Best Islands To Visit In California This Summer (2024)

California is one of the most diverse states in America, which means there are endless vacation options to choose from—from its desert landscapes, like Death Valley, the hottest place in the world, to incredible mountain peaks like the Half Dome, one of America’s bucket-list-worthy natural wonders.

What truly makes the Golden State stand out is its 800-mile coastline, dotted with impressive islands that will definitely leave you in awe. From pristine beaches to delicious seafood to the sounds of crashing waves, these islands guarantee exquisite seaside getaways in summer. Here are the best islands in California to visit when the temperatures heat up.

7 Coronado Island, San Diego

Coronado’s historic charm, beautiful beaches, and shopping opportunities make it a bucket-list-worthy summer destination

With gorgeous beaches, delicious restaurants, historic charm, and impressive views of San Diego’s Skyline, Coronado is a quintessential summer island getaway. One of the top attractions on the island is Coronado Beach, which feels like the Hawaiian Islands, specifically Waikiki Beach, thanks to its white sandy stretch and beautiful hotels lining its spectacular shore. The beach is home to the Hotel del Coronado, popular for its breathtaking Victorian architecture.

On the island, you can also explore the Coronado Ferry Landing Pier, which is home to a vibrant marketplace with amazing delicious food options and sweeping views of Coronado’s downtown area. There are plenty of fun activities to enjoy, including beach volleyball, surfing, and swimming.

6 Channel Islands, Southern California

This archipelago’s remote location and unique systems guarantee unforgettable underwater and land adventures

So many things make the Channel Islands a wonderful destination, including the fact that they're the “American Galapagos,” making them a stunning alternative to the popular South American islands. They stand out for their unique ecosystems and remote location, promising unforgettable adventures, ranging from snorkeling through sea caves to hiking scenic trails.

Of all the eight islands that make this archipelago, five (San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, and Santa Barbara) make up the Channel Islands National Park, which is California’s least visited national park.

5 Alcatraz, San Francisco

You can take a self-guided audio tour or a guided tour to explore this island’s rich history

Alcatraz is one of the best islands to visit in California in summer, and a top tourist attraction in San Francisco. Located in San Francisco Bay, the island was once a fort, a military prison, and a federal penitentiary, George Barnes, aka, “Machine Gun Kelly”, and the Birdman of Alcatraz being some of the most notorious inmates it housed.

It's currently a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, operated by the U.S. National Park Service. Its dark history means it has a creepy side, and travelers can take self-guided audio tours to learn all about it.

4 Angel Island, San Francisco

Angel Island offers breathtaking natural scenery, a rich history, and outdoor recreational opportunities

Angel Island has a rich history, as the home to the Miwok people, the area’s first inhabitants, an Immigration Station, where Asian immigrants were detained, a cattle ranch, and a U.S. military base. It’s a portion of Angel Island State Park and one of the best islands you can visit without leaving the United States. Its breathtaking natural scenery, which evokes the images of the French Coast, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation make it a must-visit summer vacation spot in California.

3 Naples Island, Long Beach

This island offers multiple options for summer fun, from gondola rides to kayaking and shopping

Naples area in Long Beach, California

Naples Island is truly scenic, and the stunning waterfront homes make it an inviting place to live. It’s among the most beautiful neighborhoods in Long Beach and makes a quiet island alternative to popular California islands.

Gondola rides along the waterways, sunbathing on the beach, and kayaking are some of the fun activities you can enjoy in the summer. Though an island, Naples is connected to the mainland by bridges, so visitors can always access numerous shopping, dining, and other adventure opportunities.

2 Balboa Island, Newport Bay

This man-made island offers fun adventures, from shopping to leisure strolls along the Balboa Island Loop

Balboa Island is among the most beautiful man-made islands in California and has been in existence for more than a century. While it covers only 2 square miles, this little island offers numerous fun things to do, especially when you add Balboa Peninsula and the surrounding spots. There are plenty of delicious foods to try as well as shopping, boating, and leisure strolls along the 2.5-mile public sidewalk (Balboa Island Loop) around the island.

1 Woodley Island, Eureka

This island’s great mix of beautiful scenery, incredible marinas, and outdoor recreation make it a must-visit summer spot

Lost Fisherman's Memorial in the Woodley Island, Eureka, California

Located in the heart of Humboldt Bay in Eureka, one of the cool towns to beat the heat in Northern California, Woodley Island is among the best islands to visit in California this summer, thanks to its incredible mix of spectacular natural scenery and attractive marinas, including one of the biggest in the area, the Woodley Island Marina. From birdwatching to fishing, there are plenty of things to do here.