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When life gets hectic, I close my eyes and dream of escaping to an island. My worries fade into the distance as the mainland disappears, and I feel like I’ve discovered a new world.
Over the years, I’ve found that some of the best island experiences are close to home. Here are five unforgettable getaways where you can clear your mind and reset your psyche in a weekend or less.
Catalina Island, CA
Just 22 miles off the coast of Los Angeles, the swaying palms and heart-melting sunsets of this California gem will soothe your soul. Catalina is easily accessible by an hour-long ferry ride from Long Beach or Newport. The best way to get around is by foot, golf cart or bicycle; there’s also a taxi stand in the center of the main town, Avalon, where the ferry comes in. Start your visit with a walk along Green Pleasure Pier, where you can stop by the Visitor Center and book island tours and glass-bottomed boat trips. Then head to nearby Descanso Beach, an inviting stretch of sand with a beach club, restaurant and casino. Rent kayaks or paddleboards to view the resident dolphins and sea lions or just float in the clear water. Spend the night at the recently refurbished Hotel Atwater or a variety of campgrounds on the island.
More information: visitcatalinaisland.com
Mackinac Island, MI
The ferry ride to this beloved island in Lake Huron is just 15 minutes long — but you’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time. Mackinac Island is completely car-free, and horse-drawn carriage tours are the best way to get the lay of the land. The iconic Grand Hotel has welcomed visitors since 1887, with waterfront views from many of its 388 rooms and a five-course dinner menu that recalls the Gilded Age. (Smaller inns like The Island House and Main Street Inn & Suites are equally welcoming, if slightly less historic.) More than 80 percent of the island is part of the state parks system, including Fort Mackinac, the oldest building in Michigan, and a Native American Museum. There are also — wait for it — 13 homemade fudge shops, many offering free samples. The island is famous for its confectionery and even has a special name for visitors, “Fudgies.”
More information: mackinacisland.org
Amelia Island, FL
Amelia’s pristine beaches, clear aqua waters and Southern charm frequently land it on global Top Ten lists, yet it’s less well-known than sister barrier islands like Hilton Head. A causeway just off the northeast coast of Florida, easily accessible from route I-95, leads visitors to this surprising destination. Start your visit in Fernandina Beach, a National Historic District lined with opulent, Victorian-era homes, quaint gift shops and amazing restaurants. (Check out the Salty Pelican for fresh seafood in a scenic spot on the Amelia River.) Then head east to more than 13 miles of white sand beaches edged with oat grass and bluff-sized dunes. When the sun sets, enjoy Southern hospitality at its finest at the Addison B&B or fall asleep to the sound of the waves at the beachside Omni Amelia Island.
More information: ameliaisland.com
Block Island, RI
Traditional and high-speed ferries carry visitors from Newport, RI and New London, CT, to this “best-kept secret” hideaway. Once you arrive, the vibe is New England rustic, from the historic Southeast Lighthouse to Victorian-era inns like the Hotel Manisses, The Sullivan House and the Avonlea. Explore the 10-square-mile island by bicycle, moped or on foot; don’t miss Mohegan Bluffs, a secluded beach sheltered by 200-foot-high cliffs, or the white-sand Mansion Beach. The Clay Head Preserve boasts a nature trail with spectacular ocean views and some of North America’s best birdwatching, especially during migrations in the spring and fall. Later, kick back with a beer and a Lobster BLT at Dead Eye Dick’s or an expertly crafted cocktail at the Block Island Oyster Bar & Grill.
More information: blockislandinfo.com
South Padre Island, TX
This 34-mile tropical barrier island off the coast of South Texas is a magnet for college students during spring break and families on summer vacation. But the best time to visit is in the fall when the crowds have gone home and temperatures hover in the 70s and 80s. The island is easily accessible by car or flights into nearby Brownsville, TX, and there’s plenty of room on the sparkling, soft-sand beaches. Nature lovers will be charmed by the Sea Turtle Conservation Center and the South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary. Best of all, hotels like Margaritaville Beach Resort and Isla Grand offer discounts of 15 percent or more, while oceanfront condo rentals start at $100 a night.
More information: sopadre.com
Have you been to any of the above islands? Let us know in the comments below.
