© Shutterstock

Martha's Vineyard, MA -

The scenic village of Menemsha, located near the town of Chilmark.

© Shutterstock

St Simons Island, GA -

The historic US Coast Guard Station at East Beach is a favorite visitor destination.

© Shutterstock

Kiawah Island, SC -

A verdant barrier island primarily known for its superb beach and championship golf course.

© Shutterstock

Mount Desert Island, ME -

The island encompasses the Acadia National Park, which protects the natural beauty of the highest rocky headlands along the country's Atlantic coastline.

© Shutterstock

Mackinac Island, MI -

A popular summer resort destination, the entire island is listed as a National Historic Landmark.

© Shutterstock

Santa Catalina Island, CA -

One of the Channel Islands, which lies southwest of Los Angeles, Catalina was originally settled by Native Americans.

© Shutterstock

Fire Island, NY -

A barrier island situated off the south shore of Long Island. The origins of its name are unclear, although the vivid sunsets may have provided inspiration.

© Shutterstock

Nantucket Island, MA -

Anchored off Cape Cod, the island's Brant Point Light is an endearing landmark.

© Shutterstock

Hilton Head Island, SC -

The island is named after Captain William Hilton, who in 1663 identified a headland near the entrance to Port Royal Sound.

© Shutterstock

Longboat Key, FL -

Longboat is a popular location for summer homes, and a favorite vacation spot.

© Shutterstock

Marco Island, FL -

Lying in the Gulf of Mexico, this is a popular kayaking and paddleboarding destination.

© Shutterstock

Anna Maria Island, FL -

Floating off the coast of Manatee County, the island is highly regarded for its diversity of flora and fauna.

© Shutterstock

Block Island, RI -

Named after Dutch explorer Adriaen Block (1567–1627), the island's distinguishing feature is the historic Block Island South Lighthouse.

© Shutterstock

Key West, FL -

This island city is world-renowned, particularly as a port of call for cruise ships.

© Shutterstock

View from Key West, FL -

Head for the Key West Historic District and enjoy some exotic seafront views.

© Shutterstock

San Juan Islands, WA -

Situated in the northern reaches of Puget Sound, the San Juan Islands are a uniquely stunning archipelago of over 450 islands, rocks, and pinnacles.

© Shutterstock

Orcas Island, WA -

The largest of the San Juan Islands, Orcas is not named after killer whales, but is rather a shortened form of "Horcasitas," the 18th-century Viceroy of Mexico.

© Shutterstock

Outer Banks, NC -

The 200-mile-long string of barrier islands covers most of the North Carolina coastline.

© Shutterstock

Galveston Island, TX -

The beach visitors can also relax at the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier.

© Shutterstock

Kauai Island, HI - Known as the "Garden Isle" thanks to the tropical rain forest blanketing much of its surface.

© Shutterstock

Plum Island, MA - Named for the wild beach plum shrubs that grow on its dunes, the island's state park, Sandy Point State Reservation, is only open during the day.

© iStock

Sanibal Island, FL - A relaxing vacation option set fairly off the beaten track, the island's most famous landmark is the Sanibel Lighthouse.

© iStock

Semidi Islands, AK - Remote and unspoiled, this island group is part of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge.

© Shutterstock

Oahu, HI - A stunning aerial view of Kualoa Point at Kaneohe Bay, on the island known as the "Gathering Place."

© Shutterstock

Alcatraz Island, CA - Known the world over, the notorious "Rock" is one of San Francisco's most popular tourist attractions.

© iStock

Governor Island, NY - A popular seasonal destination open to the public between May and September, the island is a veritable time capsule of 18th- and 19th-century history.

© Shutterstock

Big Island, HI -

Taking a hot lava ocean tour is one of the coolest ways of discovering Hawaii's largest island.

© Shutterstock

Maui, HI -

The Milky Way rising over Haleakala summit, Haleakala National Park.

© Shutterstock

Amelia Island, FL -

Named for Princess Amelia, daughter of George II (1683–1760) of Great Britain, the island is known as the location of Fort Clinch, a 19th-century coastal fortification.

© Shutterstock

Chincoteague Island, VA -

Spend a few days here stargazing under the crystal-clear night skies the island often enjoys.

See also: Picturesque towns in Europe you won't believe exist

© Shutterstock