Free Things You Can See on Your Vacation Across the US

The United States is rich in sights imbued with history and steeped in natural beauty. You can’t cross a state line without finding a dozen new things to do. In fact, taking a tour of the states can be overwhelming with just how much there is to see. Your budget might help dictate what and how much you take in, as costs can add up quickly.

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Fortunately, there are free attractions in every state. Whether you prefer an unscheduled, go-at-your-own-pace type meander, or a guided or scheduled tour, there’s something for everyone at the best price of all: free. Before making any plans, you’ll want to be sure to pay attention to COVID-19 health protocols, which can vary not only from state to state but city to city. Here are nine free attractions in states spanning the U.S.

If you’re a nature lover who likes a good road trip, you don’t want to miss out on visiting the Avenue of the Giants, 31 miles of green grandeur in Northern California’s Humboldt County. Here, some of the oldest and largest redwood trees in the country reside. Drive the whole thing, or stop and check out Eel River, a federally-designated Wild & Scenic waterway with swimming, fishing and paddling spots.

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Renowned glass sculptor Dale Chihuly, known for his big, wild glass sculptures, created this masterpiece in Tacoma, Washington. The 500-foot pedestrian Bridge of Glass spans the Thea Foss Waterway and leads straight to the Museum of Glass and includes three amazing Chihuly glass installations.  The bridge remains open 24 hours a day. And if you decide to check out the Museum of Glass, too, while it’s not free, admission cost is only $20 for adults, $10 for local residents and free for children under 17.

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Petroglyph National Monument is one of the best sites to see ancient petroglyphs in North America. Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the symbols and designs that are carved into volcanic rocks by Native Americans and Spanish settlers are between 400 and 700 years old.  You will need to be prepared with good walking shoes as you descend into several different canyons. While the monument itself is free, it does cost a few bucks to park.

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If you love classic cars, take a twist on them by visiting the Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Museum in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This museum, open since 1992, focuses on the preservation of antique and classic motorcycles from the early 1900s through the 1970s. In addition to the bikes themselves, the museum displays memorabilia and information about “local motorcycling icons.”

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If you’re not sure exactly what you want to do in Texas, make your way along the San Antonio River Walk — 15 miles of food, shopping and entertainment all along the San Antonio River await. From there, you’re also not far from such historic sites as the Alamo and the King William Historic District.

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This barrier island of Georgia is both rich in history and in natural beauty. According to the National Park Service website, “Here pristine maritime forests, undeveloped beaches and wide marshes whisper the stories of both man and nature.” With over 9,800 acres of preserved wilderness, beach and nature lovers alike should not miss this stop on any tour of the U.S.

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There’s so much to explore in the nation’s Capitol that you can’t go wrong spending even a few days wandering through some of the most historic sites in the U.S. From the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial, Arlington Cemetery to the Library of Congress and many more monuments of historical significance, a visit to D.C. will cost you little, but leave you rich in history.

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When you think about Vermont, if maple syrup and sugar come to mind, then you’ll want to check out the free tour and tasting at Morse Farm. Here, you can also experience “multimedia displays in a real woodshed theater,” hiking along trails, a country store and a farm life museum.

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New York City itself is an attraction you could spend weeks wandering through without paying a dime and never be bored. But if you’re heading to the Big Apple, you should really check out some iconic New York sights: Central Park is a refreshing stretch of green (or yellow and orange in the fall) that runs through Manhattan. But it’s more than just a natural respite — there are seasonal activities, such as ice skating, performance halls, museums, sculptures and a variety of tours. Coney Island Boardwalk is a three-mile stretch of entertainment and food, including amusement rides, sports, an aquarium and the beach, of course.

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