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.
Where you stay often sets the pace of the trip. It might be a beachfront cottage where you can fall asleep to the sound of waves, a rustic cabin near trails and wildlife, or a resort that combines spa days with outdoor excursions. These islands invite you to slow down, recharge, and still chase a little adventure when the mood strikes.
Here are some of the most unforgettable U.S. islands I’ve discovered, perfect for anyone seeking both relaxation and adventure.
1. Unplug and Immerse Yourself in Wild Beauty on Little St. Simons Island
I ferried across from St. Simons Island (a 15-minute boat ride, included with a lodge stay) to Little St. Simons Island.
When we arrived on Little St. Simons Island, Georgia, I felt like we had discovered one of the South’s most spectacular secrets—7 miles of untouched beaches and thousands of acres of wild beauty all to ourselves.
The boat ride over set the tone, and stepping onto the island gave us a joyful sense of leaving the busy world far behind.
We stayed at The Lodge, where cozy cottages and welcoming staff made it feel like a hidden gem retreat, blending rustic charm with comfort.
Days were filled with guided nature walks, kayaking through tidal creeks, and birdwatching—I loved how every moment felt connected to the land and sea.
One of my favorite experiences was biking along sandy trails shaded by moss-draped oaks, with wildlife appearing at every turn—it was the coolest way to explore.
I thought it was awesome how meals were served family-style, with fresh, locally inspired dishes that brought everyone together in a warm and relaxed atmosphere.
Afternoons at the beach were absolutely spectacular—wide stretches of sand, hardly another soul in sight, and waves rolling in under the golden sun.
Evenings were magical, with campfires under the stars, stories shared with new friends, and the peaceful sound of the ocean in the distance.
For me, Little St. Simons Island is an underrated coastal getaway—wild, intimate, and filled with the kind of natural beauty that stays in your heart long after you leave.
2. Roam With Wild Horses and Sea Breezes on Assateague 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, descendants of horses that have roamed here for centuries.
When we arrived at Assateague Island, straddling Maryland and Virginia, I felt like we had stepped into a wild and spectacular stretch of coast unlike anywhere else.
The first thing we saw were the famous wild horses roaming freely along the dunes, and I loved how it felt like a hidden gem moment—so natural and untamed.
We set up on the wide, sandy beach, and my son ran straight into the surf while my husband and I relaxed under the sun with a joyful sense of freedom.
Later, we hiked one of the trails through salt marshes and pine forest, and I thought it was awesome how much wildlife we spotted—herons, crabs, and even osprey circling overhead.
One of my favorite moments was kayaking along the bayside, gliding quietly through calm waters as the horses grazed nearby—it was the coolest way to see the island up close.
In the evening, we gathered around a small beach fire, watching the stars spill across the sky, and it felt absolutely spectacular to be somewhere so remote and peaceful.
I loved how Assateague blended adventure with simplicity—camping, biking, and beachcombing all in one place without any distractions.
I thought it was exciting that every visit is different; the tides, the wildlife, and even the paths the horses take make the island feel alive and unpredictable.
For me, Assateague Island is an absolute best family getaway, where nature, adventure, and unforgettable moments come together in the most unique way.
3. If Quaint Villages and Coastal Hikes Call You, Sail Away to Block Island
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.
When we arrived on Block Island, just off the coast of Rhode Island, I felt like we had stepped into a spectacular seaside escape that balances charm and natural beauty perfectly.
The ferry ride over gave us sweeping views of the ocean, and I loved how the approach to the island already felt like uncovering a hidden gem far from the everyday.
We biked along quiet roads lined with stone walls and wildflowers, and it gave us a joyful sense of freedom as we pedaled from beach to bluff.
One of my favorite stops was Mohegan Bluffs, where climbing down the wooden stairs led us to a dramatic stretch of shoreline with towering cliffs and rolling waves—it was absolutely the coolest view on the island.
Later, we spent time wandering through Old Harbor, where shops, cafés, and Victorian inns created a laid-back yet exciting atmosphere.
I thought it was awesome how easy it was to combine adventure with relaxation—kayaking in the morning, sunbathing at Crescent Beach in the afternoon, and strolling hand-in-hand at sunset.
Dinner by the water was another highlight, with fresh seafood and ocean breezes making the evening feel unforgettable.
I loved that Block Island felt both lively and peaceful, offering enough activity to keep us entertained but plenty of quiet corners to soak in the spectacular scenery.
For me, Block Island is the absolute best New England getaway—unique, romantic, and filled with moments that linger long after you leave.
4. Adventure, Relaxation, and Ocean Views Await You on Catalina Island
From Long Beach, I caught 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.
When we arrived on Catalina Island, just off the coast of Southern California, I felt like we had stepped into a spectacular Mediterranean-style escape without leaving the U.S.
The ferry ride over was smooth and exciting, and I loved how the island’s colorful buildings and rugged hills came into view—it felt like a hidden gem waiting to be explored.
We started in Avalon, wandering along the waterfront lined with shops, cafés, and the iconic Casino building, which gave us a joyful sense of being somewhere truly unique.
One of my favorite moments was snorkeling at Lover’s Cove, where the clear water and schools of bright fish made it absolutely awesome to explore beneath the surface together.
Later, we took a scenic drive into the interior, spotting bison and hiking trails that opened up to spectacular views of the Pacific.
I thought it was the coolest balance—days filled with adventure and evenings strolling along the harbor, watching boats drift under a golden sunset.
Dinner by the water, with fresh seafood and live music, made the night feel unforgettable and perfectly romantic.
I loved how easy it was to slip into island time here, with just enough activities to keep us excited but plenty of space to relax and recharge.
For me, Catalina Island is the absolute best Southern California getaway—unique, fun, and filled with the kind of beauty and charm that makes every visit feel special.
5. Find Your Coastal Escape With Sandy Shores and Lighthouses on Fire Island
From Bay Shore on Long Island, I 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.
When we arrived on Fire Island, New York, I felt like we had discovered a spectacular escape just a short trip from the city, yet it felt a world away. When we lived in NYC for 10 year, we returned many times.
The car-free atmosphere gave us a joyful sense of slowing down right away—we walked along sandy paths lined with beach houses and dunes instead of busy streets.
We spent our mornings on the wide, uncrowded beaches, and I loved how it felt like a hidden gem where the ocean stretched endlessly before us.
One of my favorite parts was climbing to the top of the Fire Island Lighthouse, where the views of the coastline were absolutely awesome.
Later, we explored small communities like Ocean Beach, with its cozy restaurants and shops that made the day feel both lively and laid-back.
I thought it was the coolest experience to take the water taxi from one community to another, hopping between beaches and boardwalks as the sun sparkled on the bay.
Evenings were peaceful—we had dinner outside, listened to the waves, and watched spectacular sunsets paint the sky in pinks and oranges.
I loved how Fire Island offered both excitement and tranquility—whether we were kayaking in the bay or just strolling barefoot in the sand.
For me, Fire Island is an underrated New York getaway, where natural beauty, coastal charm, and simple pleasures come together in the most unforgettable way.
6. Bike, Explore, and Rewind Time on Jekyll Island’s Historic Paths
I 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. Once an exclusive winter retreat for America’s wealthiest families, today much of the island is preserved as state parkland.
When we arrived on Jekyll Island, Georgia, I felt like we had stepped into a spectacular mix of history, beaches, and natural beauty all in one place.
The island’s quiet roads lined with moss-draped oaks gave us a joyful sense of slowing down, and I loved how it felt like a hidden gem compared to busier coastal spots.
We started our day at Driftwood Beach, where twisted trees scattered along the shore created the coolest, most unique backdrop for a morning walk.
Later, we explored the Jekyll Island Historic District, wandering past grand cottages once owned by America’s wealthiest families, and I thought it was absolutely awesome how much history is preserved here.
One of my favorite moments was biking the island’s many trails, with ocean views on one side and marshes alive with wildlife on the other.
Afternoons were spent swimming and lounging by the beach, and it felt spectacularly peaceful with plenty of space to relax together.
In the evening, we dined on fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant, watching the sunset light up the Golden Isles in shades of orange and pink—it was unforgettable.
I loved how Jekyll Island offered both adventure and tranquility, giving us exciting things to do but also room to simply enjoy the natural surroundings.
For me, Jekyll Island is the absolute best Georgia getaway—romantic, family-friendly, and filled with moments that linger long after you leave.
7. If Lava Flows and Starry Skies Inspire You, Discover Hawaii Island
Flying into Kona from Honolulu (about 45 minutes, $70 one way), we landed on the Big Island, the largest of Hawai?i’s islands at 4,028 square miles, bigger than all the others combined.
When we arrived on the Big Island of Hawaii, I felt like we had stepped into a spectacular world of contrasts—lush rainforests, black sand beaches, and fiery volcanoes all on one island.
Driving along the coast, I loved how every curve of the road revealed something new, from hidden waterfalls to stretches of lava rock that looked otherworldly—it felt like a hidden gem at every turn.
We spent a day exploring Hawai?i Volcanoes National Park, and standing near the crater gave us a joyful sense of awe at the raw power of nature.
One of my favorite moments was snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay, where the water was absolutely spectacular—so clear and full of colorful fish and coral.
I thought it was awesome how the island offered so much variety: one morning we were hiking through rainforest trails, and by afternoon we were relaxing on a white sand beach.
We also visited a Kona coffee farm, and sipping fresh-brewed coffee while overlooking the hills was the coolest way to connect with the island’s culture.
Evenings were magical—watching the sun sink into the Pacific and then gazing up at a sky filled with stars from Mauna Kea felt unforgettable.
I loved how the Big Island combined adventure and tranquility, letting us be as active or as relaxed as we wanted each day.
For me, the Big Island is the absolute best Hawaiian getaway—unique, diverse, and filled with memories that last long after you leave.
Conclusion: Stillness, Strangeness, and the Middle Ground
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. Some whispered me into a nap beneath live oaks. Others had me chasing wild horses or sweating up ridgelines that felt like the world’s edge. I needed both.
What tied them together wasn’t size or scenery, it was the pause. Every one of these places, in its own way, interrupted me. Pulled me out of my habits, slowed me down, reminded me that joy lives in contrast: still mornings and windburned hikes, barefoot lunches and volcanic skylines.
So whether you’re the hammock type or the bootlace kind, these islands are your reminder: there’s time to breathe, and there’s time to leap. And sometimes, if you’re lucky, the best places let you do both before lunch.
My personal highlights:
What I love most is how each island offers the best surprises, Hawaii’s volcanic landscapes, the unique coral reefs of the Florida Keys, the underrated charm of Block Island, and the wild beauty of Washington’s San Juan Islands. Each feels special and has quickly become one of my favorite island getaway experiences.
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.
