Islands & Beaches in the United States

Hawaii’s second-largest island beautifully balances polished resort beaches with wild, untamed scenery, from the sunrise summit of Haleakala to the twisting, waterfall-lined Road to Hana. Seasonal whale watching, world-class snorkeling, and golden west-coast sands make it a perennial favorite for the ultimate island getaway.

Oahu’s vibrant capital city fronts the famous crescent of Waikiki Beach, where gentle rolling surf and glittering high-rise hotels meet a lively urban beach scene. Just beyond lie historic Pearl Harbor, the volcanic crater of Diamond Head, and the legendary big-wave breaks of the North Shore.

The impossibly lush Garden Isle is Hawaii’s oldest and greenest island, ringed by towering emerald sea cliffs and cut by deep, colorful canyons. The soaring Na Pali Coast, the red-earth walls of Waimea Canyon, and countless secluded beaches richly reward all those seeking raw natural beauty.

A dazzling string of subtropical islands arcs southwest from the Florida mainland, linked together by a spectacular overseas highway. Vibrant coral reefs, shallow backcountry flats, and delightfully laid-back island towns make this a beloved haven for divers, anglers, and dedicated sunset chasers.

The southernmost point in the continental United States mixes pastel conch-style houses, rich literary history, and a famously bohemian, anything-goes nightlife. Vivid reef snorkeling, nightly sunset celebrations at Mallory Square, and lingering Hemingway lore all define this colorful, unmistakable, and thoroughly laid-back end-of-the-road island.

A glittering, cosmopolitan coastal metropolis where iconic art deco hotels line palm-fringed sands and Latin culture pulses through every neighborhood. The legendary South Beach draws sun-seekers by day and a world-famous scene by night, all backed by warm, impossibly turquoise Atlantic water.

A slender ribbon of windswept barrier islands off the North Carolina coast, steeped in centuries of maritime and aviation history. Roaming wild horses, towering candy-striped lighthouses, and long, empty beaches draw surfers, kite-fliers, and anyone seeking untamed Atlantic shoreline and big skies.

A distinctive hooked peninsula of shifting dunes, tidal salt marsh, and weathered clapboard villages that perfectly epitomizes the classic New England summer. Protected national seashore beaches, historic lighthouses, and crimson cranberry bogs give this beloved Massachusetts icon its timeless coastal charm.

A historic former whaling island of cobblestone lanes, gray-shingled cottages, and rose-covered fences set thirty miles out in the Atlantic. Wide, dune-backed ocean beaches and a beautifully preserved historic town center together make it a quintessential and refined New England summer escape.

A refined and famous island retreat known for its gingerbread cottages, dramatically striped clay cliffs, and classic New England harbor towns. Winding bike paths, roadside farm stands, and long, uncrowded stretches of sand draw summer visitors to its distinctly relaxed and picturesque shores.

Southern California’s easygoing coastal city enjoys near-perfect year-round weather and miles of surf-friendly, family-friendly beaches. From lively wooden boardwalks and rocky tide-pool coves to a beautiful natural harbor and famous zoo, it effortlessly pairs a relaxed, sun-soaked beach lifestyle with reliable, endless California sunshine.

A wild and rugged stretch where the Santa Lucia Mountains plunge straight into the churning Pacific along a legendary coastal highway. Towering redwood canyons, hidden coves, and dizzying clifftop overlooks combine to make it one of the most jaw-dropping and celebrated scenic drives in the entire world.

The longest barrier island in the world shelters a wild, unspoiled Gulf coast of shifting dunes, nesting sea turtles, and windswept sand. Its protected national seashore offers many miles of undeveloped, roadless beach for tent camping, world-class birding, and long, contemplative shoreline walks.

An iconic Los Angeles beach town anchored by its historic pier, glowing Ferris wheel, and wide expanse of golden sand. Palm-lined coastal bluffs, a bustling pedestrian promenade, and the western terminus of legendary Route 66 give it a breezy, quintessentially Californian and cinematic appeal.

A famed and glamorous Southern California enclave of world-class surf breaks, sprawling celebrity homes, and dramatic Pacific coastline. The peeling waves of Surfrider Beach draw longboarders from everywhere, while rugged canyons and sweeping clifftop views define this endlessly photogenic stretch of coast.

A gorgeous resort-lined stretch of golden sand on Maui’s sunny western coast, once a favored retreat of Hawaiian royalty. Calm, clear swimming waters, superb snorkeling around volcanic Black Rock, and sweeping golden ocean sunsets make it one of Hawaii’s most popular and cherished beach destinations.

A charming historic town on Hawaii’s Big Island, set amid rolling green ranchland at the misty foot of the mountains. It serves as a cool, upcountry gateway to nearby beaches, deeply rooted paniolo cowboy heritage, and the island’s spectacularly rugged and photogenic northern coast.

A historic Oahu harbor and moving living memorial to the surprise attack that drew the United States into World War II. Visitors solemnly tour the poignant USS Arizona Memorial and preserved battleship exhibits, all set against the backdrop of a still-active naval base and calm blue water.