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.
21. Blue Ridge Parkway
This breathtaking 469 mile drive has been nicknamed “America’s Favorite Drive.” Considering the path runs from the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and features gorgeous mountain scenery throughout, it’s no wonder why. With so many enchanting waterfalls and hiking trails to enjoy, plus numerous attractions, the Parkway is a wonderful vacation destination for nature lovers and photographers alike. Stay in nearby Asheville and enjoy convenient access to the Parkway, plus easy access to the town’s renowned art galleries and restaurants.
Amazing Parkway overlooks to add to your bucket list
22. “The Land of Waterfalls” – Western North Carolina
The mountainous portion of Western North Carolina is home to over 250 waterfalls. As one of the most concentrated waterfall regions in the country, it’s an easy bucket list contender for nature lovers. These wonders of nature are located within the mesmerizing Pisgah National Forest, as well as the North Carolina side of the Smoky Mountains. Some are easily viewable by the road, while others require a hiking adventure through beautiful wooded forest. Living in the region for 2 years, I hiked to many incredible waterfalls!
My favorite sights to check out:
- Whitewater Falls – The highest in the state at 411 ft
- Looking Glass Falls – A 60 foot tall roadside beauty
- Linville Falls – A 150 foot waterfall in the gorgeous Linville Gorge
- Soco Falls – Enchanting double waterfall on the Cherokee Indian reservation
- Deep Creek Triple Falls – 3 waterfalls via one hike in Bryson City (Smoky Mountains)
Bucket list worthy waterfalls of North Carolina
23. The Magnificent Mile
One of the country’s most prestigious shopping districts is Chicago’s magnificent mile. The bustling 1 mile street is home to many upscale shops, restaurants, and hotels. Although you could drop some major cash here, it’s a wonderful place to window shop and take in the city’s gorgeous architecture. From the 100 story John Hancock building, to the 74 story Water Tower place skyscraper (opened in 1975 as the city’s first indoor mall), to the 36 story neo-Gothic Tribune Tower skyscraper (now a luxury residence), architectural marvels surround you in every direction. Free events occur throughout the year including one of the city’s top Christmas events: the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival.
24. Library of Congress
One of the most gorgeous hidden gems of D.C. is The Library of Congress. Founded in 1800, it’s the oldest cultural institution. Free self-guided tours are open to the public, although timed tickets must be booked online in advance. The gorgeous design was based off the Paris Opera house. Everywhere you turn you see another gorgeous mural or mosaic – it truly is a visual masterpiece. The main Reading Room with its’ domed ceiling is particularly stunning. The library holds a number of important historical documents including Jefferson’s rough draft of the Declaration of Independence. This was one of my favorite attractions in all of D.C.
History of the Library of Congress
25. Bellagio Conservatory gardens
The beautiful Italian themed resort remains one of the best in Vegas despite many flashier and newer additions. The Bellagio Conservatory is one of the premier attractions on The Strip, and fortunately, it’s free for all to enjoy. Each season, the 14,000 acre space changes to reflect the sights and sounds of the season. The Christmas display, featuring thousands of poinsettias, is by far the most spectacular. 2022 featured a “Gingerbread Dreams” theme featuring a 42 foot tree with 10,000 lights and over 8000 ornaments, a gingerbread village, and Coca Cola polar bears constructed of hundreds of carnations.
