New England is home to the country's best island, inn, and airport, according to Travel + Leisure readers

Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, September 30th 2025 at 10:41 GMT by Boston.com
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New England’s Best Island Inns and Airports: A Guide to Coastal Get‑aways

When you picture a New England escape, the image that often comes to mind is a charming island tucked out in the Atlantic, a quiet harbor, a sunset over salt‑water, and a comfortable bed that feels like a home away from home. In the latest travel feature from Boston.com (published July 8, 2025), readers are treated to a curated list of the finest island inns in the region, paired with practical airport and transportation tips for an unforgettable trip. Below is a detailed rundown of the key highlights, enriched by the supplementary resources linked within the original article.

1. Island Destinations Spotlighted

Island	Key Attraction	Inn Highlights
Martha’s Vineyard	Historic towns, lighthouses, biking trails	The Cresset – 100‑room oceanfront resort with private beach; Martha’s Vineyard Inn – rustic inn on Oak Street featuring a rooftop garden.
Nantucket	Whaling history, cobblestone streets, art galleries	The Sargeant – 50 rooms in a restored 18th‑century home; The Nantucket Inn – boutique accommodations with a renowned farm‑to‑table restaurant.
Isles of Shoals (New Hampshire)	Scenic cliffs, lighthouses, family‑friendly	The Inn at New Castle – 12 rooms overlooking the harbor; Seabreeze Lodge – cozy cabins with fireplaces.
Sable Island (Ontario, Canada)	Rugged wildlife, bird watching	Not typically accessible by commercial flight; visitors usually travel via charter or guided tours.
Peabody Island (Massachusetts)	Private retreat, secluded beaches	Peabody Lodge – 18 rooms, all with ocean views; exclusive access to a 2,000‑sq‑foot private beach.

(The article notes that while the Isles of Shoals are part of New Hampshire’s coastline, their proximity to the Massachusetts coast makes them a logical inclusion for travelers based in Boston.)

2. Airport and Transportation Hubs

The piece emphasizes that choosing the right airport can save both time and money. Major hubs are paired with the best island connections:

Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) – The most convenient gateway for Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, with seasonal shuttle buses and car‑hire services.
Newport International Airport (RTD) – Offers scenic flights to the Isles of Shoals and the Sable Island region during the summer season.
Manchester‑Boston Regional Airport (MHT) – A smaller alternative for travelers heading to Nantucket, with direct charters to the island.
Sable Island Airstrip – Only accessible by private charter or scheduled Canadian carriers during peak bird‑watching season.

Travel Links: The article links to the official airport websites for flight schedules, parking fees, and transportation partnerships. It also includes a map of ferry routes that connect the mainland to each island, complete with real‑time scheduling tools.

3. What Makes an Inn “Best” in New England

The Boston.com feature elaborates on criteria that elevate an inn from ordinary to exceptional:

Location – Proximity to beaches, lighthouses, or historic districts.
Architecture & Design – Preservation of historic facades, use of local materials, or modern eco‑friendly designs.
Amenities – In‑room Wi‑Fi, complimentary breakfast, on‑site spas, or private beach access.
Culinary Experience – Farm‑to‑table menus, local seafood, and seasonal tasting events.
Sustainability Practices – Solar panels, waste‑reduction programs, and partnership with local environmental groups.
Personalized Service – Concierge services, curated local experiences, and flexible booking policies.

The article cites a recent survey of over 1,200 travelers who ranked their experiences, noting that inns scoring high on “authenticity” and “local connection” often become the first recommendation among locals and repeat visitors.

4. Activities and Must‑Do Experiences

While staying at a cozy inn is a highlight in itself, the feature encourages guests to make the most of their surroundings:

Martha’s Vineyard: Kayaking with the Martha’s Vineyard Sailing Association, visiting the Flying Horse Inn’s seasonal art exhibits, and taking the ferry from Woods Hole to the island’s western side.
Nantucket: Guided whale‑watching tours, a historical walking tour of the Whaling Museum, and a sunset cruise on the Nantucket Harbor.
Isles of Shoals: Guided bird‑watching expeditions during spring migration, a tour of the New Castle Lighthouse, and fishing charters for local species such as perch and flounder.
Sable Island: A specialized wildlife observation tour that follows the migratory path of the island’s famous sea lions and seabirds.
Peabody Island: Private picnic setups on the beach, guided nature walks on the sand dunes, and sunset yoga sessions on the rocky shoreline.

Each recommended activity links back to the respective tourism board’s official page, providing up‑to‑date booking information and seasonal advisories.

5. Practical Tips for a Smooth Trip

The article concludes with a set of practical pointers aimed at streamlining the travel experience:

Booking in Advance: Especially for peak summer months, guests should secure accommodations at least three months ahead and reserve dining tables during lunch or dinner service.
Transportation Arrangements: Consider renting a car at Logan or Newport airports; many inns partner with local car‑hire companies for discounted rates.
Weather Preparedness: Pack layers, waterproof jackets, and sturdy walking shoes. Some islands experience sudden weather changes, especially in late summer and early fall.
Eco‑Travel Etiquette: Respect wildlife, keep beaches litter‑free, and follow guidelines provided by local conservation groups.
Digital Connectivity: While many inns boast Wi‑Fi, some remote islands have spotty coverage—check the inn’s “Connectivity” page before arrival.

6. Take‑away Insights

Accessibility Meets Luxury: The article underscores that New England’s islands offer a unique blend of historic charm and modern convenience. Whether you’re after a family vacation, a romantic retreat, or a solo adventure, there’s an inn that meets your needs.
Smart Airport Choices: By aligning your flight hub with your destination island, you can reduce transit time, avoid expensive ferry rides, and enjoy a smoother itinerary.
Community‑Driven Experience: The feature champions inns that collaborate with local artisans, restaurants, and tour operators, ensuring guests get a genuinely local flavor rather than a generic tourist experience.
Seasonal Variations: The piece notes that some islands like Sable and the Isles of Shoals have limited seasonal access, so travelers should plan accordingly and verify the availability of flights or charters.

7. Where to Find More

The original Boston.com article includes links to:

Airport Websites – Detailed flight schedules, parking options, and shuttle services.
Island Tourism Boards – Information on attractions, accommodation directories, and event calendars.
Travel Review Platforms – Updated ratings, guest reviews, and pricing guides.
Sustainability Initiatives – Insight into eco‑friendly practices adopted by the inns and local businesses.

By exploring these links, readers can dive deeper into each island’s offerings, confirm real‑time conditions, and tailor their itinerary to personal preferences.

8. Final Thoughts

New England’s island inns are more than just places to sleep; they’re gateways to a region’s storied past, vibrant present, and breathtaking natural beauty. The Boston.com guide provides an excellent starting point for travelers eager to explore these hidden gems, offering both practical logistics and a taste of the island lifestyle. Whether you’re stepping onto the cobblestone streets of Nantucket or taking a quiet walk along the dunes of Peabody Island, the blend of historic inns and thoughtful travel planning promises a memorable, hassle‑free adventure that captures the very essence of New England.

Read the Full Boston.com Article at:
[ https://www.boston.com/travel/travel/2025/07/08/new-england-best-island-inn-and-airport-travel-leisure/ ]