Things to do nearStar Island
Star Island is a remote granite outcrop off the New Hampshire coast, celebrated for its historic hotel, sweeping Atlantic views, and rich conference retreat heritage.
Star Island sits within the Isles of Shoals, a cluster of small islands straddling the New Hampshire and Maine border roughly ten miles off the Seacoast. The islands have a long and layered history, inhabited by fishing communities as early as the seventeenth century and later made famous by the poet Celia Thaxter, who grew up on neighboring Appledore Island and wrote vividly about life in this windswept place. That literary and artistic tradition left a lasting mark on the Isles of Shoals and on Star Island in particular.
The centerpiece of Star Island is the Oceanic Hotel, a large Victorian-era structure that has served as a gathering place for conferences and retreats for well over a century. The Star Island Corporation has operated the island since the early twentieth century, hosting educational, spiritual, and community programs each summer. The hotel's wide porches look out over open water, and the rocking chairs there have a way of making hours disappear.
Beyond the hotel, the island rewards slow exploration on foot. Stone paths connect the dock to the chapel, the hotel, and the rocky headlands where harbor seals occasionally haul out. Birdwatchers find the island productive during spring and fall migration, and the surrounding waters draw kayakers and sailors who anchor in the cove for an afternoon.
Star Island is worth visiting for the rare combination of accessible wildness and genuine history it offers. Few places within a short ferry ride of the mainland feel so thoroughly removed from everyday life, and that quality of quiet presence is something visitors tend to carry with them long after they return to shore.
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Tips for visiting Star Island
Take the first morning ferry from Portsmouth to make the most of your time on the island before day-trippers arrive.
Bring layers even in summer, as the open ocean location means winds can turn cool quickly regardless of the mainland forecast.
Walk the perimeter path around the island to find the best tide pools and unobstructed views of the Isles of Shoals.
Try the chowder served at the Oceanic Hotel dining hall, a simple and satisfying staple of island meals.
Visit the small stone chapel near the dock for a quiet moment and a look at one of the oldest places of worship in the region.
Top tours & experiences near Star Island
Sunset Skyline Cruise on Biscayne Bay in Miami
Cruise Biscayne Bay at sunset with a DJ and unlimited open bar
Cruise Biscayne Bay to Flagler Island in 3 Hours
Cruise Biscayne Bay to an island stop with kayaks, paddleboards, and a water trampoline
Cruise Miami at Sunset or Night on a 2-Hour Yacht Tour
Cruise Miami’s waterways on a private 2-hour yacht tour for up to 12
Private 50-Minute Airplane Tour Over Miami Beach
Fly private over Miami landmarks with non-alcoholic champagne
Take a 40-Minute Private Airplane Tour in Miami
Fly a private 40-minute airplane tour over South Beach and the Miami skyline
Fly a Private Miami Sunset Airplane Tour
Private 50-minute sunset flight over Miami with non-alcoholic champagne
Cruise To Star Island & Snorkel From Fort Lauderdale
Private captain-led boat tour to Star Island with snorkeling time
Cruise Biscayne Bay at Sunset With Open Bar
2-hour Biscayne Bay skyline cruise with unlimited open-bar drinks
Cruise Biscayne Bay at Sunset With Premium Open Bar
See Biscayne Bay at night with a 2-hour cruise and premium open bar
Sunset Sightseeing Cruise in Miami With Open Bar
Cruise Biscayne Bay at sunset with skyline views and an unlimited open bar
Jet Ski Adventure & 1-Hour ATV Adventure
Experience Miami by water and trail with a jet ski ride to Star Island and an off-road ATV adventure
Miami Jet Ski Rental on Biscayne Bay
Race across Miami waters and see skyline views on a 60-minute ride
50-Minute Miami Night Lights Airplane Tour
Fly over Miami’s night skyline on a private airplane tour
Ride a Segway on a 1.5-Hour South Beach Guided Tour
Glide through South Beach by Segway with a guide on Ocean Drive
Ride a 1.5-Hour South Beach Bicycle Tour
Bike through South Beach highlights with a local guide
Private 2-Hour Night Boat Tour in Miami Bay
Cruise Miami Bay at night with a private captain and skyline views
Cruise Miami Bay on a 2- or 4-Hour Private Charter
Private Bayliner Element 21 cruise with swim stop in Miami Bay
Cruise Biscayne Bay on a Private Boat Charter
Rent a private sport boat with a captain for up to 11 guests in Miami Beach
Cruise Miami Bay on a Private Boat 2 or 4-Hour
Cruise Miami Bay on a private Stingray 234 LR with time to swim
Cruise Miami Bay on a Private VR6 Boat Charter
Private VR6 boat charter for up to 6 with a licensed captain
Cruise Miami Bay on a Private Sundeck Boat Charter
Private Sundeck 26 boat cruise on Miami Bay for up to 11 guests
Cruise Miami Bay on a Private 26' Boat Charter
Private Hurricane 26' boat cruise with skyline views and a swim stop
Star Island Anchor and Chill Boat Tour
Relax on a scenic boat anchored off Star Island with time to swim and enjoy Miami views
Private Bayliner 190 Cruise on Miami Bay
Enjoy skyline views and sandbar swims on a private boat with BYOB and Bluetooth
Cruise Miami Bay on a Private Sport Boat
Rent a private 22-foot sport boat in Miami Beach with a captain for up to 6 guests
Cruise Biscayne Bay on a Private Sport Boat Charter
Rent a private sport boat with a captain for up to 11 guests
Explore South Beach by Bicycle Rental in Miami Beach
Rent a beach cruiser and ride South Beach at your pace
Explore South Beach On An E-Bike Rental
Rent an electric bike and explore South Beach at your own pace
Tandem Bike Rental in South Beach Miami
Rent a tandem bike and cruise South Beach together
Segway & Boat Tour of Miami & Millionaire’s Row
See South Beach by Segway, then cruise Biscayne Bay by boat
Miami City & Little Havana Guided Tour With Bike Rental
See Miami by bus, then ride South Beach with a 3-hour bike rental
Miami & Key West Multi-Day Tour Combo With Bike Rental
Bundle four Miami tours plus a free 3-hour South Beach bike rental
Ride a Hybrid Bike Rental in Miami Beach
Rent a 21-gear hybrid bike and explore Miami Beach at your pace
Full-Day Key West Tour From Miami
Spend the day in Key West, plus a free 3-hour South Beach bike rental
Biscayne Bay Cruise & South Beach Bike Rental
Cruise Biscayne Bay, then ride South Beach with a free 3-hour bike rental
Miami City Tour, Biscayne Bay Cruise & Bike Rental
See Miami by bus and boat, plus a 3-hour South Beach bike rental
Ride a Segway to Star Island in Miami Beach
Glide past Art Deco sights and Star Island mansions on a guided Segway ride
Everglades Airboat Tour From Miami with 3-Hour Bike Rental
Ride an airboat in the Everglades, plus a free 3-hour South Beach bike rental
Cruise Biscayne Bay on a Pirate Boat Sightseeing Tour
Cruise Biscayne Bay on the Pirate Boat “El Loro” with skyline and island views
Cruise Biscayne Bay & See Millionaire Homes in Miami
Explore Biscayne Bay on a guided cruise with snacks and skyline views
Explore Miami on a Sunset Champagne Sightseeing Cruise
Cruise Biscayne Bay with skyline views, onboard music, and a cash bar
Cruise Biscayne Bay on a 1-Hour 20-Minute Skyline Tour
Cruise Biscayne Bay for Miami skyline views by day, sunset, or night
Explore Biscayne Bay & Millionaire Homes 2-Hour Cruise
Cruise Biscayne Bay for skyline views and celebrity homes in 2 hours
Cruise Biscayne Bay on a Pirate Ship in Miami
See the Miami skyline from Biscayne Bay on a pirate ship cruise
Jet Ski & ATV Combo Adventure in Miami
Ride a jet ski to Star Island, then hit Miami Redlands trails by ATV
Cruise Biscayne Bay on a 90-Minute Boat Tour
See Miami’s skyline and Millionaire’s Row on a double-decker cruise
Captained Yacht Charter in Miami
Cruise Miami on a captained 46' yacht for up to 13 guests
Private Miami Bay Cruise on a 26' Bayliner
Cruise Miami Bay on a private 26 ft Bayliner with room for up to 11
Sunset Cruise in Miami on a Private Charter
Cruise Biscayne Bay by private boat with shade, space, and a stocked cooler
Cruise Star Island & Celebrity Homes in Miami Beach
Private boat tour of Star Island with captain and gas included
Take a 45-Minute Private Air Tour in Miami
See Miami’s skyline from the air on a 45-minute private flight
30-Minute Private Air Tour Over South Beach
Fly over South Beach, Key Biscayne, and Miami’s skyline on a private 30-minute tour
Miami Biscayne Bay Celebrity Homes Cruise
Sail Biscayne Bay with bilingual stories and views of Miami’s waterfront homes
Miami Biscayne Bay Celebrity Homes Cruise
Sail Biscayne Bay with bilingual stories and views of Miami’s waterfront homes
Miami Jet Ski & Banana Boat Cruise
Island water sports, skyline views, and onboard refreshments
3-Hour Miami Sightseeing Boat Tour
Cruise Miami landmarks, swim, and relax on a floating water mat
Miami Yacht Party Cruise
Swim, socialize, and sightsee on a sailing yacht in Biscayne Bay
Miami Celebration Boat Charter
Celebrate on a private boat while cruising Miami’s waterways and island views
Sunset Party Boat Cruise in Miami
Dance, bring your own drinks, and take in Miami’s skyline after dark
Miami Private Sandbar Cruise
Cruise Biscayne Bay with swim access, shade, and Miami waterfront views
3-Hour Private Cruise in Miami
Private, captained time on Biscayne Bay with music and your own drinks
Miami 3-Hour Yacht Party Cruise
Dance to live music with an open bar as you cruise Miami’s skyline
Miami Beach 90-Minute Amphibious Tour
Explore South Beach landmarks and splash into Biscayne Bay
Miami Sunset Cruise
Watch Miami’s skyline glow from a catamaran with beer, wine, and snacks included
Private Air Tour of Miami Beach
See Miami’s coastline and landmarks on a private airplane flight
50' Sea Ray Yacht Charter in Miami
Private Miami yacht cruising with sandbar stops and skyline views