It’s not just the Maine coastline that draws locals and visitors alike. People can find welcome relief from rising temperatures by exploring the natural beauty of the state’s many coastal and lake islands.

The state boasts thousands of them, each one offering a slightly different vibe — from rocky shorelines to sandy beaches, and quiet forests to bustling harbors.

Although we can’t cover all of them, we do have a list of 22 islands worth visiting in southern and Midcoast Maine, including some you might not know about.

Before you go, take time to research each spot and pay attention to island signage to ensure you’re following the conservation, stewardship and community guidelines of each destination.

Bailey Island 

How to get there: Boat or a 25-minute drive from Brunswick over the iconic Cribstone Bridge.

Overnight options: There are several inns and motels for overnight stays.

This spot is a favorite for visitors seeking a few more comforts and attractions. The island hosts seaside restaurants, scenic hikes and opportunities for chartered sails. For an additional adventure, try the nearby Sebascodegan (Great Island) and Orr’s Island, also connected to the mainland by historic bridges.

Basket Island

How to get there: Located in the town of Cumberland, Basket Island can be reached by kayak or small watercraft.

Overnight options: No. This island is only available for day trips.

This 10-acre island is ideal for the bird-watcher’s day trip. Basket Island is managed by the Chebeague and Cumberland Land Trust, and the entire island is a nature preserve, known for dramatic views and a variety of birds, including ospreys, blue jays and chickadees. Visitors may only come to the island after July 1 due to nesting ospreys and eiders.

Birch Island

How to get there: The island is located a short boat ride away from Brunswick or Harpswell. A small beach provides all-tide access.

Overnight options: Camping is available in the Helen and Water Norton Preserve.

The preserve, managed by Harpswell Heritage Land Trust, offers places to picnic, swim or rest after a long day on the water. There is a picnic table and small shed for those needing to wait out a storm, but no other facilities are provided. Dogs are permitted, but must be leashed during bird nesting season from April 15 to July 31.

Bustins Island

How to get there: Take the Lilly B. ferry out of South Freeport. The ferry costs $21 for an adult round trip, same-day ticket.

Overnight options:  There are private rentals.

The island has a small seasonal population and offers gentle walks, beach swimming, a historical society, a library and a nature center.

Chebeague Island

How to get there: Take an hourlong Casco Bay Lines ferry ride from Commercial Street in Portland, or a 15- minute ferry ride from Cousins Island.

Overnight options: There are a few places to stay, including the Chebeague Island Inn and seasonal rentals.

Great Chebeague Island is one of the more populated spots off the coast, with over 360 year-round residents and more than 1,600 summer residents. Attractions include a nine-hole golf course, the Chebeague Island Inn and bike rentals to explore the scenic coastline.

Cliff Island

How to get there: Take the Casco Bay Lines ferry. It is one of the last stops.

Overnight options: While there are no longer hotels on the island, there are private rentals.

This H-shaped island is one of the smallest year-round islands in Maine. Cliff Island offers a balance of small-town charm and lush natural landscapes. Most people bike, walk or use golf carts once they arrive. There is a small general store, historical society and plenty of spots for scenic picnics and hikes.

Cow Island

How to get there: Access is available through small boats or kayaks to this island in the heart of Casco Bay.

Overnight options: The island is owned by the nonprofit Rippleffect, which leads trips for local school and youth groups. Rippleffect allows public access only in specific areas. All overnight campers must submit a request and receive approval from the staff before camping.

This is a quiet spot for enjoying a breath of fresh air in nature. Once you are there, keep an eye out for the mythic plastic cow that is moved around the island by visiting students.

Crow Island

How to get there: A short private boat ride from Brunswick. Make sure to only go at mid-tide or higher, since the island is surrounded by mud flats.

Overnight options: The island has options for camping.

This small, wooded 3-acre island is managed by Harpswell Heritage Land Trust. Dogs must be on leash during bird nesting season from April 15 to July 31. Crow Island is rumored to be the resting place of Civil War general Joshua Chamberlain’s favorite horse, Charlemagne.

Frye Island

How to get there: Located on Sebago Lake, Frye Island can be reached from a ferry that leaves from Raymond.

Overnight options: Private homes are for rent on the island.

This lake island has a summer population, and offers a small general store and cafe, golf course and several public beaches.

Great Diamond Island

How to get there: Located in Casco Bay, Great Diamond Island can be reach by Casco Bay Lines ferry, water taxi or private boat. Diamond Cove is a car-free community.

Overnight options: Rooms at the Inn at Diamond Cove and rentals are available.

Great Diamond Island is home to the Inn at Diamond Cove, Diamond’s Edge Restaurant and the Fort McKinley Museum (open July through September).

Islesboro Island

How to get there: Take the Margaret Chase Smith ferry from Linconville to this island located 3 miles off the coast.  The ferry ride takes 20 minutes, and makes the passage multiple times a day.

Overnight options: There are private rentals available.

There are a variety of beaches, hikes and a nautical antique museum.

Jewell Island

How to get there: The island is only accessible by private or charter boat. It is a 20- to 30-minute kayak from Cliff Island.

Overnight options: There are camping options available.

This peaceful island is uninhabited and located at the eastern edge of Casco Bay. The island is ideal for camping, exploring relics from both World Wars and swimming. Maine Trail Finder says there is a 3-mile trail network with an “easy” difficulty rating.

Little Chebeague Island

How to get there: Boat or walk the .50 mile sandbar from the large, more populated Great Chebeague.

Overnight options: There is camping available. The Maine Island Trail Association recommends camping along the shoreline or at a group campsite at the northeast end of the eastern beach.

Little Chebeague has a rich history and the remains of several summer cottages are found on the island, along with interpretive signage, providing a view into the island’s history. It is a peaceful respite after a day of kayaking.

Long Island

How to get there: Take a 45-minute ferry ride from the Casco Bay Lines.

Overnight options: There are many private rental options on the island.

The town has a brand new library, art gallery, an inn and a gift shop. Enjoy a scenic lobster roll at Byers & Sons or enjoy the several miles of walking trails.

Matinicus Island

How to get there: 20 miles off of the Knox County coastline, Matinicus is accessible by a state ferry that leaves from Rockland.

Overnight options: There are a few lodging options on the island.

Less than 100 people live on this rugged island year-round. The island is perfect for people who want an out-of-the-way experience, far from the mainland, with beaches, stargazing and ocean views to explore.

Monhegan Island

How to get there: The island can be reached by ferries from Port Clyde, New Harbor and Boothbay Harbor. Private boats can also access it and must contact the harbormaster.

Overnight options: There are several hotels and inns along with rental cottages available.

Located 12 nautical miles off the coast, Monhegan Island is in the Gulf of Maine, and part of Lincoln County. With stunning cliff views, the island has a long history of being a haven for artists. Edward Hopper, Jamie Wyeth, George Bellows and Rockwell Kent are among the most well-known artists who have spent time on Monhegan.

Mount Desert Island

How to get there: You can drive to Mount Desert Island by way of the Trenton Bridge.

Overnight options: There are several places to stay on Mount Desert Island, including seasonal rentals, hotels, inns and bed and breakfast spots.

Mount Desert Island is Maine’s largest island and home to Acadia National Park. It offers lush natural beauty with ocean views, hiking on Cadillac Mountain, biking on the carriage roads (regular and e-bike rentals available), as well as shops and restaurants in Bar Harbor.

North Haven Island

How to get there: The Maine Department of Transportation provides a 70-minute ferry ride between Rockland and North Haven several times a day.

Overnight options: There are plenty of places to stay on the island.

This bustling island lies 12 miles from Rockland, in Penobscot Bay. North Haven has a small year-round population, as well as a prominent summer community. Activities include beach hopping, bike rentals, seal spotting, a snack at the North Haven Oyster Co. and a visit to North Haven Brewing Co.

Peaks Island

How to get there: Most visitors use the Casco Bay Lines ferry. There are also water taxis available and the island can be accessed by private boats and kayaks.

Overnight options: The Inn on Peaks Island is a popular spot and there are a number of private cottage and home rentals around the island.

One of the island’s most unusual spots is the Umbrella Cover Museum at 62 Island Ave. There you’ll find hundreds of umbrella covers (sleeves) on display. The museum is open in the summertime until Labor Day.

Peaks Island is great for bicycle rides (rentals available). You can also rent golf carts, but be respectful of the year-round residents and keep your speed in check. Battery Steele is a WWII-era fort to explore and the island has about five beaches, some of them ideal for swimming. There are also a handful of restaurants.

Sears Island

How to get there: Sears Island can be accessed by a causeway near Searsport.

Overnight options: No. Camping and overnight parking are not allowed.

The island is managed by Friends of Sears Island, and is a protected reserve. Recreation on the island includes bird-watching, trail running, kayaking, swimming and biking. Guided nature walks are available each summer, free and open to the public.

Seguin Island

How to get there: Most visitors take their own boat to the island. A charter ferry operated by RippleSmith Sailing offers two daily trips departing from Sebasco Harbor Resort in Phippsburg.

Overnight options: There are guest quarters and campgrounds available for members of Friends of Seguin Island Light Station.

Seguin Island is located at the mouth of the Kennebec River and nearly 2.5 miles off the mainland. It is the site of Maine’s second oldest lighthouse. The island offers a unique perspective of Midcoast Maine, with sunning vistas of Popham Beach, Georgetown and Reid State Park. On clear days, you can see Monhegan Island and Mount Washington. The island has five hiking trails, historical buildings, a tram, museum, gift shop and tours of the tower.

Vinalhaven Island

How to get there: The Maine State Ferry out of Rockland goes to the island.

Overnight options: There are a number of hotels, inns and private rentals.

With 23 square miles, Vinalhaven is one of the state’s biggest offshore islands. You can go swimming at Lawson’s Quarry and Booth’s Quarry. Consult the Vinalhaven Land Trust website for directions to several parks and hiking trails, including Tip Toe Mountain.