Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life? The United States is dotted with secluded island towns that offer serene landscapes, rich histories, and a chance to truly disconnect. These hidden gems boast unspoiled nature, unique cultures, and a pace of life that’s refreshingly slow. Whether you’re an artist seeking inspiration, a history buff, or someone craving a quiet retreat, these islands have something special to offer. Join us as we count down ten of the most secluded towns on islands in the U.S., each one a haven waiting to be discovered.
10. Monhegan Island, Maine – An Artist’s Seaside Retreat
Monhegan Island is a small, remote community with an approximate year-round population of just 65 residents. The island is renowned for its rugged cliffs, picturesque lighthouse, and breathtaking ocean views that have inspired artists for over a century. Visitors can explore miles of hiking trails, visit local art galleries, and observe abundant wildlife, including migratory birds and seals. There are no cars on the island, and the primary industries are fishing and tourism, which add to its timeless charm. Monhegan’s seclusion stems from its isolation from the mainland and its commitment to preserving a peaceful, undeveloped environment. It’s a place where you can disconnect from modern distractions and immerse yourself in natural beauty and creative inspiration.
Where is Monhegan Island?
Monhegan Island is located about 10 miles off the coast of Maine, in Lincoln County. Its remote position in the Atlantic Ocean contributes to its tranquil atmosphere, far removed from the mainland’s hustle. The island’s seclusion is enhanced by limited access; it’s reachable only by passenger ferry from nearby coastal towns like Port Clyde, New Harbor, and Boothbay Harbor. Without any paved roads or cars, Monhegan offers a unique experience where getting around means walking the trails and paths that crisscross the island.
9. Tangier Island, Virginia – A Vanishing Island Community
Tangier Island is a small community with a population of around 700 people, many of whom are descendants of the original settlers from the 17th century. The island is renowned for its crabbing industry, particularly the soft-shell blue crab, which is the backbone of the local economy. Visitors can enjoy exploring the quaint streets lined with crab shanties, sampling fresh seafood, and learning about the island’s unique history and culture. Tangier’s residents speak with a distinctive dialect that traces back to their English ancestors, adding to the island’s charm. The island’s seclusion is due to its remote location in the Chesapeake Bay and limited accessibility. Rising sea levels pose a threat to the island’s future, making it a compelling destination for those interested in experiencing a way of life that may soon disappear.
Where is Tangier Island?
Tangier Island is situated in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay, approximately 12 miles from mainland Virginia. Its isolation is amplified by its small size and the surrounding waters, which can make travel challenging. The island is accessible only by boat or small aircraft, with daily ferries running from Crisfield, Maryland, and Reedville, Virginia, during the warmer months. This limited access contributes to Tangier’s secluded feel, offering visitors a step back in time to a tight-knit community that has remained relatively unchanged for generations.
8. Daufuskie Island, South Carolina – Secluded Southern Charm
Daufuskie Island boasts a small population of about 400 full-time residents, offering an intimate setting rich in history and natural beauty. The island is accessible only by ferry, ensuring a peaceful atmosphere free from crowds. Visitors can explore pristine beaches, visit the historic First Union African Baptist Church, and discover the island’s rich Gullah culture, which dates back to the descendants of freed slaves. The main industries include tourism and artisan crafts, such as indigo dyeing and oyster harvesting. Daufuskie’s seclusion is a result of its lack of a connecting bridge to the mainland and its commitment to preserving its unspoiled landscapes. With sandy roads and limited commercial development, the island feels worlds away from modern life’s hustle.
Where is Daufuskie Island?
Located between Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia, Daufuskie Island sits at the southern tip of South Carolina in the Atlantic Ocean. Its isolation comes from being surrounded by the Calibogue Sound and the Intracoastal Waterway, which make it accessible only by boat. Ferries and private water taxis transport visitors and residents across the water, enhancing the feeling of escaping to a hidden paradise. The absence of bridges and reliance on golf carts for transportation on the island contribute to its secluded and laid-back atmosphere.
7. Lopez Island, Washington – The Friendly Isle of the San Juans
Lopez Island is home to around 2,500 residents who are known for their warm hospitality; it’s common practice to wave at every passerby. The island offers a peaceful rural landscape, with rolling farmlands, quiet coves, and serene shorelines perfect for biking, kayaking, and bird watching. Local industries include agriculture, art, and small-scale tourism, with farmers’ markets and artisan shops dotting the island. Lopez Island’s seclusion is due to its remote location within the San Juan Islands and a slower pace of life that prioritizes community and nature. Visitors can enjoy hidden gems like Shark Reef Sanctuary and Spencer Spit State Park, which offer stunning views without the crowds.
Where is Lopez Island?
Lopez Island is one of the San Juan Islands in the Puget Sound of Washington State, situated northeast of Seattle. Accessible by ferry from Anacortes or by private boat, the island lacks the bustle of nearby Orcas or San Juan Island. Its secluded nature is bolstered by limited development and a focus on preserving the natural environment. The ferry ride itself is a scenic introduction to the island’s tranquility, and once there, visitors often rely on bicycles or cars to explore the serene landscape.
6. Isle au Haut, Maine – Solitude Amidst Acadia’s Wilderness
Isle au Haut has a small year-round population of about 70 people, swelling slightly during the summer months. As part of Acadia National Park, the island offers unspoiled wilderness with rugged terrain, wooded trails, and stunning ocean vistas. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, biking, and picnicking in serene settings like Duck Harbor. The main industries are lobster fishing and limited tourism, with a focus on sustainability and preserving the island’s natural beauty. Isle au Haut’s seclusion is heightened by its limited infrastructure and commitment to minimal development. Visitors seeking solitude will find a peaceful escape from the busy mainland.
Where is Isle au Haut?
Located off the coast of Stonington in Maine’s Penobscot Bay, Isle au Haut is accessible only by mailboat ferry, which runs seasonally and with limited service in winter. The island’s remote location and the challenging waters of the bay contribute to its isolated feel. With no car rentals and few amenities, getting around means walking or biking along quiet roads and trails. The restricted access and the island’s rugged terrain make it a secluded haven for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.
5. Ocracoke, North Carolina – Hidden Gem of the Outer Banks
Ocracoke Village is a tight-knit community with about 950 residents who cherish their island’s rich history and natural beauty. Accessible only by ferry, private boat, or small plane, Ocracoke offers pristine beaches, the historic Ocracoke Lighthouse, and opportunities to see the famed wild ponies. The main industries are tourism and fishing, with local businesses catering to visitors seeking a quiet beach getaway. The island’s seclusion is due to its remote location at the southern end of the Outer Banks and its limited accessibility. Its unspoiled dunes and relaxed atmosphere make it a perfect destination for those looking to escape the crowds.
Where is Ocracoke?
Ocracoke Island is situated off the coast of North Carolina, part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Its isolation is amplified by its position between Pamlico Sound and the Atlantic Ocean, with no bridges connecting it to the mainland or other islands. Visitors reach Ocracoke via a state-run ferry from Hatteras Island or ferries from Swan Quarter and Cedar Island on the mainland. The journey itself enhances the sense of adventure and seclusion, leading to an island where the pace slows, and nature takes center stage.
4. Beaver Island, Michigan – The Emerald Isle of the Great Lakes
Beaver Island, with a population of around 600 year-round residents, is the largest island in Lake Michigan. Known for its dense forests, sandy beaches, and clear waters, it’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, fishing, and bird watching. The island has a rich Irish heritage, celebrated annually at the Irish Festival, and the main industries include tourism and small-scale agriculture. Beaver Island’s seclusion comes from its distance from the mainland and its unspoiled natural environment. With limited commercial development, it offers a tranquil retreat far from the urban rush.
Where is Beaver Island?
Located approximately 32 miles offshore from Charlevoix, Michigan, Beaver Island is accessible by ferry or small plane. The island’s remote location in the middle of Lake Michigan means journeys to and from the mainland take about two hours by ferry. This isolation is enhanced by its surrounding waters, which can be treacherous during storms, contributing to the island’s sense of solitude. Once on the island, visitors can explore by car, bicycle, or on foot, reveling in the peaceful ambiance of the Great Lakes’ largest inhabited island.
3. Little Gasparilla Island, Florida – An Unplugged Paradise
Little Gasparilla Island is a barrier island with no official census, but it’s estimated to have a small community of part-time residents and a few dozen full-time inhabitants. The island is car-free, with sandy pathways leading to secluded Gulf beaches perfect for shelling, fishing, and watching sunsets. The primary “industries” are vacation rentals and a relaxed lifestyle, with residents and visitors embracing the unplugged atmosphere. The seclusion is a result of the island’s inaccessibility, as there are no bridges connecting it to the mainland and no commercial developments like stores or restaurants. This makes Little Gasparilla an ideal spot for those looking to disconnect and enjoy Florida’s natural beauty.
Where is Little Gasparilla Island?
Situated off the southwest coast of Florida, Little Gasparilla Island lies between Sarasota and Fort Myers in Charlotte County. The island is accessible only by private boat or water taxi from Placida, enhancing its secluded feel. With no roads or cars, transportation on the island is by golf cart or foot, contributing to its laid-back charm. The absence of public facilities and limited access ensure that the beaches remain uncrowded, offering visitors a tranquil slice of paradise.
2. Stuart Island, Washington – The Secluded Jewel of the San Juans
Stuart Island has a tiny population of fewer than 10 year-round residents, making it one of the most secluded islands in the San Juan archipelago. The island is known for its pristine natural beauty, including quiet coves, forested trails, and opportunities for boating and wildlife viewing. There are no public services, stores, or restaurants, and the main attractions include hiking to the Turn Point Lighthouse and enjoying the surrounding marine parks. The lack of industry and minimal human impact make it a haven for solitude seekers and nature lovers. Stuart Island’s seclusion is a product of its inaccessibility and the absence of commercial development.
Where is Stuart Island?
Stuart Island is located in the northwestern corner of Washington State’s San Juan Islands, near the Canadian border. Accessible only by private boat or seaplane, it does not have ferry service, which significantly limits visitor access. The island’s remote location and the surrounding straits contribute to its sense of isolation. Once on the island, exploration is on foot, with trails leading to scenic vistas and the historic lighthouse. The challenges in reaching Stuart Island make visiting it a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience.
1. Sapelo Island, Georgia – Preserving Gullah-Geechee Heritage
Sapelo Island is home to a small community of around 70 residents, primarily descendants of the Gullah-Geechee people who have preserved their African-American heritage for generations. Visitors can explore the island’s rich cultural history, visit the Sapelo Island Lighthouse, and enjoy the unspoiled beaches and maritime forests. The main industries are limited to research, due to the presence of the University of Georgia Marine Institute, and minimal tourism. The island’s seclusion is a result of its protected status and commitment to preserving both cultural and natural resources. This makes Sapelo Island a unique destination where history and nature intertwine in a tranquil setting.
Where is Sapelo Island?
Sapelo Island is located off the coast of Georgia, between Savannah and Jacksonville, in McIntosh County. Accessible only by state-run ferry or private boat from the town of Meridian, the island’s isolation is enhanced by its restricted access—visitors must have permission or be part of an organized tour to visit. The lack of commercial development and controlled access help preserve the island’s secluded environment. Getting to Sapelo Island requires advance planning, but the journey rewards travelers with an authentic glimpse into a secluded community rich in heritage and natural beauty.
