Isle of Palms, South Carolina

Why: A 20-minute drive from Charleston, it's a cinch to get to. City amenities (grocery store, high-end restaurants) are not far away.

What to Do: Play golf or tennis, and sun yourself on the beach at Wild Dunes, the largest resort on the island. On Sullivan's Island, 10 minutes away by car, you can watch the sunset while dining on the patio of the restaurant Atlanticville.

Where to Stay: The Wild Dunes resort offers private villas in addition to rooms at its Boardwalk Inn hotel (two-bed- room villas start at $340; summer rates for doubles at the Boardwalk Inn start at $225: www.wilddunes.com).

Little St. Simons Island, Georgia

Why: A hop away from the more popular St. Simons and Sea Island and home to only one lodge, it's about as close as you'll get to having your own private island —no phones, no e-mail, few tourists — within the United States.

What to Do: Enjoy your solitude on the beach, kayak, or consult the naturalists who work on the island. They give guided tours to the loggerhead-turtle nests that dot the beach in summer.

Where to Stay: The Lodge on Little St. Simons accommodates just 30 people at a time. The double-occupancy room rate (starting at $450) includes all meals and activities.

Mackinac Island, Michigan

Why: It's one of a few islands not on a seacoast; it's in Lake Huron. Another plus: no cars.

What to Do: Take a tour in a horse-drawn buggy or "rent a tandem bicycle —it takes you back to your childhood," says Stu Stuart, a comedian who lives and performs in Mackinac (pronounced Mack-i-naw) every summer. Stop at the Cannonball Drive In, a hot-dog stand known for its fried pickles. And don't miss the Grand Hotel's front porch, the longest in the world.

Where to Stay: For families, the Lilac Tree Hotel has suites with two TVs apiece (from $200 in the summer, www.lilactree.com). "But Bay View bed-and-breakfast has the best cinnamon rolls," says Stuart (from $95, www.mackinacbayview.com).