Give Me That Island Time! The Best US and Canadian Islands for a Relaxed Escape
There is something about island time. The pace slows. Shoes come off. Schedules loosen. Whether you are planning a solo reset, a girls getaway or a long weekend that feels far from everyday life, island destinations deliver.
The best part? You do not need a passport for many of the most beautiful island escapes in North America.
Here are some of the best islands in the U.S. and Canada for an island-inspired vacation, including how to get there, what they are known for and the best time to visit.
Amelia Island, Florida
Where It’s Located
Northeast Florida, just north of Jacksonville
Closest Airport
Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)
How You Get There
Easy drive from Jacksonville. No ferry required.
Island Vibe
Southern coastal charm with wide beaches and historic energy.
Favorite Things to Do
• Relax on uncrowded beaches
• Explore Fernandina Beach’s historic downtown
• Bike along scenic coastal paths
• Stay at a resort like The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
Best Time to Visit
March through May and October through November for warm weather without peak summer crowds.
Why Amelia Island?
Amelia Island feels elevated but approachable. It is ideal for a girls weekend with spa and beach time or a solo traveler seeking quiet coastal reflection.
Jekyll Island, Georgia
Where It’s Located
Off the coast of Georgia, south of Savannah
Closest Airport
Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) or Brunswick Golden Isles Airport (BQK)
How You Get There
Drive across a causeway. No ferry required.
Island Vibe
Historic, low key and nature focused.
Favorite Things to Do
• Visit Driftwood Beach at sunrise
• Bike the island loop trail
• Tour the Jekyll Island Club historic district
• Kayak through marshlands
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall for comfortable temperatures and fewer insects.
Why Jekyll Island?
Jekyll Island is perfect for travelers who want peaceful island time without heavy nightlife or crowds.
Sanibel Island, Florida
Where It’s Located
Gulf Coast of Florida near Fort Myers
Closest Airport
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)
How You Get There
Drive across the Sanibel Causeway.
Island Vibe
Shell-covered beaches, restorative and nature centered.
Favorite Things to Do
• Shelling along Bowman’s Beach
• Visit J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
• Bike the island’s scenic paths
• Sunset beach walks
Best Time to Visit
December through April for the best weather.
Why Sanibel Island?
Sanibel is ideal for solo travelers who want calm and reflection or low key girls trips centered around beach and conversation.
The Big Island, Hawaii
Where It’s Located
Hawaii Island, the largest in the Hawaiian chain
Closest Airports
Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA)
Hilo International Airport (ITO)
How You Get There
Fly directly into Kona or Hilo.
Island Vibe
Dramatic landscapes, volcanoes and diverse ecosystems.
Favorite Things to Do
• Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
• Snorkel with manta rays
• Visit black sand beaches
• Scenic drive through lush rainforests
Best Time to Visit
April through October for drier conditions.
Why The Big Island?
The Big Island offers both adventure and restoration. It works beautifully for milestone birthdays or “saved up and going big” trips.
Catalina Island, California
Where It’s Located
Off the coast of Southern California near Los Angeles
Closest Airport
Fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or John Wayne Airport (SNA)
How You Get There
Passenger ferry from Long Beach, Dana Point or San Pedro.
Island Vibe
Mediterranean-inspired, charming and compact.
Favorite Things to Do
• Explore Avalon Harbor
• Snorkel or kayak
• Hike scenic coastal trails
• Stay in boutique seaside hotels
Best Time to Visit
May through October.
Why Catalina Island?
Catalina gives you island energy without leaving California. It is ideal for short solo escapes or stylish girls weekends.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Where It’s Located
Lake Huron between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas
Closest Airport
Pellston Regional Airport (PLN) or drive from Detroit and ferry
How You Get There
Ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace. No cars allowed on the island.
Island Vibe
Victorian charm, horse-drawn carriages and lake views.
Favorite Things to Do
• Bike the perimeter road
• Visit Arch Rock
• Stay at the Grand Hotel
• Enjoy fudge shops and waterfront views
Best Time to Visit
Late June through September.
Why Mackinac Island?
Mackinac Island feels nostalgic and unique. It is a great option for a slower paced girls trip or charming solo retreat.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Where It’s Located
Off the coast of Cape Cod
Closest Airport
Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK) or ferry from Hyannis
How You Get There
Fly directly or take a high-speed ferry.
Island Vibe
Classic New England coastal elegance.
Favorite Things to Do
• Bike to lighthouses
• Explore cobblestone streets
• Beach hop
• Enjoy upscale dining
Best Time to Visit
June through September.
Why Nantucket?
Nantucket is polished and photogenic, ideal for summer milestone celebrations.
Orcas Island, Washington
Where It’s Located
San Juan Islands in Washington State
Closest Airport
Fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
How You Get There
Ferry from Anacortes or small regional flight.
Island Vibe
Pacific Northwest serenity with forested landscapes.
Favorite Things to Do
• Hike Moran State Park
• Kayak through calm waters
• Whale watching tours
• Stay in cozy waterfront cabins
Best Time to Visit
June through September.
Why Orcas Island?
Orcas Island is peaceful and ideal for solo travelers seeking quiet nature immersion.
Prince Edward Island, Canada
Where It’s Located
Atlantic Canada
Closest Airport
Charlottetown Airport (YYG)
How You Get There
Fly into Charlottetown or drive across the Confederation Bridge.
Island Vibe
Rolling green landscapes, red cliffs and literary charm.
Favorite Things to Do
• Visit Green Gables Heritage Place
• Explore coastal drives
• Enjoy fresh seafood
• Relax on red sand beaches
Best Time to Visit
July and August.
Why Prince Edward Island?
Prince Edward Island feels storybook-like and slower paced, perfect for travelers seeking scenic calm.
For Those Ready to Go Far
If your version of island time includes international bucket list destinations, consider:
• The Amalfi Coast’s island of Capri
• Turks and Caicos
• Santorini, Greece
• Bora Bora
• The Maldives
These global islands elevate the experience with dramatic scenery, turquoise water and resort-level indulgence. But the truth is, you can capture that island state of mind much closer to home.
How to Choose Your Island
If you want easy access and no ferry logistics, choose Amelia Island or Sanibel.
If you want something unique and car free, choose Mackinac.
If you want tropical adventure, choose the Big Island.
If you want storybook coastal charm, choose Nantucket or Prince Edward Island.
Island time is less about geography and more about mindset. Pick your pace, book the trip and let the schedule soften. Just go have some island fun, solo or social!
