Unearth The Voyage
These unique American destinations offer a rare chance to slow down and experience life without the constant hum of car engines. From coastal hideaways to charming islands, these twelve escapes prove you don’t need a vehicle to have an unforgettable adventure.
1. Mackinac Island, MI
Step back in time on this Lake Huron gem where cars have been banned since 1898. Horse-drawn carriages and bicycles transport visitors along winding roads lined with fudge shops and Victorian cottages. The scent of fresh-baked fudge fills the air as you explore downtown.
Pedal around the eight-mile perimeter road for stunning water views and limestone formations. Fort Mackinac sits high on a bluff, offering history lessons and cannon demonstrations. The Grand Hotel’s famous porch stretches 660 feet, perfect for watching sunsets.
Ferries depart regularly from Mackinaw City and St. Ignace during warmer months. Pack comfortable walking shoes because exploring on foot reveals hidden gardens and quiet trails. Winter transforms the island into a cross-country skiing paradise, though most businesses close until spring returns.
2. Bald Head Island, NC
Golf carts buzz along sandy paths on this secluded barrier island accessible only by passenger ferry. Old Baldy, North Carolina’s oldest standing lighthouse, watches over 14 miles of pristine beaches and protected maritime forests. Sea turtles nest here each summer, making it a naturalist’s dream destination.
Families rent golf carts or bikes to navigate the island’s quiet roads and nature trails. The Bald Head Island Conservancy offers educational programs about local wildlife and ecosystems. Kayaking through tidal creeks reveals herons, egrets, and occasional dolphins.
A 20-minute ferry ride from Southport delivers you to this peaceful retreat. Vacation rentals range from cozy cottages to luxurious beachfront homes. The island’s relaxed pace encourages afternoon hammock naps and long evening walks collecting seashells along the shore.
3. Fire Island (Fire Island National Seashore), NY
Boardwalks connect 17 beach communities along this 32-mile barrier island off Long Island’s southern shore. No cars means the soundtrack includes crashing waves, seagull calls, and children’s laughter instead of traffic noise. The iconic lighthouse stands sentinel at the western end, guiding boats since 1858.
Sunfish Pond offers calm waters perfect for paddleboarding and kayaking. Wilderness areas provide habitat for white-tailed deer and migratory birds. The Sailors Haven visitor center features nature programs and beach wheelchairs for accessibility.
Ferries depart from Bay Shore, Sayville, and Patchogue throughout the season. Bring a wagon to haul beach gear from the dock to your rental. Summer weekends buzz with activity, but weekday visits offer more solitude for beachcombing and wildlife watching along unspoiled shorelines.
4. Catalina Island, CA
Twenty-six miles across the sea from Southern California sits this Mediterranean-style paradise. The art deco Casino building dominates Avalon’s crescent bay, though it never hosted gambling but rather ballroom dancing and movies. Glass-bottom boats reveal underwater gardens teeming with bright orange garibaldi fish.
Buffalo roam the island’s interior, descendants of a 1920s film shoot herd. Zip-lining adventures soar above canyons while eco-tours explore the rugged backcountry. Snorkeling at Lover’s Cove Marine Reserve brings you face-to-face with colorful fish and swaying kelp forests.
High-speed ferries and helicopters connect Catalina to mainland ports year-round. Golf carts provide transportation in Avalon, while guided tours venture into protected wilderness areas. The smaller village of Two Harbors offers even quieter escapes with camping and diving opportunities along dramatic coastlines.
5. Block Island, RI
Wind-swept moors and dramatic sea cliffs give this Rhode Island island a distinctly New England character. The Southeast Lighthouse perches on 200-foot Mohegan Bluffs, offering panoramic ocean vistas after a steep staircase climb. Stone walls crisscross rolling hills dotted with grazing sheep and wildflowers.
Rent a bike or moped to explore hidden beaches and freshwater ponds. The Nature Conservancy protects nearly half the island, creating excellent birdwatching opportunities during migration seasons. Crescent Beach stretches along the eastern shore with gentle waves perfect for swimming.
Ferries from Point Judith operate year-round, with seasonal service from other ports. Victorian hotels and charming inns cluster around Old Harbor, the main village. Fresh seafood restaurants serve just-caught fish while sunset views from North Light attract photographers and romantics seeking that perfect golden hour moment.
6. San Juan Island (Friday Harbor), WA
Orca whales breach offshore while bald eagles soar overhead on this Pacific Northwest jewel. Friday Harbor’s walkable downtown features art galleries, seafood restaurants, and the fascinating Whale Museum. Lavender farms perfume summer breezes, creating purple landscapes that rival French Provence.
Lime Kiln Point State Park earns its nickname as the best shore-based whale-watching spot in America. British and American camps from the 1859 Pig War offer quirky historical sites. Kayaking along the rocky coastline provides intimate encounters with harbor seals and sea stars.
Washington State Ferries connect to Anacortes, while seasonal service runs from Victoria, BC. Rent bikes or scooters to explore the island’s scenic roads at a relaxed pace. Local farms offer fresh produce and farm-to-table dining experiences. Sunsets paint the sky pink and orange behind the Olympic Mountains across the water.
7. Nantucket, MA
Cobblestone streets and grey-shingled cottages preserve this whaling village’s 18th-century charm. Window boxes overflow with pink hydrangeas while sailboats bob in the harbor. The Whaling Museum tells tales of dangerous sea voyages and the industry that built this prosperous island community.
Beaches ring the island, from family-friendly Jetties Beach to wild, remote Cisco Beach. Bike paths connect town to Siasconset, a village of rose-covered cottages and ocean views. Lightship baskets, intricate handwoven purses, remain a treasured local craft tradition.
High-speed ferries and flights arrive from Cape Cod and other mainland points. The Nantucket Regional Transit Authority operates buses, though bikes remain the preferred transportation method. Fresh seafood, especially bay scallops, stars on restaurant menus. Cranberry bogs turn crimson in fall, creating stunning landscapes for harvest festivals and photography expeditions.
8. Martha’s Vineyard, MA
Six distinct towns give this island remarkable variety, from Oak Bluffs’ colorful gingerbread cottages to Edgartown’s white captain’s houses. The Flying Horses Carousel, America’s oldest platform carousel, has delighted children since 1876. Celebrity sightings happen, but locals maintain a respectful privacy culture.
Aquinnah Cliffs display layers of clay in rust, grey, and cream colors formed over millions of years. Farm stands sell fresh produce and homemade pies along country roads. The Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival and Agricultural Fair draw crowds each summer.
Ferries serve Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs, and Edgartown from several Cape Cod ports. Public buses connect the towns, making car-free exploration easy and environmentally friendly. Rent bikes to pedal between beaches and villages. September brings fewer crowds, warm ocean temperatures, and beautiful weather for exploring this beloved New England island destination.
9. Kiawah Island, SC
Live oaks draped with Spanish moss create tunnel-like canopies over bike paths on this barrier island. World-class golf courses, including the famous Ocean Course, challenge players with coastal winds and water views. Ten miles of wide beaches provide space for everyone, from sunbathers to loggerhead turtle nests.
Bike paths connect resort areas to beaches and nature preserves throughout the island. Night Heron Park offers playgrounds, pools, and programs for families. Marsh boardwalks wind through spartina grass where herons fish and fiddler crabs scuttle.
Located 25 miles from Charleston, Kiawah welcomes visitors through a security gate. Vacation rentals and resort accommodations suit various budgets and group sizes. Alligators sunbathe along lagoons, reminding visitors they’re in the Lowcountry. Fresh seafood and Southern cuisine satisfy appetites after days spent cycling, beachcombing, and soaking up the relaxed coastal atmosphere that defines this special place.
10. Jekyll Island, GA
America’s wealthiest families once wintered at exclusive clubs on this Georgia barrier island. The restored Jekyll Island Club Hotel maintains its Gilded Age elegance with wraparound porches and croquet lawns. Driftwood Beach features hauntingly beautiful grey trees sculpted by wind and salt, creating photographer’s paradise.
The Georgia Sea Turtle Center rehabilitates injured turtles and educates visitors about marine conservation. Twenty-five miles of paved bike paths wind through maritime forests and along marshes. Summer Theatre performs Broadway shows in an outdoor venue under star-filled skies.
A causeway connects Jekyll to Brunswick, with no ferry required. Daily parking fees help maintain the island’s natural beauty and facilities. Miniature golf, waterslides, and fishing charters entertain families. Dolphin tours depart regularly, offering chances to see these playful mammals in their natural habitat while learning about coastal ecosystems and conservation efforts.
11. Anna Maria Island, FL
Old Florida charm survives on this seven-mile Gulf Coast barrier island where beach cottages outnumber high-rises. The historic City Pier stretches into turquoise waters, perfect for fishing or watching dolphins play. Pine Avenue in Anna Maria offers quirky shops and casual restaurants serving grouper sandwiches and key lime pie.
Free trolleys connect the three communities along the island, making car-free travel convenient. Rent beach cruisers to pedal along shaded streets lined with tropical plants. Bean Point at the northern tip provides secluded beaches and spectacular sunset views across Tampa Bay.
Located near Bradenton, the island attracts families seeking relaxed beach vacations. Weekly rentals fill quickly during winter snowbird season and summer breaks. Manatees gather in warmer months near canal outflows. The laid-back vibe encourages flip-flops, casual dining, and unhurried days collecting shells along pristine shorelines washed by gentle Gulf waves.
