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Ferry Travel Guide: How to Go Island Hopping Across the U.S. Without Flying

Ferry Travel Guide: How to Go Island Hopping Across the U.S. Without Flying

Island hopping has a special kind of charm — that mix of sea breeze, slow travel, and the excitement of reaching a place that feels a little removed from everyday life.

While most people picture hopping between tropical islands by plane, you can actually explore plenty of U.S. islands without ever taking to the skies.

Across both coasts (and even the Great Lakes), scenic ferry routes connect charming, walkable islands packed with history, beaches, lighthouses, and seafood shacks.

Whether you’re after a coastal road trip with ferry detours or a multi-day island itinerary, these ferry-connected spots make island hopping by water surprisingly easy — and endlessly fun.

New England Island Hopping: Classic Coastal Charm

If you’ve ever dreamed of salty air, clam chowder, and seaside cottages, the islands off New England’s coast are a perfect place to start. You can take a series of ferries — no flights required — and feel like you’ve stepped into a maritime postcard.

Start in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where you can board ferries from Hyannis to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket. The ride to Martha’s Vineyard takes about 45 minutes, while Nantucket is a little farther out at around an hour. Both islands are loaded with cozy inns, bike paths, and sandy beaches.

Want a mini itinerary?
Day 1-2: Explore Martha’s Vineyard — wander Edgartown’s historic streets, check out Aquinnah Cliffs, and sample local seafood.
Day 3-4: Hop over to Nantucket for cobblestone streets, the Whaling Museum, and lighthouses you’ll want photos of.

Here’s a fun idea: take your car on the ferry from the mainland and drive the scenic roads on both islands. Or go car-free — bikes and rental scooters are everywhere.

If you’ve got extra time, you can even continue north. Ferries from Portland, Maine, head to Peaks Island, Great Diamond Island, and several others in Casco Bay. These are smaller, more local-feeling islands where you can kayak, picnic, or just sip coffee while watching the harbor boats come and go. Sounds peaceful, right?

Pacific Northwest: Forested Islands and Laid-Back Vibes

Now let’s swing over to the opposite coast — the San Juan Islands in Washington. This is one of the most scenic ferry routes in the country. You’ll board in Anacortes, a small town about 90 minutes north of Seattle, and glide across emerald waters surrounded by forested hills and maybe a few orcas if you’re lucky.

The Washington State Ferries connect four main islands: San Juan Island, Orcas Island, Lopez Island, and Shaw Island. Each one has its own vibe.

  • San Juan Island is home to Friday Harbor — cute shops, whale-watching tours, and coastal trails.

  • Orcas Island is more rugged and hilly, great for hiking up Mount Constitution for stunning views.

  • Lopez Island is known as the “friendly island” — perfect for cyclists and quiet beach days.

You can plan a loop over a few days:
Day 1: Ferry from Anacortes to Lopez Island, explore the beaches.
Day 2-3: Head to Orcas Island for hikes and small-town cafes.
Day 4: Finish on San Juan Island with a whale-watching cruise.

Best part? You can travel between the islands themselves by ferry — so yes, true island hopping without flying!

Great Lakes Getaways: Island Adventures in Freshwater

If you thought island hopping was only a coastal thing, think again. The Great Lakes are full of islands reachable by ferry, offering everything from car-free streets to forested hiking trails.

Let’s start with Lake Erie. From Catawba Island, Ohio, you can take ferries to Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island or Kelleys Island. Put-in-Bay has a festive, summer-party vibe, while Kelleys Island is quieter and great for biking. The ferries between them make it easy to visit both — just pack your sense of adventure.

In Lake Huron, the famous Mackinac Island (pronounced Mack-in-aw) is a must. Two ferry lines run from the mainland towns of Mackinaw City and St. Ignace, with the ride taking about 20 minutes. Cars aren’t allowed on the island, so everyone gets around by bike or horse-drawn carriage. Can you imagine that — no engines, just hooves and bells?

And if you’re up for a more offbeat trip, head north to Apostle Islands, off the coast of Bayfield, Wisconsin, in Lake Superior. A ferry goes to Madeline Island, where you can explore beaches, kayak sea caves, and soak in that crisp northern air.

Southeast Islands: Warm Breezes and Coastal Magic

Now let’s head down south for some sunshine. You might be surprised how many islands you can reach by ferry or short passenger boat along the U.S. Southeast coast.

In North Carolina, the Outer Banks chain has several ferries that connect its barrier islands. You can drive your car onto the Hatteras-Ocracoke Ferry, which crosses a scenic stretch of the Pamlico Sound. Ocracoke Island is wonderfully remote — just a small village, miles of empty beach, and wild ponies roaming near the dunes.

From there, you can hop ferries or drive bridges to reach other parts of the Outer Banks, like Cape Hatteras National Seashore or Roanoke Island. It’s an adventure that feels both wild and peaceful at the same time.

Further south, Cumberland Island, Georgia, is another gem — reachable only by ferry from St. Marys. This island is part of a national seashore, home to wild horses, maritime forests, and ruins of historic mansions. No cars, no hotels, just nature and history.

And for those wanting a warmer winter getaway, Key West, Florida, can even be reached by ferry from Fort Myers or Marco Island. The ride takes a few hours, but it’s a relaxing way to watch the Gulf of Mexico roll by — plus, you get to avoid airport hassle.

West Coast Detours: California’s Island Escapes

California has its own style of island hopping, too — more sun-soaked than rugged, but just as memorable.

Off the coast of Los Angeles, you can catch the Catalina Express to Santa Catalina Island. It’s about an hour ride, and when you arrive, you’ll feel like you’ve landed in a Mediterranean village. Avalon is full of restaurants and beachside bars, while the rest of the island is perfect for snorkeling, hiking, or ziplining.

If you’re looking for something wilder, head to Channel Islands National Park. Ferries from Ventura or Oxnard reach islands like Santa Cruz, Anacapa, and Santa Rosa. There are no hotels or restaurants — just hiking trails, sea caves, and unbelievable ocean views. Think camping under the stars, sea lions barking in the distance, and crystal-clear water.

Planning Tips for U.S. Island Hopping Without Flying

So, ready to start planning your ferry adventure? Here are a few tips before you go:

  • Check seasonal schedules. Many ferries reduce service in fall and winter, especially in northern states.

  • Book early. Car spots on ferries (like to Nantucket or Ocracoke) fill up fast during summer weekends.

  • Pack light. Lugging big suitcases onto small passenger ferries isn’t fun.

  • Go flexible. Weather can delay crossings, so keep your itinerary loose.

  • Consider multi-stop passes. Some ferry systems (like in Washington) let you hop between islands on one ticket.

Traveling this way feels slower, calmer, and somehow more connected to the landscape. You see the journey, not just the destination. And you end up with stories — like the time the fog rolled in over the Sound, or the dolphins followed your boat.

So, what do you think — ready to skip the airport lines and let the ferry be your runway?