Island Escapes: 14 Remote Destinations for American Travelers Seeking Peace

Chart a course to tranquil shores where gentle waves, quiet landscapes, and a slower pace create the perfect escape from everyday bustle.

Craving an escape from the crowds and chaos? America is home to a surprising array of remote islands where peace and solitude reign. From windswept coasts to sun-drenched tropical hideaways, these secluded gems offer the ultimate retreat for those seeking tranquility. Whether you dream of misty forests, quiet beaches, or wildlife encounters, these 14 remote islands promise a blissful sanctuary far from the everyday rush.

1. Drift Away on Maine’s Monhegan Island

According to Travel + Leisure, Monhegan Island, ten miles off the coast of Maine, is a haven for artists, hikers, and anyone yearning for quietude. With no cars and only a handful of year-round residents, the island’s rugged cliffs and pine forests invite exploration at your own pace. Stroll along winding trails, watch lobster boats bob in the harbor, and take in sweeping Atlantic views that inspire a sense of timeless calm.

Those who visit quickly discover that the island’s small community fosters a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere. You’ll find cozy inns, a handful of galleries, and a lighthouse perched above the crashing surf. Evenings are spent stargazing or listening to the wind through the trees, making Monhegan a true sanctuary for those seeking to unplug and recharge.

2. Escape to Alaska’s Kodiak Island for Wild Solitude

Kodiak Island, off Alaska’s southern coast, is renowned for its untamed landscapes and abundant wildlife, as mentioned by Travel Alaska. Vast stretches of wilderness, towering mountains, and pristine rivers create a backdrop for true solitude. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike, fish, or kayak in near-total seclusion, often sharing the scenery only with bears and bald eagles.

Despite the island’s ruggedness, Kodiak maintains a welcoming small-town feel, with local shops and seafood shacks in the main port. The island’s remoteness means you’ll rarely encounter crowds, making it perfect for those who crave adventure and quiet in equal measure. It’s a wild, unforgettable escape where nature takes center stage.

3. Find Serenity on Michigan’s Beaver Island

Nestled in Lake Michigan, Beaver Island is the largest island in the lake yet remains blissfully under the radar, as noted by Peter Warski in Medium. Accessible by ferry or small plane, its unspoiled beaches, dense forests, and clear inland lakes offer endless opportunities for solitude. The island’s slow pace of life encourages visitors to relax, explore by bike, or simply watch the sun set over the water.

Adding to its allure, Beaver Island’s history as a former Mormon kingdom brings a layer of intrigue, with historic sites and a quirky local museum. Wildlife is abundant, from deer to bald eagles, and the friendly community ensures you’ll feel right at home. It’s a place where time slows down, and peace is easy to find.

4. Discover Peace on Block Island, Rhode Island

Just a short ferry ride from the mainland, Block Island feels worlds away with its rolling green hills, dramatic bluffs, and quiet beaches, as highlighted by Dang Travelers. The island’s small year-round population and strict conservation efforts ensure that it remains a tranquil retreat, even in the height of summer.

Once you arrive, you can bike scenic roads, explore historic lighthouses, and watch for migrating birds along the island’s many trails. The pace of life is slow and easy, inviting you to linger over coffee at a local café or simply watch the waves roll in. Block Island is a classic New England escape for seekers of peace.

5. Experience Tranquility on California’s Santa Rosa Island

Part of Channel Islands National Park, Santa Rosa Island is a remote paradise just off the coast of Southern California, as described by Wikipedia. Accessible by boat, the island features windswept beaches, rolling grasslands, and dramatic sea cliffs. With only a handful of visitors allowed at a time, you’ll often have the trails and coves to yourself.

What makes Santa Rosa so special is its diverse wildlife, including rare foxes and seabirds, and its history etched into ancient Chumash sites. Camping under the stars here is an unforgettable experience, with the only sounds being the surf and the wind. For those seeking solitude amid spectacular scenery, Santa Rosa delivers in abundance.

6. Unwind on the Quiet Shores of Sapelo Island, Georgia

Accessible only by ferry, Sapelo Island is a protected barrier island off Georgia’s coast, as detailed by Georgia State Parks. Home to a small community and managed as a state reserve, Sapelo’s pristine beaches, salt marshes, and maritime forests are ideal for those seeking peace. The absence of commercial development lets nature’s sounds—waves, wind, and birdsong—take over.

On Sapelo, visitors can tour the historic Reynolds Mansion, learn about the island’s Gullah-Geechee heritage, or simply wander the empty beaches. With limited accommodations and no crowds, Sapelo Island is a rare sanctuary where you can truly unwind and appreciate the beauty of the natural world.

7. Soak Up the Sun on Dry Tortugas, Florida

Seventy miles west of Key West, the Dry Tortugas are a cluster of islands surrounded by turquoise waters and coral reefs. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, this national park is famed for its historic Fort Jefferson and dazzling marine life, as noted by National Park Service. With no permanent residents and limited visitor numbers, the islands offer a rare sense of seclusion.

Here, you can snorkel among vibrant fish, relax on powdery beaches, or camp under a sky ablaze with stars. The sense of remoteness is profound, and the natural beauty is breathtaking. For those seeking a sun-soaked escape from the bustle of Florida’s mainland, the Dry Tortugas are a dream come true.

8. Embrace Solitude on Cumberland Island, Georgia

Cumberland Island is Georgia’s largest barrier island, known for its wild beauty and rich history, as mentioned in Today in Georgia History. Accessible only by ferry, the island is largely protected as a national seashore, with miles of empty beaches, moss-draped forests, and wandering wild horses. Camping and a single historic inn are the only overnight options, ensuring a peaceful, low-impact experience.

Exploring the island, you’ll find trails that lead through maritime forests to remote dunes and historic ruins. With visitor numbers strictly limited, you’ll often find yourself alone with the island’s natural wonders. Cumberland Island is a magical place where solitude and serenity are guaranteed.

9. Find Quietude on Tangier Island, Virginia

Set in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay, Tangier Island is a unique community with a distinct culture and a slower way of life, as detailed by National Geographic Society. Accessible only by boat or small plane, the island’s narrow lanes, crab shacks, and marshes offer a glimpse into a vanishing world. The absence of cars and chain stores adds to the sense of peace.

When you visit, you’ll be welcomed by friendly locals and can explore by bike or foot, taking in the bay views and abundant birdlife. Tangier’s isolation is both its charm and its shield, making it a perfect spot for those seeking quiet and authenticity.

10. Recharge on North Carolina’s Ocracoke Island

Ocracoke Island, part of the Outer Banks, is accessible only by ferry, private boat, or small plane. Its windswept beaches, historic village, and wild ponies create an atmosphere of laid-back tranquility. With no chain hotels and a small population, the island feels refreshingly untouched by modern life.

Upon arrival, days are spent beachcombing, kayaking, or exploring the charming village on foot or bike. Evenings bring stunning sunsets and a sky full of stars. Ocracoke’s gentle rhythms and natural beauty make it an ideal retreat for anyone needing to recharge in peace.

11. Seek Stillness on Hawaii’s Molokai

Molokai is often called the “Friendly Isle,” but it’s also one of Hawaii’s least-visited and most peaceful islands. With no high-rise resorts or crowded beaches, Molokai offers a glimpse of old Hawaii—quiet, slow-paced, and deeply connected to nature. The island’s dramatic sea cliffs, lush valleys, and secluded beaches provide ample space for solitude.

What you’ll notice is the opportunity to hike to hidden waterfalls, visit ancient fishponds, or simply relax on empty stretches of sand. The strong sense of community and respect for tradition add to the island’s tranquil charm. Molokai is the perfect destination for those seeking stillness and authenticity.

12. Wander in Solitude on Michigan’s Isle Royale

Isle Royale, a remote island in Lake Superior, is a national park accessible only by boat or seaplane. Its rugged wilderness, dense forests, and crystal-clear lakes attract adventurous souls seeking true solitude. With no cars and limited infrastructure, the island offers a back-to-nature experience like no other.

For those who venture here, hiking, canoeing, and wildlife watching—especially for moose and wolves—are the main activities. Nights are spent in rustic cabins or tents, surrounded by the sounds of the wild. Isle Royale’s isolation and untouched beauty make it a sanctuary for those who crave peace and adventure.

13. Enjoy Quiet Luxury on South Carolina’s Daufuskie Island

Daufuskie Island, tucked between Hilton Head and Savannah, is accessible only by boat and remains blissfully uncrowded. The island’s quiet beaches, moss-draped oaks, and historic Gullah homes create an atmosphere of understated luxury and deep tranquility. Golf carts and bikes replace cars, adding to the relaxed pace.

What sets Daufuskie apart is the chance to explore art galleries, sample local seafood, or simply soak up the sun on empty shores. The island’s unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty offers a peaceful escape with a touch of Southern charm. Daufuskie is perfect for those who appreciate quiet sophistication.

14. Get Away from It All on Washington’s Anderson Island

Anderson Island, the southernmost in Puget Sound, is a tranquil retreat just a short ferry ride from Tacoma. With quiet lakes, forested parks, and scenic shoreline, it’s a favorite for those seeking peace close to the city. The island’s small community, lack of commercial development, and abundance of wildlife create a restful, welcoming atmosphere.

Visitors will find outdoor activities abound, from kayaking and fishing to hiking and birdwatching. Even during peak season, Anderson Island remains uncrowded and serene. It’s the ideal spot for a weekend getaway or a longer escape into nature’s embrace.