American Islands
Posted by Different10 Spectacular American Islands
Are you ready to take an island vacation but find yourself unable to come up with the cash necessary to visit a luxury resort on a Pacific Island? Think again. There are dozens of islands in the United States that we tend to forget about and completely ignore. They’re quiet, beautiful, and worthy of a visit. Add one of these to your next vacation itinerary.
10. Block Island – Rhode Island
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Rhode Island’s beautiful Block Island is truly a sight to behold. The quiet island spent years competing with nearby Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard but is not gaining popularity. It is considered one of the most remote islands between New York City and Boston but has a lot to offer visitors who want to spend some time communing with nature. Make sure you spend some of your time on the island exploring the amazing lighthouses or catching a glimpse of one of the sailing regattas.
9. Kodiak Island – Alaska
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Kodiak Islands is one of Alaska’s most guarded treasures. Visitors enjoy sitting along the shores of Uyak Bay and watching the local wildlife, including the bears. Others enjoy sport fishing for salmon and other local fish species. The best place to visit is Munsey’s Bear Camp – from which point you’ll have access to all the wildlife the island has to offer.
8. Smith Island – Maryland
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Smith Island is the only island on the Chesapeake Bay that was ever settled. The people who live there earn their livings not by commuting to the mainland but by catching local crabs, shrimp, and clams which you can taste at the Bayside Inn Restaurant. You’ll start with a ferry ride from Crisfield or Point Lookout and should then head over to the Smith Island Center to tour the museum before exploring the rest of the area.
7. Isle Royale – Michigan
A trip to Isle Royale will be a real adventure. You’ll have to start with either a 30 minute plane ride (if you can afford it) from Haughton or a three hour ferry ride from Copper Harbor. Upon your arrival you’ll have plenty of opportunities to kayak, canoe, or hike the bays surrounding the island. You can camp or, if you’d prefer, check into the Rock Harbor Lodge which is open during the summer season.
6. Isle Au Haut – Maine
Isle Au Haut, in Maine, is home to a mere 80 individuals throughout the year. Tourism to the island has increased over the past few years, as travelers flock to Acadia National Park to enjoy the myriad of hiking trails and isolated coves. Your choices for accommodations, after your 45 minute boat ride to the island, include either Bel’s Inn or the Duck Harbor Campground.
5. Santa Cruz Island – California
Santa Cruz Island wasn’t open to the public until 1980, when it left the hands of a private ranch owner and became part of the US Park System. Teamed with the Nature Conservancy, they turned Santa Cruz Island and four others into what is now known as Channel Islands National Park. You may choose to camp in the Scorpion Campground in between hiking or kayaking trips or you may travel to the island as part of a day trip. There are no other overnight accommodations on the island.
4. Sapelo Island – Georgia
Owned primarily by the state of Georgia, Sapelo Island includes a hunting reserve, a research station, and a public state park. You will find the tiny community of Hog Hammock on the island – home to a mere 50 individuals and featuring a bed and breakfast, one restaurant, and a building that serves as a cross between a country store and a pub. Access to the island is by ferry from the town of Meridian.
3. Orcas Island – Washington
Orcas Island is the largest of the five San Juan Islands found in Puget Sound. While the name of the island may have you thinking of killer whales, it was actually named after a Spanish explorer who visited the Pacific Northwest during his travels. You’ll especially enjoy your stay at the Doe Bay resort – featuring private cabins, yurts, and locally caught and grown foods.
2. Daufuskie Island – South Carolina
If you visit Savannah Georgia you will be able to see Daufuskie Island off the shores in the distance. The only way to get there, though, is by taking a ferry from Hilton Head. If you’re lucky you’ll be able to reserve a space in one of the handful of cabins located near the main pier – otherwise, we hope you know someone who already lives on the island willing to give you a place to stay. Do make sure to check out the Old Daufuskie Crab Company where you’ll have a chance to sample some of the finest seafood and pulled pork dishes around.
1. Little Palm Island – Florida
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If you’re looking for a luxury destination without leaving the country turn your eyes towards Little Palm Island. You can only reach this incredible resort island by taking either a seaplane or a boat. Once there, you will find yourself surrounded by comfy bungalows, lagoons, pools, and an astounding coral reef for snorkeling.
These amazing islands represent some of the best the United States has to offer. We guarantee that after a weekend or week relaxing with nature you’ll be glad you chose one of these incredible destinations.
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