Eco-inspired families are trading their rental cars for touring their destinations from the seat of a bike. This not only saves dollars but adds a fitness component to any vacation. Here are five places where you can merrily roll along:

• Portland, Ore. This city, super friendly to bikes, is widely recognized as being a two-wheel trendsetter. Get to know the City of Roses by taking advantage of the Kimpton Hotel Monaco's Carless Vacation package. You'll arrive from the airport via free light rail passes and then embark on a historic city tour led by Pedal Bicycle Tours. The Green Seal-certified hotel offers free bikes.

Contact: 503-222-0001; www.monaco-portland.com

• San Diego. Cruise along the flat and car-free pathways of Mission Beach, or take in the scenic views on Coronado Island, along San Diego Bay or in the Gaslamp District. Whether you have young children or older kids looking for a mountain-bike adventure, this seaside destination is a biker's paradise.

Contact: 866-425-2925; www.hikebikekayak.com

• Lake Placid, N.Y. Enjoy wooded trails and scenic byways between villages in the Adirondack region of northern New York state. With a trove of outdoor recreational opportunities and marvelous mountain vistas, you and your family will enjoy the views from the seat of your bikes. Choose a rugged mountain bike, a road bike or tandems, and be sure to take plenty of water.

Contact: 518-523-4128; www.placidplanetbicycles.com

• Chicago. Get off the tourist beat and onto the quiet neighborhood streets, city parks and beautiful beaches that keep Windy City residents happy and eager to become the nation's most bike-friendly city by 2015.

Or hop on a cruiser for tours that include a glimpse of Oprah's house, the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Old Town Historic District and the Lakefront. There are wheel-based options for family members of all ages and fitness levels.

Contact: 312-915-0995; www.bobbysbikehike.com

• Tallahassee, Fla. Follow the abandoned rail bed of the historic Tallahassee-St. Marks Railroad to the town of St. Marks and the confluence of the St. Marks and Wakulla rivers. The Florida State Park Service maintains the 19-mile paved trail, deemed accessible for family members of all ages and abilities.

Contact: 850-224-7461; www.greatbicycle.com

• Resource: Reserve quality, family-friendly bikes and accessories in more than 157 North American cities through www.rentabikenow.com.

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