Island vacations have long captured our imaginations. Landings into the South Pacific Ocean with coral reefs and tropical beaches, European islands are brimming with medieval castles and remote cabins in lake island forests, making the choices seem almost unlimited.
But we are not alone in our appeal to these idyllic escapes. Many of the more famous names are expensive and overcrowded.
But that doesn’t have to be. These 11 magical American island destinations are not on all “best islands” lists, and are excellent for it.
Apostle Islands (Wisconsin)
This archipelago of Lake Superior is divided into the wilderness of the Apostolic Islands National Lakeshore and the idyllic Madeline Island.
The ferry runs several times daily between Bayfield and Madeline Island on the mainland, and visitors can explore on bike rentals and mopeds.
Bayfield is also the hub for summer narrated cruises and guided kayaking trips. Water taxis can drop day trippers at half a dozen wild island picnic spots. The ultimate is a kayak camping trip, harboring an off-grid island.
Where to stay: St. James Social
Edisto Island (South Carolina)
This laid back, low sea island vacation experience offers a wealth of nature, historic homes and great food.
Part of the swampy area of the vast Ace Basin, Edisto preserves the natural side through Botanical Garden Bay’s plantation heritage and wildlife management areas, as well as Edisto Beach State Park. Local wildlife ranges from crocodiles and bobcats to nests of sea turtles and migratory birds.
Home to celebrity chef Kardea Brown, Edisto Beach Town blends Civil War architecture with fresh boat seafood at Seacoe, Whaley’s and half a dozen restaurants.
Where to stay: Wyndham Ocean Ridge
San Juan Island (Washington)
The second biggest Isle of the San Juan Archipelago is the most eclectic, a haven for adventure seekers, wildlife watchers, seafood lovers and history lovers.
The Washington State Ferries will arrive at port Friday along with the photogenic waterfront. This arrives at the Salish Sea where the starting point for Kayak and Zodiac Advan is looking for Orca, Bald Eagles and other creatures.
San Juan Island National Historical Park on the West Coast holds the remains of the 1859 Pig War, which nearly led to the conflict between the United States and Britain. This park is also a great place to find (and photograph) the super cute island fox.
Island culinary sweets include the fine duck soup restaurant, fresh oysters from Westcott Bay Shellfish, and San Juan Island distillery for Mama and Pop.
Where to stay: Roche Harbor Resort
Islamorada Island (Florida)
Most drivers driving overseas highway cruises pass through Islamorada, a community spread across five residential islands, heading to Party Hearty West. But that’s a mistake. Because “Purple Island” offers a slice of Florida keys before they are discovered by the public.
Diving and snorkeling are spectacular, especially at offshore Indian Keys, 18th-century San Pedro shipwrecks and historic crocodile reef lighthouse. The history of the diving museum pays homage to underwater sports. With warm shallow tropical waters, the Islamorada Sandbar is a great place to swim.
Jimmy Buffett’s spirit can withstand joints such as Tikibur, Marker 88 and Florida Keys Brewing Company. Alternatively, you can make baseball superstar Ted Williams, who has lived in Islamorada in Upper Matecanbekie for over 40 years and eat your own meals with the local fishing charter. You can also stay at Williams’ former estate.
Where to stay: Islamorada Island
Drummond Island (Michigan)
Floating on the northwest corner of Lake Huron near Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Drummond is the second largest lake island in the country. The almost completely wooded island boasts miles of far-off, undeveloped lakes shore and dozens of small glacial lakes.
In addition to the abundant hiking paths, Drummond is well known among off-road homes for its dedicated 4×4 and all-terrain vehicle trails. Beaver rents a variety of ATVs side by side to navigate Warren on the backcountry route.
Other activities on the island include bikes, paddling, fishing, paintballs and rocks at Drummond Island Golf Course.
Where to stay: Drummond Island Resort
Dauphin Island (Alabama)
One of the barrier islands protecting the Mobile Bay, Dauphin belonged to the French and British islands before falling into the famous civil war’s ocean battles, reaching the hands of the Americans.
A living history presentation makes the historic Fort Gaines a major attraction on the island. However, Dauphin Island Sea labs also feature the Audubonbird Sanctuary and the Alabama Aquarium.
Dauphin Island Village in the island’s East End offers restaurants and deep-sea fishing charters, speedboat rentals, pontoon boats and jet skis. The entire western edge is a long, sandy spit with wild beaches.
Where to stay: Bay Motel
Kodiak Island (Alaska)
Kodiak, Alaska’s largest island, is quite far from the cruise ship circuit that lands thousands of people at other top spots on the last frontier every summer.
That doesn’t mean that the island does not have residents. The most famous is Kodiak Bear. It is twice the size of the Grizzlies on the mainland, and is scattered around 3,000 of them scattered throughout the island. They are best seen on a guided float plain trip from the town of Kodiak.
Other claims to Kodiak’s fame are salmon fishing and relics of the island’s era as part of Russian America before the US bought Alaska in 1867. Kayak Kodiak offers guided paddle tours along the island’s pristine coastline.
Where to stay: Afognak Wilderness Lodge
Lobster and historic Brown Head Lighthouse set the tone of Maine’s largest offshore island. It doubles as a colony for the fishing community and artists, throwing a bit of tourism.
Vinal Haven, which reached Rockland’s ferries and air taxis, was famous in the past for its granite quarry, transformed into a modern-day popular swimming spot.
The Vinalhaven Land Trust maintains 23 hiking preservation on the seaside and inland forest trails. Ride a lobster boat tour or explore local waters yourself with canoe rentals, kayaks and paddleboards.
Where to stay: Tide water
St. Croix doesn’t have the same cruise ship cache as the old money vibes of St. Thomas and St. John, but its uncrowded beaches and rainforest make it the most “Virgin” in the US Virgin Islands.
Also the most Scandinavian, sites such as the Christiansted National Historic Site and Fort Frederickstead have remained since the time the island was the colonial capital of the Danish West Indies.
Some of the iconic outdoor experiences in St. Croix include horse riding, catamaran trips and snorkelling the Coral Garden of the Buc Island Reef National Monument along the empty beaches.
Where to stay: Karanbora Beach Resort
Santa Cruz Island (California)
The biggest and easiest to reach the landings of Channel Island National Park offers a time trip back to when Southern California’s coast was wilderness and ranch, not mass suburbs.
Although it is one of the most visited national parks in the lower 48 states, the Channel Islands (particularly Santa Cruz Island) offers outdoor adventures ranging from hiking, camping and wildlife monitoring to scuba diving, snorkeling and sea kayaking.
The Island Packers run ferries daily from Ventura Harbor on the mainland, and on their one-hour voyages there is always the opportunity to jump through the moving humpback whales and dolphins pods. The company also offers snorkeling and a guided kayak trip to Santa Cruz, featuring huge sea caves on the island.
Where to stay: Zakari dunes on Mandalay Beach return to Oxnard on the mainland
Assateague Island (Maryland/Virginia)
This 37-mile Wild Coast ribbon is shared by Maryland and Virginia, the National Coast, the National Wildlife Refuge and Beachfront State Parks.
Assateag’s famous wild horses pass through the marsh along the coast. Visitors gather at the southern tip of the island in July to see the famous Pony Swim Roundup by the “Salt Water Cowboys.”
Hiking, cycling and beach activities are the main lures for the rest of the year. In the warmer months, Assateagh Outfitters offers guided kayaking tours and rent bikes, non-motorized vessels and even clam rakes. Visitors can also drive on long sections of the beach with permission from Sand Vehicles (OSV).
Where to stay: State Parks and National Coast Campgrounds
