12 U.S. islands to visit this summer—no flights required: 'You don't have to go to far to feel far away'

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Has many islands that you can easily drive to

Paul Biris | Moment | Getty ImagesSummer is in full swing, and more and more people are heading on vacation or planning one

With the price of hopping on a flight fluctuating so much right now, you might want to consider a destination you can just drive to. "You can make a road trip out of the vacation, take your time, and actually enjoy the journey

They're often more affordable, less crowded, and full of quiet beauty," Hilary Fischer-Groban, Senior Director of Global Brand, Insights and Comms at Tripadvisor, tells CNBC Make It. "It's a chance to slow down, unplug, and get the kind of reset a packed tourist destination just can't give you. "The United States is full of many different landscapes that range from vast deserts, beaches, towering mountains, stunning coastlines, and lush forests

Of the over 18,000 islands in the U. , many fall under these, and the best part is that you don't have to hop on a plane to get to a lot of them. "Visiting these islands reminds you that you don't have to go to far to feel far away

You learn how much there is to discover close to, from coastal ecosystems to local traditions you'd never find in a guidebook," Fischer-Groban adds. "It's a humbling reminder of the diversity of travel landscapes in the U

These adventures don't require a passport, just curiosity, a full tank of gas, and a willingness to explore what's already here

Islands you can drive to1

Jekyll Island, GeorgiaJekyll Island, GeorgiaRob Tilley | Corbis Documentary | Getty ImagesLocated in Georgia, Jekyll Island is part of the Golden Isles of Georgia barrier islands

It is to Driftwood Beach, which gets its name from the limbs of driftwood trees that are scattered across the shoreline

South Padre Island, TexasSouth Padre Island is a barrier island in Texas

It is only accessible via the Queen Isabella Memorial Bridge, which spans 2

The island boasts over 30 miles of beaches and year-round temperatures that average 74 degrees

One of the major highlights on the island in the summer is Beach Waterpark, an oceanside waterpark with outdoor and indoor attractions. "It's the leading attraction on the island and draws over twice as much traffic as the next most spot," Fischer-Groban says

The Florida KeysThe Florida Keys are a collection of islands off the southern tip of Florida

Despite being made up of so many islands, you can drive to only 40 of them

The islands are known for boating, snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing

It is to Key West, the southernmost city in the continental U

That is actually closer to Cuba than Miami

All of the main islands from the mainland to Key West are connected by the Overseas Highway

It is one of the longest overwater roads in the world, with 42 bridges, including one with a seven-mile span, according to Britannica

Marco Island, FloridaMarco Island, FloridaLagunaticphoto | Istock | Getty ImagesRight on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico, which the U

The island is linked to the mainland by two bridges and is part coastal re, part fishing village

The two most well-known beaches on the island are Tigertail and South Marco Beach

Tybee Island, Georgia a half-hour drive away from Savannah, Tybee Island is a barrier island of Georgia

It is known for its sandy beaches

The island has five miles of public beaches

It is to The Tybee Lighthouse, one of the nation's oldest lighthouses

Mackinac Island, MichiganLocated on Lake Huron, Mackinac Island has over 70 miles of hiking and biking trails

The island is mainly tected by the Mackinac Island State Park, ensuring its preservation

The island is car-free, so you must rely on walking and biking to get around

There are also horse-drawn taxis that offer rides around the island

Amelia Island, FloridaAmelia Island, FloridaPaola Giannoni | Istock | Getty ImagesNestled in North Florida, Amelia Island offers visitors miles of pristine beaches, marshlands and golf courses

It is 30 minutes away from Jacksonville and is easily accessible by car

Kiawah Island, South CarolinaKiawah Island is a barrier island on the Atlantic coast of the U. , just 25 miles from Charleston

It is a seasonal beach and golf community that has 10 miles of beach

It is to the Kiawah Beachwalker Park, a public beach on the island that is one of the best near Charleston, according to Conde Nast Traveler

Hilton Head Island, South CarolinaHilton Head Island is one of the most vacation destinations in the United States

It is famous for its incredible beaches and world-renowned golf courses

It offers visitors 12 miles of beachfront on the Atlantic Ocean

Long Beach Island, New JerseyLong Beach Island, New JerseyJena Ardell | Moment | Getty ImagesLong Beach Island, or LBI for short, is two miles away from mainland New Jersey

The only way to access the island is to drive over the Manahawkin Bay Bridge

The 18-mile-long island offers visitors access to beautiful beaches, which you need to buy seasonal day passes for

It is also to the Fantasy Island Amusement Park

Chincoteague Island, VirginiaChincoteague Island is one of several barrier islands in Virginia

It is seven miles long and the state's only re island, according to the Chamber of Commerce

The island is close to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, a 14,000-acre wildlife preserve that's also to wild ponies, which Fischer-Groban says: "They're really at the heart of the island experience. "The island is also to the Saltwater and Up the Bay Pony Tours, which together account for over a quarter of all attraction pageview traffic on Tripadvisor

Outer Banks, North CarolinaThe Outer Banks spans hundreds of miles of barrier islands that are split between North Carolina and Virginia

It is a major tourist attraction renowned for its stunning beachfront and picturesque seashore

Tourism is the top industry, with the Outer Banks welcoming more than five million visitors each year, according to the Chamber of Commerce. "One of the most interesting trends in the Outer Banks is that travelers are looking to spend more time there and interest is growing across several key areas," Fischer-Groban says

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