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Whether its colorful locals, or just that special element of nature that one finds on slices of isolated land, being on an islandeven one close bycan often feel like a completely different world. America has some truly world-class islands to visitMackinac, Catalina, and everything in Hawaiibut it also boasts some hidden gems that are worth visiting. Here are 11 islands you may never have heard of, but you definitely need to check out.

Whether its colorful locals, or just that special element of nature that one finds on slices of isolated land, being on an islandeven one close bycan often feel like a completely different world. America has some truly world-class islands to visitMackinac, Catalina, and everything in Hawaiibut it also boasts some hidden gems that are worth visiting. Here are 11 islands you may never have heard of, but you definitely need to check out.

By day, this quintessential New England beach island is a relaxing escape full of charming little cottages, staggering cliffs, a gothic-revival lighthouse, and beaches youll sometimes have all to yourself. But the nightlife here is also surprisingly boisterous, with Captain Nicks and Ballards always good for a fun evening.

Ask Floridians their favorite beach town, and many call out this little island near Sarasota, where the sunsets at the Sandbar restaurant are said to be the best in the state. The islands main thoroughfare, Pine Street, has also been named the greenest main street in America, and was recognized by the U.N. for its advancements in LEED construction.

This car-free historic island off Hilton Head was once considered the Marthas Vineyard of the South. Now its far more accessible, and you can stay right on one of its beautiful beaches in either a converted mansion or an old lighthouse. It's also an outpost of Gullah, a rare African-derived culture cultivated by emancipated slaves who moved to the remote barrier islands.

While St. Thomas gets every cruise on the planet and St. John gets accolades for its natural beauty, the Caribbean paradise of St. Croix often gets overlooked. Its every bit as beautiful the other Virgin Islands, but far less crowded, and gives visitors the best taste of Caribbean culture without leaving the U.S. Be sure to get some johnny cakes at Chicken Shack, then try the well-crafted cocktails at the BES Lounge.

The largest of Washingtons San Juan Islands is also the best to visit. Hike to the top of Mount Constitution for a spectacular view out over Puget Sound, then take a kayak out on the water and hope for a glimpse of one of the whales that gave the island its name. Or cycle the winding mountain roads, and stop at one of the many roadside art studios.

Culebra has the same turquoise-waters as its hotel-packed neighbors in San Juan and Vieques, plus funky old army tanks sitting on the beaches. Which, also, have considerably fewer people.

The Apostle Islands have some of the most unusual rock formations in America, where natural tunnels have been cut under massive cliffs, and the kayaking, diving, and hiking here are the best in Wisconsin. For those with a brave soul and a thick wetsuit, a short trip underwater will bring you to several ships that met their end in Lake Superior.

Maybe you know this place as the island where Blackbeard died. You may not know, however, that you can take a haunted tour of the island with an actual Blackbeard descendent, as well as stroll through a colonial British cemetery or see the oldest operating lighthouse in North Carolina. None of that matters a whole lot though, because the natural beauty of this underdeveloped island on the Outer Banks is colloquially said to put visitors into an ocracoma.

Put-In-Bay, the largest city on this island in Lake Erie, has been called The Key West of the North, and in the summer it has a definite Floridian vibe. Hotels with swim-up bars host daylong pool parties, while the curiously named Mojito Bay Tiki Bar keeps the festivities rolling long into the night. And for the more sophisticated, the Heineman Winery has inexpensive tastings and an underground cave tour.

The fishing and diving here are some of the best in America, and The Moorings boasts the best stretch of white sand beach in the Keys outside Bahia Honda. Cap the day off with sunset dinner at Pierres or The Beach Caf and youve got a perfect, tranquil Keys vacation.

The home of the fictional Bluths Frozen Banana Stand (Arrested Development) is quite reala little slice of East Coast boardwalk in sunny Orange County, complete with a midway, Ferris wheel, and soft serve ice cream. But unlike boardwalks in the northeast, Balboa Island is just as magical in December as it is in July.

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The Most Underrated Islands in the US - Cond Nast Traveler