If you’re ready to adventure off the beaten path this summer, here are some of the most fascinating islands in the US to add to your travel bucket list.
Catalina Island
Catalina Island is known for being a charming island escape with a mix of natural beauty, history, and outdoor fun.
Photo: https://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/
It’s only about an hour by ferry from the mainland/Southern California and perfect for a day trip or weekend escape.
🌴 1. Scenic Beauty & Outdoor Adventures
- Crystal-clear waters, rugged cliffs, and beautiful beaches
- Popular for snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, ziplining, and hiking
- Great marine life in spots like Lover’s Cove and Descanso Beach
🐂 2. The Famous Bison Herd
- Yes, wild bison roam the island!
- Originally brought for a 1920s movie and left behind
- Now a managed herd that’s become an iconic part of the island
🏰 3. The Catalina Casino
Photo: https://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/things-to-do/catalina-casino-general-admission
- A stunning Art Deco landmark (but not a gambling hall!)
- Opened in 1929 is currently serves as an island landmark, theater, and ballroom.
- A symbol of the island’s Golden Age glamour
🧭 4. Rich History
- Originally inhabited by the Tongva people
- Visited by Spanish explorers
- Later developed by William Wrigley Jr. (of chewing gum fame)
More Info: https://www.lovecatalina.com/
Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island, located in Lake Huron between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, is known for its timeless charm, fudge, horses instead of cars, and unforgettable lake views.
Photo: https://www.mackinacisland.org/plan-your-trip/suggested-itineraries/
🐴 1. No Cars Allowed
Photo: https://www.mackinacisland.org/do/tours/
- Motor vehicles are banned—people get around by horse-drawn carriages, bicycles, or on foot
- It feels like stepping back in time!
🍬 2. World-Famous Fudge
- Mackinac is a fudge lover’s paradise, with dozens of shops making it fresh daily
- Visitors are often playfully called “fudgies”
🏰 3. The Grand Hotel
- Opened in 1887, it boasts the longest front porch in the world
- Famous for luxury, historic elegance, and even hosting U.S. presidents
Photo: https://www.grandhotel.com/our-story/
🏞️ 4. Natural Beauty & Outdoor Fun
More Info: https://www.mackinacparks.com/
- Nearly 80% of the island is a state park
- Known for Arch Rock, forest trails, and lakeside views
- Great for hiking, biking, and kayaking
🕰️ 5. Historic Sites
- Home to Fort Mackinac, built during the American Revolution
- Rich in Native American, French, British, and early American history
More Info: https://www.mackinacisland.org/plan-your-trip/suggested-itineraries/
Orcas Island
Orcas Island, the largest of Washington’s San Juan Islands, is known for whale watching, forested hikes, local art, and a peaceful, Pacific Northwest vibe.
Photo: https://www.visitsanjuans.com/orcas-island
🐋 1. Orca Whales (and other wildlife)
- Named after the orca whales often seen nearby
- A top spot for whale watching, especially in summer
- Also home to bald eagles, seals, deer, and more
⛰️ 2. Mount Constitution
- The highest point in the San Juan Islands
- Located in Moran State Park, with hiking, biking, and epic views of the ocean, islands, and even Canada on clear days
🌲 3. Nature & Outdoor Fun
- Over 5,000 acres of forest, lakes, and coastline in Moran State Park
- Great for hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, and camping
🧑🎨 4. Artsy & Laid-Back Vibe
- Home to artists, writers, and makers
- Quaint villages like Eastsound offer art galleries, shops, and local food
- Known for farm-to-table dining and a strong community spirit
🛶 5. Peaceful Getaway
- Quiet, less commercial than many tourist spots
- Popular for romantic getaways, nature retreats, and unplugged vacations
More Info: https://www.visitsanjuans.com/orcas-island
Puerto Rico + Culebra
Puerto Rico is known for its vibrant culture, history, music, and nature, while Culebra is a tranquil paradise famous for world-class beaches and snorkeling—both offering very different, but amazing, island experiences.
Photo: https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/article/best-beaches-relaxing-puerto-rico
🏖️ Beautiful Beaches
Photo of Mar Chiquita: https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/island
- From surfing waves in Rincón to calm shores in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico has some of the best beaches in the Caribbean.
🏙️ San Juan’s Historic Charm
Photo: https://www.discoverpuertorico.com
- Old San Juan features colorful Spanish colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, and iconic forts like El Morro and San Cristóbal.
🌳 El Yunque Rainforest
Photo: https://www.discoverpuertorico.com
- The only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System—home to waterfalls, hiking trails, and rare wildlife.
🎶 Vibrant Culture & Music
Photo: https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/things-to-do/culture
- The birthplace of reggaetón, salsa, and bomba
- Rich in traditions blending Spanish, African, and Taíno heritage
🍍 Food & Rum
- Known for mofongo, lechón, tostones, and world-famous rum brands like Don Q and Bacardi
💃 Festivals & Warm People
- Nonstop celebrations like San Sebastián Street Festival
- Known for hospitality, friendliness, and joy of life
🌴 Culebra (part of Puerto Rico) is known for…
🏝️ Flamenco Beach
- Often ranked among the top beaches in the world, with white sand and turquoise water
🐢 Snorkeling, Sea Life, and nighttime Bioluminescence Kayaking
- Excellent snorkeling at Tamarindo and Carlos Rosario beaches, with sea turtles, coral reefs, and tropical fish
🛥️ Unspoiled, Peaceful Vibe
- No big hotels or cruise crowds—just quiet beauty and nature
- Perfect for unplugging and relaxing
🐦 Protected Wildlife
- Much of the island is a national wildlife refuge, protecting birds, turtles, and reefs
🔫 Leftover Military History
- Used as a U.S. Navy bombing range until the 1970s
- Rusty tanks still sit on Flamenco Beach as eerie reminders
More Info: https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/