If you’re daydreaming about going on a holiday where you can completely relax and forget your problems and responsibilities, here’s something you should know: there are lots of secret islands in the US waiting for you to explore. In fact, there are so many options to choose from that a lifetime isn’t enough to visit all of them.
We obviously won’t describe them all—that would make for a very long list—but we’ve made sure to round up those secret islands that truly stand out, offering an unforgettable experience. These under-the-radar destinations are the kind of places where you can take a break from the daily hustle and bustle and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Depending on what you’re looking for—a remote luxury resort, a secret artists’ retreat, or a 32-mile canoe trail—our country has a great collection of secret islands. And if it’s the getaway you’re looking for, you can step up the game and charter or book a boat (or even a seaplane if your budget allows) to explore these secret (and not-so-secret) places.
Let’s get started!
1. Great Diamond Island, Maine
Twenty-five minutes from Portland, Maine, by ferry, this place is one of the most picturesque in the US and the quintessence of secluded Northeast living. Besides the views, what’s also special about this secret island is that only 77 people inhabit it. But wait, there’s something even more impressive: they navigate through the limited network of roads with bicycles and golf carts.
No cars are allowed here, which is perfect if you want to escape the grind of city life. You can traverse acres of old-growth forests, enjoy the sun on one of the island’s unsheltered beaches, or chill at the Inn at Diamond Cove.
Reading enthusiasts may want to know that Harriet Beecher Stowe and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, two literary greats, frequented this secret island, which was known as an artists’ retreat.
2. Little Palm Island, Florida
Now, not all secret islands are rustic. If you’re looking for a fancy island to spend your next holiday on, Little Palm Island is the ideal destination for you. Located off the Florida Keys, this destination is America’s only private island resort, and A-list celebrities, presidents, and in-the-know honeymooners have spent their holidays in this hidden oasis.
When guests arrive (by boat or by seaplane), they are greeted by thatch-roofed bungalows in the style of the British West Indies. There are 15 buildings like this, and none of them have TVs or phones. Although wifi is available, this secret island markets itself as a getaway destination from the modern world.
So, what’s left to do? Plenty of things, actually! If you enjoy physical activities, you can go sailing in the ocean or have an adventure with paddle boards. Those who want to relax can lounge on the beach or in the pool with no children in sight (the island is only for adults).
3. Admiralty Island, Alaska
Southeast Alaska has quite a few lovely, secret islands. The one we choose to present to you is Admiralty Island, a destination with only one settlement and about 650 people who call it home. You won’t find signs of innovation here as the area is legislatively protected, so most of the place remains preserved in honor of the wildlife and native Tlingit people.
Explore this sacred island with care, and if you want to do something different, check out the 32-mile Cross Admiralty Canoe Route. While the journey isn’t too challenging, the difficulty is moderate, so make sure you’re ready for some cardio.
Once you start the train across a series of streams, lakes, and trail portages, there are several shelters and cabins for campers along the way. Will you run into some wildlife, too? Well, most definitely. This secret island has the highest concentration of grizzly bears in North America, outnumbering the residents by a nearly three-to-one ratio.
4. The Channel Islands, California
Also known as the “Galapagos of America”, the Channel Islands are an eight-atoll archipelago located off the coast of California. Seven of them have no shops, restaurants, or lodging (unless you carry your own tent with you). But they do have to offer one of the country’s most remote and unique national parks.
If you choose these secret islands for your next holiday, you’ll be able to hike oceanfront trails, explore sea caves, and kayak through kelp forests while spotting whales, dolphins, and sea lions. While you can explore each of the eight islands, Catalina is the only inhabited one in the archipelago. Its epicenter is Avalon, a resort town where sailboats and yachts pull up to ritzy beach clubs.
5. Cuttyhunk Island, Massachusetts
History buffs may argue that this secret island is the first English settlement in New England (at some point in 1602, it served as a small outpost for harvesting sassafras), while literary buffs may hold the controversial opinion that it inspired Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”.
No matter which side you’re on, this destination off the Massachusetts coast is short on people but full of history. The piece of land is only 1.5 miles long, with half of it being a nature reserve. There are only 10 people that live here year-round, but during the summer months, tourism flourishes, and most visitors get around by golf cart or bike.
Picnickers can enjoy lovely spots packed with history, such as a World War II lookout, and you can try the delicious striped bass (fun fact: the island is known for big striped bass; two world-record catches of 73 pounds each have been documented here).
6. Cumberland Island, Georgia
What could be more wonderful than a secret island populated by wild horses? Cumberland Island, the largest barrier island in Georgia, is preserved as a National Seashore, and once you’re there, you’ll understand why. This destination is the perfect place to get away and explore the stunning surroundings.
Take a ferry from the mainland to see the ruins of the Dungeness Mansion and other abandoned houses that have been preserved as historic buildings. You can either spend the night at one of five campgrounds (three of them are wilderness sites) or stay at the Greyfield Inn, the island’s only hotel.
Get ready to see wild horses on the dune meadows, as well as other wildlife like armadillos and sea turtles throughout the island.
7. Block Island, Rhode Island
The Nature Conservancy named Block Island one of the “Last Great Places” due to its quiet atmosphere and natural beauty. This secret island is about 12 miles off the coast of Rhode Island, and although it can get quite busy during the summer months, there are many freshwater ponds, picturesque lighthouses, and secluded beaches on the far side of the atoll.
Hike to Mohegan Bluffs, try mudslides at The Oar, and swim at Mansion Beach. Since there are no bridges, you can take a ferry from Point Judith, an option that’s available year-round. Or you can board a seasonal ferry from Fall River and Newport as well as New London and Montauk (there’s even a port here if you’re fancy). Even without a car, there are many ways to get around this secret island and explore its hotels, restaurants, bars, and beaches. Taxis are available, too.
8. Shelter Island, New York
This island is probably one of the best-kept secrets of Long Island’s East End. The secluded area has 12,000 square miles of land and feels like a world apart with its country roads filled with farms and vineyards, despite its proximity to Manhattan.
A 10-minute ferry ride from Greenport Village, this secret island has very little nightlife, offering you a slice of serenity you’ll hardly find anywhere else. Unlike its famous counterpart, the Hamptons, guests can enjoy breathtaking hiking trails, pristine beaches, and lovely cafés that are, without a doubt, picturesque and, of course, free from crowds.
As a summer destination, Shelter Island comes alive from June to August, but it’s still a peaceful place to relax.
You may also want to read 7 Relaxing US Beaches to Escape This Tough Winter.
