From New England's favored summer locales to the tropical beaches in the Florida Keys, here are the best island vacations in the USA.
Mount Desert Island, Maine
The Bayview Hotel
From the moment you turn down the winding, wooded driveway, this Bar Harbor hotel will capture your imagination. Nestled onto Bar Harbor’s renowned shoreline, the newly designed and artfully renovated boutique property is surrounded by Acadia National Park and all the charms this extraordinary area has to offer. The hotel’s Modern Rusticator sensibility – an homage to 19th Century rusticators who worked tirelessly to create Acadia National Park – is woven into the design choices throughout, inviting the unique appeal of Maine’s natural beauty inside. A graceful birchwood wall is juxtaposed against the vintage photographic mural of Acadia’s earliest rusticators.
Chebeague Island, Maine
Chebeague Island Inn
Perched on a hillside with inspiring views of Casco Bay, Chebeague Island Inn has been a three-season haven for travelers since the late 1880s and was completely restored in 2004. With its vast stone fireplace and cozy atmosphere, our Great Room is the perfect place to read, relax and reconnect over a game of Scrabble or chess. Step out onto the sprawling wrap-around porch and admire the view of the bay and order a cocktail that will be promptly delivered to your couch or Adirondack chair. Descend the stairs of the porch and you’ll find more places to sit and relax as well as croquet and corn hole games to spark some friendly competition between your friends, family, or fellow guests. The tennis courts and the welcoming sands of Hamilton Beach are a bike ride away. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, the onsite restaurant awaits with its creative menu featuring the freshest local ingredients of the season.
Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
Harbor View Hotel
Surrounded by miles of beaches in the storybook village of Edgartown, Harbor View Hotel captures the essence of the Great American Summer. Just 7 miles off the coast of Massachusetts, the exclusive 117-room resort provides guests with the perfect Martha’s Vineyard vacation oasis – undeniably, in the best locale of the island – highlighted by top tier dining and breathtaking views of the Edgartown Harbor. This iconic hotel is only steps away from boutiques, art galleries, beaches and sunset cruises. The right location = a beacon of luxury.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
The Wauwinet
A blend of historic charm and modern coastal elegance, this luxury resort is an oceanfront refuge with breathtaking views of the bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Nantucket's only member of Relais & Châteaux hotels, the iconic oceanfront resort offers inviting rooms and cottage suites, historic architecture, beaches, and local cuisine, surrounded by the beauty of Nantucket Island.
Green Island, Lake George, New York
The Sagamore Resort
Perched on the shores of Lake George in the storied Adirondack Mountains. The Sagamore Resort is a luxury escape on Lake George with more than 140 years of history. With award-winning waterfront dining, immersive outdoor activities, and an 18-hole Donald Ross-designed golf course, this gem in the heart of the Adirondack mountains is an ideal year-round destination.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Grand Hotel
Since 1887, Grand Hotel beckons guests to a time where old-world meets new charm. Experience the tradition of Afternoon Tea in the Parlor, dressing up for dinner, nightly dancing to the sounds of a live orchestra, and sitting in a rocking chair on the world’s longest porch overlooking the Straits of Mackinac. Discover the rich history and tastefully preserved architecture of this National Historic Landmark, while enjoying the hotel’s modern amenities and unsurpassed service. Slow time and spend time, in the relaxed atmosphere of Mackinac Island, voted “Best Island in the Continental U.S.” at the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards.
Pawleys Island, South Carolina
Litchfield Inn
Tucked away on picturesque Litchfield Beach, the oceanfront Litchfield Inn offers pure seaside serenity steps away from the shore. Relax in comfort, enjoy affordable accommodations, take pleasure in our classic oceanfront resort facilities. Feel the sand between your toes and relish in days filled with simple pleasures. Go fishing, stroll amongst sand dunes, go crabbing in the creek and feast on the days’ catch before drifting asleep to the sound of gentle waves lapping the shore outside your window.
Kiawah Island, South Carolina
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island
The Carolina coast offers countless vacation destinations and places to stay. But none equal to The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. Just 21 miles from Charleston, this South Carolina luxury beach resort hotel delivers Forbes Five-Star service and unequaled accommodations. Meticulous attention to detail, distinguished service and unparalleled luxury paired with a truly sumptuous setting. Choose from 255 well-appointed guestrooms or upgrade to the expansive suite accommodations.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Sea Pines Resort
Embark upon a Hilton Head Island resort vacation unlike any other. Situated within the 5,000-acre Sea Pines community, The Sea Pines Resort has attracted generations of travelers and guests for more than 60 years. From horseback riding through the Sea Pines Forest Preserve to bicycle rides past the iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse, explore classic vacation activities for all ages and interests.
Sea Island, Georgia
The Cloister at Sea Island
From crossing the bridge to stepping through the front door. First you feel the warm salt-tinged breezes. Next, a warm smile with heart and soul. Private island. Fifty lush acres. Surrounded by the river, salt marshes, and the sea. Elegant. And playful. Welcome to The Cloister.
Jekyll Island, Georgia
The Westin Jekyll Island
Discover oceanfront tranquility at The Westin Jekyll Island, a four-star luxury resort brimming with inspired amenities and classic Southern charm. Located in Beach Village, this upscale resort enjoys walking distance to the Jekyll Island Convention Center and convenient access to other top attractions like Driftwood Beach and Sea Island. Wellness inspired amenities include direct access to the 20-mile long bike path, 3-mile running path and the WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio. Make a splash in the beachfront outdoor pool or relax in the calming whirlpool. A complimentary shuttle can take you to nearby golf courses or the Jekyll Island Tennis Center.
Cumberland Island, Georgia
Greyfield Inn
Cumberland Island offers 18-miles of nearly-isolated beachfront, 300-year-old live oaks draped with Spanish moss, crushed shell paths, and an abundance of wildlife untouched by the outside world. Greyfield Inn is the sole commercial establishment on Cumberland Island, giving guests an unprecedented opportunity to connect with nature at its most pristine. This was the location of JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette's 1996 Secret Wedding.
Amelia Island, Florida
The Ritz Carlton Amelia Island
A barrier-island sanctuary of nature nestled along 13 miles of immaculate shorelines in North Florida, The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island stands as an exquisite testament to refined luxury. This Amelia Island resort beckons with an allure of southern charm, where vistas seamlessly embody the sublime essence of this beachfront resort on Amelia Island. Bask in the allure of Florida coastal panoramas that unfold before your very eyes, revealed from the secluded haven of your hotel room balcony, gracing each meticulously appointed hotel room at this resort near Jacksonville, FL. Surrender to a realm of serenity within the tranquil confines of the spa, where your senses are transported to a state of bliss. Savor extraordinary culinary journeys, as each tantalizing morsel unfolds a symphony of flavors and artistry, awakening your palate to new realms of indulgence. And for the avid golf enthusiast, traverse the verdant fairways of the exclusive private golf course, an oasis adorned with time-honored moss-draped oaks.
Marco Island, Florida
JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort
Immerse yourself in sophisticated luxury at JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort. Situated along three miles of pristine private beaches on the Gulf of Mexico, this hotel on the beach in Marco Island, Florida, balances relaxation with elevated fun and entertainment. Sample cuisine from around the globe at the hotel's 12 restaurants. Tee off from one of two championship golf courses, take a fitness class or simply enjoy the family activities. The exquisite hotel spa offers luxury services and massages to help you recharge and rejuvenate. Host your wedding, business event or social gala in our elegant meeting rooms, featuring terraces with awe-inspiring Gulf views. Unwind in the rooms and suites, each with a private balcony, or experience Paradise by Sirene an escape curated exclusively for adult guests.
Key Biscayne, Miami, Florida
The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne
Miami’s tropical island oasis -- escape to a luxury Miami Beach resort that exudes the classic charm of South Florida. Located on an exclusive five-mile-long barrier island, The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami is just minutes from dynamic downtown, yet provides an atmosphere of sequestered serenity. With elegant architecture inspired by West Indies Colonial design, The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami is one of the finest beach hotels Miami, Florida has to offer.
Florida Keys
Little Palm Island Resort
Welcome to America’s only private island resort. This adults-only paradise features thatched roof bungalows, inspired by British West Indies design, and with a careful nod to old world tradition. Thoughtful amenities, including an indoor/outdoor spa deliver exotic charm reminiscent of a Balinese hideaway. World-class cuisine is served in the dining room, surrounded by the natural beauty of our tropical island.
Key West
Casa Marina Key West
A legendary landmark destination — Casa Marina embodies the character of Old Key West yet is steeped in contemporary style. Built in 1920, Casa Marina has served as a home to presidents, a playground to Hollywood stars, and an evocative tropical retreat offering an alluring array of essential Key West experiences, just minutes from the vibrant and eclectic Duval Street. Our serene House by the Sea features the largest private beachfront in Old Town and a variety of distinctive venues for truly extraordinary events. With abundant sun-drenched days and salt-air breezes, Casa Marina creates a timeless backdrop for guests to experience sublime and memorable moments with every visit.
