5 States That Offer Locals-Only Discounts
Written by
Karen Doyle
Edited by
Maria Concepcion
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If you live in a state known for its tourist attractions, you’ve probably had the experience of friends or relatives visiting and wanting to go to these places. And you may want to go too — to be a good host or just because it’s fun. But these visits can get pricey, unless you live in one of these states where you can get a discount for being a local.
Here are 5 states where you can get a discount for being a resident.
Nevada
Locals who visit Las Vegas can save some serious cash. If you have a Nevada ID, you can save 20% at select restaurants and discounts on shows through Caesars Entertainment. Not to be outdone, MGM Grand offers locals 20% off at their spa. If Las Vegas isn’t on your list, you can also get discounts at resorts in Reno and other Nevada cities.
Florida
Disney World offers several different discounts for Florida residents, which can save you a lot. There are multi-day passes for out-of-state friends visiting and they want you to go to the parks with them. There are also several options for annual passes for Florida residents, ranging from weekday-only passes to those with no blackout dates.
Florida residents can also save on an annual pass to Universal Studios.
Illinois
Under the Illinois General Assembly’s Park District Aquarium and Museum Act, Illinois residents can get free admission to any museum or aquarium for at least 52 days each year. This includes the Adler Planetarium, the Chicago History Museum, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Science and Industry, and many more.
California
California is a big state, so there are many things to see. You may not get a discount if you live in a different part of the state. For example, Disneyland only discounts Southern California residents, leaving the northerners to fend for themselves. Sonesta Hotels, however, gives California residents a discount no matter where they live or where they’re staying.
Louisiana
Several museums in New Orleans offer free or discounted admission to Louisiana residents. The New Orleans Museum of Art is free to residents of Louisiana every Wednesday. The Ogden Museum of Southern Art is free to residents on Thursdays, the Contemporary Arts Center on Sundays, and the New Orleans. JAMNOLA offers 15% off admission on Wednesdays and Thursdays for Louisiana residents.
Other Options for Discounts
If a local attraction you want to visit doesn’t offer a discount for residents, or if you’re traveling to another state, you may still be able to save a few bucks. You may take advantage of a discount if you have AAA, are an AARP member, receive EBT or WIC benefits, or are active or retired military. Check the attraction’s website or ask when buying your admission ticket.
Pro tip: If there’s a local attraction you want to visit that does not offer a discount to in-state residents, check with your local library. They often have tickets you can ‘check out’ for free or reduced-price admission to local museums and other attractions.
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