drink all the views in from the comfort of a helicopter ride.
Image by Matthew Micah Wright / Getty Images
Sitting a stone’s throw from Rhode Island, windswept Block Island is a hidden gem. Small, scenic, laid-back and low-key (need we say more?), this island exudes a charming New England timelessness; think gorgeous 17th-century lighthouses and wood-panelled shops unchanged for decades. After nosing around the beachwear, books and baked goods, make a beeline for the beach. You’ll have the pick of 17 miles of soft sand, but we recommend Fred Benson Town Beach for families, Surf Beach for snorkelling and Ballard’s Beach for tiki bar cocktails.
Image by Bob Gundersen / Getty Images
Fancy a trip into the heart of Acadia National Park? Maine’s Mount Desert Island is just the ticket. Most of the island – the sixth largest in the contiguous United States – is covered by Acadia, a national park famous for its dramatic cliffs, heavenly hiking trails and diverse flora and fauna. Early birds can hike, bike or drive to Cadillac Mountain, Acadia’s highest point, to witness one of the first sunrises in the US from October to March. If you don’t want an early start (we don’t blame you), then the sunset is just as pretty.
Image by Tony Shi Photography / Getty Images
Car-free since 1898, Mackinac Island’s slow pace of life makes it one of the most beautiful islands in the USA. Instead of noisy, fume-belching four wheels, you can rely on walking, horse-drawn carriages and bikes to get around (there are a whopping 170 bikes for every year-round resident). A visit here is also a treat for the tastebuds, as this little Michigan island has a thriving fudge industry – 10,000lb of the sweet stuff is made every day during peak season. Work off what you gobble up with a walk along the popular eight-mile route around the island, enjoying enviable views of the surrounding islands and the Mackinac Bridge.
Image by Michael Deemer / Getty Images
Written by Evie Buller | Header Image by Jess Vide / Pexels.
From New York to California and all the states in between, our team knows the USA's hotspots incredibly well. What we really excel at, though, is the under-the-radar regions, thanks to our in-depth experience and the hand-picked guides we work with on the ground. Whether you’re travelling as a family or à deux, road trips are the ultimate way to explore the USA, and we're brimming with suggestions to improve journeys, from scenic route options to photogenic stop-off points (all based on our own experiences, of course). And if that's not enough, you'll have our in-country Concierge team on hand at all times for extra help and advice.
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