Islands.com | Expert Travel Info & Tips: From Islands, to Mountains, & Everything In Between

North Carolina By Patrice J. Williams 4 months ago

Sandwiched Between Myrtle Beach And Wilmington Is North Carolina's Coastal Town With Local Shops

For local shopping, easy access to the coast, and plenty of fresh seafood, check out this North Carolina town to beat the crowds of Myrtle Beach and Wilmington.

Cars drive along Pacific Coast Highway at sunset

California By Cheryl Kochenderfer 4 months ago

The Expensive Reason You Might Want To Reconsider A Summer California Road Trip

From cruising the Pacific Coast Highway to exploring Yosemite, your California road trip may cost you a little extra this summer — here's why.

A path to the beach at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park

Michigan By Jon Bitner 4 months ago

This Stretch Of Lake Michigan's Shore Is A Magical State Park Of Golden Beaches And Scenic Trails

Between Muskegon and Grand Haven, you will find a stunning state park along Lake Michigan that boasts golden shores and thrilling scenic trails.

An aerial view of the 18th-century Forte de Nossa Senhora da Graça, just north of Elvas, Portugal

Europe By Dana Cape 4 months ago

Portugal's 'Queen Of The Border' Is A Grandiose City With Star-Shaped Forts And Free-Flowing Wine

This Portuguese border city boasts impressive star-shaped fortifications, an aqueduct, and a historic center for wandering or relaxing with a glass of wine.

The Withlacoochee River in the Green Swamp, Florida

Florida By Chris Hunt 4 months ago

Situated Between Orlando And Tampa Is A Quiet Florida City Surrounded By Untouched Swamplands

Located between the major Florida cities of Orlando and Tampa, this quiet retreat is a haven for pristine swamplands, outdoor activities, and natural beauty.

The Sandia Wilderness in the Cibola National Forest

New Mexico By Jon Bitner 4 months ago

New Mexico's National Forest Southwest Of Albuquerque Offers Countless Trails, Views, And Activities

At nearly 2 million acres, this national forest in New Mexico near Albuquerque is prime for outdoor adventures. Hiking, camping, and beautiful views abound.

Tillman Hall on the Clemson University campus

South Carolina By Joe Orovic 4 months ago

The Foothills Of South Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains Hides This Wildly Trendy And Walkable College City

Many college towns offer walkable areas and shopping, but you can root for a local football team and explore the mountains in this scenic South Carolina city.

Maine By Matt A. Claiborne 4 months ago

This Artsy New England Escape Is A Wildly Underrated Coastal Gem With Waterfront Strolls And Lobster Rolls

There are many coastal towns to explore in Maine, but you can enjoy some fresh lobster, galleries, and waterfront walks in this historic city.

Wisconsin By Patrice J. Williams 4 months ago

Just Outside Of Milwaukee Is Wisconsin's Close-Knit Town With An Active Lifestyle And Unique Shops

Cute local shops, nature parks, and fun outdoor activities abound at this quaint riverside Wisconsin town, located just 30 miles away from Milwaukee.

Arkansas By Jonathan Houston 4 months ago

A Southern State Brimming With Crystal Clear Lakes Is A Wildly Underrated Snorkeling And Scuba Destination

If you're looking for snorkeling and scuba opportunities off the beaten path, visit this southern state for beautiful lake diving without the crowds.

Tennessee By Jon Bitner 4 months ago

In The Forested Foothills Of Tennessee's Appalachian Mountains Is A Quaint And Uniquely Historic City

If you love historic locales and beautiful natural scenery, this small Appalachian town deserves a spot on your list of places to visit in Tennessee.

Tennessee By Jon Bitner 4 months ago

Situated Between Knoxville And Nashville Is An Outdoor Haven With College-Town Charm And Funky Shops

Looking for a Tennessee destination not named Nashville or Knoxville? This college town offers outdoor activities and a historic downtown.

aerial view of Fairfield residential neighborhood, with blue water in the background

Connecticut By Debra Pamplin-Todd 4 months ago

This Thriving Connecticut Beach Town Offers Plenty Of Recreation, Restaurants, And Eclectic Shopping

Connecticut has a lot to offer visitors, especially visitors to this thriving beachfront town packed with places to shop, eat, and have fun at.

Aerial view from Koreatown Los Angeles at night

California By Danielle Robles 4 months ago

Los Angeles' Coolest Neighborhood Is A Wildly Trendy Hub Of Culture With Bars, Spas, And Unmatched Food

Whether it's singing your heart out at karaoke bars or chowing down on delicious cuisine, this LA neighborhood is where all the cool kids go to hang out.

Aerial view of downtown Alexandria, Minnesota

Minnesota By Debra Pamplin-Todd 4 months ago

'The Birthplace Of America' Is A Hidden Midwest Lake Haven With Resorts, Campgrounds, And Shops

A town known as "the birthplace of America" is hidden in the Midwest, a lake haven where visitors can enjoy resorts, campgrounds and boutique shopping.

East Palo Alto surrounded by green hills and the Dumbarton Bridge in the distance, San Francisco Bay Area

California By Anahid Akkam 4 months ago

Situated In The Bay Between San Francisco And San Jose Is A California Foodie City With Unmatched Views

This Bay Area city offers the best of both worlds with a wide range of top-tier restaurants and picturesque nature sites to explore on foot.

Great Sand Dunes in Colorado with mountains in the background

Colorado By Nina Phillips 4 months ago

Hidden In Colorado's High Desert Is A Charming Gateway City To Great Sand Dunes National Park

Much more than the gateway to Great Sand Dunes National Park, this Colorado city is home to museums, a theater, a UFO tower, and countless nature preserves.

A boat takes two guests through the Venetian lagoon to check-in at the front desk of the JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa, located on the private island of Isola delle Rose, about 20 minutes from St. Mark's Square in Venice

Hotels and Resorts By Christine Pickering 4 months ago

One Of Italy's Most Elegant Retreats Floats In The Venetian Lagoon With Spas, Pools, And Gardens

Almost out of a fairytale, this elegant, five-star retreat is situated on the Venetian Lagoon. Here's what you need to know about visiting this resort.

Canada By Maja Proescholdt 4 months ago

This Hidden Destination On Lake Superior Boasts Black Sand Beaches, Dazzling Waters, And Wildlife

Once a former mining town, this off-grid community on Lake Superior boasts a laid back atmosphere with loads to explore from beaches and boat tours to hiking.

View from a Daniel Boone National Forest hiking trail, featured as one of Kentucky's Trail Towns' routes

Kentucky By SJ Armstrong 4 months ago

One Southern State's Unique Trail Towns Are Vibrant Hubs With Shops And Eateries Near Iconic Sites

If your favorite way to explore a destination is by hitting its trails, head to this Southern state for its unique selection of designated "Trail Towns."

Old hillside village of Corippo in Switzerland

Europe By Rene Bennett 4 months ago

Switzerland's Smallest Village Is A Fairytale Hidden In The Alps With Cobbled Streets And Picturesque Charm

Switzerland is known for its beautiful Alpine region, but nestled in these mountains is a charming historic village featuring stone architecture.

California By Amara Michelle 4 months ago

The 'Tallest Open-Air Bar In The Western Hemisphere' Offers Sweeping Los Angeles Skyline Views

Towering above downtown Los Angeles is a gorgeous rooftop bar with stunning views, delicious food, and, of course, great drinks for sipping.

Caribbean and Bahamas By Kira Reinke 4 months ago

One Of The Caribbean's Best-Kept Secrets Is A Pristine British Virgin Islands Beach With Low-Key Amenities

The British Virgin Islands is a fabulous beach vacation no matter which isle you go to, but one underappreciated destination is perfect for low-key travelers.

California By Richard Milner 4 months ago

'The Safest City In America' Is An Affluent Coastal California College Gem With Trendy Dining And Shopping

For years, one California city has continually been the "safest city." More than that, it's also a great place for dining, shopping, and the college experience.

Rows of lavender and a farmhouse with brown shingles at a lavender farm in Sequim, Washington.

Washington By Eva Johnstone 4 months ago

North America's Lavender Capital Is A Charming Washington Town With Summer Blooms And Waterside Retreats

This lovely Washington town wows flower-seekers with countless acres of blooms and romantic farms that look straight out of a cottagecore Pinterest board.

Aerial view of houses, cars, roads, and trees in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania By Nina Phillips 4 months ago

This Walkable Borough Just Outside Philadelphia Boasts Vibrant Streets Lined With Immaculate Treats And Food

If you love charming and walkable towns, head to this borough just outside of Philadelphia that boasts lively streets, fun shopping, and incredible food.

DeSoto Falls, DeSoto State Park, Alabama

Alabama By Chris Hunt 4 months ago

Alabama's DeSoto State Park Boasts One Of America's Best Campgrounds Offering Waterfalls And Wildflowers

This gorgeous state park in Alabama offers a sterling natural retreat for families and adventurers hoping to reconnect with nature. Here's what to expect.

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