Lesser-Known Island Paradises
Tucked away from the crowds and untouched by time, these breathtaking American islands have quietly preserved their charm and serenity. Once closely guarded secrets, they’re now emerging as some of America’s most captivating hidden gems—too stunning to stay under the radar any longer.
Santa Catalina Island, California
This rocky island off the California coast offers an array of outdoor adventures, from zip-lining and hiking to snorkeling and scuba diving in its crystal-clear waters.
Santa Catalina Island
The island gives off a Mediterranean charm, with waterfront promenade, quaint shops, a museum, a theater, as well as remote beaches and coves—making it a perfect place for both adventure and relaxation.
Roman Eugeniusz, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Daufuskie Island, South Carolina
With no bridges connecting to the mainland, Daufuskie Island is only accessible by ferry—making it more of a challenge for some people, ultimately limiting the tourist population.
Daufuskie Island
With its quiet beaches, rich Gullah heritage, charming art galleries, and even a local distillery, Daufuskie Island offers a one-of-a-kind Lowcountry escape. This hidden gem is perfect for travelers craving authenticity, culture, and coastal serenity—all wrapped in a warm, small-town vibe.
Bill Pearmain, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Block Island, Rhode Island
Block Island is a serene escape, 12 miles off the coast of Rhode Island. With conservation efforts in place, much of the island remains undeveloped—making it a nature’s paradise.
Block Island
Block Island is known for its 17 miles of sandy beaches and numerous cycling and hiking trails. Dramatic cliffs offer stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, and the Great Salt Pond is a wonder for boaters and kayakers.
With a small-town charm, this island is perfect for those seeking a quiet getaway.
Channel Islands, California
Channel Islands is actually a group of five beautiful islands off the coast of Southern California, with each one offering a unique landscape. These islands are isolated from the mainland and are only accessible by boat—adding to their allure.
filippo_jean, Wikimedia Commons
Channel Islands
These islands are a natural sanctuary, home to California sea lions, seals, and a kaleidoscope of seabirds. Adventurers can roam rugged trails, relax on quiet beaches, and kayak through crystal-clear waters that hide sea caves and colorful marine life—perfect for those seeking wild, untamed beauty.
NOAA Fisheries West Coast, Flickr
Monhegan Island, Maine
Monhegan Island is a small, rocky island with a population of only 70 people. It is accessible only by boat, and is primarily a walking island—not allowing cars.
Monhegan Island
This charming and quaint little isle offers hiking trails, lush forests, and a long, dramatic coastline. It is home to one the oldest art colony in the nation.
This is where time slows down, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle-and-bustle of daily life.
Vieques, Puerto Rico
Vieques is an island municipality of Puerto Rico known for its bioluminescent Mosquito Bag—the brightest in the world—where kayakers can experience the glowing waters at night.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters, Flickr
Vieques
Once a naval base, this island has remained largely untouched, its pristine beaches now serving as wildlife refuges. With no sprawling resorts in sight, wild horses roam freely, offering visitors a rare, intimate escape into nature.
Be sure to visit Playa Negra—where dramatic black sands meet the turquoise sea in unforgettable contrast.
Fire Island, New York
Fire Island is a slender barrier island off the coast of Long Island. It is known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ community, unique natural habitats, and secluded beaches. It’s also another car-free community—making it a quiet getaway away from big city lights and horns.
Fire Island
With soft, sandy beaches and stunning boardwalks, Fire Island is where you go to find solitude during the day and vibrant night-life later. It’s the perfect place for a celebratory getaway with a side of relaxation.
Patrick Gruban, Wikimedia Commons
Chincoteague Island, Virginia
Chincoteague Island—famous for its wild ponies—is a tranquil beach destination offering beautiful landscapes, miles of unspoiled beaches, and an abundance of wildlife.
Mbinebri / Matthew Binebrink, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Chincoteague Island
This island radiates small-town charm and invites you to embrace a slower pace. Think cozy stays, family-run shops, and fresh-off-the-boat seafood. Add in quirky, unforgettable traditions—like the famous annual Pony Swim—and you’ve got a dreamy destination that feels both timeless and full of heart.
David Broad, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Orcas Island, Washington
Orcas Island is the largest island of the San Juan Islands, and is renowned for its diverse landscape from the old-growth forest of Moran State Park to the summit of Mount Constitution—giving panoramic views of the surrounding islands.
United States Government, Wikimedia Commons
Orcas Island
The island’s main village is a hub of activity, including shops, restaurants, theaters, festivals, museums, and restaurants—making it a perfect vacation spot for those seeking both adventure and relaxation.
I, Jmabel, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Pelee Island, Ontario, Canada
Pelee Island is located in the western half of Lake Erie and is the largest island in the Lake. Although it is technically on the Canadian side, it shares a close connection with the U.S. both geographically and culturally.
Pelee Island
The island is known for its wineries, vineyards, quiet beaches, hiking trails, and a rich diversity of flora and fauna. It’s laid-back atmosphere and mild climate make it an ideal destination for a peaceful retreat.
Diomede Islands, Alaska
The Diomede Islands are fascinating due to their location. Consisting of two islands, Little Diomede (U.S.) and Big Diomede (Russia) sit in the middle of the Bering Strait separated by the International Date Line. So close together, yet they have a time difference of 21 hours.
Ansgar Walk, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Diomede Islands
Little Diomede is home to the Ingalikmiut Eskimo community, and is one of the most remote and challenging environments on Earth. It offers traditions and lifestyles to that of Arctic conditions.
naql, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Diomede Islands: Visitors
For visitors, the island offers a unique perspective on the complexities of international borders, the resilience of indigenous communities, and the stunning beauty of the Arctic landscape.
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Just off Puerto Rico’s eastern coast, Culebra is a serene island paradise best known for Flamenco Beach—famed for its powdery white sands and impossibly clear turquoise waters. Often ranked among the world’s most beautiful beaches, it’s a dream escape for those in search of sun, sea, and solitude.
Culebra
The stunning island with turquoise waters has resisted large-scale tourism, preserving its natural beauty and serene atmosphere. It’s a haven for snorkelers and divers, with rich marine life and vibrant coral reefs.
Lopez Island, Washington
Lopez Island is the third largest of the San Juan Islands in Washington State. It is often dubbed, “The Friendly Isle,” for its welcoming community and laid-back vibe.
Lopez Island
Lopez Island is known for its rolling farmlands and open spaces, offering scenic shorelines and a natural retreat for hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers. Its charm lies in its simplicity, with farm-to-table dining, small businesses, and art galleries.
Kodiak Island, Alaska
Kodiak Island, the second largest in the U.S., is a wild and awe-inspiring escape. Known for its towering brown bears, dense forests, and sweeping alpine meadows, it’s a haven for nature lovers. From untamed wilderness to a dedicated bear sanctuary, this rugged island offers a front-row seat to Alaska’s raw beauty.
Kodiak Island
The Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge covers most of the island and it provides a home for bears, bald eagles, and an abundant of other wildlife, making it an optimal location for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Off the coast of Massachusetts is Nantucket Island, known for its pristine beaches, historic lighthouses, and charming cobblestone streets. Nantucket offers a beautiful blend of natural beauty and rich history.
D Ramey Logan, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Nantucket
The island’s conservation efforts protect its landscapes, allowing visitors to take in unspoiled beaches, dune-backed shores, and rare wildlife habitats.
Town center boats charming boutiques, galleries, and restaurants, reflecting the upscale yet laid-back vibe.
Lanai, Hawaii
Once known as the Pineapple Island for its vast plantations, Lanai now offers a unique blend of barefoot luxury and untouched wilderness. With serene resorts, rugged landscapes, and far fewer crowds than its neighboring islands, it’s Hawaii’s best-kept secret—where tranquility meets raw island beauty.
Frederick Millett, Shutterstock
Lanai
The island boats beaches filled with shipwrecks, and luxury resorts with world-class amenities. With only 30 miles of paved roads, most of the island remains wild and untouched, offering the perfect blend of serenity and exploration.
Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
Martha’s Vineyard is an island known as a summer haven for celebrities and presidents alike. With stunning beaches, rolling farmlands, art galleries, local cuisine, and a laid-back lifestyle, the island is a sought-after community with much to offer.
Martha’s Vineyard
The island’s diverse communities including the cute gingerbread cottages of Oak Bluffs and the historic whaling town of Edgartown, offer a unique charm blended with history and cultural depth.
Massachusetts Office Of Travel & Tourism, Flickr
Dry Tortugas, Florida
Dry Tortugas National Park, a remote archipelago of seven islands, boasts dazzling coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, and the storied Fort Jefferson. Spanning 100 square miles of mostly open sea and reachable only by boat or seaplane, it offers an unparalleled escape into serene isolation and natural wonder.
U.S. National Park Service, Wikimedia Commons
Dry Tortugas
Full of adventure, the islands boast unparalleled waters filled with underwater treasures and unique marine wildlife are perfect for diving, snorkeling, and swimming. Fort Jefferson offers an intriguing look into history, and the quiet islands are a paradise for many species of birds.
Molokai, Hawaii
Molokai is another beautiful island known for its friendly nature, often being dubbed, “Friendly Isle,” similar to Lopez Island. It is the fifth-largest island in the Hawaiian chain, and is known for its native Hawaiian traditions.
Rose_Braverman, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Molokai
Molokai is not as developed as its neighbors. It does not have any traffic lights or high-rise buildings—giving a glimpse into Hawaii’s past. The island landscape boasts stunning beaches, the world’s highest sea cliffs, and the historic Kalaupapa National Historical Park, making it a perfect spot for those looking for an authentic Hawaiian experience.
Lisa Sasser, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Isle Royale, Michigan
Nestled in the chilly waters of Lake Superior, Isle Royale National Park is a remote wilderness haven perfect for backcountry explorers and low-impact campers. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, it promises a true escape into untouched nature and peaceful solitude.
Isle Royale
The rugged island is encompassed in a rich forested wilderness with scenic shorelines and a diverse range of wildlife, including moose and wolves. With over 165 miles of hiking trails, the dense forests open up to crystal-clear lakes with breathtaking views—making this island a top destination for nature enthusiasts looking to unplug for a while.
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