12 Stunning U.S. Islands to Visit Without a Passport
Experience breathtaking sunsets over shimmering waters, the soothing rhythm of waves, and a profound escape from everyday life. Islands provide unmatched tranquility and natural beauty. While international travel is appealing, the United States offers exceptional islands accessible without a passport. Here are 12 standout destinations.
NORTHEAST
1. Mount Desert Island, Maine
Home to Acadia National Park and the historic, upscale town of Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island spans 108 square miles of rocky coastlines, evergreen forests, and crystal-clear lakes. It represents some of America's earliest luxury retreats, with a glacier-carved landscape that inspired conservation efforts by luminaries like the Rockefellers, Fords, Vanderbilts, and Carnegies.
How to get there: Accessible by car via Bar Harbor Road. Out-of-state visitors can fly into Bangor International Airport (1 hour away) or Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (15 minutes away).
2. Shelter Island, New York
Off the eastern tip of Long Island, Shelter Island offers the charm of the Hamptons with less formality. One-third of the island is preserved by The Nature Conservancy, featuring marshlands and trails for nature and bird-watching. The remainder includes some of America's oldest buildings, with Shelter Island Heights listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its unchanged rural residences since 1872.
How to get there: About a 3-4 hour drive from New York City via I-495 E, followed by the South Ferry (no bridges). Out-of-state visitors should fly into New York City and drive.
SOUTHEAST
3. St. Simons Island, Georgia
Named America's No. 1 Favorite Beach Town in 2014 by Travel + Leisure for its "triple threat of southern charm, serenity, and affordability," this 18-square-mile Atlantic island features pristine white-sand beaches, ancient oaks, and lush golf courses. Bike or trolley tours lead to historic plantations and the iconic 1872 lighthouse.
How to get there: By car via Torras Causeway. Out-of-state visitors can fly into Jacksonville International Airport or Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (90 minutes away), or Brunswick Golden Isles Airport (20 minutes away).
4. Ocracoke, North Carolina
The southernmost Outer Banks island boasts majestic wild ponies, 13 miles of pristine beaches, and the East Coast's oldest lighthouse. Settled in the 1750s, Ocracoke offers seaside recreation, exploration, and relaxation, plus over 250 historic structures and Civil War artifacts for history enthusiasts.
How to get there: By ferry, boat, or small plane. Out-of-state visitors can fly into Norfolk International Airport or Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (both ~2 hours away).
FLORIDA
5. Amelia Island, Florida
Shaped by French, Spanish, English, and Mexican influences over 400+ years, Amelia Island features 13 miles of Atlantic coastline, premier golf courses, and a historic district in Fernandina Beach with unique shops and dining. Consistently ranked among the Top 10 U.S. Islands by Condé Nast Traveler.
How to get there: By car via FL-200. Out-of-state visitors can fly into Jacksonville International Airport (30 minutes away).
6. Key West, Florida
Key West's remote isolation, subtropical climate, and stunning landscapes have drawn figures like Ernest Hemingway and Jimmy Buffett. Stroll palm-lined streets past century-old gingerbread homes, world-class seafood spots, and shops. World-renowned for fishing, diving, snorkeling, and boating.
How to get there: Fly into Key West International Airport or arrive by cruise.
MIDWEST
(Yes, the Midwest has islands.)
7. Isle Royale, Michigan
Described by National Geographic as "a destination for the truly dedicated explorer," Isle Royale National Park spans 45 miles. Adventurers hike wild trails, spot wolves and moose, and camp freely—no designated sites.
How to get there: By boat or seaplane. Thunder Bay International Airport in Ontario is the closest.
8. Mackinac Island, Michigan
In Lake Huron off Michigan's Upper Peninsula, this 3.8-square-mile island blends history, charm, and beauty. A National Historic Landmark with no motor vehicles since the 1890s, it features one of America's oldest state parks and renowned fudge—10,000 lbs produced daily in peak season.
How to get there: St. Ignace-Mackinac Ferry. Out-of-state visitors fly into Chippewa County International Airport, drive 40 minutes to St. Ignace, then ferry.
WEST COAST & HAWAII
9. Orcas Island, Washington
Known as "the gem of the San Juans," Orcas Island's 57 square miles include rolling hills, lakes, hamlets, and woodlands. Enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, swimming, or cruising amid extraordinary wildlife and scenery.
How to get there: Washington State Ferry from Anacortes. Out-of-state visitors fly into Seattle-Tacoma or Vancouver International Airports (~75 minutes away).
10. Catalina Island, California
22 miles from Los Angeles, Catalina evokes undeveloped Southern California (per Fodor's), with clean waters ideal for diving, snorkeling, and kayaking, plus zip-lining. Home to over 200 bison from a 1920s film crew, it hosted Chicago Cubs spring training and was a Marilyn Monroe residence.
How to get there: 1-hour boat or 15-minute helicopter from San Pedro, Long Beach, Newport Beach, or Dana Point. Fly into Long Beach, John Wayne, or LAX.
11. Santa Cruz Island, California
Managed by the National Park Service and The Nature Conservancy, this 96-square-mile island hosts 600+ plant species, diverse wildlife, and one of the world's largest sea caves. Access by foot, kayak, or private boat only—no island transportation.
How to get there: Island Packers boat from Ventura. Out-of-state visitors fly into LAX and drive 90 minutes.
12. Kauai, Hawaii
The oldest Hawaiian island features diverse landscapes: lush rainforests (440+ inches annual rainfall), mountains, cliffs, beaches, reefs, deserts, and swamps. Filming location for "South Pacific," "Jurassic Park," and "The Descendants," it's a natural treasure.
How to get there: Fly into Lihue Airport.
