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By Leena Naidoo, TheTravel
When considering a vacation without a car, look for cities and towns that are walkable, have good local transport networks, and are cyclist-friendly, like these 10 best places to visit in the USA—no car required!
Read More: Travel Trends That Will Shape 2023Portland, Maine
This east coast haven has a wealth of different interests to pursue: from colonial architecture, to modern art, to maritime adventures. For something different, the International Cryptozoology Museum is the place to discover more about Sasquatch and their mysterious international cryptid friends.
Fly into the city, then take the Greater Portland Metro, the local Shuttle or City bus services for longer hops around the neighborhoods and ferries between the islands in Casco Bay. Add a trip on the narrow gauge railway along the bay for some nostalgia.
Aspen, Colorado
While getting into Aspen means a flight (no bus or train services), it’s perfect for music and art lovers in need of mountain inspiration. Besides its world-famous skiing on Snowmass, Buttermilk, and Aspen (Apex) slopes, Aspen also hosts a variety of festivals and events for visitors relaxing after a hike.
Within the town, gondolas and shuttles ensure no personal vehicles are needed. A wide range of accommodation (think camping to five-star) options suits every budget.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
With various bus services, Amtrak, ferries and flights, getting to Nantucket without a car is easier done than said. The local bus service is extensive, while bicycle-sharing and moped hire services are also available, but with miles and miles of beaches and walking trails, walking is also an excellent option for getting about. Cyclist have it easy with dedicated paths throughout the island.
Try an ice-cream cruise, enjoy the quaint architectural sprawl of a bygone era, and visit the Museum of African America History for some little known facts about the island.
Miami Beach, Florida
From a walk along Ocean Drive with its iconic Art Deco architecture, or trendy Lincoln Road to its magnificent beaches, Miama is a technicolor wonderland. A stay in or near Biscayne Bay is the easiest way to get the most out of a car-less vacation. Stroll along Bayfront Park and shop at the Bayside Market, then take the Metrorail or bus to Wynnwood Art District for the Selfie Museum and to catch street artists at work.
Fly into Miami International Airport or Hollywood International Airport (further out of downtown) or cruise into Biscayne Bay on a scheduled liner.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Fly in to Bangor or Hancock County airports. Take the Island Explorer or the Bangor Shuttle to this National Park island. The Explorer links Bar Harbor and the ferry terminal to most points of interest, and can be flagged down at designated spots along the route.
Acadia National Park is on Mount Desert island and has a wealth of Atlantic history, as well as satisfying bio-diversity, including intertidal zones and wetlands for hikers to explore. Accommodation ranges from campgrounds to inns and lodges in Bar Harbor, North Mount Desert, and the Northeast and Southwest Harbors.
Read More: 10 Trips to Begin Planning for 2023Grand Rapids, Michigan
Breweries to sculpture parks, hiking to market browsing, Grand Rapids in Michigan has it all. Take the Rapid transport system to the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, or wander around the public museum with its planetarium. Discover a new brew in the Brewery Vivant or a new favorite ice-cream at The Pump House.
Amtrak goes through Grand Rapids for the ultimate green vacation.
New Orleans, Louisiana
A stay in the French Quarter of this jazzy city means tram-travel, a regular bus service, and good ol’ walking shoes are all that’s needed to have a great time. Venture down to the Spanish Plaza, then take the Riverside Streetcar along the Mississippi River. Military enthusiasts will love the Civil War and WW11 Museums that lie close together, while the Canal Streetcar takes nature and art lovers to the City Park where the Sculpture Park and NOMA are located.
Seattle, Washington
So many ways to get to Seattle! Amtrak has one of the most scenic routes into the city no matter which direction you’re traveling overland. Ferries and cruising vessels allow exploration of Puget Sound and the Juan de Fuca strait. Stroll along the stunning beaches with Mt. Rainer and the Olympic Mountains declaring their majesty, or around one of the many forests and gardens that make this the Emerald City. Then, chill with a coffee or an Agua Fresca and watch for whales, bald eagles, and playful otters.
Seward, Alaska
Get there by taking the ferry, a bus from Anchorage, or by the Alaska Railroad route. Explore the neat town and surroundings by cycling on the paved trail or hiking along the beaches, mountains, and nearby woods. There’s fishing and boat tours to glaciers, and spectacular scenery to photography.
Accommodation varies, and this little slice of natural heaven gets quite busy in summer.
Whitefish, Montana
Summer or winter, Whitefish has something unique and festive to offer visitors. Surrounded by the stunning Glacier National Park mountains a few miles away, daily shuttles run year round to the mountain resorts, and to the local attractions that include a brewery and local beach by the lake. Perfect for skiing in winter, and for hiking and day trips to the national park, Whitefish has frequent festivals to celebrate the time of year.
Take Amtrak from Seattle or Chicago for the ultimate car-less experience.
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