The 50 Best Free Tourist Attractions in the United States
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
6. Chicago Lakefront Path
With a prime location along beautiful Lake Michigan, this 18.5 mile long recreational path is easily one of the country’s most active and scenic. There is no better place in the country to enjoy urban scenery, beautiful waterfront views, and urban amenities all in the same place. Free attractions along the route include: Navy Pier, Buckingham Fountain, beaches and parks, and the Lincoln Park Zoo. Amazing skyline views present throughout. If you feel like shelling out a few bucks, the gorgeous Museum Campus lies directly on the route (The Field Museum and Art Institute are well worth the admission price). To date, this is still the most exciting bike path I’ve come across – A+ all the way!
Full guide to biking the Lakefront
7. The Strip
All the glitz and glamour of the man-made entertainment extravaganza known as The Strip has made Vegas one of the top tourist destinations in the world. While taking a Vegas vacation can mean spending big bucks gambling, shopping, and seeing premier shows, there are plenty of free attractions. Just taking a walk down The Strip will give your eyes plenty to feast upon. From lifelike replicas of famous monuments like the Eiffel tower, to free fountain shows, to the stunning Wynn Gardens and Bellagio Conservatory, you don’t need to spend a dime on any entertainment.
Check out my guide to the best of Vegas
8. Griffith Observatory
The world’s most visited observatory lies amidst all the traffic and congestion of Los Angeles. While the city is more known for Hollywood and movie stars, there are plenty of gorgeous hiking trails and outdoor activities to enjoy. In 1896, the land which the Griffith sits on was donated to the public by philanthropist Griffith J. Griffith who believed astronomy should be accessible to all. On a clear night, you can stargaze and enjoy dazzling night views of the L.A. skyline. By day, you can hike your way through the Santa Monica mountains, enjoying tremendous views of the entire valley, as well as up close and personal views of the famous Hollywood sign.
Check out the incredible free Hiking trails at the Griffith
9. Indian Rocks Beach
Florida’s Gulf Coast beaches have long been considered some of the best in the world. With beautiful white sands and crystal clear waters, tourists flock from around the world to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the abundant sunshine. Indian Rocks is a little gem located just 30 miles outside of Tampa. One of the few beaches not surrounded by much commercialization, it maintains an old-fashioned “Old Florida” appeal. Big waves for swimming, excellent shelling, and frequent manatee sightings are just an extra bonus!
Take a look at my Indian Rocks vacation guide
10. Sedona aka “Red Rock Wonderland”
Sedona is easily one of the most mesmerizing places in the world. If you love nature, hiking, and natural health, there is no better vacation destination in the US. Towering red rock formations surround the entire region and there are seemingly endless jaw dropping hiking trails to take in the marvelous scenery. Various scenic drives and overlooks allow non-hikers to also enjoy the scenery. New age shops, galleries, boutique shops, health spas, and healthy restaurants have made Sedona a popular health destination. The high desert community is located about an hour and a half north of Phoenix and just a half hour outside of Flagstaff, another beautiful & active mountain destination. This is hands down my favorite place to hike in the country.
I lived in this region for 4 years and explored it all. Check out The best free Sedona hikes
