Unsung Gem Islands of the USA Shining Brightly
Discovering Underrated Island Destinations: A Guide to Block Island and St. Simons Island
For those seeking a change from the usual crowded tourist destinations, two less crowded American island destinations offer a unique blend of nature, historic sites, and outdoor adventures - Block Island, Rhode Island and St. Simons Island, Georgia.
Block Island is an underrated New England beach escape, offering stunning ocean views, sandy beaches, lighthouses, and a laid-back coastal vibe without overwhelming crowds. Visitors can enjoy biking around the island, exploring the dramatic Mohegan Bluffs, lounging on beaches like Mansion Beach, and savoring local lobster rolls. The island is accessible by ferry and offers a peaceful, nature-rich experience with historic charm.
St. Simons Island is another top underrated travel destination in the U.S., featuring a mix of natural beauty and historic sites. While details are less elaborated in the excerpt, it is known as a destination with outdoor adventures and cultural attractions, suitable for those seeking less crowded experiences.
Kodiak Island, Alaska's largest island, is known for its Kodiak bears and guided floatplane trips to view them. The island offers a wild and untamed experience, with opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching.
St. Croix, the most Scandinavian of the US Virgin Islands, offers uncrowded beaches and rainforest tracts. Historical sites like Christiansted National Historic Site and Fort Frederiksted add to the island's charm.
Edisto Island in South Carolina preserves its natural side via the Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve and Wildlife Management Area and Edisto Beach State Park. The island town blends antebellum architecture and fresh-off-the-boat seafood.
Dauphin Island, located in Alabama, offers beaches, bird watching, and historic sites. The island is home to Historic Fort Gaines, the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, and Alabama Aquarium. The west end of Dauphin Island is a long, sandy spit with wild beaches.
Drummond Island, the nation's second-largest lake island, is almost entirely wooded, and flaunts miles of remote, undeveloped lakeshore and dozens of small glacial lakes. Beavers Side-by-Side rents a variety of ATVs for navigating a warren of backcountry routes on Drummond Island.
Assateague Island, a 37-mile-long ribbon of wild coast shared by Maryland and Virginia, is known for its wild horses and the annual Pony Swim roundup. The island offers opportunities for camping, hiking, and wildlife watching.
The Islands of Islamorada, located in the Florida Keys, offer diving and snorkeling, epic at offshore Indian Key, the 18th-century San Pedro shipwreck, and historic Alligator Reef Lighthouse.
San Juan Island is the most eclectic island in the San Juan archipelago, a haven for adventure seekers, wildlife watchers, seafood aficionados, and history buffs.
Madeline Island is populated by artists, waterfront cafes, and outdoor adventure outfitters. The island is accessible by ferries running several times daily between mainland Bayfield and Madeline Island.
Vinalhaven, Maine's largest offshore island, is known for its lobsters, historic Brown's Head Lighthouse, and granite quarries. The Vinalhaven Land Trust maintains hiking preserves with seaside and inland forest trails.
For those seeking an off-the-grid, island-hopping kayak camping trip, the ultimate experience could be found in exploring the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior or Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Park.
These islands offer a unique and less crowded alternative to more popular tourist destinations, providing a chance to immerse oneself in nature, history, and adventure. Whether you prefer the wilderness of Alaska's Kodiak Island or the laid-back charm of Block Island, there's an underrated island destination waiting to be discovered.
- For a change from crowded tourist spots, consider exploring Block Island in Rhode Island and St. Simons Island in Georgia, two underrated destinations that offer a blend of nature, historic sites, and outdoor adventures.
- When looking for a home-and-garden project that also offers travel opportunities, one could consider the wild and untamed Kodiak Island, Alaska's largest island, known for its Kodiak bears and outdoor activities.
