If your ideal getaway skips the traffic jams and road maps in favor of salt-spray breezes and the rhythm of the waves, you’re in for a treat. Some of the most enchanting corners of the U.S. can’t be reached by car—they require a boat ride. These ferry-only destinations offer a mix of history, natural beauty, and a refreshing step back in time.
So, if you’re craving remote wilderness, sandy beaches, or fudge-fueled bike rides, these five spots prove that sometimes the journey is the destination.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Nestled between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, Mackinac Island is only accessible by passenger ferry—no cars allowed. Since 1898, the island has banned motor vehicles, preserving a peaceful, bygone atmosphere.
Ferries depart regularly from Mackinaw City and St. Ignace, gliding across the Straits of Mackinac with scenic views of the iconic Mackinac Bridge. Once you disembark, the clatter of hooves and the gentle ring of bicycle bells welcome you to a place that moves at the pace of a century ago.
Have a car and wondering what to do with it when you visit? This may help.
Summer highlights:
- Pedal the serene, car-free M-185 loop—an 8-mile shoreline ride that circles the island. It’s the only state highway in the U.S. where motor vehicles are forbidden.
- Tour Fort Mackinac and catch a lively vintage “baseball” match on the parade ground.
- Indulge in hand-crafted fudge on Main Street—there are over a dozen fudge shops, and live demonstrations happen all summer long.
What makes it unique:
The island’s stately Victorian architecture, the quaint clip-clop of carriages, and nightly cannon fire from the fort give Mackinac an irresistible time-capsule charm.
Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida Keys
This isolated national park floats 70 miles west of Key West in the open Gulf of Mexico. There are no roads, no private boats allowed without a permit, and no quick stops here—you must book a ride on the Yankee Freedom III, a high-speed catamaran ferry that makes the 2.5-hour journey each way. Alternatively, you can arrive by seaplane. Either way, getting here is part of the adventure: turquoise waters surround you, and soon, Fort Jefferson rises like a mirage from the sea, signaling your arrival to one of the most remote corners of the U.S. park system.
Summer highlights:
- Snorkel vibrant coral gardens just off the beach—snorkel gear is included with ferry tickets.
- Join a ranger-led tour of massive Fort Jefferson, a 19th-century marvel built from over 16 million bricks.
- Camp beneath a sky full of stars—this is one of Florida’s darkest spots for stargazing (permits via the ferry service).
What makes it unique:
Imagine a remote atoll where turquoise waters shimmer around a giant hexagonal fort and marine life thrives just feet from your tent.
Santa Catalina Island, California
Just 22 miles off the coast of Southern California, Catalina Island feels like a world apart. The island has no bridge or road connection to the mainland, so the only way to arrive is by boat or air. Fortunately, high-speed passenger ferries depart daily from Long Beach, San Pedro, Dana Point, and Newport Beach, delivering visitors to the harbor towns of Avalon or Two Harbors in about an hour. The ride itself offers dolphins, sea lions, and ocean views—making your journey just as memorable as the destination.
Summer highlights:
- Soar through a canyon forest on the Zip-Line Eco Tour—five zip lines descend 600 feet at speeds up to 35 mph.
- Explore underwater wonders at Lover’s Cove, one of California’s earliest marine preserves, by glass-bottom boat or snorkel.
- Take the Interior Bison Expedition for a chance to spot the island’s legendary roaming bison herd.
What makes it unique:
From the Mediterranean-style town of Avalon to desert backcountry vistas—and yes, the annual “Catalina Wine Mixer”—this island is where laid-back beach vibes meet rugged adventure.
Block Island, Rhode Island
Floating in the Atlantic just off the southern coast of Rhode Island, Block Island is accessible only by ferry. While small aircraft can land here, most visitors arrive via traditional or high-speed ferries from Point Judith, Newport, New London, or even Montauk, NY. The absence of a bridge keeps the island blissfully unspoiled—no highways or fast-paced traffic, just narrow roads, beachy trails, and windswept bluffs. The ferry ride itself becomes a transition from city buzz to island time.
Summer highlights:
- Descend 140+ steps to reach the secluded sands and sweeping views of Mohegan Bluffs.
- Visit the stately Southeast Light, a National Historic Landmark perched high above the crashing surf.
- Bike the scenic 17-mile island loop, with a beach break at Fred Benson Town Beach for a swim under lifeguard watch.
What makes it unique:
With its windswept cliffs, fields of wildflowers, and a jam-packed summer calendar of concerts, farmers markets, and film fests, Block Island is a breezy blend of relaxation and culture.
Isle Royale National Park, Lake Superior (Michigan)
Isle Royale sits like a wilderness fortress in the cold, clear waters of Lake Superior, more than 50 miles offshore. With no roads leading in and no airstrips on the mainland side, ferries are the most reliable way to reach the park’s Rock Harbor or Windigo entry points. Boats depart from Houghton and Copper Harbor, Michigan, or Grand Portage, Minnesota, with trip durations ranging from 3 to 6 hours. The ferry isn’t just transportation—it’s your last contact with civilization before immersing yourself in a national park that’s completely roadless and refreshingly off the grid.
Summer highlights:
- Backpack the 40-mile Greenstone Ridge Trail for a chance to spot moose and soak in panoramic lake views.
- Paddle through hidden coves above haunting shipwrecks—multi-day guided kayak trips launch weekly.
- Join a ranger talk at Rock Harbor and learn about the park’s long-running wolf and moose population study.
What makes it unique:
With no roads, minimal cell service, and a raw, untouched landscape of volcanic ridges and boreal forest, Isle Royale delivers true backcountry solitude.
Planning Tips
- Best season: All five ferry routes operate most frequently between late May and early October.
- Reserve early: Dry Tortugas and Isle Royale ferries often sell out weeks in advance—book as soon as your plans are set.
- Watch the weather: Stormy conditions can disrupt ferry schedules—especially in the Atlantic and Lake Superior.
- Bikes welcome: Mackinac and Block Island are especially bike-friendly; rentals are available or bring your own.
