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The Best Island in the Continental U.S. Has a National Park Known As the ‘Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast'—See More 2025 Winners
To help you decide, Travel + Leisure readers shared the U.S. islands that they return to again and again in our annual "World's Best Awards" survey—and the results reveal just how much island magic you can find close to home. Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 180,000 T+L readers completed the 2025 survey. A total of more than 657,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.). Islands were specifically rated on the criteria below: Natural attractions/beaches Activities/sights Restaurants/food People/friendliness Value For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses.
Sunset over a lighthouse on Mount Desert Island.
Jonn Mattrisch/Travel + Leisure
The East Coast dominated the list, with islands in Maine down to Florida (and plenty of states in between) making appearances on this year's list. It comes as no surprise that Florida had more islands in the ranking than any other state; a third of readers' favorite islands are located there, including Amelia Island (No. 2), Marco Island (No. 6), and the Florida Keys (No. 8).
Although the Keys dropped to No. 8 this year (down from its No. 5 position in 2024), readers still say they want to 'go there again and again and again.' 'Old Florida at its very best,' one reader wrote. 'Locally owned and managed eateries and hotels. Down-home Southern friendliness. Great food.'
Mount Desert Island Autumn foliage on Mount Desert Island.
Jonn Mattrisch/Travel + Leisure
The largest island off the coast of Maine earned the top spot on the list this year—a mighty jump from its No. 12 spot in 2024. But if you do a little digging, it's easy to see why readers are finally giving Mount Desert Island its due.
The island's dramatic granite peaks and rugged coastlines embody the untamed beauty of coastal Maine. Most of the island is dominated by Acadia National Park, often called the 'crown jewel of the North Atlantic Coast,' but the town of Bar Harbor, known for its lobster shacks and waterfront inns, is also worth a visit, too, and sits along the island's picturesque eastern coastline.
'A hidden gem in New England…with great spots to eat,' one reader wrote. Another said they found the landscape so beautiful that they recommended visitors 'spend at least five days here.'
A hidden gem in New England…with great spots to eat.
— T+L Reader
1. Mount Desert Island, Maine
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 87.13
2. Amelia Island, Florida
Reader Score: 86.81
3. Mackinac Island, Michigan
Reader Score: 86.09
4. Golden Isles, Georgia
WBA Hall of Fame Honoree. Reader Score: 85.33
5. San Juan Islands, Washington
Reader Score: 84.36
6. Marco Island, Florida
Reader Score: 84.23
7. Kiawah Island, South Carolina
WBA Hall of Fame Honoree. Reader Score: 84.00
8. Florida Keys, Florida
WBA Hall of Fame Honoree. Reader Score: 82.84
9. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
WBA Hall of Fame Honoree. Reader Score: 82.49
10. Nantucket, Massachusetts
WBA Hall of Fame Honoree. Reader Score: 82.09
11. Sanibel Island, Florida
Reader Score: 81.79
12. Outer Banks, North Carolina
Reader Score: 81.64
13. South Padre Island, Texas
Reader Score: 80.84
14. Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
Reader Score: 80.25
15. Captiva Island, Florida Reader Score: 80.13
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