I’m so excited to share my favorite places and products with you! And yes, some of the links in this post are Amazon affiliate links”
I love islands! There is just something about being cut off from the mainland and “civilization” that greatly appeals to me. Islands seem to be less crowded, less commercialized, and less hectic than the mainland.
In the past few years, my husband and I find ourselves seeking out small islands that are unknown, or rarely heard of . As we get older, a quiet laid back environment appeals more to us than a place that offers a million things to see and do. An island beckons us to come sit, relax, kick off your shoes and enjoy the stillness.
I have found 5 islands that are in relatively close proximity to where I live that check off my island “must have” list. Today, I am going to share those off the beaten path islands with you.
I have chosen these particular islands because of their ability to bring me close to nature, offer new experiences, and provide rest and relaxation.
Islands have seemingly magical powers that draw you into discovering new things, learning different ways of life, and wanting to never leave.
- Sapelo Island
Sapelo Island is located about 60 miles south of Savannah, Georgia. It is the fourth largest island in Georgia. The island is only accessible by boat. The state of Georgia owns about 96% of Sapelo Island, with the remaining 4% being owned by descendants of enslaved people in the Hog Hammock community.
Hog Hammock is about 250 acres owned by descendants of enslaved people (also known as Gullah-Geechee) who were brought to the island from West Africa . The community is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is believed by historians to be the last intact Gullah Geechee community in the Sea Islands of Georgia.
If you would like to read more about the islands history, this is a great website: https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/geography-environment/sapelo-island/
Sapelo Island is blessed with salt marshes, maritime forests, grasslands, beaches, and freshwater ponds. There are many native wildlife species you are apt to see while visiting any one of these geological features.
Nanny Goat Beach is surrounded by pristine maritime forest and soft white sand. Sand dollars can be found along the shores, and all kinds of shells are yours for the taking. Don’t forget to bring a pail or bag for all of your collections! https://amzn.to/3Of9BRW
On the northern end of the island is Cabretta Beach. It overlooks Blackbeard Island. This beach is known for its unusual and unique driftwood. This is a great spot to take some great artful pictures!
Lodging accommodations for Sapelo Island are mainly through Airbnb, VRBO, or Sapelo Island Birdhouses (vacation rentals). Below are links to these accommodations and also directions to the ferry that takes you to the island.
https://sapeloislandbirdhouses.com/directions-to-sapelo-ferry.html
https://sapeloislandbirdhouses.com/index.html
Besides the beautiful scenery, other attractions on Sapelo Island include the Sapelo Island Lighthouse and Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary.
While visiting this beautiful island, don’t forget to pack plenty of sunscreen, binoculars, and a camera! https://amzn.to/3Of9BRW
- Saint Helena Island
Located just a few miles east of Beaufort, South Carolina, St. Helena Island is accessible by car. The island has preserved its rural character. It boasts a quiet, seaside setting and a slower pace of life, but there’s no shortage of things to do and see.
American plantation owners used enslaved Africans and Native Americans to produce agricultural products. Isolated from other parts of the South, communities on St. Helena Island and other Sea Islands developed a unique culture known as Gullah Geechee.
During the Civil War, St. Helena Island was occupied by Union forces after winning the battle at nearby Port Royal . White landowners fled, and thousands of enslaved people were suddenly freed. In 1862, abolitionists provided donations to set up the first school for African-Americans in the Southern United States.
For more on the history of Saint Helena Island, check out this website: https://coastalconservationleague.org/blog/st-helena-island-gullah-geechee-history-heritage-continues/
Activities such as shore and charter fishing, sightseeing cruises, swimming, and biking are popular things to do on the island. You’ll find several family-owned places to dine, local seafood markets, and fresh local produce stands.
Saint Helena Island is home to Hunting State Park and campground. The lighthouse is a must see, as well as Hunting State Park Nature Center. Little Hunting Island Boneyard Beach is a wonderful place to see driftwood and collect lots of shells. The trail going to Boneyard Beach can be accessed at the Nature Center.
There are no large hotels or motels on the island, so accommodations are usually rented through local rental companies https://www.tidewatchvacations.com/st-helena-island/ , Airbnb, or VRBO.
- St. Phillips Island
This beautiful island with its ancient dunes and mature forests is a nature lover’s paradise. It is only accessible by tour boat, which departs from Saint Helena Island. https://southcarolinaparks.com/hunting-island/st-phillips-island#jump
Ted Turner (TBS, Atlanta Braves) purchased St. Phillips in 1979 to preserve its integrity as an unspoiled natural environment and protect it from development. In 2017, the State of South Carolina purchased the island, which is now operated in conjunction with nearby Hunting State Park.
The beach house that Ted Turner had built remains on the island and can be rented (sleeps10), but it is on the pricey side. (https://southcarolinaparks.com/hunting-island/the-turner-house#jump)
Saint Phillips Island is a treasure of unspoiled forests and beaches. It is an idyllic place to explore, hike, and collect shells. You might want to bring your flip flops and your hiking shoes! https://southcarolinaparks.com/hunting-island/st-phillips-island#jump
4. Daufuskie Island
Daufuskie Island is only thirty minutes from Hilton Head, SC by boat, and an hour from Savannah, Ga. It is accessible by ferry, which departs from Hilton Head, SC. No cars are allowed on the island. The only traffic you will find on Daufuskie is pedestrians or golf carts.
Union forces captured Daufuskie in 1861. Thousands of troops were camped on Daufuskie during the Civil War until 1865. At the end of the War, Daufuskie was inhabited primarily by freed slaves. These residents, because of the isolation of the Island, kept a culture alive that would have disappeared decades ago. The culture is called “Gullah” and remains to this day on Daufuskie Island. If you want to learn more about Daufuskie Island’s history, here is a link: https://daufuskiemuseum.org/island-history/
Although this island does not connect to the mainland, it still has many places to sleep, dine, shop, and explore.
Accommodations range from houses, villas, condos, or cottages. Even though this is a small island (9 miles), it is very big on hospitality. VRBO and Airbnb have many accommodation options for you to choose from.
Once you are on the island, take the time to visit all of the cool historical sites such as: Historic Museum and Gullah Learning Center, and The Little White SchoolHouse (you know this intrigues a teacher!). Also, plan a visit to Daufuskie Blues, an indigo textile dyeing shop, or to Silver Dew Pottery. Don’t forget to grab a cup of coffee at The School Grounds Coffee Shop.
The Robert Kennedy Historic Trail walk includes all historic sites of the island and winds its way around the island highlighting historically significant sites, and even an old logging railroad line. You can get walking trail maps at the museum. https://tourdaufuskie.com/daufuskie-island-map/
Daufuskie is a wonderful place to walk, hike, ride bikes, explore by golf cart, lay on the beach, or just enjoy the views from your window. This is one of my favorite islands!
5. Portsmouth Island
Portsmouth Island is located along the Outer Banks in North Carolina. Visitors can reach Portsmouth Island via a private vessel, or by a boat tour or passenger / vehicular ferry. Boat tours launch from neighboring Ocracoke Island, and a passenger / vehicle ferry that accesses Portsmouth Island is located in the town of Davis on the North Carolina mainland.
Portsmouth Island was established in 1753, and was once one of largest settlements along the Outer Banks. Changing shipping routes, the Civil War, and a slow economy caused many people to leave and never return. The last residents remained until the early 1970s, and shortly after, the village fell under the care of the National Park Service. For more history facts, visit this interesting website: https://friendsofportsmouthisland.org/fopi/portsmouth-island-history/
Being a teacher and originally from North Carolina, this island fascinates me. I enjoy historical places, and this island is just that. It is like you are stepping back in time as you walk through the settlement. Portsmouth’s Island Beach is gorgeous and you’ll find excellent surf fishing, great shelling, and plenty of solitude.
Some sites visitors will see on the island are the old settlement church, Coast Guard station, schoolhouse, and post office. You can peek into the windows of some of the old homes where the interiors look as if villagers went to run errands and never returned. There is a visitor’s center with exhibits that tell about the history of the island.
Amenities on the island include restrooms…that’s about it, but that is what makes this island so great! It is a place where you go back in time and just enjoy the simple things in life.
There are some rustic cabins to rent on the island, and camping is available on the island shoreline for tents, and RV’s. https://www.nps.gov/calo/planyourvisit/camping.htm
Portsmouth Island can get very hot and “buggy” during the summer months. Make sure when you visit bring plenty of sunscreen, water, and bug repellent! https://amzn.to/3UVoVan https://amzn.to/3YQG8mq https://amzn.to/4fVHmUs
No matter what island you choose to visit, I wish you safe travels and insurmountable amounts of fun!