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15 U.S. Islands That Will Blow You Away With Their Summer Wildlife
When the heat turns up and the days stretch longer, there’s no better time to visit some of the USA’s most vibrant islands teeming with wildlife. These spots come alive in the summer, offering an incredible spectacle of creatures great and small. Some curious, some elusive, but all utterly captivating.
From bustling shorelines to lush interiors, these habitats transform into hotspots of activity where wildlife lovers can geek out over everything from soaring seabirds to enigmatic marine life.
And whether you’re ready to go for the adventure or just want an excuse to relax while soaking up your surroundings, these spots will leave you in awe. Get ready to start planning your escape!
Once you’re done reading, don’t forget to drop a comment on MSN. We’d love to hear your thoughts on which island you would visit first.
Kodiak Island, Alaska
Kodiak Island is where nature’s heavyweight champions, the Kodiak brown bears, show off their fishing skills. Forget professional anglers; these bears have perfected snagging salmon straight out of the rivers during July and August.
They’re massive, majestic, and probably better at multitasking than most of us. And while they’re busy swiping fish with the efficiency of someone on a mission at a buffet, you can explore Alaska’s stunning wilderness, from its dense spruce forests to dramatic coastlines.
Just remember, this is their house, so keep a respectful (and very safe) distance. Oh, and bring a good pair of boots… this is not flip-flop terrain, my friend.
San Juan Islands, Washington
Orcas (yes, those glamorous rock stars of the marine world) are the biggest celebrities in the San Juan Islands. Every summer, these sleek, black-and-white creatures parade around on whale-watching cruises, stealing the show as they feast on seals and sea lions like it’s an all-you-can-eat buffet.
But don’t rush to pack your bags just for the orcas; the islands themselves are little slices of heaven with lush forests, charming harbors, and coastal views that make you question why you even bother living inland.
Pro tip for making the most of your visit? Bring binoculars, a sense of wonder, and maybe a waterproof jacket. Washington doesn’t care about your plans to stay dry.
Assateague Island, Maryland & Virginia
Wild horses roaming on the beaches? Yes, please. And Assateague Island brings a whole new meaning to the term “beach horsepower.” These untamed beauties are often seen cooling off near the surf or strolling across the dunes.
No saddle, no bridles, just raw, rugged freedom. Humans are allowed to visit, of course, but don’t expect these horses to pose for your photo-op; they’ve got grazing and galloping to attend to.
With sandy beaches perfect for lounging and trails through salt marshes that beg for exploration, you won’t even miss the boardwalk ice cream stands. Just try not to feed the horses. No, really, don’t. It’s illegal.
San Miguel Island, California
Lying just off the coast of southern California, the Channel Islands are a hotspot for sea lions who seem to have mastered the art of doing nothing, just lounging on rocky outcrops while soaking up the sun. While you can spot them at any of the islands here, San Miguel Island specifically, hosts one of the largest California sea lion rookeries in the world.
And if you manage to visit in June, you might just witness the pups being born, injecting even more chaos into these lively colonies. Of course, this archipelago isn’t just about chill-laxing pinnipeds.
Adventure awaits in the form of snorkeling through kelp forests, hiking picturesque trails, or kayaking through sea caves that feel straight out of a movie. Just keep an eye on your picnic… those sea lions might look lazy, but their curiosity often outweighs their appetite for rest.
Amelia Island, Florida
If Amelia Island had a mascot, it would definitely be the steadfast loggerhead sea turtle. Every summer, these incredible creatures drag themselves ashore in search of the perfect nesting spot, a task that looks exhausting but gets the job done.
Come late summer, and it’s hatchling time! Watching these tiny turtles scramble toward the ocean feels like witnessing the cutest persistence on earth.
Beyond the turtle drama, this island also offers 13 miles of sandy beaches, historic sites, and top-tier seafood you won’t be able to resist. And if the turtles can make the trek, you can too.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Humpback whales are the stars of summer here, showing up for the all-you-can-eat plankton buffet in the offshore waters around Nantucket.
And these ocean giants don’t just cruise in for a snack; they put on quite the show with breaches, tail slaps, and bubble feeding (an impressive dining technique that’s part science, part spectacle). If you’ve never seen a 40-ton creature leap out of the water, you’re missing one of nature’s most over-the-top dance recitals.
Between whale watching tours and sunsets so perfect they deserve their own postcard deal, Nantucket blends dramatic encounters with laid-back charm. Plus, there are always the cobblestone streets and quaint shops for when you need to reel yourself back in from staring at the horizon.
Ocracoke Island, North Carolina
Come dusk, Ocracoke’s beaches turn into a miniature “Mission Impossible” scene, courtesy of ghost crabs zig-zagging like tiny secret agents. Good luck catching one, though. They’re fast, stealthy, and infinitely entertaining to watch.
If that’s not beach drama enough, the island also plays host to an array of nesting shorebirds, each staking their claim like it’s beachfront property season. The cacophony of squawks, chirps, and the occasional territorial showdown would make any reality TV producer jealous.
Wander the serene stretches of sand during the day, and you’ll find a peaceful paradise. Stay for the evening, and you might just witness nature’s version of rush hour, complete with darting crabs and birds loudly reminding you whose turf this really is.
Molokai, Hawaii
On Molokai’s secluded beaches, Hawaiian monk seals turn beach lounging into an art form. These endangered beauties have no time for human schedules, soaking up the sun as though they’ve mastered an ancient relaxation ritual.
While you’re busy marveling at their zen vibes, keep an eye out overhead for surprisingly active seabirds. The skies are abuzz with tropical frigatebirds, red-tailed tropicbirds, and all the aerial drama you didn’t know you needed (but love nonetheless).
Molokai, lovingly untouched by huge resorts, lets you tune into a quieter version of adventure. One where lounging seals, fluttering feathers, and the gentle crash of waves remind you that simplicity still has its perks.
Santa Cruz Island, California
Santa Cruz Island is the living room of the Channel Islands, where island foxes (a species found nowhere else in the world) saunter about as if they own the place. These tiny carnivores brave the daylight during summer, scouring the hillsides with sharp eyes and sharper appetites.
Sharing the real estate are seabirds who nest here like it’s the hottest summer locale for feathered celebrities. And hiking trails crisscross the island, offering a chance to spot these creatures in action while indulging in coastal views that are all kinds of stunning.
Boat in for the day, explore the island’s rugged beauty, and remember to keep your lunch secured. Those foxes may be small, but they’re professional-level opportunists.
Prince of Wales Island, Alaska
On Prince of Wales Island, it’s all about black bears finishing their fishing MBA during the summer salmon rush. Watching these powerful yet oddly graceful creatures pluck writhing fish from streams is the ultimate talent show.
Salmon practically fill the rivers, making it an all-you-can-grab buffet for the bears, and, honestly, it’s hard not to root for their fishing success. The dense rainforests and towering fjords add a theatrical backdrop, and if you’re really lucky, you might stumble across other wildlife highlights, from bald eagles to quiet deer.
Just remember to stay a respectful distance from bear meals. No one likes interruptions during dinner… especially when it involves claws.
Key Deer Refuge (Big Pine Key), Florida
Imagine a place where deer are small enough to make you double-check if you’ve wandered into a petting zoo (don’t worry, you haven’t). The endangered key deer roam the pine rocklands of Big Pine Key, and they’re not shy about showing off their adorable stature.
About the size of a large dog, these pint-sized cervids love to graze at dawn and dusk, making it the perfect time to spot them. And while they’re undeniably cute, keep in mind they’re still wild animals and not your next photo buddy (at least not in close proximity).
Fun fact: Key deer can swim between islands when necessary. Tiny swimmers with hooves? Florida never fails to surprise.
Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
Harbor seals lounging on the coastline in summer might just be the official greeters of Martha’s Vineyard. These sleek marine mammals know how to sunbathe better than anyone, flopping elegantly onto the sandy shorelines to relax (truly living their best life, to be honest).
Offshore, lucky adventurers can often spot migrating whales breaking the surface with an elegance that always seems unfair for creatures their size. And while the seals might have an air of indifference, the whale sightings are humbling in the most dramatic way.
Bring binoculars, some comfy walking shoes, and definitely some patience (wildlife spotting here takes time, but it’s so worth it).
Kiawah Island, South Carolina
If there’s one animal with impeccable table manners, it’s the bottlenose dolphin. And along the shallows of Kiawah Island, they perform this wild phenomenon called strand-feeding, where they herd fish onto the shore before eating them.
It’s clever, highly coordinated, and a little dark, like watching nature’s most tactical dinner plans unfold. And if that wasn’t enough to convince you to visit, Kiawah also offers a chance to spot sea turtles nesting on its sandy beaches. These ancient mariners crawl ashore under the cover of night, leaving behind tracks that look like something straight out of a prehistoric treasure map.
Pro tip? Take a beach walk early in the morning to see the turtle tracks before they get covered by tourists… it’s like CSI, but for turtles.
Block Island, Rhode Island
Birdwatcher or not, Block Island will turn you into a temporary ornithologist. During the summer nesting season, the cliffs and shores transform into a bustling colony of great black-backed gulls (the largest gulls in the world).
These feathered residents claim their turf with impressive squawks and occasionally comical territorial displays. But they also share the space with other seabirds, making the whole island seem like it’s hosting some kind of winged festival.
If you’re touring on foot or bike, keep your eyes peeled; some gulls have the manners of a stealthy thief and will try to grab any food items you have out.
St. Simons Island, Georgia
Ever seen a tidal marsh turn pink? On St. Simons Island, the roseate spoonbills steal the spotlight with their flamboyant plumage in summer. These rosy-colored wading birds sift through the marshes with their spoon-shaped bills in search of tasty morsels, and they do it with such pizzazz that you can’t help but watch.
The marsh itself? Peaceful, dreamy, and teeming with life everywhere you look. And if you’re lucky, you might also see egrets or herons joining the scene. But let’s be honest, the colorful spoonbills are the headliners here.
Don’t forget your camera or binoculars, but mostly, don’t forget your curiosity. This is nature putting on its best show.
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