CARS are being kicked to the curb in pockets across the US, and some places have banned them completely.
From fairytale islands to historic towns and remote communities, these places have ditched vehicles altogether.
Mackinac Island, Michigan is famous for its unique car-free environment (stock image)[/caption]
Fire Island, a barrier island off the southern coast of Long Island, is largely car-free, especially during the summer season (stock image)[/caption]
Alaska’s Halibut Cove has no roads for cars and relies on walking paths, boats, and skiffs for transport (stock image)[/caption]
Another car-free destination is Little St. Simons Island, a private barrier island off Georgia’s coast[/caption]
On Michigan’s Mackinac Island, where cars have been outlawed since 1898, horse-drawn carriages are the main form of transport.
The picturesque island is nestled in Lake Huron between Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas.
Visitors arrive by plane or ferry, then get around the island on foot, bike, or via horse taxi.
With only around 500 year-round residents, the island swells to more than a million visitors annually.
In summer, Mackinac also turns into a party hotspot, drawing 20,000 tourists at a time for wild summer nights.
DOWN IN GEORGIA
Further south, another car-free destination is Little St. Simons Island, a private barrier island off Georgia’s coast.
For those seeking to spend time away from the mainland, Little St. Simons Island is only reachable by boat.
Guests of the island stay at an exclusive eco-lodge with guided nature tours, beaches, and forests.
Spanning 11,000 acres, the island offers bike paths, salt marshes, and a completely vehicle-free experience.
Per the island’s official website, tourists “won’t need a vehicle” during their visit, noting that only island employees can operate motor vehicles.
Fire Island, hailed as a “car-free paradise” in New York, bans private cars and has no paved roads, with bikes and walking as the main form of transportation.
Though accessible by bridges, cars are not allowed on the island itself except for emergency or state use.
Visitors head to Ocean Beach, Cherry Grove, and The Pines, with events like the iconic Pines Party and “underwear nights” drawing crowds.
While you can drive to Fire Island, tourists cannot drive end-to-end within the island itself and instead should take the 30-minute ferry.
US Places Where Cars Are Banned
- Mackinac Island, Michigan
- Little St. Simons Island, Georgia
- Fire Island, New York
- Governors Island, New York
- Supai, Arizona
- Monhegan Island, Maine
- Halibut Cove, Alaska
- Bald Head Island, North Carolina
Governors Island, just off Manhattan, is another fully car-free spot reachable only by ferry.
The island is used for art exhibits, festivals, and spa days, all without a single private vehicle.
HEADING WEST
Supai, Arizona, is one of the most remote places in the US and is completely inaccessible by car.
Located deep in the Grand Canyon, all travel in and out happens by foot, mule, or helicopter.
Supai is home to the Havasupai tribe and the famous turquoise Havasu Falls.
Even the US Postal Service still delivers mail to the village by mule.
Monhegan Island in Maine has no paved roads and severely limits vehicle use; almost all travel happens on foot.
“No visitors’ cars are allowed on the island,” according to the official website.
Accessible only by ferry, the island has under 100 residents and draws artists and hikers in summer.
As for Alaska’s Halibut Cove, the remote destination has no roads for cars and relies on walking paths, boats, and skiffs for transport.
Nestled inside Kachemak Bay State Park, Halibut Cove features a floating post office and views of otters and whales.
North Carolina’s Bald Head Island bans personal cars, while golf carts and trams are the only way to get around.
Officials have clearly stated that “cars are not allowed on Bald Head Island, per the website, which is meant to create “an idyllic atmosphere, free from pollution, traffic jams and road noise.”
Visitors can take a 20-minute ferry from Southport to explore the beaches, lighthouses, and turtle habitats.
Governors Island, just off Manhattan, is fully car-free spot reachable only by ferry (stock image)[/caption]
Monhegan Island, Maine, is accessible only by ferry, the island has under 100 residents and draws artists and hikers in summer (stock image)[/caption]
Even the US Postal Service delivers by mule to the village, home of the Havasupai tribe and the famous turquoise Havasu Falls (stock image)[/caption]
North Carolina’s Bald Head Island bans personal cars; golf carts and trams are the only way to get around (stock image)[/caption]
