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

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

Entrepreneur Staff

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

Innovation

4 Ways Market Leaders Use Innovation to Foster Business Growth

Forward-thinkers constantly strive to diversify and streamline their products and services, turning novelties into commodities desired by many.

Business News

JPMorgan Shuts Down Internal Message Board Comments After Employees React to Return-to-Office Mandate

Employees were given the option to leave comments about the RTO mandate with their first and last names on display — and they did not hold back.

Side Hustle

'Hustling Since Middle School': She Started a Side Hustle on Facebook Marketplace — Then a 'Game-Changer' Grew It to $25,000 a Month

Leena Pettigrew's "entrepreneurial spirit" inspired her to build a business with earnings that outpaced her full-time income.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

'I Want the Best People on Our Teams': Meta Is Laying Off More Than 3,000, CEO Mark Zuckerberg Calls for 'Extensive Performance-Based Cuts' — Read the Memo

In an internal memo shared on Tuesday, Zuckerberg said it's "going to be an intense year" at the company.

Leadership

From Elite Athletes to Tech Titans — Discover the Surprising $100-Million Habit That Leads to Extraordinary Success

Success comes from mastering focus, eliminating distractions and prioritizing what truly matters.