Arabella Bowen, former editorial director, recommends 10 great places in the U.S. to vacation where you don’t need a car to get around. Click here for the full story

Mackinac Island, Mich.
The moment you see the Grand Hotel and horse-drawn carriages from the ferry, you know things are going to be different here. "Mackinac Island has prohibited motorized vehicles for more than a century. Instead, visitors get around on foot or on bicycle in this charming Victorian-era community," Bowen says. "In the summer, the island has a flurry of activity, including festivals and the annual Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac." 877-847-0086; mackinacisland.org

Fire Island, N.Y.
"This barrier beach community just off Long Island's South Shore is a very popular vacation spot. Biking along with walking, water taxi and pull carts are used for transportation since motor vehicle traffic is not allowed," Bowen says. "The island is primarily accessed via ferry, which disembarks passengers directly at town centers." You'll find volleyball courts, an old-fashioned movie theater and historic lighthouse, as well as great surfing, fishing and boating here. fireisland.com

Little St. Simons Island, Ga.
"The charm of Little St. Simons is its remoteness: It's only accessible by boat, and cars are not allowed. There are no televisions in the guest areas, and you might as well forget the BlackBerry, because there's barely any mobile phone reception in the cabins, either," Bowen says. "What visitors will find is The Lodge, the only hotel on the island, and activities such as bird-watching, fishing and staff-guided nature walks." comecoastawhile.com

Avalon, Calif. (Santa Catalina Island)
There is a 12- to 15-year waiting list to own a car on this well-preserved island where bison still roam. "The good thing about Catalina Island is that nearly everything — shops, restaurants and attractions — is within walking distance," Bowen says. "Golf-cart rentals are available year-round and are the main mode of transportation. Catalina is considered one of the top scuba-diving destinations in the U.S., so naturally diving and snorkeling are popular activities." 310-510-1520; catalinachamber.com

Aspen, Colo.
Buses are free in Aspen, beginning right at the airport, making this popular summer destination easy to navigate without a car. "Visitors usually walk or bike to get torestaurants, cafes, bars and shops here," Bowen says. "Nearby rafting, hiking and kayaking, as well as the Aspen Music Festival and School, add to this town's allure." Go to Paradise Bakery for lemonade, and listen to music students playing on the corner after class. 800-670-0792; aspenchamber.org

St. Augustine, Fla.
"St. Augustine, once part of the Spanish Empire, is the nation's oldest city and a paradise for those that want to get around sans car," Bowen says. "The old-world atmosphere of the historic district, an area boasting shops, restaurants and galleries, is a perfect starting point for a leisurely stroll." 800-653-2489; getaway4florida.com

Monhegan Island, Maine
"You won't find any cars on Monhegan, but you will find 17 miles of walking trails perfect for exploring the island's remote locales," Bowen says. "An artists' colony has been in existence here for more than a century. Some artists have viewing hours in their studios, and galleries around the island display the works of local artists." Bring your bike or rent one. The low humidity and ocean breezes provide natural air-conditioning. monheganwelcome.com

Nags Head, N.C. (Outer Banks)
Park your car for free here and explore on foot or bike along a network of multiuse paths. "This barrier island boasts the third-largest estuary system in the world, wildlife refuges, maritime forests, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and the highest sand dunes on the East Coast at Jockey's Ridge State Park," Bowen says. A bonus: The island boasts 42 public beach accesses, all free. 877-629-4386; outerbanks.org

Nantucket, Mass.
"The narrow cobblestone streets of this former whaling island were not designed with cars in mind. After a day at the pristine beaches, visitors can get around town on a cruiser bicycle, stopping for ice cream or to shop at the boutiques," Bowen says. "Stop in the Whaling Museum or check out Nantucket Ice, an ice rink that is open year-round." Nine paved bike paths, together with many walking trails, make car-free exploring easy and enjoyable. 508-228-1700; nantucketchamber.org

South Padre Island, Texas
"This 34-mile-long, half-mile wide barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico offers wildlife watching, birding, fishing, water sports and even sandcastle-building lessons," Bowen says. "The Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark is a favorite family attraction." You're never more than half a mile from the bay or the beach, and there's a free shuttle called The Wave to get you around the island. 800-767-2373; sopadre.com