Imagine no endless searching for parking spots, no gas station stops, and no backseat voices asking, “Are we there yet?” A car-free vacation might be just what your family needs! What if you simplified, using your points to fly and stay at a great hotel, but you didn’t have to worry about booking (and paying for) a rental car? And traveling without a car isn’t just about avoiding traffic; it’s about slowing down and really immersing yourself in a destination. You can stroll through city streets, hop on a trolley, or bike along scenic waterfronts. Some destinations are just better explored by foot, bike, or public transit. Here are some of the best car-free family vacation destinations in the U.S.

 

New York City, NY

Families visiting New York City can enjoy iconic attractions like Central Park, where kids can explore playgrounds, ride the carousel, or visit the Central Park Zoo. For indoor fun, the American Museum of Natural History offers some great exhibits, like dinosaur fossils and a giant blue whale! New York has so many kid-friendly attractions, so make time in your itinerary for things like the Staten Island Ferry and the Statue of Liberty.

Getting around: Taking the subway and buses makes it easy and affordable to get everywhere within the city, running 24/7 and connecting all five boroughs. Walking is often the fastest way to explore the neighborhoods, but ferries, bike shares, taxis, or rideshares such as Uber or Lyft offer other options for getting around. 

 

 

Washington, D.C. 

Washington, D.C. is home to a wealth of free museums, including the renowned Smithsonian Institution, where you can explore art, history, science, and culture without spending a dime. 

The National Air and Space Museum is also free to visitors, and the National Mall and monuments are very walkable. 

Getting around: Getting around Washington, D.C., without a car is easy with their metro system. It’s affordable and extends throughout the city, providing access to major attractions and neighborhoods. The city is also very walkable and bike-friendly. Choosing to stay near the National Mall, in one of the major brand hotels with points, makes a trip to Washington, D.C., very doable. Washington is definitely one of those vacation destinations where being car-free is a plus!

 

 

Chicago, IL

In Chicago, families can enjoy a day at Millennium Park, where kids can splash around in the Crown Fountain or marvel at the iconic “Bean” sculpture. Just a short walk away, you’ll find the Shedd Aquarium, which offers an unforgettable experience with thousands of aquatic animals. Other family-friendly attractions within easy walking distance downtown include Navy Pier, its rides and entertainment, and the Museum Campus, home to the Field Museum and Adler Planetarium. For a scenic stroll, the Chicago Riverwalk and lakefront paths provide beautiful views and plenty of space for the kids to explore. 

Getting around: The L train and buses make getting around Chicago simple. Walking is ideal in many neighborhoods, but you can also hop on a water taxi along the Chicago River for some scenic travel. 

 

 

Boston, MA

Boston offers plenty of family-friendly fun! You can walk the historic Freedom Trail and explore all the exhibits at the Boston Children’s Museum.  Families can also enjoy a scenic swan boat ride in the Public Garden or visit the New England Aquarium to see penguins and sea turtles! 

Getting around: Boston has a compact layout and an excellent public transportation system. The MBTA subway (the T), buses and the commuter rail connect most major tourist attractions.  Walking or biking are also great ways to explore the city’s historic neighborhoods and waterfront areas. 

 

 

San Francisco, CA

In San Francisco, families can ride the cable cars, explore Fisherman’s Wharf, and visit the playful sea lions at Pier 39.  Another family favorite is the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park, which features an aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum all under one roof! 

Getting around: Getting around San Francisco without a car is easy using the city’s Muni system, which includes buses, light rail and cable cars that reach most neighborhoods and attractions.  The city is also very walkable, especially in popular areas downtown and on the waterfront. The BART trains provide quick access to other nearby cities and the airport. 

 

 

Portland, OR

Portland offers plenty of fun for the entire family. Start by exploring the exhibits at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) or visit animals at the Oregon Zoo in Washington Park.  You can also stroll through the Portland Japanese Garden and then enjoy a sweet treat from one of the city’s famous food carts and donut shops. 

Getting around: Portland has the TriMet public transportation system, which includes buses, the MAX light rail, and streetcars connecting to key neighborhoods and attractions.  Portland is also very bike-friendly, with many bike lanes and rental options.

 

 

Philadelphia, PA

In Philadelphia you and your family can explore historic landmarks like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall along the city’s very walkable historic district. Kids love the Please Touch Museum and the Philadelphia Zoo, which is one of the oldest zoos in the country! If you head to Philly, don’t forget to grab a famous Philly cheesesteak or enjoy a picnic at Spruce Street Harbor Park along the Delaware River. 

Getting around: Philly has its own SEPTA public transit system that includes buses, trolleys, and subways that connect most parts of the city, making it a great car-free family vacation destination.  Many tourist attractions are within walking distance in the downtown area. To explore the surrounding neighborhoods and parks you might want to consider renting a bike for the day! 

 

 

Mackinac Island, MI

Mackinac Island is a perfect family getaway and one of the only U.S. vacation destinations that’s known for being car-free by design. True, you will probably need to travel by car to get there from the nearest airport, but once you’re there, no cars are allowed on the island at all! You and your family can enjoy this island by bike, horse-drawn carriage, or on foot. Make a weekend getaway by visiting Fort Mackinac, enjoying fudge from the local shops, and either hiking or biking within Mackinac Island State Park.

Getting around: You must take a ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, MI, and enjoy a short scenic ride across Lake Huron to the island.  Once there, you can explore the island by foot or bike. 

 

 

Bottom Line

Exploring the U.S. without a car is not only possible, but it can also make your family vacation even more enjoyable and less stressful. Seeing the sights on foot, strolling along historic streets, or hopping on and off public transit to make the most of your time at your destination makes these trips more fun and maybe even a bit more adventurous and relaxing for the entire family.  

These are just a few of the many destinations across the U.S. that are perfect for car-free travel, and we hope they’ve sparked some inspiration as you plan your next unforgettable family getaway! What is your favorite car-free family vacation destination?

 

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