20 Incredible & Free Tourist Attractions in the Northeast
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.
16. New Jersey beaches/boardwalks
Location: Jersey coast
With 130 miles of coastline, New Jersey is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the East coast. Fortunately, many of them are free to visit. The three Wildwoods beaches stretch on for 5 miles and are a popular destination for summer sunbathing, beach walks, and events. The beaches are nice and clean with plenty of space for everyone to enjoy the summer weather. The 38 block long boardwalk lined with shops, rides, foods stands, and arcades, is another bonus. All summer long you can expect free concerts, firework shows, and more.
More great free beaches in New Jersey
17. Ashokan Reservoir
Location: Hudson Valley
This is a unique attraction to add to your New York bucket list. Ashokan Reservoir provides 40% of the drinking water for New York City. It’s located in the gorgeous Catskill mountains region. A beautiful 3 mile path offers an incredible viewpoint of the reservoir plus the surrounding mountains. An easy walk due to the flat nature, however, it can be very windy and cold if you visit during the colder months. Fall is the best time scenery-wise to plan your visit as the Hudson Valley is one of the country’s prime leaf peeping destinations.
18. Niagara Falls
Location: New York
Although not an official world wonder, Niagara Falls is considered one of the 8th world wonders. While Niagara is far from the tallest waterfall (over 500 waterfalls around the world are taller!), it is one of the most powerful by volume. Plus, it’s free to see and easily accessible from many major cities in the Midwest and Northeast. More than 6 million cubic ft of water goes over the crest during daytime hours. NIagara is actually a name given to 3 waterfalls – Horseshoe which lies in Ontario and American and Bridal Veil Falls which lie on the American side. Horseshoe Falls is the largest with a crest line width of 2200 ft. On an interesting side note, the beautiful greenish hue is due to the presence of dissolved minerals in the Niagara River.
Learn more interesting facts about Niagara
19. Myles Standish State Forest
Location: Southeast Massachusetts
This massive 13,000 acre state forest truly is one of the gems of New England. It’s the largest recreational area in Southeast Massachusetts and also the best in the state. No matter when your visit falls, whether during the gorgeous mild summer months, the vivid leaf peeping season, or after a winter storm, Myles is a wonderful nature escape. With 13 miles of hiking trails, 15 miles of biking trails, and 35 miles of equestrian trails, you will never run out of options. Because it is located close to several touristy cities like Plymouth, Fall River, and Newport, it’s an easy daytrip destination. The park is so quiet and serene, and really a wonderful temporary escape from any city or tourist congestion.
20. Cape Cod Rail Trail
Location: Cape Cod (South Dennis to Wellfleet)
One of the best rail trails in the country is located in beautiful Cape Cod. The 25 mile trail travels through 6 beautiful Cape Cod communities. Biking is the best way to cover a lot of ground quickly, although walking and running are also popular means of exercising. There are a number of attractions along the way including pretty state parks, most notably Nickerson at mile 14. Food options along the route include Hot Chocolate Sparrow, a delicious coffee and ice cream shop and Cobie’s, a popular seafood stand. Also be sure to stop at Marconi Beach – a super scenic beach known for whale sightings – conveniently located just off the end of the trail in Wellfleet.
