10 Best Islands in the U.S.

We all dream of island getaways: White-sand beaches where the kids can play in the surf as warm sun warms our skin; intimate towns meant to be explored by bicycle, with stops for homemade ice cream and family-friendly dinners with water views. Something about an island getaway whispers "relaxation," and "quality time." But you don't need a long plane ride to bring you to an island paradise. The continental U.S. has its own islands of paradise, some of which may be a few hours from your hometown.

1. Amelia Island, Florida
Nestled off the coast of northeastern Florida, just over the border from Georgia, is the last of the southern barrier islands that are made up of pristine, dune-filled beaches. Four major state parks and a national park are within reach of this quiet, preserved stretch of land where hiking, biking, horseback riding and camping helps your family escape our technology-filled world. There's history here, as well, with Fort Clinch reminding of Florida's place in the Civil and Spanish American Wars. Moss-draped, centuries-old oaks pave the way into Fernandina Beach, a historic town filled with boutiques and homes. Amelia Island has a mild climate throughout most of the year, growing hot and humid in the summer months, which makes ideal weather for canoeing, kayaking and sailing.

Recommended Hotel: The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island


2. Sanibel & Captiva Islands, Florida
These two southwestern Florida islands feature empty expanses of white-sand beaches, pink- and purple-hued sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico, and pastel-colored shells for shell seekers of all ages (there is even a shell museum on Sanibel!). The sub-tropical climate makes the area a year-round vacation spot, where families enjoy water sports like parasailing and kayaking, as well as fishing and biking the quiet, less-traveled Florida shores. Miniature golf, tennis and golf fill in the daily activities, before gathering around a table for pink shrimp direct from the waters surrounding you.

Recommended Hotel: South Seas Island Resort


3. Catalina Island, California
Hop a ferry from the Los Angeles' area to visit this tony treasure located just 22 miles of the Southern California coast. Instead of lines at the Anaheim theme parks, your family can follow a single-file line while hiking the hilly terrain and join in wildlife adventure tours. Snorkeling and semi-submersible trips provide a glimpse into the Pacific waters and its under sea world. Ride an open-air Unimog during a canyon tour and kayak the island's isolated beaches and dive in hidden coves. The island is an outdoor-lovers' playground, and its charming town of Avalon will serve as a place to shop, dine and sleep when day is done.

Recommended Hotel: Catalina Canyon Resort and Spa


4. Galveston Island, Texas
Texas isn't all cattle ranches and hill country. It's island near Houston screams family fun with surfing lessons, sandcastle competitions, aquariums, mini-golf courses and resort swimming pools just ripe for splashing in when the long stretches of soft-sand beaches lining the Gulf shores fails to entertain (not possible). Schlitterbahn WaterPark features 32-family-friendly rides and attractions in an indoor/outdoor (think convertible) park that welcomes water lovers year-round. When ice cream cones no longer satisfy the sweet tooth, visit La King's Confectionery, which dates back to the 1920s and to this day uses 19th century methods for creating candies, malts and fountain drinks -- a Galveston staple.

Recommended Hotel: The Tremont House


5. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
This Southern island is made up of 30 acres of Spanish moss-draped trees, 14 miles of dune-covered beaches and 100 miles of bike paths and walking trails, making it a playground to many looking for a beach getaway that combines nature and charm, as well as world-class golf and tennis. Dolphin discovery cruises, lighthouse tours, the Sandbox Interactive Children's Museum, miniature golf, and sing-a-longs beneath the giant oak at Shelter Cove -- singer Gregg Russell has been entertaining families for more than 20 years -- make this island perfect for families. Walk the tan beaches in search for nesting sea turtles or grab a net and go "crabbing" for dinner.

Recommended Hotel: Inn at Harbour Town -- Sea Pines Resort


6. Key West, Florida
The southeastern-most tip of the United States is also an eclectic island escape for families. With year-round warm temperatures, Key West is an all-year celebration of sunny weather. Families can play on the beach; hop a charter for deep-sea fishing, snorkeling or diving adventures; glide by the red setting sun on a sailboat or from a Mallory Square perch to take in the island's famous and breathtaking sunsets; and go on eco-tours in area parks and waters. Fort Zachary Taylor State Park and Beach is ready for exploration, and kids will have fun watching the street performers in Mallory Square before the entire family dines on fresh seafood, including fresh-from-the-ocean lobster.

Recommended Hotel: Hyatt Key West Resort & Spa


7. Mackinac Island, Michigan
Step back in time in this Lake Michigan island, where cars are rare and horse-drawn carriages and bicycles are the vehicles of choice. The island is a summer playground (the winter months can be unbearably cold) and family-friendly festivals abound, from July's Festival of Horses and August's Fudge Festival. The Grand Hotel is the island's grand dame, and after a starring role in Hollywood, attracts visitors from around the world to this intimate island. The hotel's Esther Williams Swimming Pool is open to guests and non-guests and is a must-visit when not dipping a toe into the lake's rock-lined waters.

Recommended Hotel: Grand Hotel


8. Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
The larger of the two summer island destinations off the coast of Massachusetts is "The Vineyard," consisting of three distinct areas: Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, as well as other small communities with their own charm and appeal. Kids can explore lighthouses, kayak freshwater ponds, and bike the miles upon miles of trails through the island's most picturesque towns and vistas. Of course, a trip to our nation's oldest operating carousel is a must; the Flying Horses Carousel is even listed as a National Historic Landmark. The island is rich in music festivals and just bring a blanket to enjoy music under the stars, as well as movies on a town green.

Recommended Hotel: Harbor View Hotel


9. Nantucket, Massachusetts
Cobblestone streets, blue waters filled with sailboats, and tiny beaches just beckoning your kids to frolic on make up the intimate island of Nantucket, just an hour by ferry from Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The former whaling capital of the world evolved into a summer destination nearly 100 years ago, and with its strictly enforcing building codes, remains much of what it had been in the early 1900s, with more homes and buildings listed on the National Registry of Historical Places than any other location in the country. Kids will do exactly what generations of children did before them: play in the sand, ride a bike, devour ice cream, nosh on lobster, then repeat.

Recommended Hotel: White Elephant Residences


10. San Juan Islands, Washington