11 Unexpected U.S. Islands You Can Drive To

You might think reaching an island means boarding a boat, but not always. Across the U.S., there are islands you can drive to, each offering a distinct mix of scenery, culture, and calm. Bridges and causeways link these places to the mainland, letting you roll right into an island getaway without needing a ferry. Whether you want quiet beaches, charming towns, or wild coastlines, these islands prove that an escape can start with your own set of wheels.

1. Sanibel Island, Florida

Sanibel Island connects to the mainland by a three mile causeway stretching over bright Gulf waters. Once you cross, you’re met with palm lined roads and famous shell covered beaches that make every walk feel like a treasure hunt. The island’s laid back charm and bike friendly paths make it ideal for slow travel. Because it’s small, traffic can build during peak times, but plan your arrival early or late and you’ll enjoy calm drives, open beaches, and sunsets that look painted across the water.

2. Merritt Island, Florida

Reaching Merritt Island is as simple as crossing one of several bridges from Cocoa or Titusville, yet once you arrive, it feels like another world. Home to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the island mixes natural wetlands with human innovation. You can spend mornings spotting manatees and afternoons watching rocket launches. Roads wind through marshes and lagoons, offering peaceful drives surrounded by water and sky instead of the noise of cities.

3. Galveston Island, Texas

Galveston Island sits just off the Texas Gulf Coast, connected by the 45 causeway. The drive in offers glimpses of open water and colorful beach houses. Once there, you’ll find Victorian architecture, seafood joints, and 32 miles of shoreline. The island balances beach relaxation with historic character, making it perfect for travelers who want more than just sand and surf. Galveston’s bridge access makes weekend trips easy, though it’s smart to check for weather advisories during hurricane season.

4. Jekyll Island, Georgia

Jekyll Island is a peaceful escape reached by a short causeway drive from Brunswick. Once across, you’ll find oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, quiet beaches, and traces of Gilded Age history in the old millionaire cottages. The island has a relaxed pace that makes every corner feel like a secret. Since you can drive right onto it, you can explore at your own rhythm whether that means biking beneath trees, spotting dolphins offshore, or enjoying sunrise walks on Driftwood Beach.

5. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Hilton Head Island connects to the mainland via a single bridge, leading you straight into scenic neighborhoods and long stretches of sand. Known for golf courses, bike paths, and family friendly beaches, it’s one of the most accessible islands on the East Coast. The drive is short but symbolic you leave behind traffic lights for palm trees and ocean breeze. With restaurants, marinas, and resort stays nearby, Hilton Head blends comfort with the natural beauty of South Carolina’s coast.

6. Mount Desert Island, Maine

Mount Desert Island is home to Acadia National Park, yet you don’t need a ferry to get there. A short drive from the mainland takes you over a causeway lined with rocky shores and pine forests. Once on the island, scenic roads wind through mountains, lakes, and coastal villages like Bar Harbor. It’s an ideal destination for hiking, seafood dining, and classic New England views. Because it’s drive accessible, you can visit year round without worrying about ferry schedules or closures.

7. Chincoteague Island, Virginia

Chincoteague Island links to mainland Virginia through causeways across the marshlands. The short drive leads you into a coastal town known for wild ponies, local seafood, and calm beaches. It’s small enough to explore in a day but charming enough to stay longer. You can drive across to nearby Assateague Island for nature trails and birdwatching, making the area feel like a two for one coastal getaway. The lack of heavy traffic keeps drives peaceful and the island atmosphere intact.

8. Padre Island, Texas

Padre Island, one of the world’s longest barrier islands, connects to Corpus Christi by the John F. Kennedy Memorial Causeway. The road takes you from the city’s bustle straight into wide beaches and open Gulf views. You can drive for miles along the sand or explore Padre Island National Seashore, a haven for sea turtles and migrating birds. The island’s road access makes it an easy escape for anyone craving surf and solitude without the hassle of ferry lines or crowds.

9. Whidbey Island, Washington

Whidbey Island can be reached by the scenic Deception Pass Bridge, one of Washington’s most photographed landmarks. The drive offers dramatic views of cliffs and swirling currents before opening into farmland, forests, and small towns. Once across, you can visit historic Coupeville, walk coastal trails, or watch planes at the nearby naval base. The island’s mix of quiet charm and Pacific Northwest beauty makes it a top pick for travelers who want an island retreat without losing road access.

10. Key Largo, Florida

As the first stop on the Overseas Highway through the Florida Keys, Key Largo lets you drive onto an island paradise without boarding a boat. The route takes you over long bridges surrounded by turquoise water. Once there, snorkeling spots, seafood shacks, and laid back beach bars define the pace. Key Largo is close enough for a weekend trip yet far enough to feel like a vacation. With the highway continuing to other Keys, it’s also a perfect starting point for longer adventures.

11. Fidalgo Island, Washington

Connected to the mainland by the twin bridges of Swinomish Channel, Fidalgo Island feels both close and remote. You can drive in easily from Anacortes and find coastal parks, rocky trails, and views toward the San Juan Islands. It’s a favorite spot for kayaking and whale watching, yet you never have to worry about ferry lines. The combination of accessibility and natural scenery makes it a quiet, rewarding drive to island that captures the spirit of the Pacific Northwest.