Nowadays, it can feel like there aren't too many places you can go without a car. Even if you're flying to your vacation destination, it's quite likely that you're going to need to rent a car once you get there. It is possible, however, to have a car-free vacation. The spots that we're featuring today are actually impossible to reach by car, as hard as that is to believe! Some of them are suitable for an afternoon excursion and others you might want to spend a few days exploring, but the one thing they all have in common is that they don't have any vehicular road access. Check out these magnificent car-free vacations in the United States:
Destinations You Can Only Reach By Boat
1. Cumberland Island: Georgia
Destinations don't come much more unique than Cumberland Island off the coast of Georgia. This Peach State gem is like something out of a fairy tale. Not only is the island teeming with a herd of wild horses, but it's also home to the ruins of a Carnegie mansion. Guided tours by both foot and van are available. You can also opt to explore the island's forests and sandy beaches at your leisure. There are five campgrounds here if you'd like to spend the night at this magical place. The only way to access Cumberland Island is via a passenger ferry from nearby St. Mary's Island or via your own private boat, though note that overnight docking of private boats is not allowed.
2. Mackinac Island: Michigan
Mackinac Island has been offering up car-free vacations in Michigan since way back in 1898! This town has a year-round population of only around 500 people, but during the summertime months, it swells to more than 10,000 residents thanks to all the tourists. The island's stunning scenery, small-town charm, and delicious fudge are famous all over the country. The resort feel would be quite quaint in any environment, but combined with the lack of cars, it makes Mackinac Island seem oh-so-special. To reach Mackinac Island, you have to take a passenger ferry from the mainland. Once you're on the island, horse-drawn carriages serve as taxis, though many visitors and residents walk or bike to their destinations.
3. Caladesi Island State Park: Florida
Caladesi Island is an island on the west coast of Florida that will make you feel like you're on a magical Caribbean vacation. The 2,000-acre island can only be reached by boat or ferry, though you can actually walk to it, too, if you start at north Clearwater Beach. It's one of the few remaining natural islands in Florida, with amazing white sandy beaches. The island's three-mile trail is the perfect way to get your blood flowing and see the sights before you spend the afternoon relaxing on the shore. Note that this one is a car-free day trip, as the only way to spend the night is on a private boat docked at the marina.
4. Isle Royale National Park: Michigan
We're betting you've never heard of Isle Royale National Park, but this remote paradise is absolutely incredible. It's tucked away off the shores of Lake Superior and can only be reached by boat. This untamed terrain is full of amazing trails and wildlife. With wolves and moose roaming around, you never know what kind of creatures you'll spot! There are more than 570,000 acres to explore here, and you can learn more about the amazing trails at Isle Royale National Park from our friends at AllTrails. The park has 36 campgrounds, including tent sites, but note that consecutive night limits are in place during the summer months. Learn more about camping at Isle Royale National Park from the National Park Service website.
5. Catalina Island: California
When many people think of California, their minds go to soaring down Highway 1, or maybe being stuck in LA traffic for hours. But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy a car-free vacation in California! Catalina Island lies off the coast of Southern California and it's an incredible getaway. You can access the island by private boat or ferry, and while there are a few cars on the island, golf carts are far more prevalent. Many area vacation rentals even come with a golf cart that you can use during the course of your stay. With fun shops, delicious restaurants, and most of all, a walkable town area, you'll find plenty to entertain you, whether you stay for an afternoon or a whole week.
Destinations You Can Only Reach By Hiking
6. Havasu Falls: Arizona
Havasu Falls just might be the most beautiful place in Arizona. In order to reach the falls, visitors must endure a 10-mile strenuous hike (in each direction), and you'll need to obtain a permit prior to your visit. Permits are so highly coveted that an entire year's worth generally sells out in just a few minutes! The 98-foot waterfall is an incredible sight and one of our favorite natural wonders in the Grand Canyon State. Day hikes are not allowed, and you'll need to spend the night at the nearby Havasupai Lodge. This is definitely a car-free vacation that requires quite a bit of planning (and excellent fitness levels), but the reward is more than worth the effort.
7. Dunada Falls: Wyoming
It goes without saying that there's no shortage of incredible landmarks in Yellowstone National Park, but one of the most magnificent is Dunada Falls Hot Spring. The 17-mile, out-and-back trek is not for the faint of heart: it's through rugged, undeveloped territory in one of the park's more remote areas. The falls are quite magnificent, and at the base lies a 110-degree hot spring that's perfect for a soak after all that hiking. If you don't feel up to the challenge of hiking there on your own, there are several guided tours available, like the llama treks offered by Wildland Trekking.
8. Bells Canyon Reservoir: Utah
Another amazing car-free vacation is Bells Canyon Reservoir in Utah. This utterly magnificent pristine lake lies in the Wasatch Mountains and requires a difficult nine-mile hike. The Upper Bells Canyon Trail is certainly a challenge, but the dream-like serenity you'll find at your destination makes it all worth it. Camping is allowed, but note that swimming in the reservoir is prohibited.
Destinations You Can Only Reach By Four-Wheeler
9. Polihale State Park: Hawaii
Some areas of Hawaii can feel overrun with tourists, but if you're looking for a more remote part of the Aloha State coastline to explore, Polihale State Park is perfect. This spot on the west end of Kauai can only be accessed by a long, unmaintained road that's full of potholes and very prone to flooding. While it can technically be accessed by a four-wheel-drive vehicle (and a very brave driver willing to go extremely slowly), it's definitely best to head out here with a four wheeler. The path is considered off-roading, which means that rental car companies won't even allow their vehicles on the road. You can often spot car parts on the side of the road from those who attempted to drive here!
The park's gorgeous cliffs and a 17-mile stretch of white sand beaches make it all worth the effort. This is an amazingly beautiful place, even for a state that feels like paradise just about anywhere you go! The park's Queens Pond is a great place to swim, and there are great picnic pavilions here to enjoy an al fresco meal.
Destinations You Can Only Reach By Plane
10. Gates of the Arctic National Park: Alaska
Gates of the Arctic National Park spans a sprawling 8.4 million acres, so there's a lot of land to explore here. It's the northernmost national park in America, but it's also very remote. There are no roads leading to this magical park and visitors can only reach it via either a flight or a lengthy and strenuous hike. It's no wonder this place receives only about 10,000 visitors a year! The views are incredible, but it definitely requires some effort to get here.
11. Sitka: Alaska
Needless to say, there are a lot of remote places in Alaska, but one of the most charming towns here can't be reached by road. The town of Sitka, AK lies on rugged Baranof Island. Visitors can only access this place by ferry or flight. It's a town that's full of history and natural beauty and is an amazing place for a car-free vacation. Sitka National Historical Park has totem poles and cultural exhibits regarding the 1867 Battle of Sitka, which resulted in the transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States. The town is home to plenty of forests and bears are not an uncommon sight. This is such a special place!
Have you ever enjoyed a car-free vacation, or been to any of the destinations listed above? Share your experiences in the comments!
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