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

Rocky shoreline with scattered people along the beach, waves approaching, and cliffs rising to the right under a clear blue sky. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

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

A small white lighthouse stands on grassy land near the water, with a long bridge visible in the background under a cloudy sky. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

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

A historic stone lighthouse with a black-domed lantern room sits on a grassy lawn. A pine tree and two people are visible in the background. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

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

A white lighthouse with a red roof sits on a rocky hill surrounded by greenery, with cloudy skies overhead. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

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

Lighthouse on a rocky island with a nearby bridge spanning the background under a clear blue sky. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

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

Ocean view with rocky shoreline, green vegetation, and a distant building. Waves gently crash against the rocks under a blue sky with scattered clouds. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

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

A person with long hair and a gray backpack sits on a rock, overlooking a landscape of green hills and distant blue water under a clear sky. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

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

People sitting on rocky shore near a lighthouse with a red roof and adjacent buildings. Ocean and blue sky in the background. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

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

A coastal village with grey houses sits by the water, with boats docked near shore and a green, hilly island in the background under a clear sky. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

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

Two tall stone lighthouses stand on a rocky shoreline with a few houses and greenery under a cloudy sky, viewed from the water. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

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

A rocky beach with smooth pebbles and boulders, bordered by green hills, under a cloudy sky near the ocean. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

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.