Five Destinations Where You Can Leave Your Car Behind

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is possibly the perfect U.S. city in which to swap four wheels for two, and a spate of experts agree. According to WalkScore, Momentum Mag the League of American Bicyclists, and Bicycling Magazine, Minneapolis is one of the most bikeable cities in America. Local infrastructure makes it a cinch to cycle around: The city offers 127 miles of bikeways, as well as an extensive bike-share program. Locals and visitors can connect via sites like MPLS Bike Love and Bike Walk Twin Cities, which promote a greener lifestyle in and around the City of Lakes.

Chautauqua

Those visiting the Chautauqua Institution—an educational center and community that offers workshops, seminars, and art exhibitions— in Chautauqua, New York, are encouraged to use their feet. Visitors and residents aren't normally permitted to park on the grounds of the Chautauqua Institution. Instead, they keep vehicles in entrance lots and walk or bike to get around the Institution's landscaped grounds. There are some exceptions, however, for select residents with designated parking spots, and visitors can obtain a free limited-time parking permit to load and unload luggage. But overall, cars aren't welcome—or needed—in this bucolic green space.

Mackinac Island

Mackinac's bygone, unspoiled vibe is sustained, in part, by the local car ban, which was enacted in 1898. To get from A to B, you'll have to go by foot, bike, or horse-drawn carriage. Since Mackinac's perimeter is just over eight miles, who needs a car anyway? You'll get a better look at the island's Victorian gingerbread houses and pretty treelined streets when you trade your car for a more laid-back means of transport.

Santa Barbara

The Santa Barbara tourism board has crafted a popular promotional campaign to encourage walking and bike riding in the area; view it on the Santa Barbara Car Free website. Travelers who forgo driving during their Santa Barbara visits can take advantage of a bunch of special local deals, including Amtrak discounts, reduced rates at hotels, and special low-priced packages. On the Santa Barbara Car Free site, you'll also find handy resources like downloadable walking-tour maps and advice on getting to and from the local airport via public transportation.

Aspen

According to Aspen's mayor Mick Ireland, "[Aspen is] perhaps the best car-free destination because it’s possible to live or vacation here without ever using a car—ever." The town offers free local bus and shuttle service, as well as an extensive network of bike trails. (Despite Aspen's mountain location, many of the trails in town are flat and easy to ride on.) Moreover, the majority of hotels in the area offer free transfers to and from the airport. Aspen also hosts several major biking events, including the Aspen Cycling Festival and the 2012 USA Pro Cycling Challenge.

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