Captivating U.S. Islands You Can Drive To For A Gorgeous Getaway

Many of us feel like we have to hop on a plane and jet-set to a foreign country to assuage our travel bug. However, that's just not necessary in the United States. Nor is it always preferable, given the cost and stress level required to fly these days. That's where the 18,000 islands in the U.S. come in, some of which are accessible by car. By heading to these islands, you can embark on an epic road trip without ever heading to the baggage claim or even a ferry terminal.

Explore rounded up the best islands that visitors can drive to, so you can have a vacation worth remembering and a pre-trip to-do list that just involves filling up the gas tank. To choose the best of the best, we evaluated which U.S. islands had the most acclaim and fame, the most options for fun, and the most scenic natural landscapes.

At just 13 miles long and 4 miles wide, Amelia Island is a quaint respite with historic nods to match its charming and intimate vibe. It's just a 40-minute drive from Jacksonville. Streets dating back to Victorian times dot the island in Historic Fernandina, as do a plethora of museums. One attraction that presents Amelia Island's 4,000-year-old past is the Amelia Island Museum of History, located inside a former jail.

Or, to learn about the island's history while enjoying its perfect weather, head to the Amelia Island Lighthouse, which is the oldest lighthouse in Florida. You can also indulge in a sip with the island's lore — preferably the Pirate's Punch — at The Palace Saloon, the oldest bar in the state. With original woodwork and tin ceilings, it looks like a step back in time — and supposedly has a ghost to prove it.

Amelia Island is also the birthplace of the shrimping industry, and plenty of eateries have cut their chops serving them up. One favorite is T-Rays Burger Station, which serves its fried shrimp special every Friday. If you time your visit correctly, you can also celebrate all things shrimp at the weekend-long Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival held on Amelia Island every May. You can also enjoy a quieter pace on the island on the 300-acre ​Egans Creek Greenway. At this lush, protected land, visitors can engage in numerous activities, including birdwatching, hiking, and biking.

We've all seen wild dogs and cats, but for the most part, those who have had the pleasure of seeing wild ponies in the U.S. have done so on Assateague Island, which is in Virginia and Maryland. It's just a 15-minute drive from Ocean City, Maryland. This slim barrier island is known for its world-famous wild ponies, which swim across the channel on the last Wednesday of each July in a popular tourist event. The event is held to rehome some of the ponies to limit overpopulation and also raise money for the local fire department. However, no matter when you visit, you'll be able to see these shaggy brown ponies.

The best way to get the full experience is to camp on this remote, rugged island with beaches, marshes, and maritime forests. Camping is available eight months out of the year, but reservations are highly recommended. Arrive early, as this island can have hours of traffic at its entrance during peak months.

If you can snag a spot, you'll be rewarded with access to three parks — Assateague Island Maryland State Park, Assateague Island National Seashore, and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Here, visitors can enjoy biking, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming. To get a handle on all the island has to offer, start your visit at the Visitor's Center in Berlin, Maryland, which showcases exhibits as well as a film about the destination.

It's hard to believe that just an hour's drive from big-city Houston is Galveston Island, a true slice of paradise. It features 32 miles of beaches, a state park, a 684-acre nature preserve, and tons of history. This makes for a destination that's ideal for everyone, from vacationers hopping on a cruise to the Bahamas to history buffs. Running along the island's beaches is the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, loaded with rides like a Ferris wheel, as well as a plethora of games. Families will also love Moody Gardens, a pyramid-shaped recreation facility with an aquarium, museum, rainforest, and more.

It's Galveston Island's rich history that makes it the most notable, though. This is where Juneteenth happened following the proclamation that ended the enslavement of black people. Plus, unbeknownst to many, Galveston Island was a crucial immigration port for about 750,000 people. It makes sense, then, that it's called the "Forgotten Gateway." With so much history, it's unsurprising that Galveston Island is a hotspot for supernatural and ghost tours. 

Visitors can get up close and personal with the island's history (and maybe a few ghosts) by staying overnight in one of the restored historic homes. Historic home tours are also available. The island is even home to the largest collection of Texas and American West history in the world, which can be seen at The Bryan Museum. Galveston Island also houses a former World War II submarine that people can walk into. Plus, you can get around the island on a restored rail trolley.

The Lowcountry life is all about kicking back, and there's no better place to do that than on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina. That's part of the reason why a whopping 2.5 million people visit the barrier island every year. It's conveniently located less than an hour's drive from Savannah, Georgia. If you plan a trip to this 12-mile by 5-mile island, get ready for a few days of golf, nature, award-winning beaches, and more. Hilton Head Island is home to 24 golf courses, some of which were designed by top architects.

Or, get your taste of the outdoors along the 60 miles of routes suitable for biking, horseback riding, or walking. These pathways are especially ideal since, with just one road to get into or off the island, there can be a lot of traffic. That's especially true on Saturdays, when timeshares welcome their new guests for the week. More than 20 hotels are also available for reservations on the island.

Those looking to soak in the island's sunshine can do so at Hilton Head's star beach, Coligny Beach. It features modern touches like water fountains, bathrooms, changing rooms, and showers. Throughout the beaches and parks, you can expect to see dolphins, sharks, loggerhead sea turtles, deer, and alligators. You can also birdwatch at the 68-acre Coastal Discovery Museum. Or, head to the 605-acre Sea Pines Forest Preserve to see wild alligators and more.

As a scenic state park spanning 5,500 acres and 10 miles of shoreline, it's no surprise that Jekyll Island, Georgia, was once a respite only for the wealthy. Prominent families like the Vanderbilts, Rockefellers, and Morgans stayed here, enjoying the nearly three dozen homes that now make up what's known as "Millionaire Village." Luckily, you no longer have to be a millionaire to enjoy this Golden Isle, which is one of four barrier islands in the area.

About a 1-hour-and-15-minute drive from Jacksonville, Florida, this island has so much natural beauty for all to enjoy. It has seven beaches, including the famous Driftwood Beach, filled with tons of massive pieces of driftwood for a one-of-a-kind sight. It was where scenes in productions like "The Walking Dead" and "X-Men: First Class" were filmed. Scenes in the 1989 war film "Glory" were also filmed at Glory Beach. Or, see all of the island's natural beauty via bike, as Jekyll Island has more than 22 miles of pathways.

You would be lucky to see a sea turtle during your wildlife forays through the island, but you can see them — and learn about them — at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. As the only turtle hospital and educational center of its type, people can see the turtles and experience exhibits about them. Every year, a 5K, 10K, and fun run, sometimes featuring a rehabbed turtle release, are held here to raise money.

Floridian cities like Naples are known for their beaches. But just a 30-minute drive from this bustling city is an even better beach destination with zen vibes: Marco Island. As one of the protected Ten Thousand Islands, this barrier island has some of the best beaches in the country due to white sand, calm blue-green waters, and beautiful shells. That's also what makes it ideal for a tropical couples trip. One of the more distinctive beaches here is Tigertail Beach, which is accessible after trekking through a tidal lagoon and lush path, or via a 30-minute walk. Nearby is a scenic inlet and Hideaway Beach, which often has unique shells before they're snatched up. Shelling tours are even available on the island.

With such beautiful elements of nature on display, it's no surprise that Marco Island on the Gulf Coast is also an epicenter of wildlife. People can take dolphin-watching tours or check out the Briggs Nature Center, which features five different habitats. You might even see manatees and sea turtles throughout your forays on this island, especially if you take a paddleboard or kayaking tour.

But one of the coolest parts of Marco Island is a mix of development and nature. Former homes known as the Dome Houses are half-sunk in the water here, having fallen victim to the sea after beach erosion. The houses, built in the 1980s, can only be visited via boat or jet ski.

Most of the islands on this list are tropical paradises. But Mount Desert Island in Maine is a paradise of a different species. Acadia National Park claims about half of this island, giving it a landscape full of mountains, epic hikes, granite cliffs, and towering trees. Its name comes from French verbiage meaning "island of bare mountains."

Those stunning scenes are what the park's 4 million visitors flock here for each year, about an hour's drive from Bangor. As one of the most popular national parks in the country, it can get incredibly busy. That's especially true in August, when this park is one of the best to visit in the country. Visitors are highly recommended to book their accommodations in advance and also start their sightseeing early in the morning. And even though you can drive your car on the island, prepare to fight for a parking spot.

But there are plenty of reasons why those spots are worth fighting for. All-encompassing views can be found on the Beehive Trail, although you'll have to work for those too — this trail can be tough as well as vertical. Or, watch water skyrocket upwards at Thunder Hole, where waves explode over massive rocks two hours before high tide. But for the best views of them all, hike or drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain — the tallest point on the eastern seaboard — to watch the sun come up.

With six public beaches with national acclaim, Sanibel Island in Florida is a beach rat's paradise. It's all less than an hour's drive from Fort Myers. Here, those looking to catch some rays can choose from beaches that have been named the top 10 in Florida, the best in the country, one of the best beaches in the world by National Geographic, and the best for shelling by Travel + Leisure.

The finest beach here is Bowman's Beach, which has modern amenities as well as white sand and turquoise waters. Plus, it's secluded, giving it an untouched vibe. Make sure you get up from your beach chair to wander here, as Bowman's Beach is known as one of the best spots on the island for shelling. There's even a term for shelling here: the "Sanibel Scoop," which refers to when people keep their eyes peeled to the ground as they search for shells. You can expect to find sand dollars, whelk, Florida fighting conch, and more.

To get into the shelling spirit on Sanibel Island, head to Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. Here, visitors can learn about shells and how they evolve, and also see the biggest shells ever picked from beaches. They can also check out a touch tank full of shelled creatures. But make sure the shelled animals in the touch tanks are the only ones you interact with, as taking live shelled creatures is not allowed on the island.

Siesta Key is more than a reality show. It's a Florida island that's worth visiting for friends, families, and couples. About a 20-minute drive from Sarasota, this island has been voted as having the best beaches in the country as well as in the world. Here, white sand backs to clear Gulf of Mexico waters.

The best place to sample that is at Siesta Beach, which is the largest beach on the 8-mile island. Besides being clean and beautiful, it also features amenities like lifeguards, bathrooms, a gift shop, and sports facilities. Stay for the sunset, as Sunset Point is located on this beach. It's known as the best and most popular spot for watching the sun go down on the island. Or, hit the more-than-20-year-old Siesta Key drum circle at sunset on Sundays to celebrate another week in paradise. Afterward, if you aren't exhausted from hanging out in the sun all day, hit the town, as Siesta Key Village has plenty of nightlife.

For a more low-key tropical hangout, head to the hidden gem that is Crescent Beach. What it lacks in amenities, it makes up for in peacefulness, as well as snorkeling opportunities. Another quiet beach option is Turtle Beach, which also has recreational facilities like a playground and volleyball courts. With so much to do on Siesta Key, parking can be difficult here. Getting around via bike is always an option, since there are plenty of pathways ideal for two wheels.

Texas has a half-dozen barrier islands, but South Padre Island is home to the longest beach in the state. It stretches 34 miles, all about one hour from Matamoros, Mexico. Although you can use your car to get around here, you don't have to. Golf cart rentals are easily accessible, and there is also a free shuttle that traverses the island. That's convenient since there's so much to do here, especially concerning wildlife.

To see other 300 species of birds as well as alligators in their natural habitats, head to the South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary. You can see even more birds while going for a hike on the Laguna Madre Nature Trail. Or, visit turtles before they are released after rehabilitation at the nonprofit Sea Turtle, Inc.

But if you're just looking to kick back, you can do that, too, no matter the time of year. South Padre Island has high temperatures all the time, which also makes it an underrated winter getaway. It's always a good idea to visit the beach from the island's 25 public beach access points. Throughout your beaching, you're more than likely to spot a sandcastle, as San Padre Island is the "sandcastle capital of the universe." More than 30 sandcastles — all discoverable via the visitor center map — dot the island. Visitors can follow in the footsteps of the professional artists who made these sandcastles by booking a sandcastle lesson.

With just a 3.36-mile circumference, it's easy to forget about little Tybee Island, which is overshadowed by Savannah at less than a 30-minute drive away. However, you'll be glad you visited this quaint yet fun-filled island with the oldest lighthouse in the state, a birding trail, a marine science center, and more. It has all of the pastel-colored Southern charm of Savannah, but without the traffic as well as high prices — this is one budget-friendly beach town. You'll be glad you brought your car, as cabs and rideshares are difficult to find here. Plus, you can reach Tybee Island on a road trip of the best of the Southern East Coast.

Start your visit by trekking up the island's iconic 145-foot-tall lighthouse, which dates back to 1736. Or, get in touch with the vast wildlife that calls Tybee Island home at the North Beach Birding Trail, where you may see sanderlings, turnstones, dunlins, and more. Learn about the wildlife under the sea at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center, which displays creatures like loggerhead sea turtles and baby alligators. Finally, unwind with a drink on the beach, as alcohol is surprisingly allowed on it; just don't leave the leftovers behind.

With thousands of barrier islands throughout the United States, choosing just one to venture to from the mainland for your vacation can be a daunting decision. So, Explore hit the road for you, and found the best islands for a getaway — all of which can be reached via car. To do so, we first evaluated which islands had the most fame and media acclaim, so you can hit a bucket-list island on a trip worth bragging about. We've all heard of the beloved wild ponies on Assateague Island, as well as the laid-back Lowcountry vibes on Hilton Head Island, which has tons of resorts ideal for a family vacation.

We also considered which islands have the most options for activities, so you never have to wonder how you'd fill the next few hours. Instead, these islands offer everything from golf to nature reserves to historic districts and more. Additionally, we researched which islands were simply captivating when it came to appearance, offering beautiful natural landscapes that are prettier than any postcard.