You can be on Entrepreneur’s cover!

Island Time: 10 Top Summer Vacation Destinations Looking to get away this summer? As in far away from dry land? Your destination may be on this list of top spots.

By Jason Fell

entrepreneur daily

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. And Jason. And probably you, too.

No doubt, entrepreneurs are dedicated to building a business and taking it to new heights, which often requires lots of hours at the grind. But no matter how dedicated and passionate you are, sometimes you need to take a break, get away, relax, recharge and come back better than ever.

Whether you like international adventure or to simply park your butt on a beach and chill, there are countless destinations available -- here in the U.S. and abroad. But if getting as far away from dry land is your thing, then this list is worth your consideration.

Related: The Top 10 Summer Vacation Destinations for 2014

USA Today polled its readers and has published the 10 Best U.S. Islands. Islands are popular destinations for boaters as well as anyone who likes to explore tiny places that are completely surrounded by water.

Here's a look at the list from USA Today:

10. Hilton Head, S.C.
"Perhaps best known for its world-class golf courses," other activities include "hiking, biking, tennis, bird watching and canopy tours."

9. Block Island, R.I.
"The landscape, comprised largely of rolling hills and rocky bluffs, makes it a favorite for hikers, while numerous public beaches and more than 300 freshwater pools are perfect for cooling off in the summer."

8. Kauai, Hawaii
"Hawaii's 'Garden Island' enjoys some of the most dramatic natural scenery in the country, from the deep gorges of Waimea Canyon to the verdant cliffs and plunging waterfalls of the spectacular Napali coast."

7. Dauphin Island, Ala.
"The island is home to the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail and the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and Estuarium, where visitors can learn about fresh- and saltwater species native to the state."

6. Assateague Island, Va. / Md.
"Lucky visitors find themselves sharing 37 miles of pristine beaches: not with other tourists, but with the island's famed herds of wild ponies."

Related: How to Take a Vacation Without Abandoning Your Business

5. Amelia Island, Fla.
"Florida's northernmost barrier island enjoys 13 miles of idyllic beach, the quaint Victorian bayside town of Fernandina, a smattering of moss draped oaks and a charm that makes the island feel more Old South than Floridian."

4. Mount Desert, Maine
"Features 108 square miles of natural beauty -- everything from river valleys and freshwater lakes to granite sea cliffs and golden sand beaches."

3. Whidbey Island, Wa.
"Six state parks, two historic villages and a noticeable artistic bent help define an emerald isle just 30 miles from Seattle."

2. Mackinac, Mich.
"One of the last car-free destinations in the U.S., Mackinac Island, sandwiched between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, seems trapped in the past but in the most delightful way."

1. Puerto Rico
"A slice of Caribbean tropical paradise right in the backyard of the contiguous United States ... no passport required."

Related: You Need a Real Vacation (And So Do Your Employees)

Jason Fell

VP, Native Content

Jason Fell is the VP of Native Content, managing the Entrepreneur Partner Studio, which creates dynamic and compelling content for our partners. He previously served as Entrepreneur.com's managing editor and as the technology editor prior to that.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Side Hustle

He Took His Side Hustle Full-Time After Being Laid Off From Meta in 2023 — Now He Earns About $200,000 a Year: 'Sweet, Sweet Irony'

When Scott Goodfriend moved from Los Angeles to New York City, he became "obsessed" with the city's culinary offerings — and saw a business opportunity.

Data & Recovery

Better Communicate Data with Your Team for $20 with Microsoft Visio

Visio features a wide range of diagramming tools that can support projects across all industries.

Growing a Business

How To Leverage Social Media to Optimize PR Success and Increase Your Brand Awareness

Entrepreneurs can establish authority and trust in their industries through the strategic use of social media, leveraging platforms for podcast appearances, guest posts, and consistent, quality content that aligns with their brand's mission.

Science & Technology

AI Will Radically Transform the Workplace — Here's How HR Teams Can Prepare for It

HR intrapreneurs are emerging as key drivers of AI reskilling, thoughtful organizational restructuring and ethical integration, shaping an inclusive future where technology enhances both efficiency and employee development.

Business News

Some Costco Stores Are Now Selling a Frozen Item That Looks Just Like a Trader Joe's Fan Favorite

The Frozen Kimbap is a Trader Joe's cult favorite, and now a version can be found at Costco, too.