Car-Free Cities Around The US To Completely Get Away

Some people simply can't get enough of driving. Others, though, can't help but wish these vehicles would just disappear. Well, while we can't make the latter happen, we can tell you about some of the car-free cities around the US. Yes, such places do exist, and they're a haven for anyone who's fed up with being stuck in traffic.

If you're looking for somewhere to vacation this year, a place where cars are a thing of the past may well be your ideal spot. Don't worry; these places do have alternatives to help you get around, so you won't have to walk everywhere. However, would it really be a bad thing if they didn't?

Halibut Cove is a quaint community with some of the best sights in the US

If you ever find yourself in Alaska, be sure to give Kachemak Bay State Park a visit. This place is home to Halibut Cove, where a small community of people enjoys a sheltered and peaceful life. Reachable by a water taxi, this quaint, charming place boasts a lot that may win you over, from its floating post office to its vibrant wildlife. Be on the lookout for seals, otters, whales, and more while you take in the stunning surroundings of this tranquil sanctuary. Make sure to enjoy the peace, too, as ATVs are reportedly the only land vehicles used here.

Bald Head Island is a car-free haven home to North Carolina's oldest lighthouse

Along the east coast, one of the best car-free cities to spend your time is Bald Head Island. A popular spot with loggerhead turtles, it only takes 20 minutes to reach this place on the ferry. Once you're here, you can use golf carts or trams to get from one part of the island to another. The former are pretty useful, given that Bald Head Island isn't short of golf courses. They're not the only thing that'll keep you entertained, though, as there are also beaches, forests, and the oldest standing lighthouse in North Carolina. You'll get some incredible views from the top of this landmark. 

Fire Island is reachable by car, but there's nowhere for these vehicles to go

While New York's Fire Island might be an island, you can actually reach it by car. However, you might not see the point in doing this, given there aren't any paved roads here. The only vehicles reportedly allowed on the island itself are those used for emergencies. So, you're better off finding other means of getting here - cycling, perhaps? After all, that's how most people seem to travel from the beaches to the maritime forest. It might take a while to cover the length of Fire Island's 31 miles by bike. However, you'll soon realize once you're here that there's no need to rush anywhere.

Colonial Williamsburg is a city that seems to be trapped in the 1700s

The reason these cities are car-free tends to vary. In the case of Colonial Williamsburg, it seems to be because this city is stuck in time. In this part of Virginia, it's still very much the 1700s, with dozens of the city's original buildings looking the way they did back then. Colonial Williamsburg is now considered the world's largest outdoor living history museum, and once you visit this place, you'll see why. Of course, with everything being hundreds of years old here, that does mean you'll need to use carriages and wagons if you don't wish to walk everywhere.

Governors Island offers a perfect short-term escape from the rush of NYC

Looking for a way to pass the day while in New York? It might be worth taking a trip to Governors Island, another wonderful car-free spot in the US. Established in the 1500s, it was used by the US Coast Guard until the late '90s. Since then, it's been under the control of a nonprofit organization, which allows visitors to picnic, fish, engage in the arts, and much more. New York City is known for being a hub of activity that's constantly full of traffic. So, having this quiet haven to escape to is perfect when NYC becomes a bit too much for you.

Mackinac Island is perfect for anyone wishing to slow things down

Michigan's Mackinac Island is probably one of the most magical places in all of the US. Accessible by plane and ferry, this spot is the perfect place for anyone who feels they want to slow things down for a moment. The car-free island is primarily a state park, meaning there are plenty of scenic trails you can explore to help you reconnect with nature. You can stay at one of the charming inns here and spend your nights dining at local restaurants. Should you wish to give your feet a break from walking at any point, there are horse-drawn carriages to help you get around.

Who knows, with the way people are feeling about the climate, car-free destinations may eventually be the norm in the US. For now, though, these are the best places to escape from the noise, the fumes, and the traffic.