Favorite U.S. Island Getaway?
 

I'm looking for ideas for future trips. Looking of for U.S. island getaways, places with lots to do and some charm and natural beauty. We've been to both Mackinac and Nantucket and really enjoyed those. What are some of your favorites? And favorite things to do or see there? Not looking to go as far away as Hawaii. Would love any suggestions that you might have.

San Juan Islands from Seattle. Beautiful and varied. Do a little google search.

I was going to say St John but that's probably not what you had in mind either :)

Any particular reason for an island vs a coastal area, just curious?

el, I've never heard of the SJI, but they look fantastic.

Patty, we've been to St. John and loved it, but not looking to go so far this time.

Key West for me! I love its quirkiness and activities. There are great restaurants, museums, historical houses, live theater, water and boating, unique accommodations, roaming chickens, nightly sunset celebration etc.

Manhattan.

Susie, yes, we love Key West! I haven't been there for years, might be worth a revisit.

Volcanogirl, there are many ways to do the San Juans. We booked a trip through Victoria Clipper ferry (you can see what they offer online and then call them to tweak it, add days, extend, etc, but you do not need to book anything through them). Our vacation used the Victoria Clipper ferry to San Juan Island where we stayed at Friday Harbor House. We wanted to also go to Orcas Island but had not reserved a rental car - none available- so a local suggested we rent a used junker "island" car from the used car dealership. Cheap and funky but we could tour the islands, visit Orcas Island Pottery, drive to the top,of Mt Constitution, hike, etc. you can also rent bicycles and kayaks, go on whale watching tours or just watch the whale pods from shore. We loved our entire trip and I can't wait to go back. Also included a ferry ride to Victoria and Butchart Gardens, stayed at Abigail's Hotel, BC ferry to Vancouver for several days, then train back to Seattle. I loved Orcas Island very much and would love to spend a week there.
Or more. Relaxing. Island time. It is impossible to be in a hurry there.

For a short stay - maybe 3-ish days, Santa Catalina.

Fra, love Manhattan, but not for charm and natural beauty.

el, thanks for all those details. Sounds wonderful. I've never been to Seattle either.

janis, I always hear about Catalina, but don't know much about it. What do you like to do there? Always hear about Coronado too. Would that be another good spot?

Are you referring to the city of Coronado by San Diego? If so, it's a peninsula and not an island though it does have a somewhat island-y feel.

I agree that Catalina would be good for a short trip. You can hike, snorkel, dive (but the water is cold) and explore the town of Avalon. There are other water and inland activities and a tiny settlement on the other side of the island called Two Harbors.

Wanted to add, Coronado has better beaches (but the water will still be cold) but Catalina is better for nature/scenery to me.

san juan islands in Washington state are great for ocean kayaking, hiking and whale watching.

Patty, yes, I have a friend that stayed at the Hotel Del, I think that was the name of it. So you think Catalina over Coronado for a long weekend? We like scenic little towns. I don't see us swimming if the water is cold so town/scenery is probably more important than the beach.

Depends on your interests. Avalon is a pretty small town so it wouldn't take much time to explore it. Are you interested in hiking? Most of Catalina is a nature preserve. Coronado is basically flat but may have more in-town things to do plus you can easily drive to San Diego if you run out of things to do. Does it have to be an island? Have you been to the central coast of CA? Gorgeous scenery and charming towns.

No, pretty coastal towns would be okay too. Totally open to any suggestions. Just not looking for anything too sleepy. Have not been to San Diego, but have been to San Francisco and Monterey.

Catalina could be too sleepy. It's no Key West. I was going to suggest the Monterey Peninsula but it sounds like you're looking for some place new. Big Sur, Cambria, etc. are probably too sleepy too. Santa Barbara?

I haven't been to Catalina, but from what I have heard, will you get bored?

I HAVE been to Coronado, and love it there - would live there if I could afford it. Beautiful beach and cute downtown. And San Diego is terrific, we were just there a few weeks ago. Lots to see and do.

This motel was right across the street from The Del; so same great location, at a fraction of the price. It looked very nice and well kept from the outside when we went by it.

http://www.laavenidainn.com/

use gmaps and you tube to look these places over.

Thanks everyone - lots of good suggestions.

Mount Desert Island Maine ....you know, the home of Acadia National Park. Very beautiful, charming, and lots to do.

china, thanks for that suggestion. I've been to Maine and thought it was great - have never been to Acadia National Park though.

We've thought about Sanibel too - does anyone have any experience there? Or any other islands in Florida? We liked Key West, so looking at trying another spot. Or maybe a charming beach town?

Islamorada - check out The Moorings Village, which we absolutely loved, or Cheeca Lodge for a more traditional but still super nice hotel.

We have been to Sanibel several times over the last 30 years. We enjoy the island and the beach. We ride bikes, my husband golfs, we walk the beach and always bring home shells--I am not really a sheller but I can't resist the beautiful shells that I find on Sanibel. Ding Darling Nature Preserve is great. Fort Myers airport is a couple hour plane ride from Ohio so Sanibel is a quick get away for us--and so many of our friends live or have second homes in Naples--It is nice to combine Sanibel with a short visit to Naples.

Last year we tried Anna Maria Island and loved it too. It is less expensive than Sanibel. We had a beachfront condo that was very affordable, great beach, fun restaurants, nice kayaking/bike trails through the nature preserve.

It's not an island but another area we love in Florida is on the Panhandle--the Beaches of 30A--small beach towns like Grayton, beach house planned communities like Seaside. It's a good late Spring/Fall(if you don't get a hurricane) destination.

We've been to Sanibel/Captiva a couple of times and Anna Maria Island once. We prefer AMI.

I like the free trolley system there, although it didn't work out well for us for whatever reason.

AMI felt more like 'old Florida', although I guess I really don't know what that means.

We had some crappy weather while there, it was nice to have easy access to Sarasota and its museums.

Thanks for all the great suggestions. I'm having fun exploring them. I have a friend who recommended Rosemary Beach - that one looks good too.