Islands To Visit In New England

New England is home to a variety of islands that offer everything from quiet beaches to charming villages and scenic hikes. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or a longer vacation, these islands each bring something unique to the table. In this post, we’ll highlight some of the best New England islands to add to your travel list.

Block Island

Just off the coast of Rhode Island, Block Island is a laid-back getaway known for its beaches, bluffs, and bike-friendly roads. With natural beauty, local shops, and historic lighthouses, it’s a popular spot for day trips and weekend escapes. It’s accessible by boat from Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Long Island, NY.

Prudence Island

Prudence Island is a small residential island that’s worth a visit. To get here, take the ferry from Bristol, Rhode Island. On the island, you can check out Prudence Island Lighthouse, hiking trails, and disc golf courses.

Sheffield Island

Whether you’re a local resident or a traveler seeking a unique experience, a visit to Sheffield Island Lighthouse in Norwalk, Connecticut needs to be on your list. This historic lighthouse is located at the southern tip of the Norwalk Islands and it’s only accessible by boat. On the island, you’ll be able to tour the lighthouse and explore the trails.

Pomham Rocks

Pomham Rocks is a small island in the Providence River. This island is home to Pomham Rocks Lighthouse. The Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse offers tours of the lighthouse. They will take you to the island on a boat that departs from Cranston, Rhode Island.

Rose Island

You can take the Jamestown-Newport Ferry to get to Rose Island, which is off of the coast of Newport, Rhode Island. Once on the island, you can explore the fully restored lighthouse museum, explore the historic fort, enjoy panoramic views of Narragansett Bay and the Newport Bridge, and even stay overnight.

Aquidneck Island

Aquidneck Island, located in Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay, offers a unique blend of coastal beauty, history, and small-town charm. This island is home to Newport, Middletown, and Portsmouth. The island is packed with beaches, historic sites, and local eats. Thankfully, this island is accessible by car.

Mount Desert Island

Mount Desert Island, home to Acadia National Park, is one of New England’s top outdoor destinations. It is the largest island off of the coast of Maine. With rugged coastline, scenic drives, and the bustling town of Bar Harbor, it offers something for every kind of traveler.

Conanicut Island

Conanicut Island, located in Narragansett Bay, is a quiet escape known for its coastal views, historic charm, and the town of Jamestown. It’s a great spot for relaxing drives, waterfront dining, and exploring historic, scenic parks like Beavertail State Park and Fort Wetherill State Park.

Monhegan Island

Monhegan Island, located 10 miles off the coast of Maine, is a remote destination known for its natural beauty, art community, lighthouse, and rugged hiking trails. With no cars and limited development, it offers a peaceful retreat from the mainland. There are a couple of boat lines that can take you to this island.

Thacher Island

Thacher Island, located off the coast of Cape Ann, Massachusetts, is known for its historic twin lighthouses and rugged coastal views. The island offers unique opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, and exploring maritime history.

Fishers Island

While this one is technically New York, this island is off of the coast of Connecticut. It’s actually so close to Connecticut that some of the power to the island comes from Groton Utilities in Groton, Connecticut. This island is accessible by ferry from New London, Connecticut.