The world is full of beautiful places and there’s no shortage of idyllic islands to take your breath away as you wind down from the sometimes hectic pace of everyday life. Islands symbolize vacation and escape. Their very insolation makes them more attractive than a comparable parcel of real estate on the mainland. Think of the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific or Santa Catalina Island off the California coast southwest of Los Angeles. These are just two of the many islands in the US. In fact, there are more than 18,000 islands to which this country lays claim and so there are bound to be some with which not everyone is familiar. Since summer is upon us, let’s take a look at a small number of what are perhaps the nation’s lesser-known islands, all of which can be great spots for a memorable vacation.
Block Island, Rhode Island
For what might be considered an unassuming little island twelve miles off Rhode Island’s coast, Block Island boasts a large variety of attractions. During the summer months, one can taste the flavors of Restaurant Week, enjoy a six-day music festival, or check out the Block Island Film Festival. The island’s lighthouses, such as the Southeast Lighthouse and the North Lighthouse, are also popular attractions. How do you get to the beach on Block Island? Walk in any direction: the entire perimeter of this three-by seven-mile island is virtually lined with them, 17 miles worth and all free and open to the public. Don't want to go to the beach? No problem. There’s more to Block Island than gorgeous beaches. With over 50 stores and specialty shops, and numerous art galleries, Block Island offers a diverse shopping experience. The island's plentiful shops offer casual souvenirs and antiques as well as unique gifts from around the world. Dining experiences on Block Island are as diverse as they are delicious. Restaurants offer everything from five-star dining and Wine Spectator rated wine lists to local seafood served at picnic tables.
Topsail Island, North Carolina
Topsail is a 26-mile barrier island in the waters off North Carolina. It boasts uncrowded beaches with an abundance of wildlife and breathtaking sunsets. The island has three charming seaside towns - North Topsail Beach, Surf City and Topsail Beach. With its maritime forests and natural landscape, water surrounds North Topsail Beach on three sides. Surf City, located in the middle of the island, is the most commercial destination, offering many dining options, shopping, and community events. On the island's southernmost end, Topsail Beach is an old-school coastal town with untouched sands and unbeatable views with a marina and a fishing pier. It also has a unique museum that tells the story of the Women's Airforce Service Pilots (WASPS), the female pilots who flew American military aircraft during the Second World War. Anyone who gets bored during a visit can search for Blackbeard’s treasure. Topsail actually got its name from the pirates who used to hide their boats behind the island on the sound side so that incoming ships could only see the sails poking up over land. Some people say Blackbeard’s treasure is still hidden somewhere on this barrier island.
Kodiak Island, Alaska
Kodiak Island is huge. At 3,670 square miles, it’s Alaska’s biggest and the second-largest island in the entire US. Its namesake town is a fishing port surrounded by wilderness that’s beaming with wildlife. The Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge takes up a large portion of the island and is home to some 3,500 Kodiak brown bears, the largest brown bear subspecies in the world. The island’s verdant landscape and scenic coastline provide opportunities for fishing, wildlife viewing, backcountry camping, whale watching, and kayaking. Scattered throughout the island are a number of state parks, providing opportunities for camping, fishing, hiking, and more. For those looking for a little added luxury, the island is also home to multiple remote wilderness lodges that offer comfortable accommodations and custom backcountry adventures. The island’s namesake city is the largest town on Kodiak Island and the home of Alaska’s largest fishing fleet. From 1792 to 1799, the town was the capital of Russian America. Reminders of this time can be found at the Russian Orthodox Church and the Kodiak History Museum , which was formerly a fur storehouse and is one of Alaska’s oldest wooden structures.
Madeline Island, Wisconsin
Just a 25-minute ferry ride east of Bayfield, Wisconsin, Madeline Island is the largest among the 22 Apostle Islands and an exceptional destination. Offering a great mix of outdoor activities, history, and a thriving arts scene, this gorgeous island is an entire world of its own right on Lake Superior. Being the only developed island among the Apostle Island chain, it welcomes visitors all year round. Madeline Island offers the perfect outdoor retreat with its assortment of campgrounds and cabin or cottage complexes. The camping experience is idyllic and, since the largest Great Lake surrounds the island, the air is clear enough for star gazing. For those who prefer indoor accommodations, rental vacation homes, inns, and even condos are also available. Stretching 14 miles long and three miles wide, Madeline Island is an outdoor-lover’s paradise with exceptional beaches and nature trails perfect for hiking and biking. La Pointe is the only “town” on the island. Even with a population of just over 300 full-time residents, its unique charm has been recognized by Budget Travel magazine as one of the “Coolest Small Towns in America.”
Isle au Haut, Maine
Set off the coast of Stonington, Maine, Isle au Haut is unique. It’s home to a small community of summer residents and a year-round fishing community and also features Federal park lands which are part of Acadia National Park. For those who prefer remote scenery and care little for tourist amenities, Isle au Haut would be an ideal location for a great and peaceful vacation. "High Island" was the name given to it by Frenchman Samuel de Champlain during his explorations of the Maine coast in 1604. Although shell heaps along the island's shores tell of a native presence long before Champlain's arrival, it wasn't until the end of the American Revolution that farmers, fishermen, and boat builders came to the island in large numbers. In the 1880s a small summer community was established, attracted by agreeable weather and idyllic scenery. In 1943, heirs of the founder of that community donated portions of Isle au Haut to the Federal Government as part of Acadia National Park. Because of their generosity, much of the island's beauty is now available for visitors to experience and enjoy. Half of Isle au Haut is now managed by Acadia and the other half is privately owned.
Daufuskie Island, South Carolina
Daufuskie is located between Hilton Head Island and Savannah, though it’s easy to miss. At just five miles long and two and a half miles wide, this pristinely beautiful island is one of South Carolina’s smaller ports. Daufuskie Island is steeped in a simpler time without a bridge to the mainland and only a few paved roads. White sand beaches, ancient oaks, Spanish moss, and historical landmarks all lend a rural, “back-in-time” feel, while an eclectic arts scene keeps the island's spirit alive and thriving. The island’s been inhabited for millennia, with artifacts found to suggest the area was inhabited some 9,000 years ago. From those very early years in Daufuskie's history through to European settlements and the spirit and culture of the Gullah people, the story of this little island is indeed a remarkable one. Today, there are plenty of opportunities for horseback riding on the beach and for enjoying some of the island’s delicious seafood, okra and blackberries. Rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, Daufuskie Island is an unforgettable place to explore during a vacation to the Lowcountry.
There are any number of additional off-the-radar US islands just waiting to be visited and explored. Do a little research and discover your own gem that will be the backdrop for your next perfect vacation.
Until next time…safe travels.
Thank you once again for expanding my world. What wonderful vacation suggestions. ❤️