Your Top 10 National Park Island Getaways
Do you feel that call? That uncontrollable urge to cross the water, to leave it all behind and just disappear for a while. Good news! America has hidden gems tucked away in its National Parks: islands that are true paradises. Here, you’ll find the absolute peace, the romance you crave, the adventure that will thrill you, or the excitement of discovering something new. Our National Park System is full of them—some huge, others tiny, all ready for you to lose yourself in their charms, whether for a few hours or a dream vacation.
Get ready, because today I’m taking you on a journey through ten of the most incredible island getaways you’ll never forget.
1. Isle Royale, Michigan: Where the Wild Calls Out
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Imagine this: a wild, remote island, yet completely accessible if you dare to cross the cold waters of Lake Superior. That’s Isle Royale National Park in Michigan, an authentic northern woods experience awaiting you. Did you know it’s the largest island in the world’s largest freshwater lake? Yes, it’s that impressive! Here, you’ll find everything from cabins to well-equipped campgrounds and miles upon miles of pristine nature, but only between April and October—it hibernates in the winter! To get there, most people hop on one of the four ferries from Minnesota or Michigan, though the more adventurous opt for a half-hour seaplane flight.
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Once you arrive, prepare for total immersion. You could spend the day exploring trails through mixed pine and hardwood forests or kayaking along its rocky shores. If you dare to camp by its lakes, you’ll fall asleep to the serenade of wolves and wake up to the peculiar “laughter” of loons. There are a thousand ways to discover Isle Royale, from rustic campsites to guided boat tours. While a day trip is possible, I strongly recommend staying for several days; one day will leave you wanting more. A word of advice: come prepared, be realistic about your physical limits, and don’t try to take on too much, either on land or by paddle!
2. Cumberland Island, Georgia: History and Beaches That Embrace You
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If you’re looking for dreamy beaches and a wild embrace of wetlands and forests, this 18-mile barrier island at Cumberland Island National Seashore in Georgia is your destination, perfect for a complete disconnect or a healthy dose of adventure. History lovers will feel like they’re in paradise, with everything from ancient Native American shell mounds to vestiges of European settlements, the footprint of African American slavery, and post-emancipation communities. It was even a favorite retreat for the wealthy Carnegie family, and some of their mansions are still preserved! A regular ferry takes you to Cumberland Island from St. Marys, Georgia, but if you have your own boat, you can anchor nearby. The bravest visitors even arrive by kayak!
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Although there are still a few private properties and an inn where you can stay, what truly makes Cumberland special are its vast areas of pristine wilderness and its fine-sand Atlantic beaches. Picture yourself cycling its paths or exploring its trails on foot. Sometimes, a lightning bolt illuminates the purple sky over this National Park site, creating an unforgettable spectacle.
3. Channel Islands, California: America’s Galápagos at Your Fingertips
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Did you know that despite being just off the bustling coast of Southern California, Channel Islands National Park is a relatively well-kept secret? Those who venture on the boat (or seaplane) trip across the Santa Barbara Channel discover a world of five main islands with biodiversity of global importance! In fact, they are sometimes called the “Galápagos of North America.” From rare birds to the majestic blue whale—the largest animal on Earth—the Channel Islands are like a live-action nature film.
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All the islands are perfect for day trips (the closest, Anacapa, is just a 90-minute boat ride away). Even a short visit will allow you to spot seals, sea lions, sea otters, and more than two dozen species of whales in its waters! Oh, and let’s not forget the largest seabird colonies in Southern California. Want more? There are campgrounds on all five islands, and you can backcountry camp on Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa. But if you’re seeking a true adventure, expert kayakers can explore breathtaking cliffs and the famous Painted Cave on Santa Cruz, one of the largest and deepest sea caves in the world, stretching nearly a quarter-mile long. It will leave you speechless!
4. Acadia (Isle au Haut), Maine: A Coastal Secret
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Most of the beautiful Acadia National Park is located on Mount Desert Island, but it’s well worth the extra effort to get to know Isle au Haut! It’s a much smaller island (about 5,500 acres) located about 18 miles southwest of Mount Desert. To get there, you take a mail boat from the charming town of Stonington. This unique form of access limits the number of visitors and gives it an air of isolation that you’re going to love.
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Much of the island can be explored on a day trip, meandering along trails that take you through forests, meadows, and rocky coastlines. If you’re looking for even greater solitude, book a campsite at Duck Harbor. Sleeping on Isle au Haut will allow you to enjoy magical sunrises and sunsets in a place that feels much more remote than it actually is.
5. Cape Lookout, North Carolina: Endless Beaches and Wild Horses
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North Carolina’s Outer Banks are famous for good reason: Atlantic barrier islands with endless beaches, excellent fishing, historic lighthouses, and incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. But Cape Lookout National Seashore, which includes three main islands (North Core Banks, South Core Banks, and Shackleford Banks), is on another level. You can only reach it by commercial ferries from four mainland communities, and facilities are minimal (though some ferries can transport your car). The result: fewer people and much more solitude than on other Outer Banks islands.
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More reasons to visit? Climb the 163-foot lighthouse, explore the historic Portsmouth Village, marvel at the wild horses, hunt for incredible seashells, camp at a primitive site far from everyone, or simply lie in the sun, feel the sand beneath your feet, and the salty breeze on a deserted beach. It’s pure magic!
6. Apostle Islands, Wisconsin: Lake Superior is Calling
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After gathering information at the visitor center in the small, charming town of Bayfield in northern Wisconsin, get ready for an unforgettable boat ride! You can explore some of the 21 islands that make up this Lake Superior park, part of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Eighteen of them allow camping, and six even have historic lighthouses! Eighty percent of the National Lakeshore is designated as wilderness, which means a virtually untouched island environment awaits you.
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Sea kayaking is a very popular way to tour the islands (you can rent one in the park), but be warned: Lake Superior’s weather is notoriously unpredictable and its waters can be very rough, so paddling experience is strongly recommended. If you’re looking for a true escape, consider this: nearly half of the campsites across the 21 islands are concentrated on a single one, Stockton Island. Wilderness campsites are available, and the park has created a camping zone system to ensure you find the solitude you crave.
7. Gulf Islands, Florida & Mississippi: Sugar-White Sand Beaches
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This Gulf Coast park, Gulf Islands National Seashore, encompasses 12 separate units in both Florida and Mississippi, on the mainland and on islands. But if you’re a true island lover, you’ll want to visit the four Mississippi islands where primitive camping is allowed: East Ship, Horn, Petit Bois, and part of Cat Island. With breathtaking white-sand beaches (the sand comes from quartz eroded in the Appalachian Mountains and carried here by rivers!), these pristine islands offer beauty, nature, and incredible solitude. You just need your own boat or a charter for the nearly 12-mile trip from the mainland. Don’t forget to look for bottlenose dolphins along the way!
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Swimming, fishing, hiking, bird watching, and shelling are popular activities. If you plan to camp, be sure to bring your own food and water to the islands! And don’t forget extra supplies in case the weather delays your return, plus insect repellent, mosquito nets, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit. The policy here is strict: “pack it in, pack it out,” but the wild beauty and solitude of this place make all the planning and preparation absolutely worth it.
8. Sleeping Bear Dunes (North & South Manitou Islands), Michigan: Dunes and Lighthouses on Lake Michigan
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Most people visit Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan to swim, play on its high dunes, or explore historic sites on the mainland. But a lucky few have discovered the park’s two wild islands: North and South Manitou. The first, about 8 by 4 miles, is a designated wilderness area open to backpackers, except for a small 20-acre area around a village site. South Manitou, about 3 by 3 miles, is more developed, with camping allowed only at three official park sites. To reach both, commercial ferries depart from the charming town of Leland.
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In addition to several historic buildings, South Manitou offers an imposing 104-foot lighthouse dating back to 1871, from which you’ll have a spectacular panoramic view of Lake Michigan. It’s an absolute must-see!
9. Biscayne, Florida: An Aquatic Paradise Near the City
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The wonderful aquatic expanse of Biscayne National Park—95% of this Miami-area park is water, between Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean—has much more to offer than just diving, snorkeling, and boating. You can take a commercial boat tour to visit Elliott Key, once a thriving maritime community and now a park site with campgrounds, swimming areas, and a seven-mile trail. Boca Chita Key, also accessible by tour boat, offers camping and an ornamental 65-foot lighthouse built by a former island-owning industrialist. When open, the lighthouse’s observation deck provides a stunning view of the bay and the city’s skyscrapers. If you have your own boat, you can explore Adams Key, which once housed an exclusive fishing club visited by several U.S. presidents.
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The best way to explore Biscayne’s islands is by kayak or canoe. This allows you to glide through shallow channels and lagoons, spotting sharks, rays, wading birds, and, with a bit of luck, a manatee or a sea turtle! It’s a magical experience.
10. Theodore Roosevelt Island, D.C.: The Capital’s Green Respite
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What’s an 88-acre island in the middle of a metropolitan area doing on a list of “wild” islands? In its own way, this D.C. park on the Potomac River, the Theodore Roosevelt Island National Memorial, is a cherished green escape—a peaceful respite from urban bustle for the capital’s residents. Acquired in 1932 to honor our greatest conservationist president, Theodore Roosevelt Island offers 2.5 miles of trails through woodlands that feel a world away from civilization. You’ll also find a statue of Roosevelt and stone monuments inscribed with some of his most inspiring quotes. Without a doubt, if this park had been accessible during his presidency, Teddy would have “escaped” from a cabinet meeting now and then to enjoy nature here, just as he loved to roam nearby Rock Creek Park for birdwatching and practicing the “strenuous life” he so famously promoted. A true oasis!
