Ever thought of visiting a car-free destination? Well, you’re in for a treat as the U.S. is home to wonderful cities that say no to the sounds of horns! Say goodbye to gas stations, traffic jams and rental cars and say hello to walking, trains and bicycles. If you’re looking for a car-free getaway destination on your next visit, consider visiting these five U.S. cities to reconnect with nature in a way that you’ve never done before.
Fire Island, New York
New York is a crazy place! But a mere two hours away from the bustle of Manhattan, visitors will find themselves on a barrier island with no paved roads. Stretching for 32 miles, Fire Island is home to high dunes, ancient forests and miles of coastline featuring white sandy beaches. If you’re looking to be alerted by bike bells instead of car horns, Fire Island is a great place for that. With cycling acting as the main way to get around, this could well be the perfect getaway spot if you’ve had enough of New York City!
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Located in Lake Huron, Mackinac Island is only a quarter of an hour away from the mainland. If you’re looking to abandon your vehicle and do things the old-school way, Mackinac Island is the place to be. With no vehicles present on the roads since the 1920s, visitors can absorb the striking scenery whilst walking or even horseback riding.
New York, City New York
New York City may not strike you as a car-free destination, but with its superb network of public transport and many pedestrian-friendly zones, walking through New York seems like the popular choice for many. To really take advantage, use the efficient subway system and walk where you can. We recommend booking a hotel near Midtown, which means being within a walking distance of Times Square, Grand Central Station and Central Park.
Seattle, Washington
You’re not going to find an easier city to navigate than Seattle. The city is home to many sustainable transport options such as scooters, electric buses and bicycles. But it doesn’t just stop there. The entire Pacific Northwest has made massive improvements, allowing drivers to leave behind their cars. In fact, Seattle has gone as far as dedicating 20 miles of road exclusively for exercise! This initially started off as a trial but was soon made permanent due to the positive feedback it received from the public.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is notably known as one of the most ideal cities to visit without a car. With downtown being home to popular tourist sites such as Navy pier and Millennium Park, exploring the city on foot is a simple task. If you decide to change things up, visitors can also rent bikes or use the city’s extensive public transport system which includes trains and buses. Like Seattle, Chicago is well on its way to entirely pedestrianising a number of roads in the city.
Main Image – Mohit Tomar, Unsplash
The adventurous spirit behind the pages of British Muslim magazine. As the Editor-in-Chief, Natasha leads with a passion for exploration and a pen dipped in wanderlust. With a keen eye for halal travel experiences and an insatiable curiosity for new experiences, she brings readers along on captivating journeys to far-flung destinations. Through her vibrant storytelling, Natasha invites readers on enriching adventures, where every experience is a window into the muslim world.
