10 top car-free destinations to explore in the USA this summer

Spending a week or weekend on a car-free island offers delightful surprises: cycling around, striking up conversations while strolling, and enjoying quirky golf cart rides. While road trips have their charm, sometimes getting from point A to B can be more enjoyable without a car. On these islands, the journey itself becomes part of the adventure, providing a stress-free experience for everyone on the trip.

This vacation season, opt to leave the car behind. From the Lowcountry of South Carolina to the coastal gems of Southern California and up near the Canadian border, we've searched the United States for some of the best spots for car-free and carefree summer enjoyment.

1. Daufuskie Island, South Carolina

Ideal for a relaxed lifestyle

This secluded island off the South Carolina coast, situated between Hilton Head and Savannah, is only reachable by ferry. Despite its growing popularity, Daufuskie Island remains a tranquil, car-free haven where visitors and residents navigate the oak-lined paths by bike or golf cart. Accommodations can be found for overnight stays within the Haig Point community.

A popular choice is the historic two-bedroom lighthouse, rumored to be inhabited by the friendly spirit of the former lightkeeper’s daughter. When you're not discovering the island's miles of pristine beaches and serene backroads, explore local galleries like The Iron Fish, visit a rum distillery, or go horseback riding on the beach.

2. Tangier Island, Virginia

Ideal for indulging in soft shell crabs

Situated 12 miles off the eastern shore of Virginia and reachable by ferry, the residents of Tangier Island speak a distinct dialect of English that has remained largely unchanged since the 1700s.

While most visitors come for quick day trips on seasonal ferries from Onancock on the mainland, staying at a vacation rental or bed and breakfast for a night or more allows you to truly experience the essence of this fishing island (and savor as many soft shell crabs—Tangier’s exquisite seafood specialty—as you desire).

Looking to explore more of Virginia? Check out these top destinations to visit now

3. Dry Tortugas, Florida

Perfect for snorkeling enthusiasts

Nestled in the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico, about 70 miles west of Key West, the seven small islands of Dry Tortugas can only be accessed by ferry or seaplane. The journey from bustling Key West is truly worthwhile.

Once you arrive, enjoy a car-free retreat where you can camp on the beach at Garden Key, discover the historic 19th-century Fort Jefferson, and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters teeming with rays, parrotfish, sergeant majors, and sea turtles (the islands' namesake, tortugas).

Searching for more fantastic spots to explore in Florida? Check out our suggestions

4. Two Harbors, Catalina Island, California

Ideal for scuba diving

Located about 22 miles from Long Beach, California, the waters around Catalina Island invite scuba divers to discover stunning golden kelp forests illuminated by sunlight and populated by vibrant orange Garibaldi fish (and occasionally sea lions).

On land, enjoy a car-free getaway in the charming town of Two Harbors (more peaceful than Avalon, Catalina's main center), where you can experience a rustic stay (think: bring your own sleeping bag, pillow, and towel) at Catalina Cabins. For a more comfortable experience, consider the Craftsman-style bed and breakfast, Banning House Lodge. Rent a golf cart or stroll to nearby beaches, eateries, and hiking trails.

5. Halibut Cove, Alaska

Perfect for fishing enthusiasts

Catch the scenic ferry from Homer for a 12-mile journey across Kachemak Bay to this car-free coastal enclave on the Kenai Peninsula, home to about 200 residents. Halibut Cove offers rustic log cabins for rent through Reserve America and Alaska’s Division of Parks & Outdoor Recreation, or indulge in a stay at a wilderness lodge like Alaska Stillpoint Lodge or Ridgewood Wilderness Lodge. With Kachemak Bay State Park at your doorstep, enjoy activities ranging from glacier viewing and fishing for giant halibut and salmon to kayaking and extensive hiking. Don’t forget to send a postcard from the unique floating USPS post office located right at the docks in Halibut Cove.

Looking to explore more of Alaska without driving? Experience the Alaska Marine Highway

6. Rock Island State Park, Wisconsin

Ideal for lakeside camping

In the summer, visitors flock to Door County’s picturesque Lake Michigan beaches and charming towns like moths to a flame. However, you can avoid the bustling crowds (and vehicles) by heading just off the northern tip of the Door Peninsula to Rock Island State Park.

Open for access via ferry from Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend, the island features easily reachable campsites from the ferry dock, miles of stunning shoreline and secluded beaches, plus the historic Pottawatomie Lighthouse perched on a bluff waiting to be explored.

7. Mackinac Island, Michigan

Perfect for classic family adventures

Mackinac Island is a quintessential summer getaway, nestled amid the stunning sapphire waters of Lake Huron between Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas. With motor vehicles banned for over 120 years—after alarming the island's carriage horses—visitors now traverse the island on foot, bike, or via charming horse-drawn carriage tours.

Book a cabin in the woods or a Victorian cottage by the lake and clear your summer calendar for plenty of swimming, hiking, and indulging in the island's famous fudge varieties. Don’t forget to enjoy a cocktail in a rocking chair while overlooking the Straits of Mackinac from the expansive terrace of the Grand Hotel.

Visiting Michigan with your family? Here are the top activities to enjoy with kids

8. Bald Head Island, North Carolina

Ideal for beach lovers

The statistics tell the story for this car-free paradise south of Wilmington, off the coast of North Carolina: Bald Head Island boasts 14 miles of stunning golden beaches and is enveloped by over 10,000 acres of largely untouched nature preserves, featuring marshes, maritime forests, and more. It’s a vast natural playground just waiting to be explored.

Passenger ferries bring visitors here after a swift 20-minute ride from the mainland. Once you arrive, the approximately 5-square-mile island is yours to explore without a single car on the roads. Utilize the tram or rent a bike to navigate to the beaches, enjoy kayaking or fishing on the Cape Fear River, or reach your beachside vacation rental. You might even choose to stay at a charming New England-style inn with views of the marina and marsh.

9. McCarthy, Alaska

Perfect for backcountry enthusiasts

Nestled deep within the untamed expanse of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park in central southeast Alaska, the small, car-free settlement of McCarthy has a permanent population of just a few dozen resilient residents, accessible via a pedestrian footbridge spanning the Kennicott River.

Stay at the historic Ma Johnson’s Hotel, which once served as a boarding house, and fill your days with thrilling backcountry adventures such as rafting and glacier trekking. There's even a nearby pub, the Golden Saloon, serving up tacos and live music, all within easy reach of your room. Don't miss a visit to the nearby ghost town of Kennicott, where you can take a guided tour of an abandoned mining camp offered by the National Park Service.

Thinking about exploring more national parks? Check out Alaska's finest

10. Isle Royale, Michigan

Ideal for hiking enthusiasts

Upon stepping off the ferry dock (or arriving by seaplane) at this car-free island in northern Michigan, you'll find over 160 miles of hiking trails waiting to be explored in the wilds of Lake Superior.

Pack your camping gear to set up a tent or reserve a room at Rock Harbor Lodge on the island’s eastern side – the only full-service accommodation available, offering 60 rooms with stunning views of Lake Superior. You can embark on fishing charters, rent a canoe or kayak to glide along the shoreline while spotting eagles, or alternate between swimming and hiking in Isle Royale National Park, where wildlife like moose, beaver, and otters might make an appearance.

Interested in more trails in Michigan? Check out these top hiking routes