As summer unfolds, many individuals are gearing up for vacations or contemplating their next getaway. With the fluctuating costs of flights, opting for a destination reachable by car is becoming increasingly appealing.
“A road trip allows you to enjoy the journey, take your time, and truly relax. These trips often come with lower costs, fewer crowds, and pristine natural beauty,” explains Hilary Fischer-Groban, the Senior Director of Global Brand, Insights and Communications at Tripadvisor.
This summer, consider the chance to unplug and reset in places far removed from the hustle of packed tourist spots. The United States is home to diverse landscapes, including deserts, beaches, towering mountains, stunning coastlines, and lush forests. Out of over 18,000 islands scattered throughout the country, many are easily accessible by car, allowing travelers to explore without the need for flights.
Fischer-Groban highlights that visiting these islands can be a subtle reminder that one does not need to venture far to feel as though they are miles away from everyday life.
“These nearby adventures do not require a passport—just your curiosity, a full tank of gas, and an eagerness to explore what’s close to home,” she adds.
Here’s a look at 12 U.S. islands that you can drive to this summer:
1. **Jekyll Island, Georgia**
Jekyll Island, situated within the Golden Isles of Georgia, is renowned for its stunning Driftwood Beach, celebrated for the unique driftwood trees lining its shore.
Recognized as a 2025 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best winner on Tripadvisor, Jekyll Island attracts 47% more attraction pageviews than the next most popular site on the island, showcasing its appeal as a summer destination.
2. **South Padre Island, Texas**
Accessible exclusively via the Queen Isabella Memorial Bridge, South Padre Island is a barrier island featuring over 30 miles of beaches with an average year-round temperature of 74 degrees.
In summer, the island’s Beach Waterpark, with its mix of indoor and outdoor attractions, draws visitors and is regarded as the leading attraction, receiving more than double the traffic of the next popular spot on the island.
3. **The Florida Keys**
The Florida Keys constitute a series of islands located off the southern tip of Florida, with roughly 40 of them connected to the mainland via the Overseas Highway.
Known for activities like boating, snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing, the islands feature Key West, which is not only the southernmost city in the continental U.S. but also closer to Cuba than to Miami.
4. **Marco Island, Florida**
Located adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico, Marco Island is celebrated for its six miles of sandy beaches and a network of over 100 miles of waterways.
The island, which showcases a charm of both a coastal resort and a fishing village, is linked to the mainland by two bridges, making it easily accessible.
5. **Tybee Island, Georgia**
A quick half-hour drive from Savannah, Tybee Island is another Georgian barrier island popular for its picturesque sandy beaches.
With five miles of public beaches and home to The Tybee Lighthouse—one of the nation’s oldest lighthouses built in 1736—visitors can enjoy expansive views from its summit.
6. **Mackinac Island, Michigan**
Nestled on Lake Huron, Mackinac Island features over 70 miles of scenic hiking and biking trails, prominently preserved within the boundaries of Mackinac Island State Park.
Known for being car-free, transportation on the island relies on walking, biking, or horse-drawn taxis, providing a unique experience.
7. **Amelia Island, Florida**
Located in North Florida, Amelia Island features miles of beautiful beaches, marshlands, and golf courses, and is easily reachable from Jacksonville within a 30-minute drive.
The island thrives with enchanting natural landscapes that offer a serene escape.
8. **Kiawah Island, South Carolina**
Just 25 miles from Charleston, Kiawah Island is a barrier island on the Atlantic Coast, renowned for its seasonal beach and golf community.
Guests can enjoy ten miles of beach, with Kiawah Beachwalker Park recognized as one of Charleston’s premier public beaches.
9. **Hilton Head Island, South Carolina**
Hilton Head Island stands as one of the most popular vacation choices in the U.S., welcoming more than two million visitors each year despite having a year-round population of fewer than 40,000 residents.
With its stunning beaches and world-renowned golf courses, the island features 12 miles of direct beachfront along the Atlantic Ocean.
10. **Long Beach Island, New Jersey**
About two miles away from mainland New Jersey, Long Beach Island (or LBI) is accessible via the Manahawkin Bay Bridge.
Covering 18 miles, LBI offers access to gorgeous beaches, and visitors should note that seasonal day passes are required for beach access. The island is also the home of Fantasy Island Amusement Park, a local attraction.
11. **Chincoteague Island, Virginia**
As Virginia’s only resort island, Chincoteague Island is a seven-mile long barrier island located near the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.
This wildlife preserve spans 14,000 acres and is well-known for its population of wild ponies, which are central to the island’s charm and appeal.
Visitors can enjoy tours that showcase these beloved animals, contributing to significant attraction pageview traffic on Tripadvisor.
12. **Outer Banks, North Carolina**
The Outer Banks is a long stretch of barrier islands that straddle North Carolina and Virginia, attracting around five million visitors each year.
Renowned for its breathtaking sandy shores and scenic views, the Outer Banks remains a top destination for tourists, with a growing interest in spending extended time there, reflecting an evolving trend in travel preferences.
In summary, these driveable islands offer a unique way to experience diverse landscapes while avoiding the stress of air travel. With opportunities for relaxation, exploration, and local culture, now is the perfect time to explore the islands waiting just a short drive away.
image source from：nbcphiladelphia
