Catching island vibes doesn’t necessarily require a passport. With water views complemented by palm trees or pine trees, and outdoor activities ranging from swimming to hiking, every type of traveler is bound to find the island getaway they dream of right here in the United States — if they know where to look. Luckily, GoTravelDaily readers’ 2023 list of favorite U.S. islands can point them to pristine beaches and national parks, from Washington to Texas, and Florida up to Maine. The No. 1 spot on our domestic islands list this year went to the Golden Isles in Georgia, which climbed its way up from No. 5 in 2022.
How Voting Works
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, GoTravelDaily asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — sharing their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 165,000 GoTravelDaily 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.
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
GoTravelDaily readers have long loved a Florida vacation — especially with family — but this year, they’re particularly excited about its island destinations. Islands off of the Carolinas also took top spots — some, like Hilton Head and Kiawah, continuously charming readers. Off the New England coast, Maine’s Mount Desert Island and Massachusetts’ Nantucket also made the list. Heading west, readers loved South Padre Island in Texas for a relaxed vacation and Washington’s San Juan Islands for their dramatic scenery. While last year’s No. 1, Mackinac Island, Michigan, has dropped to No. 2, readers still can’t resist its small-town charm.
The Winner
Golden Isles (Jekyll Island, Little St. Simons Island, Sea Island, St. Simons Island)
Nestled between Savannah, Georgia, and Jacksonville, Florida, the Golden Isles consist of four barrier islands with wide stretches of sand, historical landmarks, and various activities for all ages. These isles also boast antique shops, galleries, boutiques, and outdoor markets. The Peach State’s beach destinations serve their own spin on beloved southern cuisine: coastal favorites like oysters and wild Georgia shrimp are aplenty. A visit to this Georgian gem is sure to provide travelers with a good dose of sun and sand — with a side of southern charm, of course.
The Full List
1. Golden Isles (Jekyll Island, Little St. Simons Island, Sea Island, St. Simons Island), Georgia
Reader Score: 92.15
2. Mackinac Island, Michigan
Reader Score: 90.67
3. Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Reader Score: 89.27
4. Mount Desert Island, Maine
Reader Score: 86.77
5. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Reader Score: 85.55
6. Sanibel Island, Florida
Reader Score: 84.96
7. Longboat Key, Florida
Reader Score: 84.44
8. Amelia Island, Florida
Reader Score: 84.19
9. Florida Keys, Florida
Reader Score: 83.47
10. Captiva Island, Florida
Reader Score: 82.90
11. San Juan Islands, Washington
Reader Score: 82.60
12. Nantucket, Massachusetts
Reader Score: 82.48
13. Daufuskie Island, South Carolina
Reader Score: 81.94
14. South Padre Island, Texas
Reader Score: 81.68
15. Outer Banks, North Carolina
Reader Score: 81.61
