Forget what in regards to the East Coast for a second. Leave behind the clusters of city sprawl and Florida’s vibrant seaside cities.
There’s a map-dot island hardly anybody appears to speak about that provides off critical Iceland vibes, with otherworldly landscapes, edge-of-the-world vibes, and, after all, puffin excursions — yep, proper right here within the U.S.
It’s true; you don’t must enterprise off to certainly one of Europe’s most costly international locations to see nature’s cutest flock of birds, nor do you need to cowl your eyes strolling previous the world’s solely museum devoted to male anatomy.
While this island hideaway might not have borderline addictive sizzling canines 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 reproduction of Iceland, just like the Faroe Islands?
No, nevertheless 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 plenty.
We at Travel Off Path are sure that should you give this unheard-of island in Maine a good shake, you received’t come dwelling wishing you’d spent a fortune to go all the way in which to Reykjavik.
Puffin Season Kicks Off In May 🐧
If there’s one factor topping bucket lists all over the world, it is seeing puffins up shut and private of their pure habitat.
But the misnomer appears to be that almost all Americans suppose they must fly ‘throughout the pond’ to do exactly that.
That’s 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 prime spots for seasonal excursions.
In reality, one of many largest attracts of visiting Monhegan Island this time of 12 months is its entry to close by Eastern Egg Rock, the place it is mentioned as much as 150 nesting pairs of puffins could be noticed every season.
Maine’s hidden island, even locals might not know, might not have been in your 2026 Bingo card, nevertheless 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 May:
Pack Your Camera 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 might have all of it to your self (and the estimated 65 those that reside right here).
The unhealthy information is leisure drone use is heavily restricted, which can clarify why TikTokers have not flooded this place making epic movies absolutely to invade your algorithm.
Whether you are old-fashioned with a Polaroid or mastered iPhone digital camera wizardry, Monhegan Island’s dramatic cliffs and moody seascapes will depart you doing a double take as should you’re on Interstellar’s movie set.
One unmissable place to scope out is The Headlands, situated on the rear facet of the island, boasting among the highest ocean cliffs of Maine and simply corresponding to Iceland’s Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara (minus the black sand).
Getting Here & Where To Stay
As you may’ve imagined, being so small, Monhegan Island is just accessible by boat.
Unfortunately, you’ll be able to’t merely fly into Portland and hop aboard a ferry. It’s 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.
Once you arrive, you will discover comparable quirky, colourful cottages such as you see dotted round Iceland.
Our prime choose for a memorable keep is The Cracked Mug. I imply, what sounds homier than that?
You Won’t Find Anywhere Stateside That Feels Safer
Earlier this 12 months, we reported that Maine was ranked as America’s safest state, regardless of should you’re vacationing in certainly 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 presently scoring as 85/100 on our real-time security index — one of many highest scores for any U.S. vacation spot.
If 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 kind of traditional locations you hear about on old-timey sitcoms, “where everybody leaves their doors unlocked”.
Not to proceed on this Iceland prepare, however the comparisons preserve chuggin’ alongside for this unicorn vacation spot.
Maine is the most secure state, and Iceland is extensively considered the world’s safest countries 12 months in and 12 months out.
So whereas Monhegan is probably not a carbon copy, it faucets into that very same sense of calm with equally putting, offbeat attractions — 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.
Sold but?
