Spending a week or a weekend on an island without cars can have some surprising advantages. You can enjoy the fun of riding a bicycle to get around, have interesting conversations while walking, and find it amusing to travel in a golf cart. But even though we all enjoy a nice road trip, sometimes the car is simply a way to travel from one place to another. Getting around on these islands is enjoyable. Additionally, it is stress-free and provides a great sense of freedom for everyone joining the trip.
During this vacation season, decide not to use your car. We have searched all over the United States, from South Carolina to Southern California and even near the Canadian border, to find some of the best places to have a fun summer without needing a car.
Daufuskie Island, South Carolina
There is a remote island off the coast of South Carolina, between Hilton Head and Savannah, that can only be reached by ferry. People are starting to hear about it. Daufuskie Island is a peaceful and quiet place where people can explore the roads lined with oak trees by riding bikes or golf carts, as there are no cars allowed. You can rent vacation homes for overnight stays in the Haig Point community.
One of the favourite options is a two-bedroom historic lighthouse that is rumoured to be haunted by the friendly ghost of the former lightkeeper’s daughter. If you’re not busy exploring the island’s 3.5 miles of white sand beaches and peaceful backroads, you can also visit local galleries like The Iron Fish, go to a rum distillery, or try horseback riding along the beach.
Tangier Island, Virginia
Tangier Island is situated 12 miles away from Virginia’s eastern shore. It can be reached by ferry. The residents of Tangier Island speak a distinct form of English that has been mostly unchanged since the 1700s.
Many visitors come to the car-free island for short day trips using seasonal passenger ferries from Onancock, which is located on Virginia’s mainland. However, it is worthwhile to stay at a vacation rental or bed and breakfast for at least one night in order to fully experience the lifestyle of a genuine fishing island.
Also read: These Iowa Cities are Fastest-Growing Cities in 2024
Two Harbors, Catalina Island, California
Catalina Island, located about 22 miles off the coast of Long Beach, California, is a popular destination for scuba divers. The waters surrounding the island are home to beautiful kelp forests that are filled with sunlight and vibrant orange Garibaldi fish. Occasionally, divers may also encounter sea lions.
When you’re on land, you can enjoy a car-free vacation in the charming town of Two Harbours. It’s quieter than Avalon, which is the main hub of Catalina. At Catalina Cabins, you can have a rustic stay, but you’ll need to bring your own sleeping bag, pillow, and towel.
Halibut Cove, Alaska
Take the scenic ferry from Homer to reach this car-free coastal community on the Kenai Peninsula. It’s a 12-mile ride across Kachemak Bay and is home to about 200 residents. You can rent rustic log cabins in Halibut Cove through Reserve America and Alaska’s Division of Parks & Outdoor Recreation.
You can also treat yourself to a stay at a wilderness lodge, such as Alaska Stillpoint Lodge or Ridgewood Wilderness Lodge. Kachemak Bay State Park offers a variety of activities right at your doorstep. You can enjoy looking at glaciers, fishing for large halibut and salmon, kayaking, and going on many hiking trails.
Rock Island State Park, Wisconsin
Tourists love visiting Door County’s beautiful Lake Michigan beaches and charming villages during the summer months, just like moths are drawn to a distant light. However, you can avoid the large number of people and cars who are seeking sunshine by going to Rock Island State Park, which is located just off the northern tip of the Door Peninsula.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Mackinac Island is a very American summer vacation spot. It is located in Lake Huron, between Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas. More than 120 years ago, motor vehicles were banned from this place because they scared the horses that used to pull carriages on the island. Today, people explore the area by walking, biking, or taking horse-drawn carriage tours.
Leave a Reply