The Isles of Shoals are a group of nine small islands located off the east coast of New Hampshire and Maine near Portsmouth. Most of the islands are privately owned and off limits to visitors, but you can visit Star Island and stay overnight in the old Oceanic Hotel, which first opened in 1873, or in one of a few Victorian era guesthouses.

The only way to reach Star Island is to hop aboard an Isles of Shoals Steamship Company Cruise during the summer months. The scenic cruises are narrated, and you can go on a guided walking tour of the island when you arrive. Several other companies offer cruises around the Isles of Shoals, but none of them have docking privileges.

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