Take An Island Vacation Without Leaving The Continental United States

If you're planning a vacation, and want to spend it on an island, then think local. You don't have to travel down to the Caribbean, or over to Hawaii in order to experience the fun of island life. There are plenty of Islands located right here in the Continental United States. Below is a list of 4 of the best island spots to choose from.

Galveston Island, Texas

Galveston has thirty-two miles of beaches, not to mention countless restaurants, nightclubs, zoos, theme parks, and a historic boardwalk. It's a super fun place for couples with kids, honeymooners, or just a group of friends looking for an exciting atmosphere. The island also has a huge live music scene, with everything from Latin and jazz to rock and roll and C&W.

Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

If you are looking for a romantic island vacation, then check out Martha's Vineyard. This is a popular vacation spot for people in the Northeast. It's a bit more restrained than places like Jones Beach on Long Island, or the Jersey Shore, so you won't find that wild summer beach environment. What you will find are fantastic beaches, very cool bike trails, and lots of romantic bed and breakfast spots. The island has a very relaxed atmosphere, even though there are lots of celebrities and politicians that vacation there.

Mount Desert Island, Maine

If you want to experience some real outdoors adventure, then look into visiting Mount Desert Island.  This island is home to a huge national park, Acadia. You can bike, bird watch, or hike the park and take in the astounding views of the Atlantic Ocean. The best place to stay on the island is Bar Harbor. It's a town that is popular with tourists looking for outdoor activities. You can go whale watching, kayaking, mountain climbing, and you can visit any of the island's gorgeous beaches.

Catalina Island, California

Catalina is located off the coast of Los Angeles. It's a welcome respite from the hectic beaches in L.A. The island is hilly, which affords you the chance to go hiking and look out at the Pacific Ocean. You can also go kayaking and jet skiing. There are also loads of guided tours of the island. There are interior tours that take you up into the mountainous terrain, as well as tours of the coastline in glass-bottomed boats. Some tours will bring you face to face with the sweet, endangered island fox. For more information, contact Siren Sailing Charters or a similar company.