Travel + Leisure Readers' 15 Favorite Islands in the Continental U.S. of 2024

These are the best stateside spots to relax island style, according to T+L readers who voted in our annual "World’s Best Awards" survey for 2024.

It’s hard to wrap your mind around just how wide-ranging and varied the American experience can be, but this year’s list of the best islands in the continental U.S. captures it well. You’ll find tony, old-fashioned Americana on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket in Massachusetts, wild pine forests and rocky overlooks on Mount Desert Island in Maine, and easy, breezy, toes-in-the-sand beach vibes in the Florida Keys. Head to Washington’s San Juan Islands to dabble in sea kayaking and orca spotting, or get dolled up for an evening of fine dining and chamber music on Amelia Island in Florida. The islands here are a testament to just how much natural and cultural diversity our own backyard has to offer.

Islands were specifically rated on the criteria below:

• Natural attractions/beaches
• Activities/sights
• Restaurants/food
• People/friendliness
• Value

For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses.

What Readers Loved

For every spot on this year’s list, there was a chorus of impassioned T+L readers eager to share what made it so special — in fact, the main commonality of the 15 islands and archipelagos featured here is just how beloved they are among travelers. Of the San Juan Islands (No. 7), one reader called them “absolutely breathtaking” while another highlighted the “beautiful nature,” calling it “relaxing and peaceful.” A third revealed a soft spot for one in particular: “Orcas Island is my favorite and I visit there eight to 10 times a year,” they wrote. “Natural beauty, lots to do, friendly folks, and the food is good at every restaurant around the island.” Amelia Island (No. 2), by contrast, was as much a draw for its in-town buzz as its wild spaces. “Amelia Island is a must-stop destination for anyone that appreciates history, small town feel, and something off the beaten path,” wrote one reader. “[It’s] the only place in America that's been occupied by four district cultures: native Americans, French, Spanish and British, all of which can still be seen in the architecture and layout of the town.” And Mackinac Island (No. 3), in Michigan, brought out the superfans, who can’t get enough of its quaint old-fashioned charm. “We love the fact that there are no cars — just horses and bikes,” says a reader. Regardless of what kind of island lifestyle appeals, you’ll find it somewhere in the list ahead.

The Winner

Golden Isles, Georgia (Jekyll Island, Little St. Simons Island, Sea Island, St. Simons Island)

Though they’re often regarded as a cohesive entity, longtime visitors and locals know that these four islands off the Georgia coast each have their own singular culture and character. Southern prep reigns on glitzy Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island is all untrammeled coastal preserve but for a single 16-room luxury lodge, St. Simons is home to a thriving community (and some of the best barbecue the region has to offer), and Jekyll Island marries a bit of all three, with remnants of Gilded-Age splendor and family-friendly beaches nestled up against swathes of undeveloped forests and tidal marsh. And it seems every reader has their go-to isle. Of Jekyll Island, one reader says “There is not a better place to go for total peace and relaxation and fun. It's a total package. The whole area is perfect.” Another voter rhapsodized about Little St. Simons, calling it “truly a magical place. It's wonderful to be able to unplug and connect with nature.” And a couple readers captured the pleasures of seeing more than one: “Jekyll island is my favorite for a laid-back day. St. Simons is my favorite for nightlife,” said one, with another writing simply “Absolutely gorgeous islands! Some of the most beautiful I’ve been to.”

The Full List

1. Golden Isles, Georgia (Jekyll Island, Little St. Simons Island, Sea Island, St. Simons Island)

Reader Score: 90.29

2. Amelia Island, Florida

Reader Score: 86.93

3. Mackinac Island, Michigan

Reader Score: 86.73

4. Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

Reader Score: 84.17

5. Florida Keys, Florida

Reader Score: 83.48

6. Cumberland Island, Georgia

Reader Score: 83.20

7. San Juan Islands, Washington

Reader Score: 83.10

8. Nantucket, Massachusetts

Reader Score: 83.06

9. Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Reader Score: 82.61

10. Sanibel Island, Florida

Reader Score: 82.32

11. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Reader Score: 81.97

12. Mount Desert Island, Maine

Reader Score: 81.33

13. Fire Island, New York

Reader Score: 81.03

14. Captiva Island, Florida

Reader Score: 80.78

15. South Padre Island, Texas

Reader Score: 80.54

St. Simons Island Eateries Your Tastebuds Will Thank You For (Part 1)

St. Simons Island is famous for great food and fun things to do! Read about our amazing restaurant selections below.

1. Georgia Sea Grill

Zack Gowen and his crew do an amazing job of creating pure deliciousness. Never had a bad bite (nor do we know of anybody else who has). Order anything. It’s all fantastic. Seriously. If you need more direction than that, go for the Wasabi Pea Encrusted Tuna. If you’re looking for a larger dish and the Fresh Catch is your game, try having it prepared Cajun Spiced. No regrets!

2. ECHO

The Southern Club Sandwich is the tallest and the best. Shrimp and Grits, to die for. Pimento Cheese Hummus- Oh. My. Goodness! Did we mention Sunday Brunch? Bottomless Mimosas or an Unlimited Bloody Mary Bar… oh, and all of that at the Island’s ONLY oceanfront restaurant. Happy Hour is daily. You’re welcome. They also have 5 kinds of ice cream daily (more on satisfying your sweet tooth here). Click here to learn more about ECHO’s specials including Happy Hour, brunch + more!

3. Gnat’s Landing

Great atmosphere, especially during football season. Definitely a “flip flop friendly” place to eat! Everyone loves the bustling porch outside, it’s covered which makes it great for outdoor dining whether it’s rain or shine. If UGA is playing, then this is the place is going to be packed so be ready to cheer “Go Dawgs”! Fried Pickles are always on point, and the Gnat’s Famous Slaw Bowl is just that, it will change your life! The Fried Green Tomato Club is also a local favorite.

4. Crabdaddy’s Seafood Grill

Two words and two words only will come to mind if you ask a local about the menu: Bread. Pudding. Splurge on dessert. In fact, there’s no shame in starting with dessert and working backwards. Life is too short to not try Crabdaddy’s Bread Pudding!

5. Southern Soul Barbeque

Prime Rib Sandwich. The End. This gas station turned restaurant is in the heart of the Island and is the epitome of relaxed, just like the owners. Sound familiar? You may have run into them at any number of Food Festivals or music festivals or maybe saw them in Southern Living. They’ve been at the BBQ game for a decade now and are who we would call a “Home Team”. We’ve all enjoyed cheering them on as they’ve achieved tremendous success & garnered serious respect in the world of Southern BBQ.

9 Kid-Approved Activities for the Best St. Simons Island Vacation Ever!

Kids can be our toughest critics. If anyone is willing to tell you something isn’t fun, it’s going to be them. Shoot, sometimes they’ll say they aren’t having fun even when we know darned well they are. Here are several ideas to make sure the next time you pack the family up and head to St. Simons, you have the best trip ever!

Kids can be our toughest critics. If anyone is willing to tell you something isn’t fun, it’s going to be them. Shoot, sometimes they’ll say they aren’t having fun even when we know darned well they are. Here are several ideas to make sure the next time you pack the family up and head to St. Simons, you have the best trip ever!

((PS. Share your photos using #kingandprinceresort and you might be featured in our blogs and social media))

~ Build a Sandcastle ~

Or sand angel. Or dig a hole to China. Maybe your little one wants to see how many buckets of water they can run and dump in the sand. Doesn’t matter really what the game is; just bring a bucket, a shovel, and some sunscreen and they’ll be set for hours! If you don’t have room to bring buckets and a shovel in your carry-on, we sell them in our resort shop. If you have room to pack lots of beach toys, check out our list of beach must-haves for kids!

~ Explore the Island’s Bike Paths ~

A paved network of winding bike paths is a great way to get to most anywhere on St. Simons Island and the Live Oak tree canopy makes plenty of shade as you and the fam trek around like locals. Bike rentals are available at Ocean Motion Surf Shop (just around the corner from The King and Prince Resort). Call 912-638-5225 for more information. (Note: The tides on St. Simons Island make for hard sand that allows for biking on the beach. Definitely something unique you can enjoy here and not other beach destinations.)

~ Take a Swing on the Greens~

Depending on age, they may not be quite ready for a full round of 18 but we find our sidekicks are pretty darn content hitting range balls + cruising the golf course with Dad.

[Note, the King and Prince Golf Club offers youth camps during the summer. Contact the golf course at 912-634-0255 for details or click here.]

~ Tree Spirit Scavenger Hunt ~

Remember that bike adventure we just talked about? This is a TERRIFIC activity to couple with it! All you need is the map and your camera since you know you’re going to want proof of every Tree Spirit discovered. Tip, start in the Village area at The Golden Isles welcome center (529 Beachview Drive) so you can pick up a map.

Tree Spirits on St. Simons Island, Georgia.
Tree Spirits on St. Simons Island, Georgia.
~ Become a Junior Ranger at Fort Frederica ~

Throughout the year, Fort Frederica offers special events and programs for kids such as the award-winning Junior Ranger program. Also offered is a historical archaeology day-camp during the summer. History is cool + kids have a blast here. Besides, nothing will make you appreciate the size of your home quite like seeing the size of living quarters with a shared fireplace!

~ Swings + Sundaes ~

It’s important to pause while on vacation to make sure you soak it all in. We recommend grabbing a frontrow seat to the Ocean and ordering a Shipwreck Sundae from ECHO. [At $5, this activity can fit into almost any budget AND you can pretend it’s for the kiddos!]

Ice Cream Sundae at ECHO
Shipwreck Ice Cream Sundae at ECHO on St. Simons Island, GA.

~ Explore the Open Water ~

Every family is a little different but St. Simons Island has options for everyone! From Dolphin Tours with Cap to shrimping aboard The Lady Jane to classy cruises on the String of Pearls to fishing charters with Liquid Assets, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the Golden Isles from the water. Interested in seeing more options? All of our Water Activities can be found here.

~ Climb the Lighthouse ~

It’s not everyday you can see, climb, and explore a Lighthouse or the Keeper’s Dwellings. Make sure to notice what’s below you as you make your way around at the top. Bonus: You can use your birds eye view of the entire Village including the Neptune Park Fun Zone, miniature golf, and the fishing pier to plan your very next Island adventure!

~ KP Kid Perks ~

Staying at The King and Prince Resort? You and the kiddos will have access to our main pool area which has 2 kiddie pools + a sand pit in addition to our main heated pool. During the Summer, you + the fam can enjoy full pool service from the Sea Shack (think frozen drinks, kid’s menus + more) plus a variety of kids activities throughout the day by the pool deck.

Happy Kids + Summer Fun

Summertime at the beach nourishes our souls ~ especially when you see the exuberant expressions and the sheer happiness on our children’s faces.

Summertime at the beach nourishes our souls ~ especially when you see the exuberant expressions and the sheer happiness on our children’s faces. Vacation time is perfect to explore and even make new friends ~ especially while staying at The King and Prince Resort! Vacationing on St. Simons Island means getting up early and enjoying every minute on the beach and at the pool.

The King and Prince tries to make everyone’s visit the BEST summer ever. Each day our activities staff invites our little guests to do something artistic and engaging. In addition to the organized activities, children also need lots of ‘lazy summer afternoon’ time where they just act like kids without over-scheduling. That’s when memories are made ~ even if it’s just walking up to the Sea Shack and ordering a cherry coke and a burger!

When it’s time to dine, it’s easy to keep everyone happy; eating at ECHO with an oceanfront view is always unforgettable. Our casual outdoor menu is easy to arrange ~ and the kids especially enjoy our friendly Sea Shack staff who are always ready to take their order.

ECHO chefs will always help you to plan a picnic lunch to go ~ or just spend your vacation eating one of our delicious ice cream treats!

Settle back for the day and let our chefs treat you to a delicious light summer menu served from the Sea Shack. Our popular Crab, avocado and mango salad or Shrimp Salad wrap might tease your appetite ~ And the irresistible smoothies featuring peaches, berries, mango or berries will cool down any hot sunny afternoon. Dying for watermelon? The chilled watermelon soup is colorfully temping. And by happy hour, imagine an adult Frozen Lemonade while the kids are sipping fruit punch or sharing an ice cream float.

Love digging in the sand? Try building a castle just the perfect size for any prince or princess. Dreaming away the day might include flying a kite on the beach, blowing bubbles while running on the sand or waiting until sundown and just lying on a chaise lounge to enjoy stargazing. The expansive oceanfront is a rich panorama of the planets and constellations!

Rent a bike and helmet for the entire family and explore our island without leaving the endless miles of safe paths to the Pier Village and Lighthouse. Only a block from the King and Prince, Ocean Motion will set you up for safety and even give you a map to find your way back to the hotel.

If the kids are taking a beach break and playing a board game, reading a book or simply gathering shells along the dunes, our Concierge Desk will share a long list of island ‘things to do’ on the high seas while dolphin watching, riding an island trolley or reserving a first golf lesson at the King and Prince Golf Course. Our resident professionals will be delighted to introduce our award-winning golf course that has been a part of The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort for more than thirty years.

We hope to see you at The King and Prince this summer!

A Royal Holiday Celebration at The King and Prince

Cherished Holiday Traditions and Events Return to Historic St. Simons Island Resort!

The Royal Holiday Celebration will include signature holiday events along with festive, family-friendly activities throughout the month of December. The celebration begins on Thanksgiving Day with the debut of a larger-than-life and handsomely decorated Christmas tree in the grand lobby. The King and Prince welcomes resort guests and local residents with southern hospitality to savor the season on St. Simons Island.

Teddy Bear Tea

The King and Prince will host a Teddy Bear Tea event this holiday season, an annual tradition where children are invited for a holiday tea party and storytime with Santa Claus. Each child will receive a plush stuffed animal upon arrival to keep as their own. This ticketed event features an assortment of festive treats and refreshments. Please note all children must be accompanied by an adult. Teddy Bear Tea will be held on Saturday, December 15, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00p.m. Registration is required in advance via Eventbrite. The cost is $35 per child and $25 per accompanying adult. Click the link here to purchase your tickets!

Fireside Stories with Santa

On three separate evenings this December, Santa Claus will share Christmas stories fireside at The King and Prince. Cozy up with an expertly made hot chocolate as Old Saint Nick reads a classic holiday novel. This family-friendly event will be hosted outside at The Cottage Custard + Coffee shop on Thursday, December 5, Wednesday, December 11, and Wednesday, December 18, inside the resort’s grand lobby, all events are in the evening from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. Fireside Stories with Santa events are open to the public at no charge.

For a full lineup of holiday programming and events, please check out our calendar, or follow along on social @kingandprince. A link to The King and Prince event calendar can be found here.