1. Sapelo Island, Georgia
Sapelo Island is like a secret chapter of the South you never knew existed. Only accessible by ferry, this barrier island is home to a small Gullah-Geechee community, descendants of enslaved West Africans who have preserved their unique culture for generations, according to Chandelis Duster from CNN. There are no hotels or resorts—just a few guesthouses and plenty of raw, unspoiled nature. Think windswept beaches, maritime forests, and alligators lurking in salt marshes.
This is the place for slow travel, birdwatching, and soaking in centuries of African-American history. The University of Georgia also maintains a research station there, which sometimes offers guided tours. While the island is peaceful, it’s also steeped in stories—from Native American shell rings to tabby ruins of 19th-century plantations. Visiting feels more like stepping into a living museum than a vacation.
2. Isle au Haut, Maine
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re in a New England fairytale, Isle au Haut delivers, according to Sara B. Franklin from Travel + Leisure. It’s part of Acadia National Park, but way less crowded than the mainland section in Bar Harbor. Half the island is protected parkland, crisscrossed with hiking trails and edged by rugged coastline. It’s remote, wild, and wonderfully quiet.
You’ll need to catch a mailboat from Stonington to get there, and bring everything you need—there are no shops or restaurants. Biking the one main road or trekking to Duck Harbor feels like stepping into another time. It’s perfect for solitude seekers, artists, and nature lovers who don’t mind going off-grid. And yes, the sunsets really do look like oil paintings.
3. Santa Rosa Island, Florida
Santa Rosa Island is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors like Destin and Pensacola Beach, but it’s got something they don’t: vast stretches of untouched white sand and zero high-rises, according to Dusty Ricketts from The Destin Log. Much of the island is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, which means it’s protected from overdevelopment. You’ll find wild dunes, sea turtles, and crystal-clear emerald waters. It’s the kind of place where dolphins just casually cruise by while you’re reading a book on the sand.
Navarre Beach, one of the island’s quietest communities, is a favorite for families and low-key travelers. There’s a long fishing pier, a sea turtle conservation center, and enough space to spread out and breathe. It’s shockingly uncrowded, especially in the shoulder seasons. If you’re looking for a Florida beach without the chaos, this is it.
4. Blakely Island, Washington
Tucked into the San Juan Islands archipelago, Blakely Island is a private, peaceful gem. Unlike the more visited Orcas or San Juan Islands, Blakely doesn’t have public ferries—so it stays under the radar. Most visitors arrive via private boat or small plane, and the vibe is pure Pacific Northwest tranquility. Think misty mornings, forested hills, and a marina where everyone knows everyone.
The island has just one small general store, a smattering of vacation homes, and a strong sense of seclusion. It’s ideal for kayaking, hiking, and cozy evenings around a firepit. You’ll likely see deer, otters, and bald eagles before you see another person. It’s a true retreat, especially for those looking to unplug.
5. Cumberland Island, Georgia
Cumberland Island feels like a fever dream in the best way: wild horses on the beach, abandoned mansions in the forest, and 17 miles of uninterrupted shoreline. It’s only reachable by ferry from St. Marys, Georgia, and the number of daily visitors is limited to protect the fragile ecosystem, according to the Georgia Conservancy. Once you land, it’s all Spanish moss, maritime forest, and history layered deep. The Carnegie family built mansions here, the ruins of which still whisper stories.
Camping is popular, but there’s also the charming Greyfield Inn if you want something more refined. With no cars, minimal cell signal, and only a few dozen people around, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time. Bike through oak canopies, walk along driftwood-strewn beaches, or explore the island’s historic sites. It’s southern Gothic in the most magical way.
6. Dry Tortugas, Florida
Seventy miles west of Key West, the Dry Tortugas are unlike anywhere else in the U.S.—or maybe the world. This cluster of seven tiny islands is home to Fort Jefferson, a massive 19th-century coastal fortress surrounded by dazzling turquoise waters. You can only get there by boat or seaplane, which keeps it blissfully uncrowded. Snorkeling over coral reefs and shipwrecks? Yes, please.
Most people visit for the day, but camping overnight is an incredible way to see the stars with zero light pollution. The island is also a birdwatching hotspot during migration season, especially for rare seabirds. There’s no food, no water, and no cell signal—just pure nature and a lot of history. It’s one of the few places where the journey is just as unforgettable as the destination.
7. Beaver Island, Michigan
The largest island in Lake Michigan, Beaver Island is a fascinating blend of Irish heritage, rugged landscapes, and small-town charm. It was once the home of a self-proclaimed “King” who ruled the island in the 1850s—a strange but true chapter in American history. Today, it’s known for its remote beauty and friendly, fiercely independent locals. The island has a small airport and a ferry that runs from Charlevoix.
Biking and hiking are big here, with trails leading to lighthouses, inland lakes, and forested hideaways. There are festivals in the summer, a museum housed in a former print shop, and beaches that rival the Caribbean when the sun hits right. It’s the kind of place where people wave from their porches and time seems to slow down. If you want a Great Lakes getaway with character, this is your spot.
8. Whidbey Island, Washington
Just a short drive and ferry ride from Seattle, Whidbey Island somehow manages to feel worlds away. It’s got a little of everything: charming small towns, rolling farmland, dramatic cliffs, and protected beaches. Coupeville and Langley are full of art galleries, antique shops, and cozy cafés. Deception Pass State Park offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Pacific Northwest.
Whidbey also has a strong military history, with an active Navy air station and several old forts to explore. But it’s the mix of culture and nature that really hooks people. You can kayak in the morning, wine-taste in the afternoon, and catch a theater performance by night. It’s a perfect island for those who want beauty and a bit of buzz.
9. Fire Island, New York
Yes, it’s technically known—but outside of the NYC crowd, Fire Island is surprisingly underappreciated. This long, skinny barrier island off Long Island’s south shore is completely car-free and has a carefree, bohemian vibe. It’s made up of 17 small communities, each with its own flavor—some sleepy and residential, others known for their lively LGBTQ+ scene. The beaches are wide, clean, and often way less crowded than Jones Beach or the Hamptons.
The Sunken Forest is a unique ecological treasure, with boardwalks winding through dense maritime holly trees. Ferries run regularly from the mainland, and bicycles are the preferred mode of transport once you’re there. You’ll find no chains or franchises—just local shops, beach shacks, and salty air. It’s New York, but not as you know it.
10. Shackleford Banks, North Carolina
Part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore, Shackleford Banks is best known for its herd of wild horses—descendants of Spanish mustangs believed to have survived shipwrecks centuries ago. The island is only accessible by small ferry or private boat, and there are no facilities—just pristine beach, dunes, and wide-open skies. It’s a dream for beachcombers, shell collectors, and anyone who wants their own slice of empty coastline.
The horses roam freely and are best admired from a respectful distance. You might also see dolphins, ghost crabs, and a variety of seabirds while wandering the island. It’s close to Beaufort and Harkers Island, but once you’re on Shackleford, the rest of the world fades away. Pack a cooler, wear sunscreen, and prepare to feel totally unplugged.
11. Angel Island, California
Often overshadowed by Alcatraz, Angel Island sits in the middle of San Francisco Bay with one of the best panoramic views you’ll find anywhere. It’s steeped in history—once a military outpost, then an immigration station often referred to as the “Ellis Island of the West.” Today, it’s a state park with hiking and biking trails that climb up to Mount Livermore, the island’s highest point. On a clear day, you can see the Golden Gate, the Bay Bridge, and the entire San Francisco skyline.
Ferries run from Tiburon and San Francisco, and there’s even a café and tram tours if you’re not up for hiking. The island’s layered history includes Native American settlements, Civil War-era buildings, and Cold War bunkers. It’s one of those places where the scenery and the stories are equally compelling. Locals love it—but it’s still flying under the radar for many tourists.
12. Monhegan Island, Maine
Ten miles off the coast of midcoast Maine, Monhegan Island is a haven for artists, hikers, and dreamers. The island has no paved roads and only a handful of year-round residents, which keeps it feeling wonderfully timeless. It’s known for its dramatic cliffs, crashing surf, and an artists’ colony that dates back over a century. The vibe is creative, quirky, and a little haunting in the best way.
You’ll arrive by ferry from Port Clyde, and once there, it’s all about walking trails, lobster shacks, and art galleries tucked into cottages. The 12-mile trail system winds through forest and along sea-blasted cliffs that rival anything in Acadia. It’s especially magical in late summer or early fall when the crowds thin out and the island shows its quieter side. If you want a place that feeds your soul, Monhegan’s got you covered.
