Need a Break from the Crowds? Here Are Some U.S. Islands to Visit Offseason

This blog post was updated on April 16, 2024.

There’s nothing quite like taking a break from society. Whether it’s from the grind of everyday life or a particularly stressful period, anyone can end up feeling tired and overwhelmed just by being around other people. That’s when it’s best to take a trip or vacation that gets you away from crowds. It breaks the monotony and can reset your mind and help you re-energize.

An island destination during the offseason is the perfect remote getaway. There’s infrastructure in place and plenty of available establishments and activities, so your vacation isn’t a Castaway cosplay. But there are far fewer tourists around.

And while it’s understandable to think that an island vacation might require a passport, there are actually quite a lot of islands within the United States where you can enjoy your time away from crowds. Here are some wonderful islands in the U.S. to visit in the offseason.

Plum Island, Massachusetts

Located off the coast of northeastern Massachusetts, Plum Island is an ideal destination for the next vacation where you need to get away from others. The whole island offers a panorama of scenic views, mostly along its 11 miles long shoreline and which are famously breathtaking with the setting sun. Visitors can go to the beach and take in some local New England culture, though the best activities to be alone on Plum Island are hiking and bird watching. Trips to the island during weekdays are probably the best chance to avoid a lot of other people since it is a popular destination for weekend visitors. Summer is when most people visit the island, so any trip after or before the summer season will likely be crowd-free.

Islamorada Island, Florida

About a 90-minute drive from Miami lies the beautiful Islamorada Island. About 150 miles wide and 20 miles long, it’s part of the famous Florida Keys and is less popular and quieter than other destinations in the archipelago. But even with its small-town feel, Islamorada is famous for sportfishing, the most common activity for visitors. But there are also lots of parks and reserves to explore by hiking and kayaking. No visit to the island is complete without going to the beach. Anne’s Beach is a local favorite for swimming and catching some sun. October and November are usually the best times in the offseason to visit the island, when there are no crowds of people. Keep in mind, though, that that’s also the tail-end of the hurricane season in Florida.

Mackinac Island, Michigan

One of the oldest vacation destinations in Michigan, Mackinac Island has maintained its appeal over the years. If you want to get away and enjoy your time off, Mackinac Island is an ideal place. Located in Lake Huron, between Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas, most of the island consists of a state park. The area offers a wide range of activities, including touring historical sites, hiking, riding horse-drawn carriages, golfing,  and more. Boating is also a big activity, as well as fishing in the clear waters all along the island. Mackinac draws people from all over the world, but mostly in the summer. So the best time to visit the island is during the spring months when there aren’t many tourists or seasonal residents around.

Deer Isle, Maine

A trip to Deer Isle is a distinctive spin on the quaint New England getaway  Located just south of Bangor, Deer Isle is close to the more popular Blue Hill and Mount Desert Island destinations. The island is home to a couple of small towns, including one also named Dear Isle, and is known for its history and quirky art scene. Like many places in the area, Deer Isle does see quite a bit of tourism during the peak summer season — though not as much as others.

You can also use Dear Isle as a base for exploring Maine‘s nearby reserves and parks, most notably Barred Island Preserve, which you can reach by walking along a sandbar at low tide, as well as Arcadia National Park, parts of which you can reach by boat.  On the island, there are small art galleries and restaurants to enjoy and explore. The best time to visit is in May and September when the places for visitors are still open but the number of tourists is reduced. And if you don’t mind the cold, visiting in the winter is an option that many locals swear by.

Cumberland Island, Georgia

Georgia has a lot of fun and cool destinations to visit, and Cumberland Island is one of them. A barrier island just off Georgia’s southeast coast, Cumberland Island is home to numerous protected species and is also one of the most extensive maritime forests in the country. All the protected areas mean that hasn’t been much development since the middle of the 20th century and there are parts that are quite isolated with many people around.

There’s plenty of trails for hiking and the island is well-known for horse riding.  Visitors can also enjoy the beach and explore the historical structures on the island, including the ruins of a mansion built by a member of the Carnegie family.  Visitors can probably avoid crowds year-round on the island but it sees the least number of people between December and January.

RELATED: 4 Islands to Visit Off the Coast of Portland, Maine 

Lana’i, Hawaii

If you need a tropical destination to get away from people for a while, then Lana’i is the place for you. Nine miles off the coast of Maui, Lana’i is Hawaii‘s sixth-largest island but the smallest of the inhabited islands that are publicly accessible. In fact, most of the island is owned by a single person (Larry Ellison, the founder of Oracle) and there’s only really one town, Lana’i City. For years, Lana’i’s main industry was pineapple agriculture, which is why it’s known as the “pineapple island.”

All these factors explain why tourism isn’t that big in Lana’i compared to the rest of Hawaii and it sees the second least number of visitors per year out of all the Hawaiian islands. There are only two resorts and a few golf courses, but the island also offers beautiful beaches — including one with a shipwreck — hiking, horseback riding, helicopter tours, water sports, and more. Lana’i receives visitors throughout the year, but early December is usually when the crowds are smallest.

FAQs: 

Q: What transportation options are available for reaching these islands?
A: Most of these islands are accessible by ferry or private boat, with the exception of Lana’i, Hawaii, which may also be reached by a short flight from Maui. Check local transport providers for schedules and availability.

Q: Are there accommodation options on each island suitable for families?
A: Yes, each island offers a variety of accommodations, including hotels, resorts, and rental properties that cater to families. It’s advisable to book in advance, especially outside of peak tourist seasons when some places might close.

Q: What should visitors pack for an offseason island visit?
A: Pack layers for variable weather, including waterproof items for rainy days. Don’t forget comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and any necessary gear for specific activities like hiking or swimming.

Q: Are there dining options readily available on these islands during the offseason?
A: While some restaurants may close in the offseason, each island typically has several dining options that remain open year-round. It’s a good idea to check opening hours in advance.

Q: What wildlife might visitors encounter on these islands?
A: Depending on the island, visitors might see a range of wildlife, from bird species on Plum Island to protected species on Cumberland Island. Always observe wildlife from a distance and follow local guidelines.

Q: Are there specific local events or festivals on these islands during the offseason?
A: Some islands host local events and festivals in the offseason that can be a unique part of your visit. Check the island’s visitor website or local community boards for the latest information.

Q: What emergency services are available on these islands?
A: All islands have basic emergency services. For specific medical needs or in case of an emergency, it’s recommended to know the location of the nearest medical facility and have a means of communication.

Do you know of any other islands in the U.S. to visit in the offseason? Tell us about them in the comments below!