There are 5 car-free destinations in America that are worth mentioning. Some are obvious and no doubt an attempt to keep the beautiful nature that surround it, while others might surprise you. The world is fast approaching a future where the car is no longer wanted or needed in the major cities. A future that would see the end of the car? Some people dream of a future that would not have the need for a car. We explore some destinations in America where the car cannot be found and the use of one is discouraged and, in some cases, even banned.
Where exactly can you go in America to get away from the car?
There are a number of car-free destinations in the US for the traveller to visit. While the major cities in the world have to deal with ever growing populations and in turn more cars in the streets, these places have left the car behind. And what can be found in these destinations may have you questioning if you even need a car in today’s society. A reasonable question to ask considering all the problems in the automotive industry.
The first that might seem a little obvious is Halibut Cove, Alaska. The town has no need for cars as most of the houses are built on stilts directly in the water. Making the only reasonable way of getting around being a boat. Alaska has always been known for its remarkable and memorable natural beauty that leave all its visitors speechless, whether local or international.
Next is Little St. Simons Island, Georgia. The island is privately owned and does not allow cars. It’s known for its amazing, pristine beauty and vast range of wildlife. Visitors to the island can get around via walking, bike or a boat. Its beautiful beaches and wildlife have given it the title of being an eco-tourists paradise. A must visit for those looking to leave their car behind.
How many places are there in America that ban the car?
While officially, there are not many places that ban the car outright, some have come close. Supai, Arizona is another destination that discourages the use of a car. The town is the main area in the Havasupai Indian Reservation and remains one of the only places in the US that still receive their mail by mule. The closest road is eight miles away.
Bald Head Island, North Carolina offers a more modern interpretation of the car-free destination. The island boasts stunning beaches, preserved maritime forests, and charming neighborhoods. Once you step off the ferry, getting around is only possible via golf cart, giving visitors the car-free experience that they did not know they needed.
Lastly, Fire Island, New York. When anyone hears the words “New York”, our mental image is of a city over run with cars and the noise they bring to our lives. Fire Island is accessible by seaplanes and daily ferries, which shuttle back and forth across the bay. Only a short trip from the shores of Long Island.
Can we all see a future without the car in our lives?
The world is searching for the next fuel source. Our reliance on fossil fuels has had a disastrous effect on the planet. These destinations offer a view into a world where the car is no longer needed or in fact wanted. A truly remarkable thought. We all hope to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city, and these five destinations give us all hope that we can exist without a car in our lives. The car has become more of a fashion and status symbol in recent years and these places allow us to leave all that behind us.
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