Dream of escaping to quieter shores and leaving the hustle and bustle behind for good? Head to America's smallest islands where the ocean is your backyard and real estate is plentiful. From cosy wooden cottages to plush mega mansions, these idyllic homes away from it all come with the good life guaranteed.

Key Biscayne is a tranquil island located between the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay. The most southern of the barrier islands along the Atlantic coast of Florida, it's split into three parts. The north is home to Crandon Park, the south is dedicated to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, while the village of Key Biscayne is nestled in the middle of the island. Accessed by a short drive along the Rickenbacker Causeway, it's renowned for its underwater archaeological trail.

If your looking for a modern oasis away from it all, then look no further. This brand new waterfront estate is the ultimate in luxury. Spread over three levels, the stunning home has been designed with open-plan living in mind, plus floor-to-ceiling windows with spectacular sea views.

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The seven-bedroom, seven-bathroom property features high ceilings throughout and sliding glass doors that open out to the pool and deck. The main living area has luxurious marble flooring, while a stylish glass wine rack makes an impressive centrepiece in the formal dining space.

A sleek space to cook up a storm, the contemporary silver kitchen has stainless steel state-of-the-art appliances and atmospheric downlighting. Elsewhere, there's an additional living space on the third floor, plus a bar and a huge terrace overlooking the harbour.

The sleepy island of Daufuskie sits just off the coast of South Carolina and has a population of around 400 people. Known for its luxury resorts and rugged wilderness, the island is a hub of culture too, with diverse art galleries, quirky restaurants and historic ruins. Daufuskie is also home to Haig Point, an exclusive gated community that has a fleet of private boats and electric golf carts to ferry residents around.

This Southern-style home in Haig Point offers a traditional slice of the good life. With spectacular views over the Calibogue Sound, it's bursting with architectural features including coffered ceilings, period fireplaces and pine flooring. Just a stone's throw away from Haig Point's fitness centre, equestrian centre, beach club and tennis centre, the home is in easy reach of the island's amenities.

Inside, the formal sitting room has sliding doors that lead out onto the tranquil balcony – the perfect spot for alfresco dining. Access to the first floor is via twin staircases or the lift, where you'll find three of the five bedrooms, all with ensuite bathrooms, as well as a wet bar and a billiards room where you can entertain guests.

The large farmhouse kitchen features a centre island with a breakfast bar and luxurious granite worktops. Situated on the ground floor, it sits next to the wine cellar, games room and cabana room, which opens out to the home's expansive swimming pool and outdoor shower. 

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Fire Island is a small, thin strip of land that sits parallel to New York's Long Island. Made up of two villages and a number of small hamlets, it has a population of nearly 500, which can expand to thousands in the warm summer months, especially on the Fourth of July. A popular tourist destination packed with areas of natural beauty, it's home to an eight-mile national park. Only accessible by ferry, residents use bikes or golf carts to get around as there are no paved roads.

Influenced by the designs of Mexican architect, Luis Barragán, this loft-like beach house is elevated 23 foot above the ground to give panoramic ocean views from every room. Located in the quiet community of Lonleyville, it's off the beaten track and even has access to a private beach.

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With just one bedroom and one bathroom, it's not huge in size, but what it lacks in square footage it makes up for in style. The open-plan living space pairs natural textures with a crisp white palette for a relaxed beach vibe. Upcycled furniture adds a boho edge, while white painted floors help the space feel bright and open.

In the bedroom, floor-to-ceiling windows frame vistas of the ocean. We can't imagine a more perfect view to wake up to! Sliding glass doors open out onto the deck where you'll also find steps that lead down to the beach.

Filled with beautiful marshes and scenic views, Fripp Island is a private gated community in South Carolina and also the place where many scenes from Forrest Gump were filmed. Although cars are allowed on the island, the favoured mode of transport is by golf cart or bike, which residents can use to go between the island's two golf courses and eight restaurants. Home to many types of wildlife, it's not unusual to spot herds of deer grazing.

This wooden clapboard beach home is the ultimate oceanside property on Fripp Island. With convenient access to the resort's pools and amenities as well as the beach, it's ideally located and would make the perfect family holiday spot.

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Beach-themed decor abounds inside, with blue accents and nautical accessories referencing the dreamy sea view that can be glimpsed from the windows. With a vaulted ceiling, the open-plan living and dining room is spacious and bright. Upstairs, the first floor is home to all four bedrooms, including the sizeable master suite.

Outside lies the property's most attractive feature – a large screened porch overlooking the ocean. Thanks to the covered roof, you can dine alfresco even when a rainstorm rolls in. The outdoor space also comes complete with a shower for beachgoers returning from a day on the sandy shores.

Tybee Island is a small piece of land near Savannah, Georgia. Known for its wide sandy beaches, it's the most eastern tip of Georgia and is home to the Tybee Lighthouse which is one of the most popular attractions on the island. The community has a laidback vibe and has hosted an annual Beach Bum parade since 1987, which culminates in an island-wide water fight!

With five bedrooms and three bathrooms, this generous beach house in Tybee Island is a picture-perfect family home away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. Recently renovated, it's just a short walk away from the historic town of Fort Screven.

The open-plan living space is stylish and welcoming, with weathered wood panelling creating a quirky feature wall. Ideal for enthusiastic cooks, the contemporary kitchen features granite worktops, a farmhouse sink, a pantry and a wine fridge. Also located on the ground floor are two bedrooms and one bathroom.

Upstairs, the master suite comes complete with an ensuite bathroom, double sinks, a wet bar and a wine chiller. Our favourite feature though is the elevated deck that leads out from the bedroom, offering the ideal spot to admire those stunning ocean vistas.

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Located in the waters of Lake Huron, picturesque Mackinac Island in Michigan has been listed as a National Historic Landmark. Known for its plethora of cultural events such as the Lilac Festival and its historic architecture dating back 300 years, the island has a ban on almost all motor vehicles. You can reach these idyllic shores by boat or by flying into the small airport.

Casa Verano, one of Mackinac Island's Victorian cottages, is located on the west bluff of the island. Built in 1888, a large porch runs across around the property, giving the historic home more than a little curb appeal. Most of the buildings on the island are built from wood and the charming Casa Verano is no exception.

Inside, the 10-bedroom, seven-bathroom home offers plenty of space. The ground floor living spaces are awash with intricate woodwork that reflects the home's historic origins. Here, a period brick fireplace provides an attractive focal point, while stained glass windows and ornate ceilings add a touch of grandeur.

Painted a restful blue, the large sunroom frames panoramic views of the water. The characterful three-storey house also comes with its own stables with living accommodation above that would be ideal for visiting guests or could offer a healthy additional stream of income.

Located at the extreme southern tip of Texas, South Padre Island has been attracting residents for years with its sandy beaches, world-class fishing and thriving wildlife. With a climate that has over 250 days of sunshine a year, the area is ideal for water sports and is home of the Texas International Fishing Tournament which attracts thousands of anglers every year. The island is also a popular Spring Break destination for college students and families, with July being the busiest time.

This large beach house has been split into three individual holiday lets, but if converted back into one property, it could make the perfect family home. Great for soaking up the sun, there's a front and back deck on the first floor, plus a large garden that would be big enough to accommodate a pool.

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The home's interior is just as vibrant as the exterior with turquoise walls, colourful artwork and retro rattan furniture. The house has five bedrooms and four bathrooms overall and covers nearly 3,000 square feet of living space.

With three kitchens, you'll never run out of cooking space in this island retreat. Bright and quirky, this kitchen-diner features a breakfast bar and six-seater table with ornate upcycled chairs painted a vibrant blue.

Nestled in the heart of Chesapeake Bay, Smith Island is the only remaining inhabited island in the state. The 200 residents make their living by catching native oysters and blue crabs, and many can trace their ancestry back to the English colonists who settled on the island in the 17th century. Accessed only by boat, the island has three communities, Ewell, Tylerton and Rhodes Point.

This charming, Victorian-era home on the historic Smith Island sits on a corner lot in the village of Ewell, just a few steps from the town's main dock. The two-storey home sits behind a white picket fence and features an enclosed porch and characterful blue shutters. 

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The cosy but compact home features two bedrooms and one bathroom, with a large light-filled living area. Upstairs you'll find a luxurious master bedroom with a spacious wardrobe, plus a den and a generous family bathroom. Elsewhere there is a further large bedroom that has stunning views over the water.

The rustic kitchen features custom-made pine cabinets, a double oven, large eating area and laundry room which is discreetly tucked away behind a set of doors. Just outside the kitchen is an attractive garden with a wooden deck that's perfect for alfresco dining in the summer months.

A unique five-island community in the Florida Keys, Islamorada is also known as the village of islands, incorporating Plantation Key, Windley Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Lower Matecumber Key and Teatable Key. It has a great boating and fishing community that's earned the title of sportfishing capital of the world, alongside some great local restaurants. With a tourist-based economy, the population nearly triples during the peak months from January through to April.

Located on the Lower Matecumbe island of Islamorada, this recently renovated beach house really is the lap of luxury, featuring five bedroom suites and six lavish bathrooms. The gated property is surrounded by lush, tropical landscaping and has nearly 4,000 square feet of stylish living space.

Through the interior, floor-to-ceiling windows frame spectacular coastal views, while the large open kitchen comes with custom cabinets and plenty of outside space for dining alfresco. The glass-lined staircase leads upstairs to the family room, which features 180-degree views of the ocean.

Whether you want to lounge by the infinity pool, take a dip in the hot tub or relax under the shade of a palm tree, there's something for everyone in this patch of paradise. Once you tire of sun-worshipping, you can head over to the wood-topped wet bar and mix up some afternoon drinks.

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Nestled in the Atlantic Ocean approximately 12 miles off the coastal state of Rhode Island, Block Island offers picturesque landscapes, beautiful beaches and two historic lighthouses. With nearly half of the island declared a preservation area, most of the northwest tip is undeveloped and bursting with nature. Popular annual events include the Fourth of July parade and Block Island Race Week, which can more than triple the island's population.

Located just off Coast Guard Road, this five-bedroom, three-bathroom clapboard home occupies an enviable position. Sitting in over four acres of private land, the gabled home has sweeping views of Block Island Sound and the island's 17 miles of glistening beaches.

The main living space is characterful and warm, with a vaulted pine ceiling, teal kitchen cabinetry and a beach-stone Rumford fireplace. Upstairs, the light-filled master bedroom has an ensuite bathroom and a private balcony with panoramic views of the rolling green hills and some of Block Island's 365 freshwater ponds.

An impressive but cosy space, we reckon this would make the perfect family vacation home. Outside, a 2,150-square-foot deck wraps around the house, offering a peaceful spot to soak up the idyllic surroundings. The property also comes with a basement workshop, equestrian space and an outside barbeque area for the summer months. We've already packed our bags...

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