14 More US Islands That Feel Exotic

Imagine sinking your toes into warm sand, hearing waves crash in the distance, and realizing—you never even left the U.S. Surprised? You’re not alone. America’s islands often fly under the radar, but they pack a serious punch when it comes to beauty, adventure, and unforgettable experiences.

Ever explored the lush rainforests of Kauai? Or watched wild horses roam freely along the shores of Assateague Island? From the dramatic volcanic terrain of the Big Island to the pastel charm of Key West, these spots feel worlds away from the mainland hustle—yet they’re just a flight (or ferry) away.

Looking to unplug, recharge, and soak in some serious scenery without pulling out your passport? These American island getaways might just become your new favorite escape. Which one are you adding to your bucket list first?

1. Dry Tortugas, Florida

Seventy miles west of Key West lies one of America’s most remote national parks. Fort Jefferson stands majestically on Garden Key, surrounded by crystal-clear waters that shimmer in shades of turquoise and emerald.

Snorkeling here feels like swimming in an aquarium. Colorful parrotfish, angelfish, and sea turtles glide through pristine coral gardens. The fortress itself tells stories of Civil War prisoners and yellow fever outbreaks.

Getting there requires a seaplane or ferry ride, making every visit feel like a true adventure. Camping overnight transforms you into a temporary castaway on this incredible slice of paradise.

2. San Juan Islands, Washington

Pacific Northwest magic comes alive across these 172 forested islands scattered through Puget Sound. Orca whales breach nearby while you sip coffee at waterfront cafes, creating moments that feel straight out of a nature documentary.

Ferry hopping between Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan islands reveals charming villages tucked between towering Douglas firs. Local farmers markets overflow with fresh lavender, artisan cheeses, and organic produce grown in island soil.

Kayaking through calm waters offers intimate encounters with harbor seals and bald eagles. Summer brings endless daylight hours, perfect for exploring tide pools and discovering secluded beaches that few tourists ever find.

3. Block Island, Rhode Island

Dramatic clay cliffs rise 200 feet above pristine beaches on this windswept island thirteen miles off Rhode Island’s coast. Mohegan Bluffs offer panoramic views that stretch endlessly across the Atlantic Ocean, making you feel like you’re standing at the edge of the world.

Victorian hotels and gingerbread cottages line narrow streets where cars give way to bicycles and golf carts. Fresh seafood restaurants serve lobster rolls and clam chowder steps from where fishing boats dock each evening.

Rolling green hills dotted with stone walls create pastoral scenes reminiscent of rural Ireland. Summer brings wildflowers and migrating birds, while autumn offers solitude and dramatic storm watching from cozy inn windows.

4. Catalina Island, California

Mediterranean charm thrives just 22 miles off California’s coast, where wild bison roam hills above crystal-clear coves. Avalon’s colorful buildings cascade down hillsides toward a protected harbor filled with sailboats and glass-bottom tour boats.

The famous Casino building hosts big band dances while sea lions bark from nearby docks. Snorkeling reveals underwater forests of giant kelp swaying in ocean currents, home to bright orange garibaldi fish and spiny lobsters.

Zip-lining adventures soar above rugged canyons where descendants of movie-prop buffalo still graze freely. Golf carts replace cars on most streets, creating a relaxed island atmosphere that feels worlds away from bustling mainland California.

5. Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

Gingerbread cottages painted in rainbow hues create a fairy-tale setting in Oak Bluffs, where Methodist camp meetings began over 150 years ago. These tiny Victorian homes cluster around a central tabernacle, forming one of America’s most photographed neighborhoods.

Pristine beaches stretch for miles along the island’s south shore, where surf crashes against dramatic clay cliffs. Charming towns like Edgartown showcase white-shingled captain’s houses and boutique shops selling everything from handmade pottery to locally caught scallops.

Celebrity spotting happens naturally at farm stands and ice cream shops, but the island’s true magic lies in its unspoiled landscapes and maritime traditions that continue generation after generation.

6. Mackinac Island, Michigan

Step back in time where horses clip-clop along streets and fudge shops fill the air with sweet vanilla aromas. No motor vehicles have been allowed since 1898, creating an atmosphere that feels frozen in Victorian elegance.

The Grand Hotel’s 660-foot front porch overlooks Lake Huron’s sparkling waters, where ferries arrive carrying visitors to this automotive-free sanctuary. Bicycle rides reveal hidden limestone formations and wildflower meadows that few tourists explore beyond the main village.

Fort Mackinac crowns the island’s highest point, offering cannon demonstrations and panoramic views across the Straits of Mackinac. Evening brings horse-drawn carriage tours under starlit skies, creating romantic moments that feel straight from a different century entirely.

7. Kiawah Island, South Carolina

World-class golf meets pristine wilderness on this barrier island where loggerhead sea turtles nest along ten miles of unspoiled beaches. The Ocean Course challenges professional golfers while offering amateur players breathtaking views of crashing Atlantic waves.

Luxury resorts blend seamlessly into maritime forests filled with Spanish moss-draped oak trees and winding lagoons. Kayaking through tidal creeks reveals hidden ecosystems where dolphins play and great blue herons hunt in shallow waters.

Beachcombing at sunrise often rewards early risers with perfect sand dollars and colorful shells. Evening brings spectacular sunsets viewed from oceanfront restaurants serving Lowcountry specialties like shrimp and grits prepared with locally sourced ingredients from nearby Charleston markets.

8. Fire Island, New York

Car-free communities connected by wooden boardwalks create a unique beach culture just 60 miles from Manhattan. The iconic lighthouse with red and white stripes guides ships while serving as a landmark for beach lovers seeking escape from city life.

Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines welcome visitors with rainbow flags and inclusive beach parties that celebrate diversity and freedom. Pristine dunes protect nesting shorebirds while offering perfect spots for sunset photography and quiet contemplation.

Ferry rides from Long Island reveal this 32-mile barrier island’s wild beauty, where deer wander through seaside communities and ocean breezes carry the scent of salt air and beach roses blooming in cottage gardens.

9. Amelia Island, Florida

Victorian mansions line brick streets in Fernandina Beach, where eight different flags have flown throughout this island’s colorful history. Shrimp boats dock at sunset, bringing fresh catches to waterfront restaurants serving Southern comfort food with coastal flair.

Horseback riding along thirteen miles of pristine beaches creates magical moments as waves wash around horses’ hooves. The island’s unique position where the Amelia River meets the Atlantic Ocean creates diverse ecosystems perfect for fishing and wildlife watching.

Historic walking tours reveal tales of pirates, Civil War blockade runners, and railroad barons who shaped this barrier island’s character. Modern amenities blend seamlessly with old-world charm, offering luxury resorts alongside cozy bed-and-breakfast inns in restored Victorian homes.

10. Lanai, Hawaii

Once the world’s largest pineapple plantation, this secluded Hawaiian island now offers luxury and adventure in equal measure. Shipwreck Beach showcases a rusted Liberty ship stranded on coral reefs, creating an otherworldly landscape perfect for photography and exploration.

Four-wheel-drive adventures lead to hidden tide pools and ancient petroglyphs carved into volcanic rock by Polynesian settlers centuries ago. The island’s small population of 3,000 residents creates an intimate atmosphere where visitors quickly become temporary locals.

Snorkeling at Hulopoe Bay reveals spinner dolphins and tropical fish swimming in crystal-clear waters protected by a marine life conservation district. Luxury resorts offer world-class spa treatments using native Hawaiian ingredients like kukui nut oil and volcanic clay.

11. Molokai, Hawaii

The world’s highest sea cliffs tower 3,900 feet above Kalaupapa Peninsula, where Father Damien once cared for leprosy patients in isolation. Mule rides down treacherous switchback trails offer breathtaking views and historical insights into this sacred place.

Rural roads wind through coffee farms and macadamia nut groves where local families have lived for generations. The island’s motto ‘slow down, this is Molokai’ reflects a pace of life that prioritizes community connections over tourist attractions.

Pristine beaches remain virtually empty, offering solitude seekers perfect spots for meditation and whale watching during winter months. Local fishermen share stories and fresh catches at roadside stands, creating authentic cultural exchanges that feel increasingly rare in modern Hawaii.

12. Cumberland Island, Georgia

Wild horses roam pristine beaches where Carnegie family mansions slowly return to nature, creating a hauntingly beautiful landscape that feels frozen in time. These descendants of Spanish horses graze peacefully among sand dunes and salt marshes.

Maritime forests filled with live oaks draped in Spanish moss shelter over 300 bird species, making this Georgia barrier island a paradise for wildlife photographers and nature lovers. Ruins of Dungeness mansion tell stories of Gilded Age excess and eventual abandonment.

Camping under star-filled skies offers a rare chance to experience coastal wilderness without modern intrusions. Ferry access limits daily visitors, ensuring that this 36,000-acre national seashore maintains its wild character and serves as a refuge for both wildlife and weary souls.

13. Vieques, Puerto Rico

Bioluminescent waters glow bright blue with every movement in Mosquito Bay, creating one of nature’s most magical phenomena. Kayaking through mangrove channels at night feels like paddling through liquid starlight as microscopic plankton illuminate with each stroke.

Former Navy bombing ranges have transformed into pristine wildlife refuges where wild horses graze near secluded beaches. Sun Bay offers calm waters perfect for swimming, while Red Beach provides dramatic iron-rich sand that glows crimson at sunset.

Local restaurants serve fresh mofongo and cold beer steps from where fishing boats dock each evening. The island’s relaxed pace and authentic Puerto Rican culture create an atmosphere that feels both exotic and welcoming to mainland visitors seeking Caribbean charm.

14. Isle Royale, Michigan

Wolves and moose roam this roadless wilderness island in Lake Superior, creating one of the world’s longest-running predator-prey studies. Backpacking trails wind through boreal forests where loons call across pristine lakes and northern lights dance overhead.

Scuba diving reveals perfectly preserved shipwrecks in Lake Superior’s cold, clear waters, offering underwater archaeology adventures unlike anywhere else in America. The island’s isolation has preserved ecosystems that disappeared from the mainland decades ago.

Camping requires advance planning and wilderness permits, ensuring that only dedicated nature lovers experience this remote sanctuary. Seaplane flights and ferry rides from Minnesota provide the only access to this roadless paradise where silence and solitude reign supreme year-round.