When you need an island getaway, but the idea of a long flight takes the wind out of your sails, go to an island in the United States — which can often be found within driving distance.

Block Island, Rhode Island
Block Island, which sits between mainland Rhode Island and the tip of New York’s Long Island, is less developed than Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket but has the same New England charm. You can head to Mansion Beach for good waves and few tourists, and visit the island’s enormous cliffs, Mohegan Bluffs. The National Hotel is famous, but most families rent houses in the interior of the island.

Bald Head Island, North Carolina
Cars are not allowed on the island — only golf carts. What’s more relaxing than that? You can visit Eb & Flo’s, famous for its pots of steamed seafood. You can stay in and email a grocery list to the Maritime Market; it delivers. Most everyone stays at a private house. An average two-bedroom rental runs $2,800 a week in high season, Memorial Day through Labor Day. Renting through Bald Head Island Limited gets you free access to the Bald Head Island Club, which caters to golfers, and to the beachside Shoals Club.

Catalina Island, California
Catalina has some of the best snorkeling in the US and its famous colored tiles (created by local artists in the 1920s and ’30s) decorate everything from fountains to trash cans. people usually shop and eat in Avalon, the island’s only city. You can hike the many trails or ride horseback. And stop by the airport, a bona fide tourist destination, high on a mesa in the middle of the island.
The Hotel Villa Portofino has a sundeck with views of Catalina Harbor.

Isle of Palms, South Carolina
A 20-minute drive from Charleston, Isle of Palms is a cinch to get to. You can play golf or tennis, and sun yourself on the beach at Wild Dunes, the largest resort on the island. On Sullivan’s Island, 10 minutes away by car, you can watch the sunset while dining on the patio of the restaurant Atlanticville. The Wild Dunes Resort offers private villas in addition to rooms at its Boardwalk Inn hotel.

Little St. Simons Island, Georgia
A hop away from the more popular St. Simons and Sea Island and home to only one lodge, it’s about as close as you’ll get to having your own private island — no phones, no email, few tourists. You will enjoy your solitude on the beach, kayak, or consult the naturalists who work on the island. They give guided tours to the loggerhead-turtle nests that dot the beach in the summer. The Lodge on Little St. Simons accommodates just 30 people at a time. The double-occupancy room rate includes all meals and activities.

Mackinac Island, Michigan
It’s one of a few islands not on a seacoast; it’s in Lake Huron. Take a tour in a horse-drawn buggy or rent a tandem bicycle. Stop at the Cannonball Drive In, a hot-dog stand known for its fried pickles. And don’t miss the Grand Hotel’s front porch, the longest in the world.

Marathon, Florida
Marathon is a quieter alternative to Key West and only a two-hour drive from Miami. Drive north and south on the road that links the Keys, gazing at less-developed islands. Stop for breakfast at Leigh Ann’s coffee shop on your way to the Dolphin Research Center, on Grassy Key, 10 minutes from Marathon.

Orcas Island, Washington
Orcas Island, the largest of the San Juan Islands, has two big sights: Mount Constitution, the highest point on the islands, and whales. The San Juan Islands don’t see much of the rain that hits the mainland and get half as much precipitation as Seattle. Visit the art gallery at Crow Valley Pottery, in the village of Eastsound. And sample organic food at Christina’s Food & Wine restaurant.

Sanibel Island, Florida
The beaches of the Gulf Coast have some of the most beautiful white sand in the world. Get up early and look for shells on the beach. Because of the beach’s east-west orientation, shells wash up by the bucketful. Keep a lookout for junonias, rare conical shells with brown spots. The Lazy Flamingo has the best mesquite grilled– grouper sandwich you can find.

Remember when you go to any if these island to get your sturdy and durable luggage ready.