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Martha's Vineyard, MA - The scenic village of Menemsha, located near the town of Chilmark. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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St Simons Island, GA - The historic US Coast Guard Station at East Beach is a favorite visitor destination. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Kiawah Island, SC - A verdant barrier island primarily known for its superb beach and championship golf course. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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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. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Mackinac Island, MI - A popular summer resort destination, the entire island is listed as a National Historic Landmark. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Santa Catalina Island, CA - One of the Channel Islands, which lies southwest of Los Angeles, Catalina was originally settled by Native Americans. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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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 an inspiration. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Nantucket Island, MA - Anchored off Cape Cod, the island's Brant Point Light is an endearing landmark. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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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. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Longboat Key, FL - Longboat is a popular location for summer homes, and a favorite vacation spot. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Marco Island, FL - Lying in the Gulf of Mexico, this is a popular kayaking and paddleboarding destination. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Anna Maria Island, FL - Floating off the the coast of Manatee County, the island is highly regarded for its diversity of flora and fauna. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Block Island, RI - Named after Dutch explorer Adriaen Block (1567–1627), the island's distinguishing feature is the historic Block Island South Lighthouse. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Key West, FL - This island city is world renowned, particularly as a port of call for cruise ships. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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View from Key West, FL - Head for the Key West Historic District and enjoy some exotic seafront views. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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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. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Orcas Island, WA - The largest of the San Juan Islands, Orcas is not named after killer whales, but is rather it a shortened form of "Horcasitas," the 18th-century Viceroy of Mexico. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Outer Banks, NC - The 200-mile-long string of barrier islands covers most of the North Carolina coastline. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Galveston Island, TX - The beach visitors can also relax at the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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

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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.

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

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

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

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

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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.

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Big Island, HI - Taking a hot lava ocean tour is one of the coolest ways of discovering Hawaii's largest island. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Maui, HI - The Milky Way rising over Haleakala summit, Haleakala National Park. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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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. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Chincoteague Island, VA - Spend a few days here stargazing under the crystal-clear night skies the island often enjoys. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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