The Best U.S. Islands: 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards

Our annual Readers’ Choice Awards are now in their 35th year, and they continue to recognize the travel experiences that our readers enjoy the most. These experiences range from hotels and airlines to cruises and islands. Plus: odes to the properties that keep you coming back, musings on great cities, and more. Plus: odes to the properties that keep you returning back.

The statistics back up what we already suspected: The number of people who are interested in traveling has never been higher, as evidenced by the over one-quarter million responses that were received to this year’s poll. This year’s list is a monument to the enduring strength of perennial favorites, through thick and thin, beginning with the best large city in the United States and ending with the best foreign airline.

Do you believe that in order to visit an island, you have to travel all the way to the Caribbean? Certainly not in every case. You chose the perennially popular destination in the Low Country, Hilton Head Island, as your top pick in the United States, while you chose the relatively unexplored destination of Fernando de Noronha, in Brazil, as your top pick in Central and South America. This choice reflects your desire to both revisit old haunts and explore exciting new locations. The following is a list of the top islands in the United States, as chosen by readers of Traveler magazine.

15. The island of Martha’s Vineyard, located in Massachusetts

The island of Martha’s Vineyard is a popular vacation destination in the summer because of its rough Atlantic coastline and charming settlements. The island may be roughly broken up into two distinct zones, each of which offers its own unique experiences: “Down-island” refers to the more developed district on the east coast, where the majority of seafood restaurants and preppy apparel stores are located. This region is quite popular with tourists. “Up-island,” which is located on the southwestern extremity of the island, is significantly more rural and features picturesque fishing villages and lush forests. No matter whatever region you choose to explore, you can rest assured that you will discover a plethora of exciting activities, not to mention an abundance of lobster rolls.

A helpful hint: The community of Oak Bluffs has a long history of accepting Black guests, and it is presently home to the annual African-American Film Festival that takes place on the island.

The months of May through October saw the availability of passenger ferry service from a number of towns in Massachusetts, Quonset Point in Rhode Island, New York City, and Northern New Jersey. Additionally, Cape Air provides daily, nonstop flights from Boston throughout the whole year.

14. The island of Santa Catalina, in the state of California

Catalina Island is one of the nicest day trips you can take from Los Angeles. It is a laid-back vacation that features incredible diving, art deco theatres, outdoor sports, and a herd of wild bison that is somewhat curious but is protected. You may discover everything about the influence that the chewing gum entrepreneur William Wrigley Jr. had on the island by visiting the Catalina Island Museum and Hotel Atwater. The island was founded in the 1920s by William Wrigley Jr. The greatest way to visit the island, however, is from the seat of a kayak. From this vantage point, you can observe the geology of the island as well as the fauna that lives in the area.

A helpful piece of advice is to plan your trip around the peak of whale migration season, which typically occurs from early summer to early October.

The Catalina Express is the most time- and cost-effective mode of transportation to Catalina Island, since it provides travels to and from the island’s two primary ports, Avalon and Two Harbors, in a short amount of time at a reasonable price (unless you want to charter a private yacht).

13. The Florida Keys, Key West

Key West is a standout among the Florida Keys, and many of our readers adore it for the unique people who live there, the easygoing atmosphere, and the pastel-colored homes. The island is located closer to Cuba than Miami and has a rich history and culture, as well as excellent opportunities for scuba diving and fishing in water that is exceptionally clear. Smathers Beach is a great place to work on your tan before heading over to The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, where you can get your literary fix by going on a tour led by a local resident of Key West.

A piece of advice if you’re looking for an adventure is to take the ferry from Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park, which will take you there in two hours and 15 minutes. It is easily one of the most undervalued national parks in the country due to the wonderful marine life that can be found there and the low number of visitors.

The best method to get to Key West is to leave Miami and drive along the Overseas Highway for the duration of the journey, which takes around four hours.

12. The Florida island of Marco Island

The Paradise Coast in Florida is comprised of the regions of Naples and nearby Marco Island. The Paradise Coast has a tropical atmosphere because of the abundance of mangroves and mangoes. The island in the Gulf of Mexico is the ideal location for a weekend escape because to its stunning beaches and parks, abundance of opportunities for outdoor recreation, and wonderful hotels, such as the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort.

A helpful suggestion for your journey is to include a stop at Everglades National Park, which is widely recognised as one of the most beautiful natural areas in the United States. Everglades City, which is an easy drive of less than an hour southeast of Naples, is where you will find the entry to the Gulf Coast Visitors Center.

In order to get there from Naples, get on US-41 and drive in a straight line until you reach Collier Boulevard. I-75 will take you there in about an hour if you’re coming from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), which is located near Fort Myers.

11. Kauai, Hawaii

The Hawaiian island of Kauai is known as “The Garden Isle” due to the fact that it is the most verdant and lush of all the Hawaiian islands. Because just one-fifth of the island is accessible by foot or car, most places on the island that are worth seeing involve some level of exertion on your part, but the rewards more than make up for the trouble. For example, in order to travel the five miles of the rugged and uneven road leading to Polihale Beach, you will need a vehicle equipped with four-wheel drive. However, due to the lack of light pollution, this beach is often considered to be among the most stunning in all of Hawaii. It features expansive sand dunes, breathtaking sunsets, and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for stargazing. Another beach that is difficult to get to but well worth the effort is Honopu Beach, which can only be reached by swimming from an offshore boat or by swimming from the adjoining beach of Kalalau (a quarter-mile swim).

A trip to Kauai would be remiss if it did not include at least one day spent exploring the Napali Coast. You may get the best views of the landscape by taking an open-door flight over the cliffs and valleys, or you can join a kayak tour to go to the beach all by yourself.

The majority of airlines provide nonstop service to Lihue Airport. The airport is located on the island of Hawaii (LIH). There is also the possibility of travelling into Honolulu International Airport (HNL) and then transferring to a flight that will take you to Kauai in half an hour.

10. The Island of Mackinac in Michigan

It came as no surprise that Mackinac Island, which has long been a favourite vacation destination for people living in the Midwest, made it onto the list last year. It appears that the island’s allure has not diminished in the least bit since then. The majority of the island, specifically 80 percent, is protected as part of the Mackinac Island State Park. This means that the majority of the island is both well-preserved and filled with stunning natural scenery. The island is perhaps most well-known, though, for the illustrious Grand Hotel, with its sumptuous five-course banquets and decadent five-hundred-foot front veranda that overlooks the water.

Because the island is completely car-free, your only options for getting around are to walk or ride a bicycle. However, if you want to do something special for yourself, you should book a horse-drawn taxi trip with Mackinac Island Carriage Tours. They are the oldest business in the country that is still in operation.

The journey there: The island is serviced by two ferries during the summer months: the Star Line Mackinac Island’s Hydro-Jet Ferry, which leaves from St. Ignace, and the Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry, which leaves from St. Ignace and Mackinaw City. Both of these ferries depart from St. Ignace. In addition, private charter flights can use the Mackinac Island Airport, which is located directly on the island.

9. The islands of Sanibel and Captiva in Florida

Sanibel and Captiva are sister islands located in the Gulf of Mexico. The islands were separated from one another by hurricanes in 1921 and 1926. Visitors have been drawn to the islands for their bicycling trails, wildlife, and peaceful beaches along the Gulf Coast. You could easily spend an entire day with a picnic and a bucket in conch-heavy areas like Bowman’s Beach on the island of Sanibel, which is particularly famed for being the seashell capital of the world. In the meanwhile, Captiva is well renowned for its pristine sand dunes and its quaint hotels that along the coast. At the Captiva Island Inn, you may get a night’s sleep that is delightfully comfy in one of the 17 different cottages. The beach is just a few steps away.

A helpful hint: The Lazy Flamingo on Sanibel allows guests to bring their own freshly caught fish to the restaurant so that the cooks can prepare it into a delectable dish under the establishment’s “cook-your-catch” policy. Additionally, the clam chowder and the grouper sandwiches are both quite delicious.

How to Get There: Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), which is located in Fort Myers, is approximately a one-hour drive away from both of these islands via Interstate 75.

8. Lanai, Hawaii

Because of its reputation for privacy and exclusivity, Lanai has been frequented by celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Cindy Crawford, and Tom Cruise over the years. However, the scenery is the primary reason people come here, not the possibility of seeing famous people: Kanepuu Preserve is a protected dry-land forest that is home to unique plant specimens that are endemic to Hawaii. Polihua and Kaiolohia Beaches, often known as Shipwreck Beaches, give a taste of luxurious remoteness.

Take a jeep to get to Hulopoe Beach, or trek up to Lanaihale, the highest point on the island, for some expert advice.

Getting there: There are no flights that go directly from the continental United States to Lanai. You will need to fly to either the Honolulu International Airport (HNL) or the Kahului Airport (OGG) in Maui. From there, you will be able to take a regional carrier to the Lanai Airport (LNY).

7. Big Island, Hawaii

Imagine the Big Island as the most incredible playground for daring adventures. The island is most famous for its breathtaking national parks and volcanoes, despite the fact that it does not have the nicest beaches in all of Hawaii. Lava flows, craters, and steam vents can be experienced at the active Kilauea volcano and the surrounding 505-square-mile Hawaii Volcanoes National Park area. Another breathtaking example of nature may be seen in Waipi’o Valley, also known as the Valley of the Kings. It features lush walking trails that are interspersed with waterfalls.

At the end of a strenuous day spent outside, the Aka roll at Aka Sushi Bar in Waimea, which features shrimp tempura and spicy ahi, is an excellent choice for refuelling. You’ll be grateful to us in the future.

How to get there: The Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) in Kona is served by daily flights from the majority of the world’s largest airlines. If you are unable to find a ticket that goes directly to the Big Island, you can fly into Honolulu International Airport (HNL) in Oahu and then take a flight that lasts for forty minutes to get there.

6. Oahu, Hawaii

Oahu is the most visited of Hawaii’s islands, and it has Honolulu, Waikiki Beach, and the North Shore to thank for that. The North Shore is known for its world-famous surf breakers as well as its sellers selling garlic shrimp. You can avoid the crowds at many of the tourist hotspots, such as Pearl Harbor and Doris Duke’s Shangri La, if you know where to look. Some of the tourist hotspots, like Pearl Harbor, are truly worth seeing. The North Shore is typically your best chance, and areas like Mokulei Beach Park offer wonderful opportunities for snorkelling, whale viewing, and swimming in waters that are quite calm. In addition, there are less tourists on the North Shore.

It is highly recommended that you eat in the bustling Chinatown of Honolulu at least once during your stay in the city. Shave ice can be found at Wing, pork buns may be had at Char Hung Sut Restaurant, and the Livestock Tavern serves perhaps the best bacon cheeseburger around.

How to get there: Many locations in the United States are within convenient driving distance of Hawaii’s primary airport, which is located in Honolulu.

5. Maui, Hawaii

The second largest island in Hawaii is known for its volcanic beaches, coastal resorts, and the towering Mount Haleakala, which is a popular mountain for tourists to climb in order to watch the dawn. Snorkelers, hikers, and people who enjoy good food will find it to be an ideal destination. Consider ziplines, turtle-spotting canoe tours, luaus, and even a pretty awesome goat farm as some of the kid-friendly activities that are available here. Not only is it a wonderful place for families to vacation, but there are also a multitude of resorts that are kid-friendly and activities that are suitable for people of all ages.

Driving the Road to Hana, which is a picturesque path consisting of dramatic waterfalls and the spectacular Seven Sacred Pools, is the best way to take in as much of Maui’s natural beauty as possible. The Road to Hana is a scenic route that is 52 miles long.

How to get there: Numerous airlines based on the mainland offer direct flights to Maui from airports located around the West Coast. In any other case, the flight to the island from Honolulu International Airport takes around forty minutes (HNL).

4. Nantucket, Massachusetts

Every year, tourists make their way back to this classic summer vacation spot in order to take a stroll through the winding lanes of wood-paneled homes and ride their bicycles out to the lighthouses that surround the island. Because to the island’s diverse topography, which ranges from sandy dunes and salt marshes to rugged bluffs, it is extremely difficult to shoot an unattractive shot on Nantucket, despite the fact that the island is shaped like a crescent and is relatively tiny.

A word of advice: if you’re going to eat while you’re in Nantucket, make it fish. Sayle’s Seafood is the place to go for a traditional clam bake, and for $46 you can get heaping plates of lobster, oysters, mussels, clam chowder, corn, and potatoes. Sayle’s Seafood is located in Saylesburg.

Nantucket is easily accessible via airline from most airports in the Northeast, making it a convenient vacation destination. But the laid-back ferry excursions from Cape Cod (which take one hour) and New York (which take six hours), during which you may take in the coastline views, are among of our favourites.

3. The island of Amelia in Florida

This Florida island has certainly won the hearts of our readers, whether it’s due to the incredibly kind people who live there or the seemingly limitless expanses of green space. The 13-mile stretch of land is found off the coast of Florida’s northeastern coast, and in comparison to the majority of the state’s other beachy locations, it has a far more raw and natural atmosphere. After basking in the sun on beaches that are almost entirely deserted, climb a route through Fort Clinch State Park or visit the downtown area to go shopping or eat at one of the many local eateries.

A helpful hint: Elizabeth Pointe Lodge, which boasts both a beachfront location and delectable breakfasts, is one of the most reputable hotels on the island. If you give Amelia Island just one morning of your time, during which you indulge in French toast while taking in the view of the water from the lodge’s wraparound veranda, you will quickly come to the conclusion that it is your new preferred travel destination.

The Jacksonville International Airport is about 30 minutes away by automobile from Amelia Island, which can be reached by driving through the Intracoastal Waterway. This makes the island very easy to get to.

2. The island of Kiawah, located in South Carolina

Kiawah Island gives the impression of being purpose-built for getting away from the monotony of the work week. Bring the whole gang for a fun-filled weekend of friendly competition on the golf course and tennis court at the Sanctuary Hotel at Kiawah Island, which our readers have ranked as one of the best resorts in the South. The hotel is located on a barrier island and has stunning views of the ocean (and plenty of water time in the many pools).

A helpful hint: Kiawah Beachwalker Park, located at the southwestern corner of the island, is a rare public beach on Kiawah and one of the greatest beaches near Charleston. For a cost of about $5 to $10 during the high season, visitors may experience sand that is as soft as talcum powder.

Getting there will take around one hour by car from Charleston International Airport (CHS), which is located on the mainland and is accessible through a causeway.

1. The island of Hilton Head, located in South Carolina

The most beautiful island in the Lowcountry, which has held the number one ranking for a number of years running, is located on the other side of the bridge from the South Carolina mainland and feels like another universe. You could spend a weekend beach-bumming (pick your spot on 12 miles of pristine sand), shopping for locally-made handicrafts, eating out at restaurants that compete with those in major cities, or working up a sweat on a bike trail, paddleboard, or golf course. This is the kind of getaway that satisfies all travellers.

Consider staying at The Inn & Club at Harbour Town, widely regarded as one of the finest hotels in the region.

Traveling there is easy as it is only about an hour’s drive from Savannah, Georgia, which is also close to Hilton Head and shares an airport with it.