Overlook what you understand in regards to the East Coast for a second. Go away behind the clusters of city sprawl and Florida’s vibrant seashore cities.
There’s a map-dot island hardly anybody appears to speak about that offers off severe Iceland vibes, with otherworldly landscapes, edge-of-the-world vibes, and, in fact, puffin excursions — yep, proper right here within the U.S.
It’s true; you don’t should enterprise off to considered one of Europe’s costliest international locations to see nature’s cutest flock of birds, nor do you must cowl your eyes strolling previous the world’s solely museum devoted to male anatomy.
Whereas this island hideaway might not have borderline addictive sizzling canine topped with pylsusinnep, its seafood choice is unmatched, providing much better choices than fermented shark (sorry, Vikings — it’s simply not good).
Is it a precise duplicate of Iceland, just like the Faroe Islands?
No, however it’s the closest factor the U.S. has, with open skies for stargazing, rugged shoreline, quirky cottages, and extra — paying homage to the Iceland I visited in 2015 earlier than it felt found by the lots.
We at Journey Off Path are sure that when you give this unheard-of island in Maine a good shake, you received’t come residence wishing you’d spent a fortune to go all the way in which to Reykjavik.
Puffin Season Kicks Off In Could
If there’s one factor topping bucket lists all over the world, it is seeing puffins up shut and private of their pure habitat.
However the misnomer appears to be that almost all Individuals suppose they should fly ‘throughout the pond’ to do exactly that.
That is merely not the case. There are literally a number of locations throughout North America the place puffins flock ashore every year — coastal Maine being one of many high spots for seasonal excursions.
In reality, one of many largest attracts of visiting Monhegan Island this time of yr is its entry to close by Japanese Egg Rock, the place it is stated as much as 150 nesting pairs of puffins may be noticed every season.
Maine’s hidden island, even locals might not know, might not have been in your 2026 Bingo card, however it’s not too late to pencil it in.
This blissful island, away from any sliver of metropolis chaos, presents a number of puffin tour operators — the earliest of which is about to kick off in Could:
Pack Your Digicam For Monhegan’s ‘Interstellar’ Landscapes
The excellent news is that this island feels so untouched past the welcome of the shared namesake city of Monhegan that you’re going to really feel like you will have all of it to your self (and the estimated 65 people who stay right here).
The unhealthy information is leisure drone use is closely restricted, which can clarify why TikTokers have not flooded this place making epic movies absolutely to invade your algorithm.
Whether or not you are old style with a Polaroid or mastered iPhone digital camera wizardry, Monhegan Island’s dramatic cliffs and moody seascapes will go away you doing a double take as when you’re on Interstellar’s movie set.
One unmissable place to scope out is The Headlands, positioned on the rear aspect of the island, boasting among the highest ocean cliffs of Maine and simply akin to Iceland’s Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara (minus the black sand).
Getting Right here & The place To Keep
As you may’ve imagined, being so small, Monhegan Island is just accessible by boat.
Sadly, you may’t merely fly into Portland and hop aboard a ferry. It is a bit extra of an journey.
Getting right here requires departing from Port Clyde or New Harbor aboard one of many aforementioned tour operators, additionally providing puffin excursions.
When you arrive, you will discover related quirky, colourful cottages such as you see dotted round Iceland.
Our high decide for a memorable keep is The Cracked Mug. I imply, what sounds homier than that?
You Will not Discover Anyplace Stateside That Feels Safer
Earlier this yr, we reported that Maine was ranked as America’s most secure state, irrespective of when you’re vacationing in considered one of many charming coastal cities like Kennebunkport or the most important metropolis, Portland.
For instance, most crime tends to occur in bigger populations, however Portland is at the moment scoring as 85/100 on our real-time security index — one of many highest scores for any U.S. vacation spot.
In the event you actually give it some thought, if Portland is that protected, an under-the-radar island with lower than 70 year-round residents is a type of traditional locations you hear about on old-timey sitcoms, “the place all people leaves their doorways unlocked”.
To not proceed on this Iceland prepare, however the comparisons hold chuggin’ alongside for this unicorn vacation spot.
Maine is the most secure state, and Iceland is broadly thought to be the world’s most secure international locations yr in and yr out.
So whereas Monhegan is probably not a carbon copy, it faucets into that very same sense of calm with equally putting, offbeat sights — from astounding coastal surroundings to the seen stays of the D.T. Sheridan shipwreck, likened to Iceland’s Sólheimasandur aircraft wreck, one of many nation’s most sought-after photo-ops.
Bought but?