Bald Head Island, N.C.: A few miles off the southeast coast of North Carolina, the 14-mile-long barrier island mostly is a protected maritime forest and salt marsh. The island has stellar bird watching and alligator spotting, and nature enthusiasts walk the beaches at night in search of loggerheads. There's a golf course, croquet greens, pools and a handful of restaurants and shops.
l Getting there/around: The ferry from Southport, N.C., is 20 minutes. Cost is $15 round trip unless included with your house rental; reservations suggested, 910-457-5003. Once on the island, zip around in an electric golf cart.
l Where to stay: About 150 condos, cottages and houses are rented through Bald Head Island Ltd., the partnership that owns the island. Rentals include temporary membership at two clubs and at least one electric cart. Rates from $243 a night (minimum stays required in summer). Info: 800-432-7368, http://www.baldheadisland .com.
Catalina Island, Calif.: Catalina is 22 miles west of Los Angeles in the Pacific, making it a paparazzi-free getaway for celebrities - and regular folks, too. The island's waters are a great place to snorkel and scuba dive.
l Getting there/around: Take an hourlong ferry from several spots (from $38 round trip; check http://www.catalina.com for a list) or via a 15-minute helicopter ride with Island Express (800-228-2566; $140 round trip). Around town, rent a bike or ride the Avalon trolley ($1.50 one way). (A few cars are allowed by permit only.)
l Where to stay: Catalina has about 30 hotels and B&Bs. Author Zane Grey's 1926 home is the 16-room Pueblo Hotel (310-510-0966, http://www.zanegreypueblohotel.com; from $85). The six-room Inn on Mount Ada (800-608-7669, http://www.catalina.com/mtada/main.htm; from $320) is the former home of gum magnate William Wrigley Jr.
Mackinac Island, Mich.: Mackinac Island - in northern Lake Huron between Michigan's upper and lower peninsulas - hasn't changed much since Victorian days, when Michiganders retreated there during hot summers. Built by the British during the Revolutionary War, Fort Mackinac saw action during the War of 1812. The island is a top spot for art and architecture lovers, too.
l Getting there/around: A 16-minute ferry trip from Mackinac City and St. Ignace runs year-round, except when ice makes the water impassable ($18 round trip; check http://www.mackinacisland.org for a list of providers).
l Where to stay: The Inn on Mackinac (800-462-2546, http://www.4mackinac.com; from $104) has period furniture and an on-site fudge shop.
