15 U.S. Islands So Exotic, You Won’t Believe They’re Right Here in America!
The United States contains more than 18,000 different named islands covering its expansive water resources, including coastlines, rivers, and lakes at every corner. Some of these islands have almost perfect turquoise waterfronts, sugar-white beaches, and tropical gardens, which contest among international beach destination paradises.
These beautiful destinations require no passport to access since they reside entirely within American borders. People searching for natural beauty, adventures and those who love tranquility, will find unique landscapes that create lasting memories at these destinations.
Kauai, Hawaii
Nicknamed the “Garden Isle,” Kauai offers jaw-dropping landscapes that look straight out of a movie set. At this destination, you will encounter dramatic cliffs of emerald green and waterfalls that cascade while rainforests cover the place with lush vegetation.
Hike the world-famous Na Pali Coast Trail, kayak along the serene Wailua River, or take in the stunning views of Waimea Canyon, also known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Adventure and tranquility unite in equal parts at Kauai, Hawaii.
St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
Every traveler seeking the Caribbean dream will find it on St. John through its tropical perfection. The Virgin Islands National Park covers more than 60% of the island, enabling visitors to experience pristine beaches, coral reefs, and hiking trails.
Trunk Bay offers exceptional snorkeling conditions, and visitors can explore the Annaberg Plantation ruins while enjoying pristine relaxation at Honeymoon Beach. The destination pleasures tourists studying history and exploring natural wonders.
Dry Tortugas, Florida
The isolated string of islands exists 70 miles from Key West shoreline as people commonly visit to see Fort Jefferson combined with its historical Civil War fortress and stunning water clarity. Dry Tortugas National Park provides exceptional scuba-diving and snorkeling opportunities where divers can observe colorful sea life while diving among shipwrecks throughout its waters.
True adventure awaits anyone who spends the night in this location to watch the magical night sky.
American Samoa
The South Pacific Ocean holds American Samoa as its unblemished treasure, which exists at a distance from the continental United States. The United States territory offers people a distinct Pacific paradise because it features stunning volcanic mountains, beaches, and energetic Polynesian traditions.
The National Park of American Samoa lets visitors explore its rainforest vegetation, while Ofu Beach provides a pristine coral reef and clear ocean blue conditions for snorkelers.
San Juan Islands, Washington
Located in the northwest Pacific region of the United States, the San Juan Islands provide a wildlife-filled sanctuary for nature lovers and active explorers. People visiting these islands can paddle kelp forests as they observe orcas do their breaching acts while cycling along the picturesque pastoral routes.
According to observed reports, visit Lime Kiln Point State Park to experience the best land-based whale-watching in the world.
Vieques, Puerto Rico
The Puerto Rican island of Vieques features Mosquito Bay as its crowning treasure. During evening hours, its waters shine with millions of bioluminescent microorganisms.
Experience a surreal, dreamlike atmosphere at Vieques, which offers black-sand beaches combined with roaming wild horses and private coves such as Sun Bay.
Diomede Islands, Alaska
Set against the Bering Strait lies the pair of Diomede Islands, which present visitors with an experience of Arctic wildness with distinct cultural attractions. United States territory Little Diomede exists in an isolated place occupied by the tiny Indigenous Iñupiat population, which makes up its local community.
Visitors who choose this adventure will discover polar landscapes and characterful traditions, and they can also encounter marine wildlife, including seals and whales.
Big Island, Hawaii
The Big Island of Hawaii stands out as the most varied location in the state because it contains active volcanoes, black-sand beaches, lush waterfalls, and snow-covered mountains.
Visitors to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park can see bubbling lava flows and enjoy Punalu’u Beach before looking up at Mauna Kea for astronomy observation because it ranks among the planet’s best astronomic sites.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Visitors to Mackinac Island will enjoy a vintage experience since the island restricts motorized transportation instead of using delightful horses to pull carriages throughout. Visitors can experience mountain biking on cliffs as they admire Victorian structures while sampling well-known fudge treats.
The Grand Hotel stands out with its record-breaking world-class porch.
Cumberland Island, Georgia
The remote island presents a perfectly balanced combination of its historical value and natural landscape. The area features oak-canopied trails for exploration, eerie Dungeness Ruins, and over 17 miles of undeveloped beaches that serve as habitats for wild horses.
Guests who need time alone will find their serenity at Cumberland Island.
Santa Catalina Island, California
Santa Catalina Island operates as a Mediterranean-style destination that lies 22 miles distant from Los Angeles and offers a mix of outdoor recreation while retaining its Mediterranean aesthetics. Explore Lover’s Cove by snorkeling while on the island and hiking the rough terrain, or experience the excitement of the Descanso Canyon zip-line.
Santa Catalina Island supplies guests with the ideal destination for short-stay excursions and time away from home.
Block Island, Rhode Island
Block Island in New England allows visitors to admire Mohegan Bluffs with its extensive hiking paths and picturesque 18th-century lighthouse installations.
Block Island invites visitors to explore the Ocean View Trail by biking and enjoying the peaceful charm of its tranquil scenes while having lobster dinners.
Amelia Island, Florida
This southeastern coastal destination features points of history, natural wilderness areas, and white sandy shores. Visit Fernandina Beach to search for shark teeth while paddling quiet marshlands, then walk beneath oak trees adorned with Spanish moss.
Amelia Island presents visitors with a peaceful atmosphere that defines Southern hospitality.
South Bass Island, Ohio
The Ohio lake resort of Put-in-Bay offers limestone cave tours, glacial groove excursions, and coffee bars with lake frontage.
Discover the island’s picturesque lanes with a golf cart rental and a trip to climb Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial, where visitors can enjoy panoramic lake views.
St. Phillips Island, South Carolina
Visitors can only reach St. Phillips Island through boat service. Its “boneyard beaches” are scattered with driftwood sculptures, making for unforgettable hikes.
Seeing an alligator is possible if you go birdwatching along tidal creeks and freshwater ponds.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Disclosure: For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
Read More:
- Ultimate Guide To Picking The Best Travel Credit Card
- The 5 Best Budget Airlines in the United States
- 15 Best Countrıes to Vısıt in Afrıca
