U.S. Islands to Visit for Relaxation & Adventure
Some of the best escapes don’t require traveling halfway around the world. Right here in the U.S., I’ve found islands that perfectly blend relaxation and adventure is a super exciting way. I'm a real islands fan and you can tell because I actually moved to one of the most remote ones (Big Island of Hawaii) after just one trip there!
Here are some of the most unforgettable U.S. islands I’ve discovered while road tripping or living there as a local. They are perfect for anyone seeking both relaxation and adventure and I'm sure you will love these getaways as much as I did.
1. Little St. Simons Island - 1 hour 40 minutes from Savannah
I thought that Little St. Simons Island, Georgia was one of the best US islands when we moved to the South. I truly felt like we had discovered one of the South’s most spectacular secrets. We had 7 miles of untouched beaches and thousands of acres of wild beauty all to ourselves which was so unique.
We ferried across from St. Simons Island (a 15-minute boat ride, included with a lodge stay) to Little St. Simons Island.
The boat ride over set the tone, and stepping onto the island gave us a joyful sense of leaving busy world far behind.
I spent three unforgettable days at the 3-star all-inclusive Lodge on Little St. Simons Island. It's a collection of cozy, unique, rustic cottages where everything from the meals (farm-to-table Southern fare!) to the wildlife excursions is included. I loved the all inclusive feature where everything was taken care of on vacation.
We loved birdwatching with the island’s naturalists, biking along sandy trails, and ending each evening around a glowing bonfire. With only a handful of guests at a time, it felt like having a 10,000-acre nature preserve all to myself.
My personal highlight...the seclusion of the place. I kept thinking it was such a perfect spot for getting away from the daily grind.
2. Assateague Island
When we arrived at Assateague Island, straddling Maryland and Virginia, I imidiately let my hair down. It was so private and secluded, and natural, even more wild than Little St. Simons Island.
We drove about 10 miles south from Ocean City, Maryland (20 minutes) to Assateague Island, a barrier island stretching 37 miles along the Atlantic. Managed partly as a National Seashore and partly as state parkland, it’s famous for its herds of wild ponies that have been here for centuries and I hope their habitat continues to be preserved in such a special way.
We spent three blissful days camping in the Maryland part of Assateague. My days were pretty simple (and that was easily my favorite feature!) but filled with strolling along the pristine shoreline and stargazing at night.
If you prefer more comfort, nearby Chincoteague Island (just across the bridge on the Virginia side) offers the 3-star Hampton Inn & Suites Chincoteague-Waterfront where you also get to be close to dining options.
My favorite highlight...stargazing! You can go on a ranger led experience but I honestly just liked finding a quiet stretch of beach and looking up with my husband. It was so romantic and awe-inspiring!
3. Block Island, RI
Block Island is easily one of the best US islands for a vacation on the East Coast. Very different from my other favorites, I was instantly smitten by its crystal-clear coves, dramatic cliffs, and old-world New England vibe where bicycles outnumber cars.
From Point Judith, Rhode Island, we boarded the ferry (12 miles, about 55 minutes, $18 one way) to Block Island, a small New England getaway with about 1,400 year-round residents. We stayed at the 3-star 1661 Inn for three wonderful days.
I loved waking each morning to ocean breezes and the scent of salt and honeysuckle. I enjoyed biking the 17 miles of scenic roads, hiking to Mohegan Bluffs for breathtaking Atlantic views, kayaking through the Great Salt Pond, and wandering through the quaint village shops filled with handmade jewelry and seashell art.
The Southeast Lighthouse was my personal highlight because of the views.
4. Catalina Island, CA
When people ask me what island to visit on a weekend getaway to Southern California, Catalina Island always pops into my head. Just 22 miles off the Southern California coast, Catalina Island feels like a Mediterranean escape, all sun-drenched hills, turquoise coves, and palm-lined promenades.
From Long Beach, you can catch the Catalina Express ferry (about 1 hour, $42 one way) to Avalon, the island’s main town with about 3,700 residents. The crescent-shaped harbor feels straight out of the 1920s, anchored by the art deco Catalina Casino building.
I stayed at the charming Hotel Atwater, right in the heart of Avalon, and spent my days snorkeling in Lover’s Cove, hiking along the Garden to Sky Trail for sweeping views of the Pacific, and kayaking along the rugged coastline dotted with sea caves. Evenings on Catalina were pure magic: sunset cocktails overlooking the harbor, a twilight stroll along Crescent Avenue, and a visit to the historic Catalina Casino. For me, Catalina feels like California’s most glamorous little secret.
My personal highlight was a day trip to Two Harbors on the quieter western side which offered total serenity with its golden beaches.
5. Fire Island, NY
When we lived in NYC for 10 years, Fire Island was our go-to island getaway. Just a short ferry ride from Long Island, Fire Island feels like an entirely different world.. a slender barrier island where boardwalks replace roads. With no cars and only bicycles and wagons to get around, life here moves at an easier pace.
From Bay Shore on Long Island, we boarded a ferry across the Great South Bay (about 30 minutes, $12 one way) to Fire Island, a barrier island stretching 32 miles with no cars allowed in most communities. You can spend the night at the 3-star Palms Hotel Fire Island of the 3-star Fire Island Beach House.
One of my favorite parts was climbing to the top of the Fire Island Lighthouse, we explored small communities like Ocean Beach, and listened to the wavesin the evenings.
6. Jekyll Island, GA
Steeped in Gilded Age history and Southern coastal beauty, Jekyll Island instantly captivated me this month. Once a private retreat for America’s wealthiest families, today it feels like a peaceful time capsule... elegant, slow-paced, and full of quiet natural wonder.
We drove 1 hour 40 minutes south from Savannah to Jekyll Island, one of Georgia’s Golden Isles with a year-round population of about 1,300. Today much of the island is preserved as state parkland. You can walk around to see Historic District’s stately cottages, collect shells along Driftwood Beach, and visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.
7. Big Island of Hawaii
We loved the Big Island of Hawaii so much when we visited that we ended up moving and living close to the beach for 6 years. Honestly no place wowed me like this wild remote island!
To get there, you fly into Kona from Honolulu (about 45 minutes, $70+ one way). The Big Island is the largest of Hawaiis islands at 4,028 square miles, bigger than all the others combined.
Driving along the coast, you can discover countless beaches, hike to waterfalls, explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, go snorkeling every day, visit a Kona coffee farm, drive to the top of Mauna Kea, get a relaxing 60-minute massage, enjoy a fantastic sunset, and end the day with a dinner overlooking the ocean.
For me, the Big Island is the absolute best Hawaiian getaway...unique, diverse, and filled with memories. What was it like living on the Big Island? It was incredible (the beaches, the sunset, Waimea farmers markets where we always made new friends...) but it was also remote. Scheduling travel was more challenging because most flights connect through Honolulu. And everything was more expensive to buy because it had to be brought in on ships and planes. All in all, we loved our 6 years there and I would do it again.
My favorite places to stay on the Big Island of Hawaii are the 5-star Fairmont Orchid (perfect for an anniversary or honeymoon) which won the prestigious AAA Four Diamond award, and The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort (for families) situated on the absolute best beach in the USA.
My favorite highlight was always lingering on the beach to watch the most amazing sky in the middle of the Pacific.
8. Martha's Vineyard, MA
Martha's Vineyard was the island we explored the most while living in NYC, well, actually Chappaquiddick but you have to get through Martha's Vineyard first to reach it. Chappaquiddick is truly one of the East Coast’s timeless treasures. Unless you go in July or August, the island is totally wild and remote. I loved that you don't have to travel far or spend a lot to get that feeling. You can fly to the cool little airport (I love the restaurant there!) but usually we take the ferry across from Woods Hole to Vineyard Haven, a scenic 45-minute ride that I always look forward to.
We always stay with family but you can base yourself at the 5-star Harbor View Hotel, near the Edgartown Lighthouse. It's got a pool, gym and incredible ocean views. Start your day with a cup of coffee overlooking the water. It's the best and you heard it here first!
Hop on the Chappaquiddick ferry and explore secluded dunes and beaches, then head back to Edgartown for lunch at Rockfish where you can have a creative seafood dish (try Oven Roasted Cod) or just some amazing pizza (I'd go for Prosciutto & Arugula again).
My absolute favorite highlight is visiting in the off season. You get the beaches to yourself and the island has such a relaxed vibe.
Conclusion
It turns out you don’t have to choose between doing nothing and doing something bold, you just have to find the right island. Across coastlines and climates, these U.S. islands gave me space to drift and reasons to dive in.
If I had an eternity, I would live on each of these islands for at least a year!
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
