AC Repair in Kiawah Island, SC

While some travelers head to beach to party, others prefer quiet and peaceful beach destinations. There is something special about choosing a spot where beaches are less crowded and the atmosphere is relaxing. Fortunately, South Carolina boasts numerous laid-back beaches to have this kind of vacation, and they wouldn't disappoint.

As much as some vacationers love South Carolina's bustling beaches like Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head, sometimes a more secluded spot in the sand to relax and unwind is what one needs. Here are 14 of the least crowded beaches in South Carolina one should add to their next vacation bucket list.

More Of Least-Crowded Beaches You Should Add To Your South Carolina List

While South Carolina is a paradise for beach lovers, boasting a number of captivating beaches that are full of buzz and excitement, there are also many for those who like to visit places with few people. Two more of the quiet beaches in South Carolina, including Daufuskie Island and have been added to this list to give more lovely options to solitude and nature lovers.

16 Daufuskie Island

For those who are looking for secluded beaches in South Carolina, Daufuskie Island Beach is unquestionably an idyllic location to experience serenity and natural beauty. Visitors to the island enjoy beachcombing and lovely vistas without a lot of tourists. It is also the perfect location to share some special moments with one's partner. Travelers must take a water taxi or ferry from Hilton Head to the Freeport Marina and then drive a rented golf cart to reach the beach.

15 Capers Island

Capers Island, about 15 miles north of Charleston, is one of the hidden beaches in South Carolina, offering a serene setting to enjoy a romantic walk along the shore, spend some beautiful moments with family while hunting for shells or building sand castles, or simply unwind in complete solitude and nature. Visitors can take a ferry or a boat tour to the pier on Capers Inlet, from where they can walk over the marsh to an unpaved trail and then to the beach.

14 Isle Of Palms Beach

Tourists relaxing under a beach umbrella on Isle of Palms

Isle of Palms is reachable from Charleston via a 17-mile drive. Believed to have been originally inhabited by Sewee Indians, this beach has existed for at least 25,000 years. Isle of Palm Beach is an amazing tourist destination, suitable for families with pets and every other traveler looking for a peaceful spot to have a good time. Travelers will experience fun-filled activities, such as parasailing, jet-skiing, swimming, and sunbathing. This place is packed with beautiful hotels, golf courses, and parks.

RELATED: These Are The Best Times To Visit Charleston (& What To Do There)

13 Garden City Beach

Garden City is one of the best least-crowded beaches near Myrtle Beach that vacationers should add to their South Carolina bucket lists. Praised for its incredible family-friendly atmosphere, the beach offers breathtaking ocean views along the southern coast. Nestled to the south of Surfside Beach, Garden City Beach is a hot spot for watersports, crabbing, and fishing. The beach boasts a pier, a perfect fishing spot during the day, which turns into an entertainment and live music paradise by night.

12 Edisto Beach State Park

Situated on Edisto Island, this beach is in one of South Carolina’s four oceanfront state parks, offering an array of fun activities, including hiking, camping, biking, and more. After a long day of exploring the mind-blowing unspoiled environment, the wide-open beach at the park welcomes travelers to have a relaxing, where they may pick some shells here and there.

There are no lifeguards at Edisto Beach. While the sea is generally calm, be cautious when swimming and be sure to supervise small children at all times.

11 Fripp Island Beach

Sunrise over the ocean

Fripp Island beaches are some of the most pristine in South Carolina. They are also the perfect spots to go golfing and experience southern hospitality. The island has been a top destination for romantic getaways, weddings, and family vacations. The beaches are some of the least crowded in the state, and offer endless kayaking opportunities. There is a kiddie pool at the seaside waterpark on the island, with slides for children to enjoy. Travelers will find several bikes and golf carts, as most vacationers prefer them as modes of transportation.

10 Folly Beach

Located between Folly River and the Atlantic Ocean, Folly Beach is one of the best parts of the history and charm of South Carolina's coast. The beach is reachable in about a 15-minute drive from downtown Charleston. Also referred to as ‘’The Edge of America’’, Folly Beach is a dream come true for tourists looking for an impressively relaxing beach destination. Sunrises and sunsets spent here are some of the most unforgettable! On the eastern side, a spectacular view of the Morris Island Lighthouse awaits.???????

RELATED: Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island, And Folly Beach: Get To Know Charleston's Beaches

9 Huntington Beach State Park

Huntington Beach State Park is an excellent getaway for vacationers looking to experience the wild side of South Carolina on a less-crowded beach. Boasting over 300 species of birds, Huntington Beach is one of the best birdwatching spots in the state. Travelers will also spot alligators, pelicans, sea turtles, spoonbill, and more. There is a wildlife education center at the park, as well as several land animals to explore.???????

8 Burkes Beach

Shell in the sand on a secluded beach

Located on tourists' favorite Hilton Head Island, right next to Chaplin Community Park, travelers can easily get to the beach on bikes thanks to the sandy pathway. There are other paved pathways vacationers can use to reach the beach. Burkes is not always crowded, and vacationers will be pleased at the relaxing atmosphere. There are numerous basketball and tennis courts as well as large fields to explore within the park.???????

7 Kiawah Island

Golf course alongside the water on Kiawah Island

Located just off Charleston's coast, Kiawah Island is a favorite among golf enthusiasts and known for having hosted multiple PGA Championships. The luxury island boasts five of the most impressive golf courses in South Carolina and some of the quietest yet most exciting beaches in the state. There is over 10 miles stretch of beaches, along with magnificent forests, sand dunes, and incredible wildlife, including bobcats, sea turtles, alligators, and whitetail deer.???????

Kiawah Island is gated and not all areas have public access. A guest or owner's pass is required for accessing restricted areas.

Related: 10 Best Things To Do In Kiawah Island, South Carolina

6 Mitchelville Beach

natural souvenirs from the sea

Even during peak travel periods, Mitchelville is still one of the least crowded beaches in South Carolina to add to the bucket list. Mitchelville Beach is lined with beautiful trees and some grass in the water that make the place look incredibly magnificent in the mornings and evenings. This is the best place to search for seashells and track some animal steps in the sand. The beach has picnic tables, an outdoor sand shower, and a bathroom.???????

5 Litchfield Beach

outstreched hand with a sea shell in the palm on a beach

Litchfield beach is recognized for boasting an incredibly quiet charm with beautiful golf and tennis courses. Travelers will also find some private clubs along the beach, giving them a range of options for entertainment. Surrounded by Huntington Beach to the north, Litchfield features lavish resorts with fantastic amenities and public access areas families can use for picnicking. This is the best spot to have a stylish beach vacation in a quiet environment.???????

4 Sullivan's Island

Small catamaran on the beach with Sullivan's Island lighthouse in the background

Out of Charleston's three nearest and most popular beaches, Sullivan's Island is the most tranquil. This quaint barrier island is only 3.3 square miles, and has intentionally worked to retain its reputation as one of the most quiet beach towns in South Carolina through restricting short-term rentals. Sullivan's Island is a great option for a relaxing day at the beach while visiting Charleston thanks to its proximity to downtown.

Stroll or bike along the wide, flat shores, or visit historic Fort Moultrie. Dating back to the 1700s, it of the oldest forts on the East Coast and fabled author Edgar Allan Poe was based there. Grab a bite to eat on Middle Street and take advantage of al fresco dining at one of the charming restaurants.

3 Seabrook Island

Oceanfront vacation rentals on Seabrook Island

Seabrook Island is another one of the barrier islands that are situated off the coast of Charleston. Anyone looking for low-key beaches in South Carolina should consider heading here for their next vacation. This charming island offers a serene beach environment, lots of upscale accommodation options, and a stunning natural environment of ocean, marsh, and maritime forest.

This quiet South Carolina beach is enticing to birders, having won recognition as Audubon International Certified Sustainable Community. It is also a favorite of equine enthusiasts thanks to its full-service equestrian center offering beach and trail rides.

2 Bulls Island

Sun and Salt bleached trees on Boneyard Beach

Anyone looking for a unique beach experience should be sure to check out Bulls Island. Situated within the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, the uninhabited island remains pristine and virtually untouched. Bulls Island boasts some of the most secluded beaches in South Carolina, and is home to tons of wildlife. It is world-renowned for bird life, with close to 300 different species found on or near the island.

Be sure to visit Boneyard Beach on Bulls Island for an other-worldly experience. The bleached oak, pine, and cedar trees on the northern end of the island, surrounded by miles of empty shores, give an almost haunting feel.

1 Morris Island

Aerial view of Morris Island lighthouse

A tiny sand island in the Charleston Harbor, Morris Island is most famous for its iconic lighthouse. It is a popular beach for boating, kayaking, fishing, and photography, or simply an undisturbed stroll along the shoreline.

While it is located just a stone's throw away from the very Fido-friendly Folly Beach, dogs are not allowed on Morris Island. While it can appear to be within walking distance from Folly at low-tide, the currents are strong and dangerous so don't attempt to wade across.

With miles of white-sand coastline, South Carolina is the perfect destination for a beach vacation. It's no surprise, then, that many of our reader's favorite resorts in the state are located near the coast, particularly on the famous stretches of sand at Hilton Head, Kiawah Island, and Myrtle Beach.

How Voting Works

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, Travel + Leisure asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 165,000 T+L readers completed the 2023 survey, an increase of nearly 25 percent over pre-pandemic voting levels. A total of more than 685,000 votes were cast across over 8,500 unique properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).

Hotels were classified as either resort hotel, city hotel, or safari lodge based on their location and amenities, and they were specifically rated on the criteria below:

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

T+L readers seem to have their tried-and-true favorites: Of the 10 resorts on this year’s list, eight are repeat picks. At many resorts, including The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort (No. 3), the culinary experiences were deemed particularly superb. “The restaurants at the Sanctuary are amazing," one voter commented. "Jasmine Porch and The Ocean Room are great for celebrating a special anniversary or birthday, and our grandchildren love going to the ice cream shop for a special treat.”

Southern hospitality is another hallmark of these hotels. Of The Willcox, voted No. 2, one reader said, “The entire staff went out of their way to ensure we had the best time.”

But despite readers’ penchant for returning to a handful of South Carolina resorts year after year, a Charleston newcomer claimed the top spot. Find out why — and which other resorts made it onto the list of best South Carolina resorts.

The Winner

Post House: Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

This seven-room inn in Mount Pleasant’s Old Village was chosen by T+L editors as one of the best new hotels in 2022, and it has quickly amassed a loyal following among readers, too. The original 1896 building has served the neighborhood for years and was fully redone in 2020, with sophisticated touches like William Morris wallpaper and botanical prints. For updated Southern classics — shrimp fritters, swordfish katsu, and, at brunch, a “Full Southern”: a hearty plate of scrambled eggs, grits, collards, bacon, sausage, and toast — guests can head right downstairs to the bar and restaurant. Still, if you do wish to venture out, Post House is close to everything that T+L readers’ favorite American city has to offer. “Everything from the staff to the food is top notch,” said one reader. “I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Charleston.”

The Full List

1. Post House: Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Reader Score: 96.00

2. The Willcox: Aiken, South Carolina

Reader Score: 94.59

3. The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort: Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Reader Score: 91.61

4. The Inn & Club at Harbour Town: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Reader Score: 91.53

5. Montage Palmetto Bluff: Bluffton, South Carolina

Reader Score: 89.33

6. The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina: Charleston, South Carolina

Reader Score: 87.00

7. Wild Dunes Resort: Isle of Palms, South Carolina

Reader Score: 84.98

8. Beach House Hilton Head Island: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Reader Score: 84.76

9. The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Reader Score: 84.11

10. Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Reader Score: 81.63

KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD)- The Kiawah Island Community Association (KICA) teamed up with biologists to conduct their annual alligator count last week.

Town biologists reported counting 146 alligators on July 18 and 143 alligators on July 19 across the island.

“We’ve been doing these surveys every year since 2003,” Kiawah Island wildlife biologist Jim Jordan said. “And we’ve seen some ups and downs like you would expect, but overall the population has remained stable.”

The route, which covers 48 ponds and approximately 153 acres of water, is surveyed twice in order to ensure the most accurate count possible.

“We actually, we reverse it the second night, so we start at the endpoint just to try to take out some potential variability,” Jordan said.

Biologists use the count to determine the estimated density of alligators on the island, which is reported as the number of reptiles per 100 acres of water. It also is used to help determine the population size on the island, which the town estimates is between 600 and 700 alligators.

“The best use of the data is to look at trends over time and you know, again, particularly with density, but also with kind of a breakdown of size classes,” Jordan said. “So we tend to kind of look at it over a long period of time, looking for any significant upward or downward trends.”

Data shows that alligator density on Kiawah Island has remained relatively stable over the past two decades despite some fluctuations in the count. In 2003, density was reported as 134, while this year it was reported as 249.

A number of factors can contribute to the slight fluctuation, according to Jordan, including how active the alligators are at night and whether or not they are visible in a given location.

“Alligator populations typically do, you know, remain stable once they get to what we call carrying capacity,” Jordan explained. “So when there are as many alligators out there as the habitat can support, the numbers tend to remain pretty stable.”

As the team moves along the route, they also keep track of the relative size of each alligator that is counted. If an exact size cannot be determined, the animals are categorized as “unknowns” either under or over six feet in length.

“As a rule, probably 70 to 75% of the alligators that we see on the survey and are able to put into a size class are under six feet,” Jordan explained. “So most of these alligators are very small juveniles and a lot of them probably won’t make it to adulthood and that’s pretty typical for an alligator population.”

Determining the relative size of the alligators is also useful in helping biologists to track shifts in population size and density on the island, according to Jordan.

“Typically, when we see a little bit of a spike in numbers, it probably has to do with just a year where reproduction was really good and so we’ve got a lot of smaller alligators out there,” he said.

As for large alligators, which are generally considered over eight feet in length, only five were counted during the two-day survey period.

But, whether large or small, there are a few key points people should keep in mind if they encounter an alligator while living or vacationing on the island.

The town encourages people to stay at least 60 feet away from alligators whenever possible, do not swim in a body of water other than the ocean, and keep pets away from water.

“Alligators are, you know, they’re a large predator and they need to be treated with respect,” Jordan said.

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Nestled between the incredible beaches of South Carolina lies a true gem of Kiawah Island, known for its stunning beaches, world-class golf courses, and abundant wildlife. However, beyond its natural beauty and luxurious amenities, this charming island offers numerous activities and experiences that will make the trip even more memorable. From exploring the island's rich history to indulging in local cuisine, the article lists some of the best things to do in Kiawah Island, South Carolina, to make one's trip to this stunning spot all the more memorable.

Enjoy The Serenity At Kiawah Beachwalker Park

Located on the western end of Kiawah Island, Kiawah Beachwalker Park is a public beach and one of the many popular and magical island getaways in the US, thanks to its pristine white sand shoreline and all-year-round recreational activities. The park features outdoor showers, picnic areas, and a beautiful boardwalk with an observation deck offering incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean. Additionally, the park is a popular spot to enjoy sunbathing, beachcombing, birdwatching, swimming, and playing volleyball at the beach.

9 Take A Bike Ride On The Beautiful Trails Of Kiawah Island

With over 30 miles of paved bike trails and countless scenic beaches, biking is a great way to explore the island's natural beauty and unique ecology. Tourists can rent a bike from several places on the island to ride through the beautiful trails winding through the island's beautiful parks and golf courses with incredible views of the beach and island skyline. The most popular biking routes on the island include the Marsh View Trail, Beachwalker Park Trail, Night Heron Park trail, and Ocean Course Loop, offering visitors a glimpse of the island's beautiful landscape.

Play Golf At Kiawah Island Golf Resort

Located on Kiawah Island, Kiawah Island Golf Club is a world-renowned golf resort known for its five championship golf courses, namely the Ocean Course, Turtle Point, Osprey Point, Oak Point, and Cougar Point. Besides the beautiful golf courses, the resort has several other amenities for visitors, including a pro shop, practice facilities, and various dining options serving delicious local and continental cuisines. Guests can also enjoy various recreational activities while taking nature tours around the resort to explore the island's natural beauty.

Related: 10 Reasons South Carolina Should Be Your Next Travel Destination

Go Fishing At Mingo Point

Mingo Point is a popular fishing point and outdoor event venue on Kiawah Island, South Carolina, featuring beautiful views of the scenic marshes, surrounded by tall grass and live oak trees, with gleaming waters of the Kiawah River. During summer, Mingo Point hosts weekly events, such as oyster roasts, barbecues, and live music performances, offering a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, crabbing, and kayaking. The venue also has an outdoor restaurant that serves classic Lowcountry cuisine for guests to enjoy scrumptious meals under the shade of lush green trees, overlooking the stagnant waters of the river.

6 Kayak Through The Waters Of Kiawah Island

Kayaking is a popular and enjoyable activity in watersports on Kiawah island for visitors of all ages. There are several kayaking tour companies and rentals on Kiawah island, offering visitors a unique perspective on the area's abundant wildlife and stunning scenery. The popular kayaking destinations on the island include the Kiawah River, the Stono River, Bohicket Creek, and Folly Beach (which is beautiful in the fall), winding its way through marshes and creeks, offering an opportunity to see dolphins, sea turtles, and a variety of bird species, including, pelicans, egrets, and ospreys.

5 Take A Sunset Cruise Around Kiawah Island

Taking a sunset cruise from Kiawah Island is one of the best ways to experience the island's natural beauty while soaking in the breathtaking views of the sunset and local wildlife on the coast of South Carolina, including various seabirds and marine animals such as sea turtles and dolphins. During the cruise, the guests can relax and enjoy the stunning scenery while sipping a drink with light snacks. Some companies even offer dinner or dessert cruises, allowing passengers to enjoy a full meal while relaxing with the incredible sunset vistas.

Related: 10 Awesome Things That You Can Do In South Carolina

4 Explore Kiawah Island History At Rockville Historic District

Located on the southern end of Wadmalaw Island, just a few minutes' drive from Kiawah Island, Rockville Historic District is one of the well-preserved and beautiful 19th-century towns in South Carolina. Established in the 1800s, the district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, giving visitors a glimpse into the early life of the inhabitants of the region. Some of the main attractions in the district include the Rockville Presbyterian Church and the Toogoodoo Plantation House, and the Rockville Center, a popular spot for visitors to purchase local goods and souvenirs.

3 Experience The Luxury Spa At The Sanctuary Kiawah Island

The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort features a luxurious spa offering a wide range of treatments and services designed to help guests relax and rejuvenate, making the vacation even more memorable. The spa facility has a serene and relaxing ambiance featuring various treatment rooms, a couple's suite, a relaxation room, a sauna facility, and whirlpools. The spa offers various services, including facials, body treatments, and other salon treatments, for the visitors to enjoy a luxurious and relaxing retreat after a tiring sightseeing seeing session at Kiawah island.

2 Discover The Local Food Scene At Freshfield Village

Freshfields Village is a shopping and dining destination on Kiawah Island, South Carolina, offering a diverse food scene. The place is a pedestrian-friendly, open-air district offering a variety of upscale restaurants and casual eateries, including Ladles Soups and King Street Grille, and Obstinate Daughter. Visitors can also enjoy a number of other activities, including live music, concert holiday celebrations, and seasonal festivals taking place throughout the year.

Related: These Waterfalls In South Carolina Are Some Of The Most Stunning

1 Explore The Incredible Salt Marshes Of Kiawah At Marsh Island Park

Marsh Island Park is a small island on the Kiawah River, accessible only by boat or kayak, featuring a boardwalk and hiking trails winding through the island's natural marshland and forested areas. The highlight of the park is a wooden lookout tower offering panoramic views of the beautiful salt marshes and surrounding landscape. Visitors to the park can enjoy birdwatching, fishing, crabbing, and other outdoor activities with various picnic tables and benches to relax and enjoy the scenic views, making for a peaceful spot for nature lovers and enthusiasts.

The United States is a truly beautiful country. There are about 18,617 claimed islands, and this doesn’t include islands within lakes. Florida has over 4.500 islands to choose from. In just the Great Lakes alone, there are 30,000 islands, many of which you can visit. So, which islands are the best? Which ones should you add to your bucket list? Follow along to learn about the top 12 must-visit islands in the United States.

1. Amelia Island, Florida

The first island on our list is Amelia Island in Florida. It’s a true beach paradise. This lovely island offers visitors about 13 miles of beaches. Amelia Island is one of the most underrated islands in the state. There are many things to do on this small island. You won’t be stuck at beaches all day. For instance, visitors can go to Amelia Island State Recreation Area. It covers about 200 acres of beaches, marshes, and marine forests. The nearest city is Fernandina Beach, Florida. Apart from this amazing state park, you can also visit Fort Clinch, the Amelia Island Lighthouse, and the Amelia Island Museum of History.

2. Mount Desert Island, Maine

When most people think of islands in the United States, they usually imagine Florida, Hawaii, or Puerto Rico beaches. However, there are islands in many other states that are just as stunning. Mount Desert Island is located in Maine and is the largest island off the coast of the state! The island has a population of about 10,000 people and yet gains over 3 million visitors every year. Most of the visitors come from far to visit Acadia National Park. The national park covers about half of the island. Within this national park are 158 miles of hiking trails and plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities. Not only is the island full of natural beauty, but you can also book a whale-watching tour!

3. Whidbey Island, Washington

One of the best islands to visit in the United States is Whidbey Island in Washington State. Like the previous island, it’s the largest island in the state. Whidbey Island has a surface area of 168.67 square miles. It’s 37 miles long and 10 miles wide. Whidbey Island is home to about 70,000 people. While it’s not a top tourist destination, many people visit during the summer to enjoy the island’s natural beauty and many free attractions. The island has multiple state parks including Deception Pass State Park, South Whidbey State Park, and Fort Ebey State Park. Apart from admiring the island’s beauty, you can also attend a festival. Some of the most popular festivals held on this island are the Island Shakespeare Festival, Whidbey Island Zucchini Festival, and Oak Harbor Music Festival.

4. Seabrook Island, South Carolina

This island is a beautiful barrier island in Charleston County, South Carolina. About 2,000 people live on this island. It was previously called Simmons Island. The total surface area of the island is 7.06 square miles. Seabrook Island has beautiful beaches. Some of the top things to do on the island are camping, fishing, hiking, and sports like tennis. You can also visit the Seabrook Island Equestrian Center and take riding lessons.

5. Vieques Island, Puerto Rico

Another fantastic island to visit in the United States is Vieques Island in Puerto Rico. This lovely island is about 8 miles east of mainland Puerto Rico. The surface area of Vieques is about 52 square miles. This island is 20 miles long and 4.5 miles wide. It’s one of the best island destinations in the world, however, there are parts you can’t explore. A section of the island is still closed off because of severe contamination as it was used as a bombing area. Although it’s a beautiful island perfect for swimming, you can also visit the Fortín Conde de Mirasol, Faro de Vieques, and the pristine bioluminescent bay. You can get to the island on a ferry or flight from Ceiba or San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport.

6. Jekyll Island, Georgia

Jekyll Island is a stunning island in Glynn County, Georgia. It’s a popular summer tourist destination for locals. You can travel to this island from mainland Georgia through a paved causeway. Jekyll Island has a surface area of 5,700 acres. It’s about 7 miles long and 1.5 miles wide. Parts of the island are made up of tidal marshlands. There are over 8 miles of beaches and 20 miles of hiking trails, perfect for all difficulty levels. Jekyll Island has many things to do and see including the Horton House, Clam Creek Picnic Area, Glory Beach, and the Jekyll Island Club Historic District. Did you know Jekyll Island has also been used as a filming location for multiple movies? This island was featured in X-Men: First Class, Magic Mike XXL, The Legend Of Bagger Vance, and the Color Purple.

7. Catalina Island, California

The next island on our list is Santa Catalina Island, more commonly shortened to Catalina Island. It’s located off the coast of California and is a popular tourist destination. The highest point on the island is Mount Orizaba, and it sits at an elevation of 2,097. Catalina Island’s surface area is 74.98 square miles. The island has a long and rich history. It was likely first settled as long as ago 7000 BC. The first European to land on Santa Catalina Island was Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo. About 1 million people visit this island every year, contributing about $166.7 million. There are fantastic beaches and many hiking trails to enjoy. You can also book tours on glass-bottom boats to view wildlife and shipwrecks off the coast of Santa Catalina Island. If you’re a history buff, you can also visit the Catalina Island Museum and see over 100,000 items.

8. Kauai, Hawaii

Hawaii’s fourth largest island is Kauai, but its size is just a fraction of its incredibleness. Kauai has a population of over 70,000 and a surface area of 562.3 square miles. There is so much to do and see on this island. Some of the best waterfalls are located within Kauai like Hanakapiai Falls, Manawaiopuna Falls, and Wailua Falls. Tourism is Kauai’s main industry. Each year, nearly 2 million people visit Kauai, typically in the summer. Kauai is home to many wilderness areas and state parks. Some of these include the Alakai Wilderness Area, Ha?ena State Park, K?ke?e State Park, N? Pali Coast State Park, and Waimea Canyon State Park.

9. Mackinac Island, Michigan

Next on our list is Mackinac Island off the coast of Michigan. This must-visit island is very busy during summer and early fall, however, there are only about 500 permanent residents. Mackinac Island has a surface area of 18.84 square miles, and over 76% is water. The island was first settled in 1671, well over 300 years ago. Mackinac Island, however, wasn’t established as a city until March 20, 1900. You can take a ferry to the island or a scenic boat trip around. Interestingly, Mackinac Island is known for its many delicious fudge shops. While you can spend your time trying out all the unique fudge flavors, there are plenty of historic sites to visit. Important sites and buildings include the Round Island Passage Light, Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum, and Fort Mackinac.

10. Nantucket, Massachusetts

Another wonderful island in the United States to visit is Nantucket in Massachusetts. The island is about 30 miles south of Cape Cod. It was settled in 1641. The surface area of Nantucket Island is 105.3 square miles and about half of the surface area is water. There are about 14,000 permanent residents living in Nantucket, Massachusetts. The weather on this island is refreshing. The highest temperature ever recorded was 100 °F in 1975, but this is rare. While it’s not the hottest island in the United States, it also isn’t extremely cold. The coldest temperature recorded in Nantucket is −3 °F. There is a lot to do and explore on Nantucket, including museums, art galleries, beaches, and historic buildings. Next time you visit, don’t miss the Nantucket Whaling Museum or the Nantucket Historic District.

11. Block Island, Rhode Island

Rhode Island is the smallest state in the U.S. by area, however, while it’s small, it does have many beautiful islands. Block Island in Rhode Island is perfect for a weekend getaway in the summer. Although a popular tourist destination, only about 1,000 residents live here permanently. The island’s surface area is 9.73 square miles. There is a lot to do on the island, including many festivals and parades. One of the largest parades on Block Island is the Fourth of July Parade. Anyone can enter and ride on a float as long as it fits the regulations. Built in 1875, you can also visit the Southeast Lighthouse. Another historic lighthouse on the island is the North Lighthouse.

12. Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Another popular island in South Carolina is Kiawah Island. It’s a barrier island about 25 miles southwest of Charleston with 10 miles of beaches. Kiawah Island is a luxury destination. Most people who visit go because of the Kiawah Island Golf Resort as it has beautiful and clean private beaches. Apart from gold, you can also play tennis at the Roy Barth Tennis Center. Kiawah Island is small, with a surface area of 15.14 square miles. It’s home to about 2,000 people and sits at an elevation of 13 feet. Golfing though isn’t the only thing you can do on the island. You can also visit the Beachwalker County Park. While the beaches are stunning, you can also kayak in the Kiawah River.