The 10 Best Islands for Your Summer Getaway
Candyce H. Stapen
If Spring Fever is starting to get the best of you, it might be time to start planning your island vacation. A new list spotlights the 10 best islands in the US.
There's something about an island that fuels our vacation fantasies. Whether we're drawn to sugar soft beaches and calm seas or rocky coasts and roiling surf, island vacations deliver beautiful scenery, sweet relaxation, and often bountiful activities.
To find some of the best, consider the winners of TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice island awards. The top spot in both the US and the world, according to users of the travel booking site, is Maui, HI.
If these pretty places come with premium prices, TripAdvisor suggests vacationing during shoulder season, the period in between the slow season and peak travel season. "While most of these islands have year-round appeal, TripAdvisor hotel booking data shows that bargain-hunters can save nearly 30% per night on average when staying at the top US islands during the shoulder season rather than the peak."
TripAdvisor's Top 10 Islands in the U.S.
1. Maui, HI
Along with golden beaches, Maui offers top-rated restaurants and such memorable outings as seeing the moon-like crater of dormant volcano Haleakala and snorkeling in turquoise seas.
Average hotel rates: spring $346; summer $339; fall $315; and winter $412.
Save an average of 24% by visiting in fall.
2. Key West, FL
In Key West stroll the streets lined with pastel-pretty houses, go on a sunset sail, and take the ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park to snorkel and to explore the fort.
3. Oahu, HI
Watch expert surfers ride monster waves on Oahu's North Shore, learn to surf in Waikiki and tour the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor.
Save an average of 17% by visiting in spring.
4. Island of Hawaii, HI
On the Island of Hawaii, a.k.a "the Big Island," walk through a lava tube at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, stroll the lush grounds of flower-filled Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden and hike to waterfalls in Akaka State Falls Park.
5. Mount Desert Island, ME
Mount Desert Island is home to Acadia National Park, a gem with sea-splashed rocky coasts, granite cliffs, and mountains.
6. Hilton Head, SC
Hilton Head Island, 12 miles long and five miles wide, offers 24 golf courses open to the public, some 200 miles of paths for bicycling and walking, plus soft-sand beaches.
7. Amelia Island, Florida
Along with beaches and golf courses, Amelia Island offers history lovers Fort Clinch State Park where interpreters in period attire re-enact Civil War life.
8. Marco Island, Florida
Kayak, swim, and explore nearby Everglades National Park, a subtropical wilderness of mangrove swamps and sawgrass prairies cut by watery channels.
9. Chincoteague Island, Virginia
Discover Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, 14,000 acres of ocean beaches, protected dunes, marshes, and maritime forests primarily located on the southern end of Assateague Island. The best way to see the refuge's wild Chincoteague ponies is by taking a boat.
Average hotel rates: spring $108; summer $192; fall $114; and winter $82.
10. Mackinac Island, Michigan
Since no cars are allowed, to explore Mackinac Island bike, take a horse-drawn carriage or walk. In Mackinac Island State Park hike trails, view limestone caves and arches and catch sight of gulls, ducks and other birds.
Average hotel rates: spring $239; summer $337; fall $289; winter rates not applicable.
All photos courtesy of TripAdvisor.