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11 Magical Destinations You Can’t Access By Car
There’s something undeniably thrilling about journeys that go beyond the ordinary. The kind of trips where your car keys are useless, and the only way forward involves a little extra effort… think boat rides, scenic train routes, or even good old-fashioned hiking boots.
These are the types of destinations that make you work just a bit harder, and the payoff is always worth it. Why? Because stepping off the beaten path (sometimes literally) leads to unforgettable experiences you simply can’t get from a road trip playlist.
If you’re ready to break free from the driver’s seat and explore places that require a little creativity to reach, keep reading.
Cinque Terre, Italy
Forget your usual road trip, because in Cinque Terre, cars aren’t invited to the party. This dreamy stretch of Italian coastline (made up of five stunning cliffside villages) is all about slowing down and enjoying the view.
Moving between these towns? You’ve got two options: a charming little train that tunnels through rugged cliffs or hopping on a ferry where you’ll glide across the glittering Ligurian Sea, pretending you’re in an overly poetic travel novel.
Wander through pastel-colored streets, snack on fresh pesto (when in Italy, carbs don’t count), and soak in sights so good they should come with a disclaimer about ruining all future vacations.
Finse, Norway
If your idea of adventure doesn’t include dodging traffic, consider Finse, Norway. Because this snow-dusted Alpine hideaway isn’t just remote… it’s “you’ll-only-get-here-by-train” remote.
Roads? Nope, not happening. Just you, the tracks, and maybe a cup of steaming coffee held tightly because winter in Finse doesn’t mess around. Fun fact for film buffs, Finse doubled as the planet Hoth in Star Wars. Yep, it’s so wild and untouched that even sci-fi villains thought it was the perfect home.
Once you arrive, break out those fancy thermal layers and try your hand at skiing or glacier hiking (or, you know, just stare at the landscape that looks too perfect to be real). Or come in summer, which is what we would recommend. And before you ask, yes, this is where you officially leave cell service behind.
Giethoorn, Netherlands
Giethoorn is what happens when someone asks, “What if we just skipped roads altogether?” This charming Dutch village is a postcard brought to life, with its storybook thatched cottages and canals that double as streets.
Fancy a stroll? Better grab some comfy shoes because the only pathways here are either water or cobblestone footbridges. Don’t feel like taking steps? Rent a whisper boat (that’s code for “silent boat” in these parts) and float lazily past quaint homes that make your last vacation condo seem downright tragic.
Also, heads up; you may encounter a family of ducks paddling peacefully past you, totally unfazed by human curiosity. Life here just flows. And one afternoon is enough to make you consider ditching roads permanently.
Rottnest Island, Australia
Here’s your chance to meet the happiest creature on earth. Rottnest Island, just off the coast of Western Australia, is famous for its population of quokkas, those smiling little marsupials that will out-charm any selfie partner you’ve got.
To get there, you’ll hop on a ferry or board a small plane, because no, your rental car is not making the cut. Once on the island, bicycles are the go-to ride, and honestly, who wouldn’t want to pedal around this coastal paradise?
Crystal-clear bays, stunning beaches, and no revving engines to interrupt your inner peace. It’s honestly bliss on two wheels. Just remember, if a quokka gives you a grin, it’ll cost you a snack. And really, how could you say no to that face?
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Not to offend your car, but Mackinac Island has been thriving without vehicles for a solid century. This Michigan hotspot said “nope” to motor vehicles way back in 1898, leaving you to explore its beauty by bicycle, horse-drawn carriage, or your trusty two feet. So getting there means hopping on a ferry or a tiny plane. But the lack of exhaust fumes? Totally worth it.
Wander through a dreamy combination of Victorian architecture, fudge shops (it’s a thing here), and colorful gardens that make you wonder if you’ve stepped back in time.
Not into walking? Maybe a casual trot via horse-drawn taxi will do the job. The whole place feels gloriously out of sync with the modern world, and once you’ve embraced the slowness, you’ll never want to leave.
Scoraig, Scotland
Tucked away in the Scottish Highlands, Scoraig is the place you go when you’re ready to trade Wi-Fi for wind-swept cliffs and absolute silence… well, except for the occasional bleating of sheep.
To get there, you’re committing to either a scenic boat ride or a hike that makes you question your life choices halfway through. There are no roads, no streetlights, and certainly no noisy tourist traps here. Just a small off-grid community living their best self-sufficient lives. Electricity comes from wind turbines, so the locals quite literally rely on the breeze for power.
Visiting Scoraig is like stepping into a movie, but one where your phone is useless, and your boots get muddy. Consider it the digital detox you didn’t know you needed.
Churchill, Canada
Churchill isn’t just remote; it’s the ultimate definition of hard-to-get. This tiny town in Manitoba has no road connecting it to the rest of the province. That means your travel options boil down to hopping on a train or catching a seasonal flight.
But once you arrive, you’ll understand why the effort is worth it. This is polar bear central, where you’re more likely to see one strolling down the street than a neighbor borrowing sugar.
Oh, and if bears aren’t enough of a draw, the Northern Lights make regular appearances here like it’s NBD (no big deal). Don’t expect five-star restaurants, but who needs gourmet dining when you’re in one of the wildest, most awe-inspiring places on Earth?
Isles of Scilly, England
The Isles of Scilly are proof that you don’t have to cross oceans to find paradise. Just a ferry ride or short plane hop from Cornwall, this cluster of islands trades traffic jams for flower-lined coastal paths.
Cars are banned, which means you’re left to stroll or cycle between golden beaches, turquoise waters, and quaint little villages that feel frozen in time. The locals? Friendly, laid-back, and more than happy to point you toward hidden spots, like a perfect beach where you’ll have the horizon all to yourself.
Wildlife enthusiasts can also spot seals and puffins (yes, puffins – get excited). Charming pubs, fresh seafood, and sunsets that leave you speechless make this a British holiday dream come true.
Gulangyu Island, China
When was the last time you went somewhere without traffic noise? On Gulangyu Island, ferries drop you into a world so blissfully quiet you can hear the ocean breathe. Located off the coast of Xiamen, this pedestrian-only haven has banned not just cars but also bikes.
That means your legs are doing the hard work as you wander cobblestone streets past colonial-era architecture and snack on sweet peanut soup. The island also boasts some seriously quirky museums, including one entirely dedicated to pianos.
At just eight minutes by ferry from the mainland, it’s proof that serenity doesn’t always require remote treks or endless plane rides. Consider it a car-free slice of paradise, perfect for travelers looking to slow down in style.
Little St. Simons Island, Georgia
If private islands are your thing (whose thing wouldn’t they be?), then Little St. Simons Island might just be your next favorite escape. This peaceful slice of Georgia’s coast is accessible only by boat, and once you’re there, don’t even think about driving. There’s no room for your wheels on this nature preserve.
Instead, you’ll find yourself kayaking through salt marshes, admiring rare bird species, and debating whether you’ve reached peak tranquility. And with just a handful of charming cottages for guests, the island caps visitor numbers to keep things intimate.
Bonus? Every meal is farm-to-table, so your taste buds are living large, too. It’s the kind of place where you’ll leave behind your stress… and maybe find a little sand in your shoes.
Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy
Located on top of a hill that could easily double as the setting for a fantasy epic, Civita di Bagnoregio is Italy’s stunningly fragile treasure. Known as the “dying city” due to its crumbling cliffs (cheerful, right?), it’s only accessible by foot via a long pedestrian bridge.
No cars, no chaos; just you, your walking shoes, and a sense of wonder. The town itself feels like stepping into another era, with cobblestone streets, ancient stone buildings, and flower pots clinging to windowsills as if competing in a “prettiest plant” contest.
And locals have kept its charm alive, offering cozy trattorias where you can indulge in homemade pasta that’d make nonna proud. Bring a camera and comfy sneakers, because this place proves that sometimes the best destinations are the hardest to reach.
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