Top 14 'Car-Free-Paradise' Islands to Visit in North America for a Truly Unplugged Family Vacation
Picture this: instead of the familiar vacation soundtrack of car doors slamming, GPS instructions, and the low hum of highway traffic, you hear the gentle whir of bicycle wheels, the cheerful ring of a bell, and the rhythmic clip-clop of horse-drawn carriages. The air smells of salt and flowers, not exhaust fumes. Your family isn’t strapped into car seats, but rather exploring together on foot, feeling the ground beneath them and discovering hidden treasures at a human pace.
This isn't a fantasy. This is the magic of a car-free vacation. In a world that constantly demands we move faster, these unique island destinations across North America offer a precious opportunity to slow down, disconnect from the chaos, and reconnect with what truly matters: each other. Stripping away the car forces a different kind of travel—one that’s more mindful, more active, and infinitely more memorable. Here at the Goh Ling Yong blog, we believe the best travel experiences are those that change your perspective and create lasting stories.
Ready to trade your car keys for a ferry ticket? We’ve curated a list of 14 of the best car-free (or nearly car-free) islands in North America that are perfect for your next unplugged family adventure. From historic hideaways in the Great Lakes to sun-drenched sanctuaries in the Caribbean, your paradise awaits.
1. Mackinac Island, Michigan
Step off the ferry onto Mackinac Island, and you step back in time. Nestled in the Straits of Mackinac between Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas, this Victorian-era gem famously banned "horseless carriages" in 1898. The primary modes of transport are horse-drawn taxis, bicycles, and your own two feet, creating a peaceful, nostalgic atmosphere that’s impossible not to love.
For families, the island is a playground. The must-do activity is biking the 8.2-mile M-185, the only state highway in the nation where cars are prohibited. You can also explore the historic Fort Mackinac, watch fudge being made (and sample plenty of it!), or tour the island in a grand, horse-drawn carriage. The entire island feels safe and explorable for kids of all ages.
Pro Tip: Rent a surrey bike with a fringe on top for a fun family cycle. To escape the midday crowds that flock to Main Street, pack a picnic and bike to the quieter, rocky shores of British Landing on the island's north side.
2. Bald Head Island, North Carolina
Located at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, Bald Head Island is a serene barrier island escape where the main traffic jams involve golf carts and sea turtles. Accessible only by a 20-minute passenger ferry from Southport, the island is a haven of pristine beaches, maritime forests, and tidal creeks perfect for exploration.
Families can climb "Old Baldy," North Carolina’s oldest standing lighthouse, for breathtaking panoramic views. Spend your days kayaking through the marshes, learning about sea turtle conservation at the Bald Head Island Conservancy, or simply building sandcastles on the 14 miles of uncrowded shoreline. The island’s slow pace makes it an ideal spot to teach the kids how to crab or fish from a dock.
Pro Tip: Golf carts are the primary way to get around and can be rented in advance (a must during peak season). Book a guided nature tour with the Conservancy to get an insider's look at the island's unique and delicate ecosystem.
3. Catalina Island, California
Just an hour-long ferry ride from the Southern California coast lies Santa Catalina Island, a slice of Mediterranean charm with a distinctly Californian vibe. While not 100% car-free (there's a long waiting list for residents to own a car), the vast majority of visitors and locals get around the main town of Avalon via golf cart, bicycle, or on foot, preserving its pedestrian-friendly feel.
The adventures here are endless. Take a glass-bottom boat tour to marvel at the kelp forests, go zip-lining through the canyons, or venture into the island's rugged interior on a guided eco-tour to spot the famous herd of American bison. For a more relaxed day, simply stroll along the waterfront, play a round of mini-golf, or enjoy an ice cream on the beach.
Pro Tip: Rent a golf cart for an hour or two to explore the scenic hills above Avalon. The views from the top are spectacular. For a unique experience, book a night-time flying fish tour during the summer months.
4. Monhegan Island, Maine
For the truly adventurous family looking to unplug, Monhegan Island is an artist’s haven and a hiker’s dream. Located 12 miles off the coast of Maine, this small, rocky island is as rugged as it is beautiful. There are no paved roads, and the few vehicles are used by residents for work, leaving the island's winding dirt paths to walkers.
The main activities are hiking the 17 miles of stunning, often challenging, coastal and forest trails, spotting seals and seabirds, and exploring the quaint village with its art galleries and lobster shacks. This destination is best for families with older children who appreciate nature and can handle uneven terrain. It’s a place to teach resilience and a love for the wild.
Pro Tip: Pack sturdy hiking shoes and a daypack with water and snacks. The "backside" of the island features dramatic, 160-foot cliffs. Pick up a trail map from one of the local shops and let the kids lead the way.
5. Fire Island, New York
A thin barrier island off the coast of Long Island, Fire Island is a world away from the hustle of New York City. Comprised of over a dozen distinct, car-free communities connected by boardwalks and water taxis, it offers a classic, barefoot-and-bathing-suit summer experience. The iconic mode of transport here is the simple red wagon, used to haul groceries and beach gear from the ferry docks.
Each community has its own personality, from the family-centric Ocean Beach to the quieter, more natural Watch Hill, which is part of the Fire Island National Seashore. Days are spent on the magnificent beaches, biking along the boardwalks, and visiting the historic Fire Island Lighthouse. The lack of cars means kids have the freedom to roam and explore safely.
Pro Tip: Choose your community carefully based on your family's vibe. Be sure to check the ferry schedules in advance. Packing light is key, as you'll be hauling everything yourself from the ferry dock to your rental.
6. Isla Holbox, Mexico
Imagine an island with no paved roads, where the "streets" are made of soft sand and the only vehicles are colorful golf carts and bicycles. Welcome to Isla Holbox (pronounced "hole-bosh"), a bohemian paradise off the coast of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. This laid-back island is a sanctuary for both wildlife and weary travelers.
The island’s biggest draw is the chance to swim with gentle whale sharks, the largest fish in the sea (June to September). Families can also take a boat tour to spot flamingos and pelicans, kayak through lush mangroves, or simply relax in the shallow, turquoise waters of the main beach. At night, seek out the mesmerizing bioluminescence in the water—a truly magical experience for all ages.
Pro Tip: Wi-Fi can be spotty and ATMs unreliable, so bring plenty of cash and embrace the opportunity for a digital detox. This is the kind of authentic travel experience that forces you to be present, a philosophy Goh Ling Yong has always championed.
7. Daufuskie Island, South Carolina
Accessible only by ferry from Hilton Head or Savannah, Daufuskie Island is a trip into the Lowcountry's rich past. This rustic, Spanish moss-draped island has a deep Gullah-Geechee heritage, and its unpaved roads and historic landmarks tell a story of resilience and culture. With few cars, golf carts are the preferred way to explore.
Families can discover the island’s history by visiting the First Union African Baptist Church and the Mary Fields School, where author Pat Conroy once taught. Spend the afternoon searching for indigo-dyed textiles from local artisans, riding horses on the beach, or enjoying the quiet, undeveloped shoreline. It's a living history lesson wrapped in a beautiful natural setting.
Pro Tip: Book a guided history tour via golf cart when you first arrive. It provides fantastic context for the island and helps you get your bearings before you set off to explore on your own.
8. Toronto Islands, Ontario, Canada
Just a 15-minute ferry ride from downtown Toronto, this chain of small islands on Lake Ontario feels like a different world. As a completely car-free zone (save for a few service vehicles), the Toronto Islands are the city's favorite green escape and a perfect day trip or weekend getaway for families.
The islands offer a little something for everyone. Centreville Amusement Park provides classic, kid-friendly rides and attractions. There are several beautiful beaches, including the family-friendly Ward's Island Beach. You can rent bikes, quadricycles, or kayaks to explore the numerous paths and waterways that connect the islands. The view of the Toronto skyline from the ferry is worth the trip alone.
Pro Tip: Pack a picnic, as food options can be limited and pricey. To avoid long lines, take the ferry from the city on a weekday or head over early on weekends.
9. Caye Caulker, Belize
The official motto of this small Caribbean island is "Go Slow," and it's a rule visitors happily obey. Just a short water taxi from Belize City, Caye Caulker is the epitome of laid-back island life. The sandy streets are traversed only by golf carts, bicycles, and bare feet, and the vibe is friendly and unpretentious.
The main attraction is the Belize Barrier Reef, just a short boat ride away. Families can snorkel or dive at Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley, where you can swim alongside gentle nurse sharks and stingrays. On the island, you can relax at "The Split," a channel of clear water perfect for swimming, or simply swing in a hammock and enjoy the Caribbean breeze.
Pro Tip: The island is very small and easily walkable. Renting bikes for a day is a fun way to see everything, but not strictly necessary. Don't leave without trying a fresh-grilled lobster from one of the beachside vendors.
10. Little St. Simons Island, Georgia
For a truly exclusive and immersive nature experience, Little St. Simons Island is unparalleled. This privately owned, 11,000-acre barrier island is accessible only by private boat and hosts a maximum of 32 guests at a time in its all-inclusive lodge. With no outside traffic, the island is a pristine sanctuary for wildlife and a paradise for nature-loving families.
Your stay includes naturalist-guided excursions tailored to your interests, from birding (the island is a crucial stop on the Atlantic Flyway) and fishing to kayaking and beachcombing along seven miles of undeveloped beach. It's an educational, conservation-focused vacation where your family can learn about coastal ecosystems in a hands-on, intimate way.
Pro Tip: This is a splurge, but it's a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Book well in advance, especially for peak seasons. Pack binoculars for every member of the family—you won't want to miss a thing.
11. Isla Mujeres, Mexico
A quick ferry ride from the bustle of Cancun, Isla Mujeres ("Island of Women") offers a more relaxed and manageable pace. While more developed than Holbox, its small size and the dominance of golf carts and scooters as the main mode of transport keep it charming and easy to navigate.
Families can snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Garrafon Natural Reef Park, visit a local sea turtle sanctuary, or explore the ruins of a temple dedicated to the Mayan goddess Ixchel at Punta Sur, the island's southern tip. The shallow, calm waters of Playa Norte are consistently ranked among the best beaches in the world and are perfect for even the youngest swimmers.
Pro Tip: Rent a golf cart for the day to explore the entire 5-mile length of the island at your own pace. The eastern side of the island is more rugged and offers dramatic views of the Caribbean Sea.
12. Tangier Island, Virginia
Located in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay, Tangier Island is one of the most unique and isolated communities in the United States. Accessible only by ferry, the island is home to a tight-knit community of watermen who speak with a distinctive Elizabethan-era dialect. The narrow streets are built for golf carts, bikes, and pedestrians, not cars.
Visiting Tangier is like taking a step back in time. Families can learn about the crabbing industry that sustains the island, explore the pristine salt marshes by kayak, and enjoy some of the best soft-shell crab you'll ever taste. It’s a quiet, humbling experience that offers a glimpse into a way of life that is slowly disappearing.
Pro Tip: This is more of a day-trip destination for most, though there are a few B&Bs. Be sure to respect the local culture; this is a working community, not just a tourist spot. Strike up a conversation with a local—their stories are fascinating.
13. Culebra, Puerto Rico
While not technically "car-free," the spirit of Culebra aligns perfectly with this list. This small island east of the Puerto Rican mainland is best explored by rented golf cart or jeep, and its rugged, undeveloped nature feels a world away from the resorts of San Juan. It’s a haven for those seeking natural beauty over nightlife.
The star attraction is Flamenco Beach, a picture-perfect crescent of white sand and turquoise water often cited as one of the world's best beaches. Its calm, shallow waters are ideal for families. Culebra is also a snorkeler's paradise, with vibrant coral reefs teeming with sea turtles and colorful fish just steps from the shore at beaches like Tamarindo.
Pro Tip: Book your golf cart rental and your ferry tickets (or flights from Ceiba) well in advance, as they sell out quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. Pack your own snorkel gear to save on rental costs.
14. Isle au Haut, Maine
For the ultimate off-the-grid family adventure, look no further than Isle au Haut. This remote island off the coast of Stonington is accessible only by mail boat, and more than half of it is a pristine, undeveloped section of Acadia National Park. With only a handful of cars belonging to year-round residents, the island’s gravel roads are primarily used for hiking and biking.
This is a destination for families who love to hike and are self-sufficient. There are 18 miles of stunning trails that wind through mossy forests and along dramatic, rocky shores. The reward for your effort is unparalleled solitude and a deep connection with nature. There are no hotels, only a few rental cottages and a primitive park campground.
Pro Tip: This trip requires careful planning. Check the mail boat schedule, pack all the food and supplies you'll need, and be prepared for Maine’s unpredictable weather. The experience is challenging but incredibly rewarding for the right kind of family.
Choosing a car-free island for your next family vacation is more than just a logistical choice; it's a commitment to a different style of travel. It’s about embracing a slower pace, encouraging outdoor activity, and creating the space for genuine connection. Whether you're biking past Victorian homes in Michigan or snorkeling with turtles in Belize, you're not just seeing a new place—you're creating a new kind of family memory.
So, which car-free paradise is calling your name? Have you visited any of these incredible islands, or is there another gem we should add to our list? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
Stay updated with the latest posts and insights by following on your favorite platform!