10 Stunning Forgotten Islands in the U.S. You Must Visit Before They Become Famous

Are you, like me, tired of crowded beaches and tourist traps?

What if I told you America has islands where wild horses outnumber people?

Places where the loudest sound is the crash of waves against ancient cliffs

I’m sharing my top 10 finds with you. These are the US secret islands that deliver a true escape.

Get ready to update your travel list.

1. Isle Royale, Michigan: A World Apart in Lake Superior

Isle Royale is a place for real wilderness lovers.

This is a UNESCO International Biosphere Reserve. Its remote location in Lake Superior makes it one of the least-visited national parks in the lower 48 states.

That isolation is exactly what makes it so special. You can only get there by boat or seaplane.

Must-Do Activities:

• Backpack the Greenstone Ridge Trail: This 43-mile trek is the park’s crown jewel. It’s a multi-day journey offering incredible solitude and stunning views. You will feel completely immersed in a true wilderness experience.
• Kayak the Coves: See the island from a unique perspective. Paddling along the shores and around smaller islets is unforgettable. It truly is a paddler’s paradise.
• Wildlife Watching: The island is famous for its isolated populations of moose and wolves. Witnessing this rare ecological drama in action is a profound experience.

Insider Tips & Logistics:

• Best Time to Visit: July and August are peak months, but it still feels uncrowded. June has the worst bugs. September offers beautiful fall colors, but has reduced services.
• Getting There: Ferries leave from Houghton and Copper Harbor, MI, or Grand Portage, MN. A seaplane also flies from Houghton. Book your transport months in advance, as spots fill up fast.
• Pro Tip: You must be self-sufficient. Services on the island are extremely limited. Pack everything you need and be prepared for the weather to change your plans. Transportation delays are common.

2. Admiralty Island, Alaska: The Fortress of the Bears

I call this island by its Tlingit name, “Kootznoowoo.” It means “Fortress of the Bear”.

This is no casual vacation spot. It has one of the highest concentrations of brown bears in the world. It is a premier destination for serious wildlife enthusiasts.

Must-Do Activities:

• Visit Pack Creek Bear Viewing Area: This is the main event. It’s a protected sanctuary where you can watch bears fishing for salmon. Permits are required and limited to just 24 people per day in peak season. This ensures the experience is intimate and respectful.
• Sea Kayaking: Paddle the rugged coastline for an up-close look at the temperate rainforest. You might also spot eagles, seals, and other marine life.

Insider Tips & Logistics:

• Best Time to Visit: Go in July and August. The salmon are running, and bear activity is at its peak. May is mating season, which is also a great time for viewing.
• Getting There: Access is by a 30-minute floatplane or a multi-hour boat charter from Juneau. This is not a DIY trip. You must book with a guide for access and safety.
• Pro Tip: This is a true wilderness with zero facilities. Pack out everything you pack in. Rangers are there to protect the bears, not to guide you.

3. San Miguel Island, California: The Wild West of the Channel Islands

San Miguel is the most remote of the Channel Islands.

It’s a place for serious adventurers only. Persistent strong winds and harsh weather define the experience.

The island has a deep history, from the Chumash people to Spanish explorers who named it “La Posesion”.

Must-Do Activities:

• Hike to Point Bennett: This is the island’s premier experience. A ranger leads a strenuous 14-mile round-trip hike. You will witness one of the world’s largest gatherings of seals and sea lions. The sight and sound of thousands of pinnipeds is unforgettable.
• Explore the Caliche Forest: Discover a bizarre, ghost-like landscape. Here, ancient tree roots were cast in sand, leaving behind strange formations. This unique geological feature is accessible only on a ranger-led hike.

Insider Tips & Logistics:

• Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer are when the massive seal and sea lion colonies are at Point Bennett.
• Getting There: Island Packers boats are the only public access. The journey is long and can be very rough. Trips are often canceled due to weather, so be flexible.
• Pro Tip: All hiking is ranger-led. You cannot explore on your own. Landings are via a small skiff onto the beach, which can be a wet and wild ride.

4. Cumberland Island, Georgia: A Land of Wild Horses and Ruins

Picture a magical, haunting landscape. Feral horses graze on the lawns of Gilded Age mansion ruins. This is Cumberland Island, a protected National Seashore.

It preserves both stunning natural beauty and a rich, layered history. It’s one of the most captivating US secret islands I’ve ever visited.

Must-Do Activities:

• See the Wild Horses: This is the main draw. The herd is the only unmanaged one on the Atlantic coast. They are descendants of horses from centuries past. You can spot them on the beach and around the Dungeness ruins.
• Explore Dungeness Ruins: Wander through the remains of the Carnegie family’s grand mansion. The ruins create a romantic, gothic atmosphere against the coastal backdrop.
• Bike the Grand Avenue: The island’s main unpaved road is perfect for biking. It offers a way to see more of the island’s 17-mile length. You can ride from the ferry dock to the historic Plum Orchard Mansion.

Insider Tips & Logistics:

• Best Time to Visit: Fall through early spring is best. You will avoid the “brutal” summer heat and humidity.
• Getting There: A 45-minute passenger ferry departs from St. Marys, GA. Book your tickets well in advance, especially for camping spots.
• Pro Tip: There are no shops or restaurants. You must pack all your food and water. You must also pack out all your trash.

5. Molokai, Hawaii: The Most Hawaiian Island

Molokai is the complete opposite of commercialized Hawaii. It is known as the “Friendly Isle”. It also has a history as the “Forbidden Island” due to the Kalaupapa settlement.

A high percentage of residents are native Hawaiian. Respecting the local, slow-paced culture is essential.

Must-Do Activities:

• Visit Kalaupapa National Historical Park: Learn the profound history of the former leprosy settlement. It is a story of isolation, suffering, and incredible resilience. Access is extremely limited, so an aerial view by plane is often the best way to see it.
• Relax on Pāpōhaku Beach: This is one of Hawaii’s largest white-sand beaches. It stretches for three miles and is often completely empty.
• Post-a-Nut: Participate in a quirky island tradition. Mail a real coconut to your friends and family from the Ho’olehua Post Office.

Insider Tips & Logistics:

• Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-June) offers dry weather before summer crowds. The weather varies greatly from the wet east end to the dry west end.
• Getting There: A 25-minute flight from Oahu or Maui is the only way in.
• Pro Tip: Rent a car in advance. There are no stoplights and very few amenities. This is a place to disconnect and engage with the community, not to find tourist traps.

6. Sapelo Island, Georgia: A Glimpse into Gullah Geechee Life

Visiting Sapelo is a rare cultural opportunity. The island is home to Hog Hammock. It is one of the last intact Gullah Geechee communities in the country.

Here, descendants of enslaved West Africans have preserved their unique culture. The island is almost entirely state-owned and protected.

Must-Do Activities:

• Take a Guided Cultural Tour: This is the only way for the public to experience the island. Tours led by residents offer authentic insights into the Hog Hammock community. You’ll also see the R.J. Reynolds Mansion and the 1820 lighthouse.
• Explore the Shell Rings: Discover the mysterious, 4,500-year-old Native American shell rings. They are a unique and ancient archaeological feature on the coast.

Insider Tips & Logistics:

• Best Time to Visit: Fall and spring have the most pleasant weather for exploring.
• Getting There: Public access is by a state-run ferry from Meridian, GA. You must be part of an official tour or a guest of a resident.
• Pro Tip: Plan far in advance. This is not a spontaneous trip. Bring everything you need. There is no grocery store on the island.

7. Beaver Island, Michigan: The Emerald Isle of the Great Lakes

This island is a fascinating mix of quirky history and Irish-American culture. It was once a self-proclaimed Mormon kingdom under “King” James Strang.

Later, it was settled by Irish fishermen, earning it the nickname “America’s Emerald Isle”. It is the largest island in Lake Michigan.

Must-Do Activities:

• Explore the Lighthouses: Visit the Beaver Island Harbor Light, also known as “Whiskey Point Light.” Then, travel to the island’s southern end to climb the Beaver Head Lighthouse.
• Visit the Museums: Step into the Mormon Print Shop Museum. You can learn about the island’s unique and bizarre history.
• Go Stargazing: The island is a “Dark Sky-worthy locale.” It is perfect for seeing the Milky Way and even the Northern Lights.

Insider Tips & Logistics:

• Best Time to Visit: Summer is the most popular. However, locals prefer spring and fall for fewer crowds and beautiful colors. The lake stays warm enough for swimming well into September.
• Getting There: A two-hour ferry from Charlevoix, MI, is the most common route. Flying is a quicker, 15-minute alternative.
• Pro Tip: Rent a car or bring bikes. The island is large. You will need transportation to explore beyond the main town of St. James.

These are some of the most unique US secret islands.

8. Isle au Haut, Maine: Acadia’s Quietest Corner

This is the ultimate secret for those who love Acadia National Park but hate crowds. It is a remote, rugged part of the park. You can only reach it by mailboat.

A visit offers a glimpse into a working Maine fishing island. It is one of the best hidden island gems in New England.

Must-Do Activities:

• Hike the Coastal Trails: Explore 18 miles of stunning, often rugged trails. They hug the rocky coastline around Duck Harbor. The Cliff Trail and Western Head Trail are definite highlights.
• Bike the Dirt Roads: The unpaved roads are a great way to see the island’s interior. Be prepared for a rugged ride.

Insider Tips & Logistics:

• Best Time to Visit: Summer is best. The ferry runs to the Duck Harbor landing. This provides direct access to the best hiking trails.
• Getting There: The mailboat from Stonington is the only public access. The schedule is limited. Parking in Stonington can be difficult, so arrive early.
• Pro Tip: Be self-sufficient. There are almost no tourist amenities. Pack water, food, and rain gear. Respect private property, as half the island is not park land.

9. Cuttyhunk Island, Massachusetts: The Un-Vineyard

Cuttyhunk is just a stone’s throw from the busy shores of Martha’s Vineyard. It is a tiny, working fishing village.

Golf carts are the main mode of transport. The biggest attraction is the profound quiet. This is one of my favorite hidden island gems.

Must-Do Activities:

• Walk to Lookout Hill: A short walk to the island’s highest point offers 360-degree views. You can see the Elizabeth Islands, Buzzards Bay, and the Atlantic. It’s a former WWII lookout post.
• Enjoy the Beaches: Church’s Beach is a beautiful, secluded spot. It’s perfect for swimming and relaxing without the crowds.
• Eat Fresh Seafood: Visit the famous Cuttyhunk Shellfish Farms. Their floating raw bar delivers fresh oysters and clams directly to boats in the harbor.

Insider Tips & Logistics:

• Best Time to Visit: Mid-May through Columbus Day is the main season. The few inns and food carts are open then. The shoulder months are ideal for fishing and fewer crowds.
• Getting There: A one-hour ferry from New Bedford is the main public transport. A water taxi is also available.
• Pro Tip: This is a place to disconnect. There are very few shops. Bring cash and book lodging well in advance.

Similar Article: These 12 Islands Let You Retire Rich With Zero Income Tax

10. Cayo Costa, Florida: An Untouched Slice of Paradise

Cayo Costa is a true hidden gem. It feels like a trip back to “Old Florida.” It is a completely undeveloped barrier island state park.

It boasts nine miles of pristine beaches. It’s a paradise for shell collectors and nature lovers.

Must-Do Activities:

• World-Class Shelling: Cayo Costa is famous for its incredible shelling. Find perfect conchs, whelks, and sand dollars on the empty shores.
• Kayaking and Paddling: Explore the mangrove-lined estuaries on the island’s bay side. It’s a great place to spot manatees and dolphins.
• Biking the Trails: Several miles of flat, sandy trails cross the island’s interior. They offer a great way to see its diverse ecosystems.

Insider Tips & Logistics:

• Best Time to Visit: The dry season (winter and spring) offers the best weather. Sea turtle nesting season runs from May to October.
• Getting There: Access is only by private boat or public ferry from Pine Island or Captiva. Ferry services were impacted by Hurricane Ian, so check their current status.
• Pro Tip: You must be completely self-sufficient. There are no stores on the island. Bring all your food, water, and supplies.

Get Your Tote Bags Out

These US secret islands offer a diverse range of experiences.

You can find rugged wilderness in the Great Lakes. You can discover unique cultures on the Atlantic coast.

It’s time to break from your usual travel patterns. These are the US secret islands you’ll talk about for years.