Who said you had to travel far to discover some of the best islands. That’s right, going to an island doesn’t always mean leaving the country. Sometimes, going to the islands is about embracing what is in your own backyard. America has some of the most beautiful and unique islands throughout the country. Especially on the southeast coast.
Travel + Leisure has released its “America’s Best” for 2022 and we’re taking a look into the best islands in the continental U.S. Of course there are great spots in Florida talked about all of the time. But, can’t forget about Georgia, South Carolina, and right here in North Carolina. Readers rated islands based on their activities and sights, natural attractions and beaches, food, friendliness, and overall value. Now, we’re here to share that North Carolina’s Outer Banks made the list! Sounds like the Tar Heel state has plenty to offer this year. Check out what other islands made Travel + Leisure’s 2022 best islands in the continental U.S.
15. Longboat Key, Florida
Enjoy 11 miles of white-sand beaches, golf courses, and luxury hotels on your island stay.
14. Block Island, Rhode Island
Take a fairy from the mainland and end up exploring this beauty. This island also welcomes your canine to enjoy in the fun with you. Rent a bike, drink some beer, enjoy some food, and relax on Block Island.
13. Sanibel Island, Florida
Also known as Captiva’s sister island, Sanibel is your spot to enjoy the beach and even a shell museum!
12. Captiva Island, Florida
Captiva Island is known for its low-key vibe and beaches with all the seashells you’ll ever need. Enjoy a vacation home or stay at a hotel during your Captiva trip.
@thetropicaltravelers Captiva Island for the win! #southseas #familyvacation #thetropicaltravelers #travelagent #PassTheBIC @thetropicaltravelers
♬ original sound - Kane Brown11. Florida Keys
We all know and love the Florida Keys. Fishers, boaters, drinkers, and so much more on they keys. This is also the home of the only living coral barrier reef in the United States.
10. Amelia Island, Florida
Another Florida destination is Amelia Island. Visitors enjoy the island’s casual vibe and natural beauty. Easily accessible by car, this island attracts beach lovers and history lovers.
9. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
This is one of South Carolina’s prime island destinations. Thanks to the beautiful beaches, tons of golf courses, and resorts its no wonder it made this list.
8. Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
Head to Martha’s Vineyard for an island oasis. Enjoy the cliffs dropping down into the Atlantic Ocean, storybook inns, and a quaint fishing village during your visit. There are also lively bars and restaurants for a fine night on the town.
7. Mount Desert Island, Maine
Although Acadia National Park covers most of this 100-square-mile island, visitors can also enjoy time biking and hiking all over. There are annual music and food festivals to enjoy and tons of little towns with locals.
6. Outer Banks, North Carolina
That’s right, the Outer Banks is No. 6. This 175-mile-long chain of barrier islands is home to some of the most amazing beaches. You might even get the chance to see wild Spanish Mustangs on your visit if you’re lucky.
5. Golden Isles (Jekyll Island, Little St. Simons Island, Sea Island, St. Simons Island), Georgia
Enjoy nature trails and wonderful beaches on the Golden Isles. But, you will also get the chance to experience boast museums, golf courses, historic sites, and luxury hotels on the barrier islands.
4. San Juan Islands, Washington
Don’t have to go to Puerto Rico to enjoy San Juan. Located between Seattle and Vancouver, enjoy outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, and whale-watching. You’ll also be able to find farm-to-table meals, delicious wine from Washington State, galleries, and spas.
3. Nantucket, Massachusetts
This charming little island has everything to enjoy from the rose-trellised cottages to the cobblestoned streets and scenic bike rides. There are tons of dining options you’ll also enjoy during your time.
2. Kiawah Island, South Carolina
South Carolina coming in again. Kiawah Island, near Charleston, is a popular destination for golfers. Bike to the beaches for sightings of dolphins and nesting sea turtles, or just watch the waves from an oceanfront room at one of the hotels and resorts on the island.
1. Mackinac Island, Michigan
Making it to the No. 1 spot is Mackinac Island! About 80% of this four-square-mile island on Lake Huron is protected as a state park. The downtown area has many restaurants, fudge shops, and galleries to enjoy. There are also several golf courses and historic spots on the island you can learn more about.
14 Best North Carolina Beaches to Visit
Warm weather is here and so is beach vacation time! This year, make sure you head to your favorite beaches to enjoy some fun in the sun. Whether you want to catch a tan, take a nap, or swim in the ocean North Carolina has some great beach options just for you. From a family-friendly getaway to a nice baecation, you won’t have to travel far for the perfect vacation destination.
U.S. News put together a list of the best beaches in North Carolina to help you plan your next getaway. They considered scenic views, nearby amenities, and the opinions of travel experts to compose the list. Have you been to each of these destinations? If not, check out these North Carolina beaches and start planning your next vacation.
14. Kure Beach
Kure Beach, NC | Events, Outdoor Adventures & Special Deals
Discover water activities, top attractions, small-town adventure and big-time family fun. Take a break from your deadlines to see why life's a little less hectic at Kure Beach. Located just 18 miles from Wilmington, here you'll find the kind of small-town beach you visited as a kid.
13. Kitty Hawk
Things to Do in Kitty Hawk, NC | Find Hotels & Restaurants
Of all the beach towns on the Northern Outer Banks, Kitty Hawk may have the most-lovely name but it's one whose roots are lost to time. Some say it's the Anglicization of the native word , for which we have no translation.
12. Carolina Beach
Carolina Beach, NC | Fun, Festivals, Fishing & The Beach
Hit the shore, enjoy live music, seaside fireworks on the Boardwalk & high-flying amusement rides. Trade your ordinary beach vacation for an extraordinary one! Find your laid-back beach vibe at Carolina Beach, one of the most down-to-earth, good-time beaches on the Atlantic Coast located just 15 miles from Wilmington.
11. Nags Head
Nags Head, NC - OuterBanks.com
Home of the Crab Leg & Lobster Buffet! Jimmy's Seafood Buffet is a great stop for an all you can eat affordable dinner extravaganza. The buffet offers over 100 different items. It even serves Jumbo Alaskan crab legs and Jumbo steamed shrimp, something you will not find on any other buffet in the OBX.
10. Duck
Duck, NC | Restaurants, Hotels & Outdoor Recreation
Duck, the northernmost town on the Outer Banks, earned its name at the turn of the 20 th century thanks to the popularity of duck hunting in the Currituck and Albemarle Sounds.
8. Wrightsville Beach
Wrightsville Beach, NC | Events, Fishing & Activities
Enjoy an active island vacation with watersports, live music, scenic cruises & kids programs. From active lifestyles with plenty of watersports and outdoor healthy and wellness activities to friendly community gatherings, there's never a shortage of something happening year-round in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina's most accessible beach located just 8.5 miles from Wilmington.
7. Oak Island
Oak Island, NC | Home
Situated on the southern end of North Carolina's picturesque coastline, the Town of Oak Island encompasses nearly 20 square miles; offering 10 miles of pristine beachfront, along the 12 mile-long island from which the Town derives its name.
6. Topsail Island
History of Topsail Beach
Situated at the southern end of Topsail Island, off the coast of southeastern North Carolina, the Town of Topsail Beach is the smallest of the three communities located on the 26-mile long island. North Topsail Beach occupies the northernmost section, and Surf City, the largest town on the island, is in the center.
5. Ocracoke Island
Ocracoke Island Photo Tours and Travel Information
The Ocracoke Harbor is easily the busiest quarter mile stretch of Ocracoke Island. Consisting of a small, lagoon-like section of saltwater, and lined by a semi-circle of docks, restaurants, shops, marinas and motels, visitors will find that any and all of the activities on Ocracoke Island can most certainly be found harbor front.
4. Corolla/Currituck Beach
https://www.visitcurrituck.com/things-to-do/beaches/
3. Cape Hatteras
Cape Hatteras National Seashore (U.S. National Park Service)
The sound of ocean waves, the starry night sky, or the calm of the salt marshes, you can experience it all. Shaped by the forces of water, wind, and storms these islands are ever changing. The plants, wildlife, and people who live here adapt continually.
2. Bald Head Island
Bald Head Island NC
On February 25, 2022, Bald Head Island Transportation, Inc. (BHIT) provided initial public notification as required by law of a change in checked-baggage policies ordered by the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC). The NCUC order becomes effective April 1, 2022.
1. Emerald Isle
Emerald Isle, NC | Bogue Inlet & Emerald Isle Beach
Emerald Isle greets Crystal Coast visitors at the western end of Bogue Banks, offering 12 miles of pristine shoreline and incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean and Bogue Inlet.