19 Places Similar to Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island is a national historic landmark located in Michigan. The Island is famous because it is a primary tourist attraction site. Many tourists visit the Island because of the numerous cultural events and the wide-ranging buildings with epic architectural designs. One of the most visited places is the impressive Victorian Grand Hotel, known for hosting several high-profile guests. Mackinac Island is also famous for its unique law that bans all motor vehicles from the Island. If you are looking for places to visit similar to Mackinac Island, here is a list of 19 destinations that don’t allow cars.
19. Chautauqua, New York
Chautauqua is a social destination located in New York. The place was famous in the 19th and 20th centuries for its social movements and adult education. In the mid-1920s, the area quickly expanded and became popular even in rural America. It became the center for entertainment and cultural shows. The place is mainly toured for its amphitheater, where you can stroll in for a few hours and enjoy ballet or Mozart. Here, vehicles are not allowed in the hamlet, designed for pedestrians to walk. Chautauqua Institution is another famous place that hosts a summer school with workshops.
18. North Captiva Island, Florida
If you want to relax and get away from city life, head to North Captiva, Southwestern Florida. This Island will allow you to relax and regain your lost energy. It will give you feel-good vibes. Many visitors who come here rent beach houses, and they bring a week’s worth of groceries and shopping. Once you get here, you get busy relaxing and doing lots of nothing, channeling your energy in the right places. According to NBC News, the Island is usually full of lovers, families, and castle islands that color the beach. There are no hotels, and cars are not allowed on this Island.
17. Smith Island, Maryland
Located in a five-mile speck in Maryland, Smith Island is well known for its lively fishing community. A daily ferry takes visitors to Ruke’s Seafood Deck, where people flock to enjoy some delicious crab cakes. Since there are no vehicles here, local women take crab meat and use a boat to Smith Island, where they sell the day’s harvest. While on this Island, you can visit Ewell, where they play silent music that everyone enjoys. April is a significant month on this Island because it was the month when it was announced that Smith Island is part of Maryland State.
16. Monhegan Island, Maine
Monhegan is a tiny island found in Maine. The Island is home to about 60 residents. The place is so remote that if you need medical care, it will come to you by helicopter. Three ferry companies offer their services from Port Clyde. The ferry fee ranges between $30 and $32. Being a remote place, people move by walking to where they stay. This is one of the places to visit if you want to disconnect yourself from the world. The cellphone network is very poor, and there is no Wi-Fi. Vehicles are banned, and you can only ride your bike on a designated 17-mile stretch.
15. Catalina Island, California
This is one of the places to visit if you want to travel back in time. According to Bobvila, golf carts control the streets of Catalina Island. If you’re going to move through the Island, you can rent a golf cart from Island Rentals for $80 and use it for three hours. There are designated places where you can ride the carts, but it is off-limits in locations where buffaloes reside.
If you ever find yourself in this place, make sure you visit Original Jack’s Country Kitchen, and they will serve you a sumptuous meal for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Moreover, the Island is filled with unique and breathtaking views. According to Visit Catalina Island, the most common activities you can enjoy on this Island are watching wildlife, taking a walk in the colorful coastal town, and scuba diving. If you love hiking, you will love hiking to the highest peak of Mount Orizaba. Interesting places you can visit are Avalon, a historic town, and a small rustic town called Two Harbors.
14. Bald Head Island, North Carolina
Bald Head Island is famous for its rich history as a pirate’s hideout. Over the years, the Island has transformed and is now a tourist haven. Old Baldy, as it’s famously called, has numerous visitors who flock to the Island during the day. Some tourists love this place, and they have bought houses. If you are looking for a hotel, many lodges offer accommodation.
13. Daufuskie Island, South Carolina
Located 45 minutes from Hilton Head Island, Daufuskie is a beautiful island where golf carts are the only means of transport. There are resort plantations, oceanfront ridges, and mansions across the Island. The Island is famed for its Gullah community, descendants of enslaved Africans. The community is known for its traditions, like using local art and weaving baskets.
12. Tangier Island, Virginia
Tangier Island is located three miles from the Chesapeake Bay. This Island is isolated and feels like it’s located on another planet. The residents are well known for speaking a unique Cockneyish accent. According to Tangier Island, the primary means of transport are bikes and golf carts. If you want to learn about the Island’s history, visit the Tangier Museum, where you will learn how the island played in the historical war of 1812.
11. Halibut Cove, Alaska
Halibut Cove is located six miles from Homer. This place is loved because of its numerous art galleries and stores. There are only 23 residents, and more than half are artists. If you love nature, there is a lot of wildlife to view in this place. You can never miss seeing humpback whales. There are also many fishing spots where you can go fishing or learn fishing for beginners. According to Halibut Cove, accommodation here is quite costly, and the place to stay is in Homer, which you can access through a ferry ride. When there are no tides visitors, enjoy digging out shellfish.
10. Fire Island, New York
Fire Island is located on Atlantic Island. The Island is unique for its sunken forest and the epic dunes on the coastal beaches. Tourists who visit this Island say they have the time of their life here. Activities which you can engage in are bike rides on the beach. You can also go for a boat ride and enjoy the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Don’t leave your family behind because there are incredible places where you can have a picnic and bond with your family. For epic landscape and unique nature, all these are found here.
9. Supai, Arizona
Supai is a small remote village found in Arizona. The place is eminent for its rare natural features and fascinating waterfalls throughout the year. It is tough to get to Supai because no vehicles are allowed to access this region. The Havasupai tribe is the native community living in this village. If you want to visit the town, you can only do so by walking, using an animal or a helicopter. It is unimaginable even to think that the mail sent to this village is delivered through a mule.
8. Russell Island, Michigan
Russell Island is a tiny island found along the St. Clair River. It is located between Walpole Island and Algonac. As much as it’s a small island, it is full of charming tourist attractions that any travel fanatic would love to visit. You can take a boat ride and paddle through the St. Clair River as you enjoy beautiful scenery. If you enjoy camping, there are numerous camping sites in Algonac State Park. Cars are not permitted on this Island, and the only way to enjoy the magnificent scenery is by using golf carts as the primary means of transport.
7. Phantom Ranch, Arizona
Phantom Ranch is an excellent place to relax and have a good time with friends and family. The ranch is found at the end of the Grand Canyon on the Northern part of River Colorado. There are lodges on the ranch, but the only way to access them is by rafting through the river, using a mule, or walking. The Canyon has a tourist site constructed by the National Park Service in 1920. The ranch is ideal for individuals who love peaceful environments and nature freaks. There are no mail services on this ranch.
6. Arcosanti, Arizona
Arcosanti is an artificial settlement constructed by architect Paolo Soleri from Italy. The architect dreamed of building a settlement promoting environmentally friendly living. He came up with the idea of fusing ecology and architecture to come up with something unique. Eventually, architect Paolo constructed Arcosanti and made it a car-free settlement. The region has an organic layout which promotes a high degree of socialization among the residents and, simultaneously, protects their privacy. While in this place, you can visit the Visitor’s Center and enjoy a view of the unique architecture. You can also enjoy tasty meals at Café at Arcosanti.
5. Beaver River, New York
It is a small town located in an area that is approximately half a square mile. Beaver River has only eight permanent residences, and most occupants have adopted a minimalist style. It is possible to access the town by boat, foot, skiing, snowmobile, or electric rail. There is no electricity in this region, and the primary source of fuel is firewood from the woods. Despite all these, it is a fun place where you can go and relax and get away from the pressures of life.
4. Isle Royale, Michigan
Isle Royale is the largest Island on Lake Superior. No permanent roads or people are living on this Island. The fact that the Island is car-free attracts many visitors who enjoy hiking. Apart from hiking, you can also visit Isle Royale National Park and take a walk as you watch the wildlife in this place. Nothing is as soothing as being away in nature, lost in your thoughts.
3. Governor’s Island, New York
Located on 172 acres of land, Governor’s Island is located at New York Harbor’s center. You can easily access the Island from Brooklyn and Manhattan. According to Collective Retreats, the Island is unique with beautiful features. A law restricts vehicles from accessing the island, and people are allowed to move around on their feet or using a bike. The nature here is peaceful, and you can enjoy going for a walk on lanes lined with shade trees.
2. Rock Island, Wisconsin
Like many other islands with strict no-car rules, Rock Island prohibits using vehicles and bicycles. The Island is adorned with gorgeous scenery, and the only way to get around the Island is by walking. The absence of cars and permanent residences has helped this island preserve its beautiful landscape and natural features. The unique geography of this Island has made the place famous for bridge building. It is known for constructing the Mississippi railroad bridge and the biggest roller dam.
1. Marsh Island, Louisiana
Marsh Island is found on the southern coast of Louisiana. It is estimated that the Island was formed nearly 5000 years ago from the remains of an abandoned lobe. As a result, the Island developed marsh vegetation hence the name Marsh Island. Ninety percent of the Island is covered in organic mud. The Island is a famous bird-watching site. You can also come here for shrimping and fishing. One of the most interesting facts about this Island is it experiences a lot of soil erosion. Approximately 7000 acres of land and vegetation have been eroded. This makes the uninhabitable. Nevertheless, it is a great place to visit and view alligators and deer in their natural habitat.
