Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Massachusetts boasts a stunning coastline dotted with more than 200 islands, each with its own character and history. While the exact count varies depending on tidal conditions and classification criteria, the commonly cited figure exceeds two hundred islands scattered along the Atlantic coast.
Several islands have achieved national and international recognition:
Perhaps the most famous, this 100-square-mile island south of Cape Cod attracts visitors with its charming towns, pristine beaches, and rich maritime heritage. Accessible by ferry or plane, it's a beloved summer destination.
Located about 30 miles south of Cape Cod, Nantucket's cobblestone streets, historic whaling architecture, and conservation lands create a uniquely preserved atmosphere. The entire island is a National Historic Landmark District.
This chain of small islands stretches southwest from Cape Cod, separating Buzzards Bay from Vineyard Sound. Cuttyhunk and Penikese are among the more notable islands in this group.
Comprising 34 islands and peninsulas, this national recreation area includes Georges Island (home to Fort Warren), Spectacle Island with its sea glass beaches, and Peddocks Island with its historic fort and camping facilities.
Many Massachusetts islands are glacial remnants—drumlins and moraines left behind by retreating ice sheets. Others are barrier islands formed by coastal processes. This glacial heritage gives the coastline its distinctive irregular shape and numerous offshore landforms.
Note: While Cape Cod is often mentioned alongside islands, it's technically a peninsula—a hooked spit of land extending into the Atlantic—rather than an island itself, though the Cape Cod Canal technically makes it an artificial island.