Think “island” and what comes to mind? Many people picture a white sand beach located close to the equator and hugged by turquoise water. Sun-drenched tan-seekers are stretched out on towels, while some folks venture into the ocean to swim, dive into waves, or merely stand and let the gentle surf lap against their bodies.
It might surprise you to know, however, that the U.S. coastline is dotted by some 18,500 islands. Many of these points of land are located in Alaska, and you’re probably acquainted with Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. In size these enclaves range from large—Hawaii Island is almost twice the size of Delaware—to miniscule, from heavily populated like Manhattan Island in New York to barren boroughs inhabited by non-human creatures, if anyone.
