These 10 Islands Scattered Across America Are Truly Fascinating
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Natasha Kayes
Author
Did you know that the United States has over 18,000 islands, coming in fifth on a list of countries with the most islands? That mind-boggling number includes U.S. territories, tiny rock islands, so-called islets, and even islands that were created by man-made canals. No two of these little (compared to mainland continents) landmasses are the same, and obviously, it would be next to impossible to describe or explore them all. Out of these thousands of unique spots, we are going to take you on a tour of 10 islands scattered across the country that are truly fascinating… and that we think everyone should see at least once.
1. Tangier Island, Virginia
Tangier is a low-lying island, rising just a few feet above sea level in Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay, with a long history. Discoveries on Tangier Island indicate that Indigenous peoples visited long before it was settled, probably drawn to the plentiful fish and shellfish. In 1608, John Smith and his crew encountered the island, but it was some 100 years before the first permanent settlers arrived.
During the War of 1812, under British control, Tangier Island served both as a military base and a refuge for runaway American slaves who fled to the island. Today, with the fort long gone and the place where it once stood eroded, Tangier is a quiet, peaceful, and friendly community where you can take a step back in time.
During the War of 1812, under British control, Tangier Island served both as a military base and a refuge for runaway American slaves who fled to the island. Today, with the fort long gone and the place where it once stood eroded, Tangier is a quiet, peaceful, and friendly community where you can take a step back in time.
Crab shanties and fishing boats on Tangier’s harbor are a living symbol of the island’s physically demanding way of life, which consists of crabbing and commercial fishing... but it isn't just the island's history and industry that make it unique.
Due to its remote location and small, tight-knit population, many of Tangier Island's residents speak with an incredibly distinct accent that's unlike anything else in the world. Some linguists compare the phonetics to 17th-century British English - similar to how early European colonists may have spoken - however, the Tangier dialect has evolved into something entirely new over the centuries and is full of idioms that are only used on this tiny little island in Virginia. Unfortunately, as the population has decreased and access to modern media has increased, the dialect is disappearing in younger generations.
Due to its remote location and small, tight-knit population, many of Tangier Island's residents speak with an incredibly distinct accent that's unlike anything else in the world. Some linguists compare the phonetics to 17th-century British English - similar to how early European colonists may have spoken - however, the Tangier dialect has evolved into something entirely new over the centuries and is full of idioms that are only used on this tiny little island in Virginia. Unfortunately, as the population has decreased and access to modern media has increased, the dialect is disappearing in younger generations.
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The small population of this shrinking island make their way around by golf cart or on foot. You can access Tangier Island only by private boat or a ferry ride from Onancock or Reedville in Virginia, or Chrisfield in Maryland. Once you arrive, there are several interesting things to do including the Tangier Island History Museum, boat and crab shanty tours, kayaking, hiking along sand dunes, bird and wildlife watching, and dining on Chesapeake Bay blue crab. Golf carts and bicycles can be rented on the island so you can spend the day exploring.
No matter what you choose to do when you arrive, make sure to strike up a conversation with the locals while you're here. One day, we may only have recordings to honor their cultural dialect and heritage with.
No matter what you choose to do when you arrive, make sure to strike up a conversation with the locals while you're here. One day, we may only have recordings to honor their cultural dialect and heritage with.
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2. Molokai, Hawaii
The tiny Pacific island of Molokai is an incredible piece of “Old Hawaii” with the very definition of a storied past. The least-explored of the Hawaiian islands, it has no tall buildings, no traffic lights, no shopping malls, and the highest sea cliffs in the world - towering nearly 4,000 feet above the ocean’s surface below. Time moves slowly here where the traditional culture and language thrive and are highly guarded.
In 1969, with new medications and an understanding of the disease, the quarantine laws were finally abolished. Several of the former patients chose to remain here for the rest of their lives. Today, the settlement sits within the Kalaupapa National Historic Park, a quiet place with only a handful of residents remaining. Public access to the area was restricted when the Covid-19 pandemic hit and, as of the time of writing, reopening is uncertain.
In this place where time seems to stand still, visitors can explore amazing beaches, including the white-sand Pāpōhaku, or “Three Mile Beach,” take a cultural hike into Hālawa Valley to a stunning waterfall, and visit the charming little town of Kaunakakai to get a sense of the life and history of Molokai.
3. Mackinac Island, Michigan
The natural beauty and charm of Mackinac Island have made it a tourist destination for centuries. This national landmark has been named the “Best Island in the Continental U.S.” by Travel & Leisure Magazine.
With over 70 miles of trails for hiking and biking, crystal waters for kayaking, natural landmarks, unbelievable sunrises and sunsets, world-famous fudge, a charming historic town, amazing dining options, and more, Mackinac Island is an unforgettable place to stay and explore. You can even take a fascinating Mackinac Bridge History Cruise that gives you a one-of-a-kind vantage point for viewing one of the largest suspension bridges in the world, as well as other famous landmarks.
With over 70 miles of trails for hiking and biking, crystal waters for kayaking, natural landmarks, unbelievable sunrises and sunsets, world-famous fudge, a charming historic town, amazing dining options, and more, Mackinac Island is an unforgettable place to stay and explore. You can even take a fascinating Mackinac Bridge History Cruise that gives you a one-of-a-kind vantage point for viewing one of the largest suspension bridges in the world, as well as other famous landmarks.
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4. Assateague Island, Maryland
What is more enchanting than a beautiful island? How about a beautiful island with long sandy beaches, maritime forests, salt marshes, legends of hidden treasure, and herds of majestic wild horses? That is, in a nutshell, Assateague Island. Stretching 37 miles along the coast of Maryland and Virginia, this narrow barrier island is nothing short of surreal, with a landscape that is constantly being shaped by the winds and waves of the sea.
However they got here, these strong and beautiful animals have adapted to surviving - and thriving - in a fairly harsh environment. Now, they draw horse-lovers, nature enthusiasts, photographers, and more to Assateague, where they can be enjoyed in their natural habitat.
5. Little Palm Island, Florida
Sitting among the famed Florida Keys, Little Palm Island’s name describes it well - a tiny island full of swaying tropical palm trees. It is truly a one-of-a-kind oasis because it is the only private island resort in North America and is the ultimate exclusive getaway.
Despite its proximity to the mainland, this paradise-like resort feels like a far-off place separated from the rest of the world. There are no phones, alarm clocks, or TVs in the resort’s rooms. Guests disconnect from distractions and connect (or reconnect) with each other and the pristine surroundings.
Despite its proximity to the mainland, this paradise-like resort feels like a far-off place separated from the rest of the world. There are no phones, alarm clocks, or TVs in the resort’s rooms. Guests disconnect from distractions and connect (or reconnect) with each other and the pristine surroundings.
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6. Alcatraz Island, California
Alcatraz is a tiny but infamous island just over a mile offshore from the San Francisco Bay. In 1934, it became a federal penitentiary, thought to be inescapable due to the cold water and strong currents surrounding it.
One of the strangest and most talked-about tales in Northern California is the mysterious escape from Alcatraz orchestrated by three inmates in 1962, a feat that was believed to be impossible. They dug their way from their cell block to an empty corridor, found their way to the water, and disappeared into the night, never to be seen or heard from again.
Finally, in 1972, Alcatraz was purchased by the National Park Service and was later designated as a National Historic Landmark. It is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in San Francisco, drawing millions to the island by ferry to tour the historic prison and other relics of the past.
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7. Prince of Wales Island, Alaska
The remote Prince of Wales Island is the third-largest island in the country and the second-largest in Alaska, distinguished by its wildly irregular shape with nearly 1,000 miles of shoreline, densely wooded wilderness areas, and steep fjords.
This island is also home to an abundance of wildlife, some of which cannot be found anywhere else. It is common to see black bears fishing for salmon, sea otters floating and feeding among the kelp beds, Sitka black-tailed deer roaming almost everywhere, sea lions and harbor seals playing and sunning themselves, humpback whales just offshore, and all sorts of sea birds.
8. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
Dry Tortugas is actually a national park in the Gulf of Mexico with seven tiny islands - Loggerhead Key, Garden Key, Bush Key, Long Key, Hospital Key, Middle Key, and East Key - over 100 square miles of water, accessible only by boat or a private seaplane. The area, which once consisted of some 11 islands has a long history, thought to have been discovered by Ponce de Leon in the 1500s.
Visitors to this remote and unusual place will find natural beauty, remarkable history, and quiet solitude, being one of the least visited parks in the country. The landscape of the park changes with the tides, seasons, and water levels. Sandbars sometimes emerge and connect islands, and at least one of the islands disappears and reappears from time to time.
Visitors to this remote and unusual place will find natural beauty, remarkable history, and quiet solitude, being one of the least visited parks in the country. The landscape of the park changes with the tides, seasons, and water levels. Sandbars sometimes emerge and connect islands, and at least one of the islands disappears and reappears from time to time.
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Visitors to the park can wander through the entire complex and even visit the cell where the fort’s most infamous resident was imprisoned. His name was Dr. Samuel Mudd, and his crime was mending the leg of John Wilkes Booth after he shot Abraham Lincoln. And if you ever have the chance to visit this fascinating place, don’t miss the breathtaking Gulf views from the roof of the fort!
9. Devils Island, Wisconsin
The 22 Apostle Islands - 21 of which make up the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore on Lake Superior - are a true natural wonderland and worth any effort to make a trip to northern Wisconsin. These protected islands have it all - vibrant old-growth forests, quiet sandy beaches, historic lighthouses, awe-inspiring rock formations, sea caves, scenic hiking trails, campgrounds, and more - spread over almost 70,000 acres of undeveloped wilderness.
Each of The Apostles, as they are commonly known, has something special to offer, from one of the largest black bear concentrations to sunken ships. But one of these islands is like something from another world.
Each of The Apostles, as they are commonly known, has something special to offer, from one of the largest black bear concentrations to sunken ships. But one of these islands is like something from another world.
Even without venturing into the caves, they will mesmerize you, from the colorful gold and red layers of sculpted sandstone to the thunderous rumbling that booms through the caves and can be heard from quite a distance when the surf swells.
10. Cumberland Island, Georgia
Georgia’s largest barrier island, Cumberland Island, is like something out of a storybook. It has a long history with indigenous peoples settling here as far back as 4,000 years ago. In the late 1700s, the island became a working plantation with crops of Sea Island cotton and an elaborate mansion known as Dungeness was built, surrounded by gardens. It burned to the ground in 1866.
A few years later, Thomas and Lucy Carnegie bought land on Cumberland Island and began building their own mansion on the site of the original Dungeness, even giving it the same name. The family left the island after the Great Depression and yet again, a fire destroyed the Dungeness mansion. Visitors can now tour these striking ruins and the still-standing Plum Orchard estate, which also belonged to the Carnegie family. You can even stay in the Carnegie family’s Greyfield Inn, built in 1900.
A few years later, Thomas and Lucy Carnegie bought land on Cumberland Island and began building their own mansion on the site of the original Dungeness, even giving it the same name. The family left the island after the Great Depression and yet again, a fire destroyed the Dungeness mansion. Visitors can now tour these striking ruins and the still-standing Plum Orchard estate, which also belonged to the Carnegie family. You can even stay in the Carnegie family’s Greyfield Inn, built in 1900.
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On Cumberland Island, you are likely to encounter a variety of wildlife including beautiful wild horses, armadillos, wild turkeys, shore birds, and sea turtles. It is a wonderful day trip destination, with the ferry from St. Mary’s making the trip a few times per day. Or you can choose to stay overnight, either camping or perhaps booking an all-inclusive stay at the historic Greyfield Inn.
Clearly, this country has some truly wondrous islands that are just begging to be explored! Have you been able to visit any of these small but mighty landmasses? How many of them are on your personal bucket list? We would love to hear from you! Tell us about your favorite island escape in the comments. Of course, you don’t have to cross the water to find amazing vacation destinations. For even more unique trip ideas, check out these eight magnificent vacation rentals scattered across the states.
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