Tall palm palms, blue lakes, and old mountains wrapped in lush flora make Puerto Rico a tropical paradise. It's ideal for lounging on some of the nation's nicest beaches with a piña colada.
Daufuskie Island, about an hour's boat trip from the South Carolina mainland, feels worlds apart. While dolphins splash and alligators peek out of deep green lagoons, sandy beaches extend for miles.
A fun day or weekend trip for beach-goers, hikers, and kayakers, you can stay in lodging outside the island and visit for the day, or camp at one of the island's beach- or sound-side campsites.
Seals sunbathe on San Juan Island, whales swim offshore, and bald eagles fly overhead. Friday Harbor is a lovely village with stores, galleries, and great restaurants.
On St. Croix, the largest of the three islands, an ideal day includes walking on white-sand beaches, diving at Buck Island Reef National Monument, and exploring colonial-era churches before watching the sunset at one of the numerous romantic restaurants. Fresh fish abounds here.
The island's Victorian, Colonial, and early Indigenous architecture spans three centuries. It's one of the nation's most unusual vacation spots, whether you hike, kayak, or visit one of the island's fudge shops on Main Street.
Coronado Island, a gorgeous island in San Diego, is easily accessible by bridge, boat, or water taxi. The gentle, white beaches provide spectacular vistas of San Diego.
Lake Michigan appears to dissolve into the light in Door County, Wisconsin. It's clear why this Great Lakes area is called the "Cape Cod of the Midwest."
Ferries to Bald Head Island take 20 minutes. Islanders use bicycles, golf carts, and trams because cars are banned. Old Baldy, North Carolina's oldest lighthouse, offers great views.
A national park on Lake Superior, it is essentially underdeveloped. It's a hiking, kayaking, canoeing, and backpacking heaven. You may take an aircraft or a ferry to the island.
The Amelia Island Historic District is one of the state's most picturesque little towns, with colorful Victorian architecture and historic buildings, many of which are now Bed & Breakfasts.