Mackinac Island in northern Michigan was named the best island in the continental U.S., according to a new list, ranking higher than popular spots like Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket and Outer Banks.
Travel + Leisure placed Mackinac Island No. 1 of 15 locations from coast to coast with a score of 89.10, adding that the Midwestern site has a "family-friendly downtown" with restaurants, fudge shops and art galleries.
The four-square-mile island, which sits on Lake Huron, uniquely does not allow for cars, and rather encourages visitors and residents to travel by foot, bike or horse-drawn carriage.
Here's where other islands ranked:
- Mackinac Island, Michigan
- Kiawah Island, South Carolina
- Nantucket, Massachusetts
- San Juan Islands, Washington
- Golden Isles, Georgia
- Outer Banks, North Carolina
- Mount Desert Island, Maine
- Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
- Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
- Amelia Island, Florida
- Florida Keys, Florida
- Captiva Island, Florida
- Sanibel Island, Florida
- Block Island, Rhode Island
- Longboat Key, Florida
For the full list and details on each island, click here.
Travel + Leisure readers rated U.S. islands based on activities and sights, natural attractions and beaches, food, friendliness and overall value, according to the magazine.
Feeling out of the loop? We'll catch you up on the Chicago news you need to know. Sign up for the weekly> Chicago Catch-Up newsletter.