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Best island getaway destinations in North America

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Hawaii
Tropical Vibes and Volcanic Wonders
8.8
Kilauea on the Big Island is one of the most active volcanoes on Earth. Glowing lava sometimes lights the crater at night. You can walk the rim trails and see steam vents in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Seven other main islands have their own beaches and hiking trails.
Highlights:
  • 🥾 Hike the Na Pali Coast trail on Kauai
  • 🐠 Snorkel among colorful coral reefs in Hanauma Bay
  • 🌋 Watch sunrise from the summit of Haleakalā Volcano
Kauai
Lush Landscapes and Secluded Beaches
8.9
The Nā Pali Coast has green cliffs that rise up to 4,000 feet. No road reaches this wild stretch of the north shore. You can see it by boat or hike the Kalalau Trail. Waimea Canyon inland is called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.
Highlights:
  • 🤿 Snorkel at Poipu Beach with vibrant marine life
  • 🚤 Take a boat tour along the Na Pali Coast
  • 🌄 Hike the breathtaking trails of Waimea Canyon
Key West
Tropical charm at the end of the road
7.9
Mallory Square hosts a sunset celebration on the waterfront every evening. Street performers and artists fill the dock as the sun goes down. You can watch the sky turn orange over the Gulf of Mexico. A giant concrete buoy at the island's southern tip is a popular photo stop.
Highlights:
  • 🤿 Snorkel in the coral reefs of Dry Tortugas National Park
  • 🐈 Visit Ernest Hemingway’s House and meet its six-toed cats
  • 🌅 Watch the sunset celebration at Mallory Square
Grand Cayman
Crystal waters, stingrays and sunsets
8.8
Stingray City is a sandbar in the calm shallow North Sound. Dozens of southern stingrays glide around swimmers' legs. You can stand waist deep in clear water and watch them with a guide. Seven Mile Beach on the west coast has soft white sand and calm water.
Highlights:
  • 🤿 Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Eden Rock Reef
  • 🏖️ Relax on the pristine white sands of Seven Mile Beach
  • 🐋 Swim with stingrays at the famous Stingray City sandbar
Barbados
Tropical paradise with year-round sunshine
8.1
Giant boulders sit in the surf at Bathsheba on the east coast. Atlantic waves roll in and make the Soup Bowl a famous surf break. Swimmers prefer the calm Caribbean beaches on the west coast. Rum has been made on the island since at least 1703.
Highlights:
  • 🥃 Tour the historic Mount Gay Rum Distillery
  • 🐢 Snorkel with sea turtles in Carlisle Bay’s clear waters
  • 🏖️ Relax on the powdery white sands of Crane Beach
Jamaica
Vibrant culture meets pristine beaches
7.4
Seven Mile Beach in Negril is a long curve of soft white sand. Calm water makes it easy to wade out and swim. You can watch the sun set from the rocky cliffs on the West End. Blue Mountain coffee grows in the cool hills far inland.
Highlights:
  • 🎶 Visit Bob Marley’s home and museum in Kingston
  • 🏖️ Relax on the white sands of Seven Mile Beach in Negril
  • 💦 Climb up the cascading waters of Dunn’s River Falls
Bocas del Toro
Tropical Bliss in Panama
7.7
Red Frog Beach on Isla Bastimentos is named for the tiny red frogs in its forest. They hop through the leaves along the jungle trail to the sand. You can surf small waves or swim in warm Caribbean water. Water taxis link the archipelago's islands because roads are few.
Highlights:
  • 🐸 Spot elusive red frogs in their rainforest habitat
  • 🌟 Relax on the pristine sands of Starfish Beach
  • 🤿 Snorkel vibrant coral reefs at Isla Bastimentos Marine Park
Eleuthera
Unspoiled pink beaches and turquoise waters
7.7
The Glass Window Bridge is a narrow strip of road between two seas. Rough Atlantic waves crash on one side. You can stand on the bridge and watch calm green water on the other. Pink sand beaches line Harbour Island just off the northern tip.
Highlights:
  • 🛁 Relax in natural tidal pools at Queen’s Baths
  • 🌉 Walk across the striking Glass Window Bridge
  • 💦 Dive into the sapphire blue hole near Preacher’s Cave
Lānaʻi
Privately owned paradise of contrasts
7.5
A rusted ship from the 1940s sits stuck on a reef off Shipwreck Beach. Strong winds blow in and the water is too rough for swimming. Hulopoʻe Bay on the south shore has calm water and spinner dolphins. Most of the island has dirt roads and no traffic lights.
Highlights:
  • ⚓ Visit the historic shipwreck at Kaiolohia Beach
  • 🤿 Snorkel in Hulopo‘e Bay’s vibrant coral reef
  • 🪨 Explore the otherworldly rock formations at Keahiakawelo
Bermuda
Pink sands and turquoise waters
8.4
Horseshoe Bay Beach on the south shore has famous pink sand. Bits of crushed shell and coral tint the sand soft pink. You can swim in clear turquoise water or explore hidden coves at the east end. The island sits about 650 miles east of North Carolina.
Highlights:
  • 🤿 Snorkel around vibrant coral reefs in Tobacco Bay
  • 🕳️ Explore the Crystal Caves and marvel at limestone formations
  • 🌸 Relax on the stunning pink sands of Horseshoe Bay Beach
Cayman Islands
Tropical paradise with crystal waters
8.8
Bloody Bay Wall off Little Cayman drops from shallow reef into deep blue water. The top of the wall starts just 18 feet below the surface. Snorkellers float over bright coral in the shallows while divers drop along the wall. Only a couple hundred people live on Little Cayman.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on the white sands of Seven Mile Beach
  • 🤿 Dive among coral reefs and shipwrecks in Grand Cayman
  • 🐠 Swim with stingrays at the famous Stingray City sandbar
Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba
Caribbean Gems of Nature & Adventure
7.7
Mount Scenery on Saba rises nearly 3,000 feet straight out of the sea. More than 1,000 stone steps lead through cloud forest to the summit. You can hike up and look down on red roofed villages. Divers explore underwater pinnacles in the marine park off the coast.
Highlights:
  • ⛰️ Climb Mount Scenery, the highest point in the Netherlands
  • 🐢 Snorkel with sea turtles in the crystal-clear waters
  • 🐠 Dive the vibrant coral reefs of Bonaire Marine Park
Turks and Caicos Islands
Sun-drenched beaches with crystal waters
8.3
Grace Bay on Providenciales got its first beachfront hotel in 1984. Providenciales is the most populated of the eight inhabited islands and has the main airport. This British Overseas Territory has thirty islands in total. Its coral reef is one of the longest in the world.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on the powdery sands of Long Bay Beach
  • ⛵ Sail through turquoise waters around Providenciales
  • 🤿 Dive the world-famous coral walls at Grace Bay
U.S. Virgin Islands
Caribbean Paradise with U.S. Convenience
8.3
Virgin Islands National Park was created in 1956 when Laurance Rockefeller's Jackson Hole Preserve gave its land on St. John to the National Park Service. It covers about 60 percent of the island. Trunk Bay has an underwater snorkelling trail along the reef. Taíno rock carvings lie along the Reef Bay Trail.
Highlights:
  • 🥾 Hike the scenic Reef Bay Trail and visit ruins
  • 🤿 Snorkel the vibrant coral reefs at Trunk Bay
  • 🏖️ Relax on the white sands of Magens Bay Beach
Maui
Island of Sun, Surf and Serenity
8.8
The Road to Hana winds past 59 bridges and more than 600 curves. It passes waterfalls, bamboo forests and a black sand beach at Waiʻānapanapa. You can stop to swim in cool pools along the way. Haleakalā crater above the clouds is a famous place to watch sunrise.
Highlights:
  • 🐢 Snorkel with turtles at Molokini Crater reef
  • 🚗 Drive the scenic and winding Road to Hana
  • 🌄 Watch sunrise atop Haleakalā volcano summit
Roatán
Coral Reefs, Caribbean Vibes, Adventure
7.2
The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef runs just offshore along Roatán's coast. It is one of the largest barrier reef systems in the world. Snorkellers can swim out from West Bay Beach to bright coral and fish. Boats take divers to walls covered in sponges and sea fans.
Highlights:
  • 🌳 Zipline over lush jungle canopies at South Shore Zipline
  • 🏖️ Relax on the powdery white sands of West Bay Beach
  • 🤿 Dive or snorkel the vibrant Mesoamerican Barrier Reef
St. Martin
Dual-Nation Beaches, Cuisine and Culture
7.8
The island has been shared by France and the Netherlands since 1648. Open borders let you cross between the two sides without a stop. You can eat fresh seafood at Grand Case on the French side. Planes roar low over Maho Beach on the Dutch side as they land.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on the pristine sands of Orient Bay Beach
  • 🥾 Hike to the highest point at Pic Paradis
  • ✈️ Watch planes land at the famous Maho Beach
Nassau
Turquoise Waters, Colorful History, Island Vibes
7.4
The Queen's Staircase in Nassau has 66 steps cut into solid limestone. Enslaved workers cut it by hand in the late 1700s. You can climb up to Fort Fincastle for views over the harbour. Junkanoo parades fill Bay Street with costumes and drums on Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
Highlights:
  • 🪜 Visit historic Queen's Staircase carved by slaves
  • 🛍️ Explore the vibrant Nassau Straw Market for souvenirs
  • 🏖️ Relax on pristine sandy shores of Cable Beach
Isla Mujeres
Relaxed Island Vibes and Crystal Waters
7.4
Whale sharks gather off the island each summer to feed on plankton. They are the largest fish in the ocean but eat tiny food. Snorkellers can swim beside them on boat trips from June to September. Punta Sur at the southern tip has sea cliffs and a sculpture park.
Highlights:
  • 🐬 Swim with dolphins at Dolphin Discovery center
  • 🏞️ Explore Mayan ruins and sculpture gardens at Punta Sur
  • 🏖️ Relax on Playa Norte’s pristine white sandy beach
Willemstad
Caribbean Colors, Dutch Heritage, Island Vibes
7.7
The historic quarters of Punda and Otrobanda face each other across Sint Anna Bay. The floating Queen Emma pontoon bridge links them and is still in use. The Dutch founded Punda in 1634. UNESCO listed the city centre and its former suburbs as a World Heritage Site in 1997.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Swim and snorkel at popular Mambo Beach
  • 🎨 Explore colorful Dutch colonial buildings in Punda district
  • 🌉 Cross the iconic Queen Emma floating pontoon bridge
Aruba
White Sands and Sunny Vibes
8.3
Eagle Beach has wide white sand and divi divi trees bent by the wind. Sea turtles nest on this beach each year. You can swim in calm shallow water and watch the sun set. The island lies south of the main hurricane belt, so skies stay mostly dry.
Highlights:
  • ⛰️ Climb the volcanic Hooiberg Hill for panoramic island views
  • 🐢 Snorkel among sea turtles at Boca Catalina Bay
  • 🏖️ Relax on the pristine white sands of Eagle Beach
Saint Lucia
Tropical paradise with volcanic mountains
7.5
Two steep volcanic spires called the Pitons rise straight from the sea. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site near the town of Soufrière. You can hike Gros Piton for views or swim in the calm bay between the two. Sulphur Springs nearby has hot mud and steaming vents.
Highlights:
  • 🐠 Snorkel the colorful reefs of Anse Chastanet
  • 🫧 Soak in the volcanic Sulphur Springs mud baths
  • ⛰️ Climb the majestic Pitons for breathtaking island views
Martinique
Tropical Charm and French Flair
7.5
Mount Pelée is a volcano that towers over the island's northern coast. In 1902 it erupted and destroyed the town of Saint-Pierre. Travellers can walk through the old ruins and hike the volcano's green slopes. Black sand beaches in the north reflect the island's volcanic past.
Highlights:
  • 🏙️ Wander through colorful streets of Fort-de-France
  • 🏖️ Swim in crystal-clear waters at Les Salines Beach
  • 🌋 Hike to the summit of Mount Pelée volcano
Paradise Island
Turquoise Waters and Endless Thrills
8.1
Hog Island was the old name of this island until 1959. A bridge from Nassau now crosses the harbour to its sandy beaches. Cabbage Beach runs for about two miles along the north shore. Swimmers can wade out in warm water and watch the sunset.
Highlights:
  • 🦈 Explore The Dig, Atlantis Resort’s underwater aquarium
  • 🏖️ Relax on the famous white sands of Cabbage Beach
  • 🐬 Swim with dolphins at Atlantis Marine Habitat
Great Exuma Island
Crystal clear waters and tranquility
7.9
Tropic of Cancer Beach lies on the line marking the northern edge of the tropics. The beach is wide and soft with clear shallow water. You can take a boat from nearby to see the swimming pigs at Big Major Cay. George Town holds the Family Island Regatta each April.
Highlights:
  • 🤿 Snorkel at Thunderball Grotto from the James Bond film
  • ⛵ Sail through the crystal-clear waters of the Exuma Cays
  • 🐷 Swim with the famous Exuma pigs at Pig Beach
Jekyll Island
Historic Playground with Natural Beauty
7.5
Driftwood Beach is a stretch of sand covered in bleached fallen trees. Salt and waves have turned the old oaks and pines silver. You can walk among the twisted trunks at low tide. The Rockefellers and other wealthy families once spent winters at a private club on the island.
Highlights:
  • 🚎 Explore historic Jekyll Island District by trolley tour
  • 🐢 Visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center rehabilitation facility
  • 🌅 Walk along the eerie Driftwood Beach at sunrise
Providenciales
Turquoise Waters Meet White-Sand Beaches
8.5
Grace Bay Beach stretches about 12 miles along the north shore. The sand is powder soft and the water is a clear turquoise. You can snorkel in calm shallows protected by a long barrier reef. Chalk Sound National Park inland has a lagoon of bright blue water.
Highlights:
  • 🤿 Snorkel vibrant coral reefs at Bight Reef
  • 🌊 Explore the stunning turquoise waters of Chalk Sound National Park
  • 🏖️ Relax on the pristine sands of Grace Bay Beach
Bonaire
Caribbean diving paradise with volcanoes
8.1
Yellow painted rocks along the road mark dozens of shore dive sites. Divers step off the coast and swim straight to coral reefs. The reef is part of Bonaire National Marine Park with clear warm water. Pink flamingos wade in the salt ponds on the south end of the island.
Highlights:
  • 🌿 Explore Washington Slagbaai National Park’s diverse landscapes
  • 🦙 Visit the Donkey Sanctuary and meet rescued donkeys
  • 🤿 Snorkel with vibrant marine life in Bonaire National Marine Park
Antigua and Barbuda
Tropical paradise with pristine beaches
7.6
The pink sand beach on Barbuda stretches for about 17 miles. Tiny bits of red coral and shell tint the sand. Travellers can walk for hours and meet almost no one. Codrington Lagoon nearby shelters a huge colony of frigatebirds that you reach by small boat.
Highlights:
  • 🏰 Explore historic Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour
  • 🤿 Snorkel among vibrant coral reefs at Cades Reef
  • 🌸 Relax on the famous pink sands of Barbuda Beach
British Virgin Islands
Pristine sailing paradise with beaches
8.2
The Baths on Virgin Gorda is a jumble of giant granite boulders. Seawater fills the pools and shaded caves between them. You can scramble through tight passages and swim in the cool pools. Sailboats make a short hop from there to the beach bars of Jost Van Dyke.
Highlights:
  • 🐠 Snorkel over coral gardens in the crystal waters of Norman Island
  • 🏞️ Swim through the massive granite boulders at The Baths
  • ⛵ Sail between Tortola, Virgin Gorda, and Anegada islands
Guadeloupe
Caribbean Gem with French Flair
7.6
La Soufrière volcano rises above the rain forest of Basse-Terre. It is the highest peak in the Lesser Antilles. Hikers can climb to a steaming summit and look down on sulphur vents and rocky ground. The Carbet Falls nearby drop in three tiers through the jungle.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax and swim on the pristine beaches of Sainte-Anne
  • 🤿 Snorkel or dive at the Réserve Cousteau marine park
  • 🏞️ Hike to the stunning waterfalls in Guadeloupe National Park
Saint Barthélemy
Luxury Island with Caribbean Charm
8.6
Sweden ruled the island from 1784 until 1878. Its main town, Gustavia, is named for a Swedish king. You can spot Swedish names, old stone buildings and yachts around the harbour. Shell Beach nearby has calm water and a carpet of tiny pink and white shells.
Highlights:
  • 🐠 Discover marine life in the Nature Reserve marine zone
  • ⛰️ Hike to the summit of Morne du Vitet
  • 🏖️ Relax on the idyllic Colombier Beach
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Tropical paradise with volcanic peaks
7.5
A channel called the Narrows separates the twin islands by about two miles. A short ferry ride links Basseterre on St. Kitts to Charlestown on Nevis. You can ride the St. Kitts Scenic Railway past old sugar cane fields. Nevis has quiet beaches and a cloud covered volcano.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on the white sands of Cockleshell Beach
  • 🚂 Ride the scenic St. Kitts Railway around island
  • 🏰 Explore Brimstone Hill Fortress, a UNESCO site
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
One destination, 32 islands, countless possibilities
7.6
The Tobago Cays are five tiny uninhabited islands inside a marine park. Shallow reefs and bright turquoise water surround them on every side. You can snorkel with green sea turtles that graze on the seagrass. Sailboats and day tour boats reach them from Bequia and Mustique.
Highlights:
  • 🏰 Explore Fort Charlotte with panoramic Kingstown views
  • 🏖️ Relax on the pristine beaches of Tobago Cays
  • 🌋 Hike to the crater of La Soufrière volcano
Vancouver Island
Untamed Beauty and Coastal Charm
8.0
A ferry crosses the Strait of Georgia to this island because no bridges or tunnels link it to the mainland. Victoria is on the southern tip. Tofino is a beach resort town on the coast. Resident orcas live in the waters around the island in two main groups.
Highlights:
  • 🐋 Whale watch from Victoria’s Inner Harbour
  • 🌲 Explore ancient rainforests in Cathedral Grove
  • 🌸 Stroll through the breathtaking Butchart Gardens
Oahu
Hawaii’s Vibrant Island Adventure
8.9
Huge winter waves roll onto the North Shore at Waimea Bay and Pipeline. Surf can reach 20 feet or more from November to February. You can watch from the sand as surfers race down the walls of water. Pearl Harbor on the south shore has memorials to World War II.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on the iconic Waikiki Beach and soak up sun
  • 🤿 Snorkel among vibrant fish at Hanauma Bay Marine Park
  • 🌄 Hike to the summit of Diamond Head for sunrise views
Antigua
365 beaches and turquoise waters
7.8
Nelson's Dockyard in English Harbour is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. British ships once repaired here in the age of sail. You can walk the old stone buildings and watch yachts glide into the harbour. Shirley Heights above has a lookout and a lively Sunday evening party.
Highlights:
  • 🌅 Hike to Shirley Heights for sunset and steel drum music
  • 🏖️ Relax on the pristine sands of Dickenson Bay Beach
  • ⚓ Explore historic Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO site
Honolulu
Aloha Vibes and Ocean Adventures
8.1
Diamond Head is an old volcanic crater beside Waikiki Beach. The trail to the top takes about an hour. From the rim you can see surfers, high rise hotels and the blue Pacific. Gentle waves at Waikiki below make a good spot to learn to surf.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on the iconic Waikiki Beach and watch surfers
  • ⚓ Explore the historic Pearl Harbor National Memorial
  • 🌄 Hike to Diamond Head crater for stunning sunrise views
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