26 fantastic US cities you don't need a car to explore

Car-free weekends

There's no denying that America is the spiritual home of the road trip, and the country's cities are famously spread out and geared more towards cars than pedestrians. But that doesn't mean you can't spend a weekend in a brilliant US city without four wheels. These 26 destinations offer walkable downtowns, excellent public transport, and lots of bike paths for short breaks without the car.

Click through the gallery to discover the best car-free cities in America...

Salem, Massachusetts

A hub for history buffs, there's plenty to experience in Salem without a car. Known for its connection with the notorious witch trials of the 17th century, Salem was also one of the most significant seaports on the East Coast. Start your exploration at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, before perusing the Charter Street Historic District and the Salem Witch Village – all within easy reach of downtown.

Don't miss out on visiting The Witch House: once the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, it's the only structure remaining in the city that has a direct connection to the trials.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

The capital of New Mexico might look like a sleepy mountain town, but it has lots going on – and you won't need a car to see it all. There are 14 museums, more than 250 galleries and 10 different art markets, so culture vultures will feel right at home. The Georgia O'Keeffe Museum and Museum of International Folk Art should be top of your must-visit list.

For those looking to enjoy the city's easy connections to the outdoors, the River Trail stretches along the scenic Santa Fe river while the Rail Trail extends from the Railyard to the outskirts of the city.

Portland, Maine

Not to be confused with Portland, Oregon (more on that later), Portland, Maine is known as a very bike-friendly city. There's an extensive network of cycle lanes alongside a reliable and efficient public transport system, while the downtown and waterfront areas are easy to explore on foot.

Don't miss the Portland Museum of Art, or the city's famous seafood – benefitting from its Atlantic coast location, Portland is renowned for boasting some of the country's best food tours.

Chicago, Illinois

An extensive public transport system and several pedestrianized areas, like the famously photogenic Riverwalk, make Chicago very easy to visit without wheels. The 'L' train system connects many of the city's neighborhoods while lots of its top attractions, from the Art Institute to Millennium Park, are within walking distance of each other in the downtown area known as the Loop.

The city's top sights are well-connected so you'll be able to cover a lot of ground in a long weekend.

New York City, New York

Notorious for traffic, New York City is not only good to visit without a car, it's probably better. The extensive subway system can whisk travelers to any of its many neighborhoods and the city's most popular areas are very walkable once you're there. It's also home to one of America's most famous pedestrian infrastructure projects, the High Line, a one-and-a-half-mile-long elevated walkway running through the west of Manhattan. 

Many of New York's most iconic attractions, like the Empire State Building, Times Square, and Central Park, are within walking distance of each other, though you may need more than a weekend to see them all.

Asheville, North Carolina

There are attractions just outside Asheville, like the Blue Ridge Parkway, that are hard to explore car-free, but there's plenty to keep you occupied in town. The downtown is packed with galleries, artists' studios, and a thriving restaurant and craft beer scene for which the city is rightly well-known.

Conveniently, a vintage trolley service connects important areas of downtown and beyond, including the Omni Grove Park Inn, River Arts District, and Historic Biltmore Village (you can buy tickets from the visitor center). To explore the Biltmore Estate, there's also a shuttle service that you can book by phone.

St Augustine, Florida

One of America's oldest cities, St Augustine is brimming with historic attractions that can comfortably be explored in a couple of days. The small Old City is a charming jumble of narrow streets and buildings more than 200 years old, and it's perfect for exploring on foot. Don't miss out on fascinating attractions like the Old Jail, and Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, which are serviced by a hop-on hop-off trolley service with 22 stops that span the historic district.

Had enough history? Then hit the beach by riding the water shuttle service which connects downtown St Augustine and Vilano Beach.

Providence, Rhode Island

Providence is small but tightly packed, which makes the Rhode Island state capital perfect for a car-free weekend. Its approachable size means that the downtown and waterfront are easy to navigate on foot, and its small-town vibe is maintained by a famously friendly population.

Stroll along the Riverwalk, explore Westminster Street with its independent shops and restaurants, or go shopping at the Providence Place mall, before marveling at the WaterFire art installation on Providence River.

Miami Beach, Florida

For a balance between the buzz of the city and the tranquility of the beach, look no further than Miami Beach. With its walkable streets, free trolley service, bike-friendly infrastructure, and famous water taxis, there are so many ways you can immerse yourself in the city's attractions without a car.

Stroll along the postcard-perfect Ocean Drive, take in the Art Deco Historic District, and explore South Beach. The city has also implemented a bike-sharing program called Citi Bike that allows visitors to rent bikes for short-term use.

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Sedona, Arizona

You might wish to spend some time wandering Sedona's Main Street, dipping into shops, restaurants, and art galleries, but there's no denying that the reason most tourists come here is to see Red Rock State Park. If you're after an active weekend, there are countless hiking and biking trails that lead straight out from the city so you can experience this unique landscape up close.

You'll find plenty of bike rentals along Main Street, and, once back from the great outdoors, you can indulge in a spa with natural vortexes to soothe your aching muscles.

Savannah, Georgia

From lines of moss-draped oak trees to historic mansions, Savannah's delights are best experienced at a slower pace, so leave the car behind and embrace a weekend of leisurely strolls along pedestrian-friendly streets. The Historic District is the heart of the city and features 22 walkable squares, renowned for a blend of charming architectural styles ranging from Georgian to Italianate to Gothic Revival.

Other top attractions, like Forsyth Park (pictured), City Market, and the Owens-Thomas House can be reached on foot or via a hop-on hop-off trolley.

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston's iconic two-and-a-half-mile Freedom Trail is an excellent starting point for a car-free weekend, spanning no fewer than 16 historic monuments and finishing at the city's holocaust memorial. The compact downtown and well-planned streets mean that key neighborhoods like Beacon Hill and Back Bay are easy to navigate on foot, while the waterfront is also easy to explore thanks to the Boston Harborwalk.

Bike-sharing schemes like Bluebikes are perfect for exploring the city at your own pace.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Although Las Vegas' desert climate doesn't make wandering particularly pleasant, many of the Strip's hotels are connected via air-conditioned walkways, and there's even a free tram service connecting the Bellagio, Vdara, Park MGM, and ARIA hotels, plus two more connecting the Mirage, Luxor, Excalibur, Treasure Island, and Mandalay Bay hotels.

There are also the Deuce (paid) and Downtown Loop (free) bus services, connecting cultural attractions in Vegas' downtown to the glitz and glamor of the Strip.

Aspen, Colorado

This picturesque mountain town might be better known as a ski resort, but it attracts year-round visitors for hikes through lush summer meadows and leaf-peeping in fall. It's all easily done without wheels as its downtown area is extremely compact, and free local shuttles connect the city center with nearby neighborhoods and recreational areas.

Numerous hiking and biking trails stretch out from Aspen into the wilderness, while Maroon Bells, one of the most photographed mountain ranges in North America, can be accessed via a short shuttle ride. 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Whether you're looking to immerse yourself in American history, explore culinary delights, or visit cultural institutions, Philadelphia is perfect for a weekend break. Hire an Indego bike and see the city from one of its many cycle lanes, or explore the small area that houses Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art on foot.

Finish up by walking the Schuylkill River Trail – a scenic pathway that stretches along the Schuylkill River and offers glorious views over the city's skyline.

Washington, D.C.

The nation's capital and its many attractions likely need no introduction. From the Smithsonian Museums to the trendy streets of Dupont Circle, there's plenty to see and do in DC, and bike sharing schemes and 'Circulator' bus routes make exploring the sprawling city a lot easier.

DC is also a much greener city than many would expect, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to amp up your step count.

Charleston, South Carolina

Famous for its horse-drawn carriages, Charleston is perfect for a car-free weekend. Its historic downtown is incredibly compact and must-see landmarks like Rainbow Row (a line of vibrantly colored historic houses) are pedestrian-friendly. There's also a free downtown trolley service that connects key points of interest, and there are plenty of bike rental shops that can help you make the most of Charleston's tree-lined streets, waterfront parks, and beaches.

While here, don't miss out on a carriage ride or walking tour to learn more about the history of South Carolina's largest city.

Nashville, Tennessee

Trade in four wheels for two to explore the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Nashville Broadway and the city's many honky-tonk bars. Nashville has made significant efforts to become a bike-friendly city in recent years, with dedicated bike lanes and paths as well as a bike-sharing program called BCycle.

Looking to explore beyond the city limits? WeGo Public Transit operates the WeGo Star, a commuter train that connects downtown Nashville with many neighboring communities.

Key West, Florida

Granted, to get to Key West you'll probably need a car (although there are Greyhound services from Miami and Orlando), but once there you won't need to worry about having a set of wheels. Duval Street, the heart of Key West, is extremely walkable and the city itself, located on an island, measures around two by four miles.

If you don't fancy walking everywhere, there's a free Duval Loop bus service that operates along all the key stops, but you probably won't want to be on land anyway. Key West is renowned for excellent snorkeling and scuba diving, as well as kayaking and sunset cruises.

San Francisco, California

Although you might do more hiking than walking in San Francisco due to its steep streets and hills, it's still a great city to see on foot or by bike. It's best here to explore the walkable neighborhoods one at a time, and then use the city's impressive public transport network to travel between them. Fisherman's Wharf, Union Square, Chinatown, and the Mission District all make for an excellent stroll.

Although conquering the up-and-down city is a challenge on two wheels, Frisco's bike-sharing schemes are great for exploring the Golden Gate Bridge and the adjacent Golden Gate Park.

Seattle, Washington

For a city of such size the bike-friendly Seattle is surprisingly welcoming to car-free travelers. Many of the city's top attractions, including Pike Place Market, the Seattle Art Museum, and the skyline-piercing Space Needle are within easy walking distance of one another. There's also a reliable and extensive public transport network including buses, light rail, and streetcars.

A visit to Seattle is also not complete without a scenic ferry ride in Puget Sound or a harbor cruise.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

One of the most bike-friendly cities in the US, it's easy to get around Minneapolis on a rented bike – there's a vast network of dedicated bike lanes and many bike stores offering short-term rentals. Once you've explored the pedestrian-friendly attractions in downtown, including Mill City Museum, the Guthrie Theater and the Sculpture Garden, hop on the light rail connecting the heart of the city to America's most impressive shopping destination, the Mall of America.

Home to three professional sports teams, covering MLB, NBA, and NFL, you shouldn't miss out on a classic American game-day experience either.

New Orleans, Louisiana

It is actively advised to leave your car behind when exploring the Big Easy, and make the most of the city's famous streetcar system. It connects key areas like the Riverfront and the French Quarter, while the St Charles Avenue Streetcar in particular provides a scenic, tree-lined trip past stunning historic mansions.

Beyond the streetcars, the RTA's Jazzy Pass gives visitors unlimited access to the city's public transport, while numerous bike paths stretch along the Mississippi River and through City Park. Don't miss out on a riverboat cruise either for a shifting panorama of the city skyline.

San Antonio, Texas

One of San Antonio's key attractions is called the River Walk, so you know you can expect a pedestrian-friendly weekend here. This must-visit stretch is the beating heart of the city, with restaurants, shops, and riverboat cruises which sail down the San Antonio River. The walkable downtown also offers up plenty of intriguing sights, perhaps the most famous being the Alamo, a symbol of Texas and a reminder of the area's rich history.

Other neighborhoods, within easy reach thanks to a reliable public transport system, continue to spin the thread of the state's history, from Mission San Jose to the King William Historic District.

Portland, Oregon

Oregon's Portland is renowned for its sustainability commitments, and its extensive public transport network, bike lanes, and pedestrian-friendly streets all play a part. Start your exploration with a visit to Powell's City of Books, a hotspot for literature lovers that spans an entire city block, before journeying to nearby attractions like the Portland Art Museum and the Pearl District.

Make sure to visit the Portland Saturday Market too, widely recognized as the largest continuously operating open-air arts and crafts market in the US. Once you've scratched the cultural itch, quench your thirst with a visit to one of the city's many highly regarded craft breweries.

Denver, Colorado

Boasting a rich cultural scene with attractions to spare, Denver is perfectly placed for weekend breaks, especially for car-less travelers. The 16th Street Mall is a mile-long pedestrian-friendly promenade through the heart of downtown, lined with more than 250 stores, restaurants, and bars.

Alternatively, you can use Denver's Shared Bike and Scooter program and strike out into the suburbs, or take in the city's leafy parks along the Cherry Creek Trail and the South Platte River Trail.

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