Winter is coming, and we’re not just talking about the Night King that’s currently set to lay waste to the castles and holdfasts of Westeros! We’re talking about real life! With the passing of Labor Day, summer has officially come to an end, and we’re now all looking down the barrel of another cold and drab winter, when the sun sets early and it seems like summer will never return again…
But that’s the thing… Summer never truly leaves! It’s always out there to be found provided you know where to look. And, get this! In order to get your fix of summer in the United States, you don’t even need a passport. In fact, there are plenty of American islands that you can escape to this winter, where you can get a welcome reprieve from the winter doldrums.
So, what are these islands? Where are they located? Which one should you consider booking a vacation at sometime this winter? Well, we’ve got you covered. Below, we’re going to share the 10 American islands that are just perfect for escaping to this winter. Now, all you have to do is book your stay before everyone else does!
1. Key West (Florida)
If you head out all the way to the edge of the Florida Keys, you find yourself at one of the most fun vacation spots in the U.S.
2. Ya Parrot Head!
In fact, if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to waste away in Margaritaville, then this is where you want to go. Don’t lose your saltshaker, though.
3. Dauphin Island (Alabama)
Less crowded than other Gulf Coast islands, there’s plenty of space on the beach her for everyone to stretch out.
4. I’m a Bird Watcher
Amateur ornithologists out there will want to put Dauphin Islands on their list thanks to its bird sanctuaries.
5. Marco Island (Florida)
This island is a great place to go if you’re looking for a nice place to get some swimming in after sunning on white-sand beaches.
6. Reasonable Rates
Families should pay particular attention to Marco Island as rates are usually good here, meaning your travel dollar can get much farther.
7. Hilton Head (South Carolina)
Southern Charm with some warm weather and some truly tremendous beaches? You can count us in!
8. Hit the Links
Plus, if the winter months have been keeping you from your favorite activity – golfing – you’ll have plenty of options during a winter visit here.
9. San Juan Island (Washington)
While this may not offer the warm weather you’re after, it does offer bright days with crisp air.
10. Mt. Young
And it’s those qualities that make the idea of hiking Mt. Young something that should appeal to your adventurers out there.
11. Amelia Island (Florida)
There’s a reason that some of the richest families in the U.S. used to make this place their summer stomping grounds.
12. Golf, Anyone?
Today, things are decidedly more egalitarian, and Amelia Island has become well known for its tremendous golf courses.
13. Catalina (California)
This island of the coast of Los Angeles is something that always surprises those who’ve never visited before.
14. Visit the City
Plus, if you check out Catalina, you can always take some time to check out the various sights and sounds of Los Angeles itself.
15. Big Island (Hawaii)
The winter months are peak times for Hawaii, but rates always tend to stay lower than elsewhere in Hawaii on the Big Island.
16. Get Out There
Another good reason to pick the Big Island is the central access it offers to most of the things you’d want to see when visiting America’s paradise.
17. St. John (USVI)
If you need to get that Caribbean vacation in this winter, then consider St. John, as there’s no reason to get the passport out.
18. Relaxing Time
St. John is also a lot quieter than other nearby islands, making it the perfect place to really recharge your batteries during the winter months.
19. South Padre Island (Texas)
Just off the coast of Texas lies one of the (almost) best-kept secrets in American vacations.
20. Fun in the Sun
South Padre Island is all about fun, and those with a yen for watersports will find themselves well served here.