Island Destinations Where There Are No Cars

Unplugging isn't just about leaving electronic devices behind, it's also about getting out of the car and taking a walk, bike ride or cruising to the beach on a golf cart. Check out some of the best island destinations in the US where you leave the car at the ferry dock and say hello to true relaxation.

Catalina Island is accessible by ferry, private plane or boat. Warm all year round, this island can be your vacation destination no matter the season. The island is very proud of its natural blessings, with a conservatory protecting the resident wild bison and bald eagles. Catalina has something for everyone including camping, jazz festivals and even a marine life tour in a semi-submersible ship. There are a variety of ways to get around the island; visitors can take guided walking tours, ride bicycles, ride golf carts or take a trolley. With special events such as wine mixers, beach parties and movies under the stars, this island is the perfect getaway for long-lasting memories. Who knows, you might just knock a thing or two off of your bucket list.

Monhegan Island is a hidden treasure in the Gulf of Maine that is full of incredible natural beauty. After a 45-minute ferry ride from the mainland, you will be greeted by three pick-up trucks that will shuttle your belongings to your front door. You're encouraged to walk, but don't worry, getting from one side of the island to the other takes just 15 minutes. Along the way, you will see thriving ocean life, friendly island goers and the widest variety of colorful mushrooms you could imagine. This place is meant for hiking with trails covering the entire island, with each featuring something special from tiny fairy houses to historic sights. Nestled into Lobster Cove is a shipwreck from 1948 called the D.T. Sheridan, the remains are still there and visitors are free to crawl about the wreck. Be warned, there is limited electricity on the island. So use it as a chance to unplug and be one with nature.

Located off Hilton Head Island, Daufuskie Island is an idyllic Lowcountry getaway that is accessible only by boat or ferry. Golf carts and bikes can be rented at the ferry dock so you can explore the island. Even though it is a small island, Daufuskie offers plenty of activities and sites. The abundant wildlife makes for amazing birdwatching and there's even a volunteer-run farm. On the farm, you are free to help out as you please and even interact with the animals. If you’re not into the farm life, Daufuskie has a thriving art scene, world-class golf courses, white-sand beaches and plenty of water sports. Explore the history of the Gullah people who once had a thriving farming and fishing community on the island. Tours are available of all the historic sites and make sure to try some authentic Gullah cuisine while on the island.

Fire Island runs along almost the entire southern shore of Long Island. The island spans 31 miles and is only 2-3 blocks wide, featuring 18 unique neighborhoods catering to every sort of lifestyle. To get there you can choose from three different mainland locations to board a ferry. For beachgoers, there’s access to both the calm Great South Bay and the mighty Atlantic Ocean. Because the island is so narrow, everyone either walks or bikes. This is the vacation where all you need to know is sleep, tan and eat … who's ready?

Mackinac Island is the best of both worlds, whether you just want to relax by the water or spend the day hitting the town. To get there, hop on a ferry in Mackinaw City or St. Ignace. For outdoor adventurers, Mackinac Island offers numerous hiking trails, mountain bike paths and fishing charters. The island has a wide variety of shops, restaurants and nightclubs as well as a world-renowned fudge shop. For history buffs there are several museums and two historic military forts. Everyone on the island walks or bikes, but it is the horse-drawn buggies that make this destination unique. In fact, Mackinac has the only golf course in the country where you can ride a horse-drawn carriage in between the nines. The island offers various accommodations from historic bed-and-breakfasts to camping. The famous Grand Hotel offers afternoon tea and nightly dancing.

Located in Lake Erie on Bass Island, the village of Put-in-Bay has something for everyone. Serving as a hotspot for golf, water sports and boating, this island also offers some more unique attractions such as a cave discovered during the war of 1812, an aviary filled with over 50 species of butterflies, gemstone mining, carnival rides and biplane tours. And when you get hungry and thirsty, Put-in-Bay has a variety of waterfront restaurants, nightclubs, wineries and even a chocolate museum. Golf carts are the main mode of transportation, but there's also a trolley called the Tour Train plus several multi-seat bicycle pubs if you don't mind pedaling while you enjoy an adult beverage.

Halibut Cove is located in Alaska's Kachemak Bay State Park and has no roads. So be prepared to walk. With only 23 permanent year-round residences, this island is the perfect place to go off- the-grid and just enjoy nature. It used to be known for having several herring salteries, but today Halibut Cove is a haven for artists, craftsmen and commercial fishermen. Birdwatching, hiking and fishing are among the most popular ways to relax on the island. Stillpoint Lodge offers 10 private luxury cabins with all-inclusive dining, and they can arrange adventure excursions like glacier hiking and whale watching.

Located in the Gulf of Mexico, west of Fort Myers is North Captiva Island, a glorious destination known for its spectacular white beaches and abundance of rare seashells. Getting to the island is a short ferry ride from Captiva Island or Pine Island. Once there, golf carts and bikes are the way to get around. Apart from shelling and cruising around in your golf cart, you can take the family fishing, hiking or on a Jet Ski. There are plenty of restaurants on the island, plus a bar with two pools.

Located south of Wilmington at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, Bald Head Island has a wide variety of attractions from sailing to shopping. To get there, board the ferry in Southport and enjoy the 20-minute ride. Upon landing, trams will shuttle you and your luggage to your accommodations. Most rental properties provide golf carts and bicycles. The island has a special conservatory for sea turtles where you can take a close look at the beautiful creatures. Make time to climb to the top of the "Old Baldy" lighthouse, North Carolina's oldest standing lighthouse.