America's national parks, renowned for their natural beauty, can be enjoyed without a car thanks to extensive shuttle networks and proximity to transport hubs. Travel experts assert that visitors can have fulfilling experiences without driving. The National Park Service notes that public transport has connected park visitors for over 150 years, with over 30 million using NPS transit in 2023. Numerous tour companies also provide transit options, making it feasible to explore parks car-free. A curated list of 12 parks showcases optimal destinations for travelers opting to enjoy the scenery over navigating with a vehicle.
"You don't need a car to have a fantastic and fulfilling experience," says Mike Augustine, a custom trip consultant at MT Sobek and a Travel + Leisure A-List travel advisor specializing in national parks.
"For over 150 years, from horse-drawn stagecoaches to electric shuttle buses, public modes of transportation have helped visitors experience the wonders of national parks," says Kathy Kupper, a public affairs specialist with the NPS.
More than 30 million people used NPS transit systems in 2023, she adds, and that doesn't even account for the many more who use other train, plane, or bus networks to reach their desired destinations.
After all, Augustine asks: "Wouldn't you rather focus on the view than Google Maps?"
Collection
[
|
...
]