One way to escape the crowds during a summer vacation is to head somewhere not connected to the rest of the country by road. This means islands with no bridges or parts of the country are cut off by natural features that make road access impossible.
Visiting these pristine locations may take a little more time and effort, but in the end, it is worth it as you will be able to enjoy a place without the coming and going of tourists driving through for a quick stop.
All of these locations are accessible by ferry, and some have small airports that are capable of handling private or limited commercial air traffic.
Seldovia, Alaska
Located just across Katchemak Bay from Homer, Alaska, Seldovia is a small town of 250 hearty souls who are willing to enjoy a quiet, secluded life in exchange for having to reach the rest of civilization by taking a ferry or small plane. This picturesque part of Alaska is nestled up against the rugged Katchemak Bay State Park, where the bears and glaciers far outnumber the humans living here.
Did you know that the massive 1964 earthquake that shook this region of Alaska caused the town of Seldovia to sink 4 feet? After the quake, the town had to be rebuilt on higher ground, and many of the buildings ended up in the water!
Seldovia can be reached from Homer by ferry, private water taxis, or air service (be prepared to hop on a very small plane.)
Vashon, Washington
Nestled in the center of the Puget Sound between Seattle and the Kitsap Peninsula, Vashon Island is a small island known for its slow way of life where folks are more likely to spend time on kayaks than sitting in traffic.
On the north end of the island, ferries run to both the Kitsap Peninsula and West Seattle, while the south end of the island offers regular ferry service to nearby Tacoma.
Eastsound, Washington
The San Juan Islands are located in the far Northwestern corner of Washington and are cut off from the rest of the state by the waters of the Salish Sea. These islands range from popular tourist destinations like San Juan Island to remote farming-oriented communities like Lopez Island, which are perfect for living the slow life.
Eastsound, located on Orca Island, combines the best of both worlds of touristy shops and restaurants with unforgettable wilderness opportunities throughout the island. Getting to the islands requires a ferry ride with one or more stops, so sit back and relax while you enjoy the ride to this beautiful part of the country.
Sitka, Alaska
Sitka, Alaska is located on the edge of the Pacific Ocean in Southeast Alaska. This picturesque town is one of the most beautiful places in the Alaska with its snow capped mountains, Mt. Fuji-like volcano, and stunning ocean views. The town offers unparalleled exploration opportunities in the mountains that stand high above the town and many islands that dot this part of the coastline.
Visiting Sitka requires a ride on the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry, a stopover on one of the many cruise ships that make a port of call in Sitka during the summer months, or hopping on a plane in Seattle or Anchorage.
Avalon, California
Located approximately 20 miles off the coast of Los Angeles, Avalon, California, and its sunny, uncrowded beaches feel like you’re a world away. The town of Avalon is located on Santa Catalina Island which has a rich history as a destination resort and even hosted the Chicago Cubs for their spring trainings between 1921 and 1951.
The town is served by several high-speed passenger ferries that leave from various ports on the mainland. You can also reach the island by private boat, although moorage space can be limited during busy times.
Daufuskie Island, South Carolina
Located just south of the popular and touristy Hilton Head Island, Daufuskie Island feels like you’re a world away, with most folks traveling around the island by bicycle or golf cart instead of by car or truck. This low country location relishes in the laid-back attitude that the location and climate require with lazy summer days spent exploring this 8 square mile island or lounging on the white sand beaches on the island’s east side.
You can reach the island by ferry from Hilton Head Island or by any number of private water taxis that make the short run through the Intracoastal Waterway.
Ocracoke, North Carolina
Ocracoke is a small town located in the Outer Banks region of North Carolina at the southern end of Ocracoke Island. This small village of 700 residents relishes the slow life on this long stretch of beach, where it is just as common to bike or ride a golf cart around the island as it is to drive a car. As most of the island is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, you can be assured that a visit here will afford you miles of pristine beaches to explore.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to get to this idyllic seashore town as there are 3 different ferries to choose from, with some offering passenger-only service and others also ferrying over cars.
Smith Island, Maryland
Smith Island houses three small communities and is known for being the last inhabited island in Maryland that is not accessible by road. Between the communities, there are just over 200 residents who call this little slice of land home.
One of the most interesting characteristics of this island is the unique dialect spoken by its residents that calls back to its 17th-century English settlers.
There are two ferry options that will take you to this small fishing community, where you can get a taste of the island life in a working-class setting.
Block Island, Rhode Island
Block Island is located smack dab in the middle between the exclusive enclaves of the Hamptons and Martha’s Vineyard. While it may not have the same name recognition as those wealthy locales, that doesn’t mean that Block Island is any less beautiful or worthy of a visit aboard the numerous ferries that shuttle visitors from New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.
Peaks Island, Maine
Peaks Island is one of dozens of islands located in the Casco Bay just outside of Portland, Maine. These islands range from offshore bedroom communities like Peaks Island to islands so small they could barely hold a single building.
Peaks Island is the most inhabited of the islands, which means it has all the typical touristy offerings, like an ice cream parlor, B&Bs, restaurants, and a grocery store. Head to the island’s east side for its rocky shores and stunning views out over the other islands of the bay before you hit the mighty Atlantic Ocean.
Getting to the island is easy, with numerous daily departures from downtown Portland.
Swans Island, Maine
If you’re looking for an island visit in Maine a bit more off the beaten path then Swans Island may offer just what you need. Located 3 1/2 hours north of Portland, ME, this heavily forested island offers numerous hiking trails, secluded bays, and real-life lobster fishing, as this is the island’s main industry.
The island only has a handful of lodging options, so you can expect a lot more peace and quiet than typical tourist activities in this little slice of Northeastern wilderness.
Despite its small population, the ferry shuttles back and forth between the mainland multiple times a day, so it is perfect for day trips as well as overnight visits.
Mackinac, Michigan
Mackinac, Michigan is proof that you don’t need to be on the ocean to be a remote island only accessible by ferry. This tourist destination between the Upper and Lower Michigan peninsulas is a favorite for its car-free streets, carriage rides, and world-famous fudge. The island was even ranked the #1 island in the continental US in 2022 by Travel + Leisure!
Reaching the island by ferry is a breeze as ferries run every 30 minutes from both the upper and lower peninsulas.
Washington Island, Wisconsin
Lake Michigan gets in on the fun as well with this tiny Wisconsin Island that offers up a glimpse of what this area was before tourists flooded the southern Door County towns. Getting here requires crossing the ominous-sounding Death’s Door Passage, but once you’ve arrived, you can bike or drive the islands 40 miles to roads and enjoy the idyllic setting and a Door County fish boil.
