If you’re booking a big-city vacation this year, it’s smart to consider trips that don’t require a car.
Anyone who commutes by car (or drives often) knows why: gas sits near $3.50 per gallon, and those costs can swing wildly.
On top of that,car rental rateshave jumped about 35% in 2024, giving you plenty of financial incentive to choose a car-free getaway.
Luckily, many top summer hotspots are extremely walkable and just a short Uber or taxi ride from the airport — which helps keep costs down. If you’re hunting for urban spots where you can plan a vacation without renting a car, read on.
Need Fast Cash to Help Pay for Your Trip?
Vacations are getting pricier, so trimming expenses — like skipping a rental car — is a smart move. But you might still need extra funds for other travel costs. Below are some of our favorite ways to earn quick money so you can begin organizing your ideal escape.
12 U.S. Cities You Can Explore Without a Car
Here’s a list of 12 cities where you can get around easily without driving, along with estimated daily costs for each. The per-day figures are sourced from travel site Budget Your Trip.
Remember that on- and off-season prices can change and it pays to compare lodging options — not just hotels, but also hostels, Vrbo and Airbnb listings.
Ready to get inspired for your next vacation? Consider these 12 car-free destinations.
1. Seattle
A West Coast staple, Seattle is very pedestrian-friendly and packed with things to do. Kick off your visit with kayaking on Elliott Bay, then wander through Pike Place to sample local treats from vendors and browse artisan shops. Don’t miss the famous fish-throwing at Pike Place Fish Market.
If sightseeing is on your list, visit the Space Needle and the Seattle Aquarium. The city’s transit network is broad, covering buses, light rail, a monorail, streetcars and bike-share programs.
For a nature escape just outside downtown, explore Discovery Park, a 534-acre urban oasis with many trails for hiking and biking. Expect to budget about $205 per day overall, with roughly $184 earmarked for lodging when visiting Seattle without a car.
2. New York City
New York City ranks among the best places for a car-free vacation. It’s an obvious pick for travelers wanting a major urban escape without worrying about fuel costs. The city is ideal for walking and public transit — particularly the extensive subway and bus networks.
Window-shop along Fifth Avenue for the quintessential New York feel, or spend time exploring Brooklyn’s trendy arts scene and the diverse culinary offerings of Queens.
Craving a beachside outing? Head toConey Islandfor a classic boardwalk experience.
Daily costs in New York average about $326 per person, with approximately $175 of that going toward a place to stay.Expedialists many hotel options that can help you stay within budget.
3. San Francisco
San Francisco — pricey but rewarding — is an excellent city for a car-free visit. Many argue the best way to experience it is on foot — just bring sturdy shoes (the hills are real) and a sweater for the often-cool summer haze.
With renowned murals, tucked-away cafés, and expansive green spaces, walkability is one of this city’s strengths.
The transit network includes an extensive bus system, plus the iconic cable cars — more than just a novelty — that connect visitors to hotspots like Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square.
Stroll around the wharf, Pier 39 and the Ferry Building, where you’ll find a farmers market and ferries crossing the bay — a lovely outing.
Consider booking a bike tour across the Golden Gate Bridge. Expect daily expenses near $222 per person, with about $160 set aside for lodging.
4. Boston
If the East Coast is calling, answer with a Boston getaway. Walk the historic Freedom Trail, catch a game at Fenway Park, and browse boutiques along Newbury Street.
Save room for an impromptu food crawl at Faneuil Hall, and wander the picturesque beds and paths of Boston Common and the Public Garden.
Boston’s transit system — the subway and bus network known as the T — makes it easy to explore the city and suburbs. You can also rent bikes for a day.
Stay longer and take the train to Cambridge to roam Harvard on foot. Expect to spend roughly $255 per day, with about $201 allocated for lodging. You can cut costs by booking an Airbnb inCambridgeorRevere.
5. Washington, D.C.
The nation’s capital is a top pick for a car-free trip, especially for museum enthusiasts. Washington, D.C. is exceptionally walkable.
Spend whole days in the Smithsonian museums, the National Gallery of Art, or the International Spy Museum. Map out a walking route to landmarks like the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial, and the United States Botanic Garden.
You’ll find many ways to reach attractions without a car, so you can skip parking headaches. The city supports bike- and scooter-share programs as well as comprehensive bus and metro networks.
Try kayaking or paddleboarding along the Georgetown waterfront, or explore local wineries, distilleries and — for something different — axe throwing in Ivy City. Daily spending averages around $198 per person, with about $160 budgeted for anAirbnb.
6. Burlington, Vermont
Burlington may not be the first place that comes to mind for a summer vacation, but it’s worth considering. Situated on Lake Champlain’s eastern shore, it’s ideal for water fun — fishing, sailing or historic boat tours.
The town offers bus service and a free shuttle from the University of Vermont to the waterfront.
With bike paths throughout the area, you can spend the day cycling or strolling streets lined with food trucks, boutique shops and live music venues. Budget at least $136 per day to stay in a Burlington Vrbo.
7. Portland, Oregon
This Pacific Northwest city is an excellent summer destination — and not just for book lovers at the famed Powell’s. Portland offers outstanding dining (don’t miss the food carts on Fifth Avenue), craft breweries, and even an urban forest (Forest Park) to explore.
Get around via buses, light rail, streetcars and bikes. There are also numerous hiking routes and trails nearby.
If you enjoy gardens, visit the International Rose Test Garden. And be sure to sample at least one of the city’s quirky doughnut shops. Expect to spend around $180 per day in Portland, with about $137 allocated for an Airbnb.
8. Minneapolis
Minneapolis is another excellent city for vacations without a car.
Highly walkable and laced with bike trails, it’s a paradise for cyclists. Ride across the scenic Stone Arch Bridge or head out to Minnehaha Falls for hiking and biking adventures.
For urban culture, explore the Minneapolis Institute of Art and grab souvenirs at the Mall of America.
To sample the city’s culinary scene, book one of the well-reviewed food tours. Plan to spend about $206 per day in Minneapolis, with roughly $160 for a downtown hotel room via Expedia.
9. Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s deep history sets it apart — from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell to the dramatic Eastern State Penitentiary. It’s a must for history fans.
Don’t miss the Museum of the American Revolution and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
For a different artsy vibe, visit Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens — an outdoor mosaic labyrinth — and spend time in Northeast Philly and Fishtown for standout dining. The city’s buses, regional rail and trolleys will take you nearly everywhere.
Expect to spend about $188 per day, with approximately $141 of that going toward a hotel orAirbnb.
10. Key West, Florida
Key West offers respite from the summer heat and is a standout island destination in the Florida Keys.
Key West has a local airport with direct flights from cities like Chicago, Atlanta and Dallas. For more flight options, you can fly into Fort Myers and take the Key West Express ferry — a roughly 3.5-hour ride where you can relax with a drink onboard.
Once there, trams and bike or scooter rentals make it easy to get around. Duval Street and the nearby areas are very walkable.
Beyond lounging at Higgs or Smathers Beach and exploring Duval Street and Mallory Square, you can tour the Hemingway Home and Museum or visit the Truman Little White House. The island also offers parks, gardens and abundant watersports.
Key West can be costly, especially in peak winter months, but prices dip in summer and fall. Look for budget-friendly options on booking platforms likeAirbnbandVrbo. Budget about $551 per day if you find an economical lodging option.
11. Boulder
Boulder might not top your list for car-free vacations, but it’s a strong contender. Sitting above 5,000 feet, this Rocky Mountain city stays relatively mild in summer compared with many beach spots.
The city’s compact layout makes walking or biking straightforward. If you fly into Denver International Airport, you can book a shuttle and reach Boulder in roughly 40 minutes.
Explore Pearl Street’s shops and allocate time for hikes around the Flatirons. For more mountain time, reserve a day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park or join a city bike tour. Expect to spend about $191 per day in Boulder, with around half that for lodging.
12. Chicago
For a Midwest trip that requires no car, Chicago is a prime choice. Its outstanding public transit system makes getting around simple.
With a wealth of acclaimed restaurants and museums (like the Chicago Architecture Center and the Medieval Torture Museum), there’s always something to see and do in the Windy City.
Budget roughly $288 per day for a Chicago visit, with about $152 of that set aside for a hotel orAirbnb.
You Really Can Travel Without a Car
Skirting a rental car will shave costs (and parking stress) off an urban vacation — but it’s just one tactic for traveling more economically.
Book early to lock in lower rates, and explore our other guides for more tips on traveling affordably.
Contributor Jamie Delgado covers personal finance, real estate and lifestyle topics. She is a frequent contributor to Savinly.
