20 Spectacular Free Tourist Attractions in the Southeast
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.
11. Savannah historic district
There’s much to do and see in Savannah’s gorgeous historic district. With 22 historic squares, lovely historic homes and inns, beautiful parks and fountains, old cathedrals, and beautiful Spanish moss trees, there is plenty to photograph, explore, and enjoy for free! Most notable is Chippewa Square – location of the famous Forrest Gump bench Scene. Oglethorpe Square (est. 1742) is dedicated to the city’s founder, James Oglethorpe. Lush Forsyth Park with its iconic centerpiece fountain is one of the top tourist attractions in the city. Also be sure to take a self guided tour of The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist – one of the most gorgeous places in the city!
And, if you prefer to explore the city with a guide, there are plenty of free tours available (I recommend Noble Jones walking tours). While the guided trolley tours are lots of fun, there are budget alternatives. Savannah is an easy city to navigate due to the grid layout. City Market, the riverfront, and the historic squares are all located within easy walking distance.
12. Centennial Olympic Park
If you find yourself visiting downtown Atlanta, than you will want to take some time to explore Centennial Olympic Park. Atlanta hosted the 1996 Summer Olympics and thus expanded downtown amenities at the time. Today, you can take your picture next to a cool Olympics rings memorial. As only 8 US cities have hosted the Olympics, this is a pretty cool photo opp. There is also a synchronized fountain show and several sculptures and plaques to browse through. Additionally, downtown is home to many notable attractions including The Center for Civil and Human Rights and the Georgia Aquarium. Check out my Atlanta vacation guide for more ideas.
13. St. Augustine historic district
This small city on the Northeastern coast of Florida, nicknamed “Old City,” is another great destination for history buffs. It is the oldest continuously operated European and African American settlement (founded in 1565). Just taking a walk around the downtown is really a feast for the eyes with endless architectural wonders to photograph. The beautiful downtown district, particularly pedestrian friendly St. George St, is home to some of the oldest buildings, many dating back to the 1700’s. There are lots of great restaurants and shops to enjoy including Columbia, a wonderful Cuban gem.
Outside of the downtown, St. Augustine Beach is a must-see. Tours of St. Augustine Cathedral Basilica and Fort Matanzas National Monument are more freebies to consider. And, if you feel like shelling out a few bucks, The Fountain of Youth Park is well worth a visit.
My full guide to visiting St. Augustine
14. Nature preserves of Tampa Bay
The Tampa metro is loaded with gorgeous preserves (check out my favorites), the majority free or requiring a minor parking fee at most. Pinellas County, in particular, is home to dozens of beautiful natural preserves. Here you can observe gators up close, wildlife watch, get in a healthy workout, hike, birdwatch, play sports, and more – far away from all the noisy tourist beach crowds. A few of the best freebies:
- John Chesnut – Gem in suburban Palm Harbor is home to a long boardwalk trail over cypress swamps. Beautiful views of Lake Tarpon and a hotspot for gator sightings.
- Weedon Island– Quiet preserve in the St. Pete area. Fabulous views of the Bay from a 45 foot observation tower. Home to lots of birds and small wildlife including gopher tortoises and armadillo.
- Boyd Hill – Rustic nature center in St. Petersburg. Offers a variety of diverse trails and also a narrated tram ride for an extra fee. Home to lots of wildlife including gators, tortoises, and various bird species.
15. Appalachian trail
The legendary trail runs 2190 miles from Georgia to Maine. Each year, thousands of adventure seekers from around the world attempt a thru-hike (only 1 in 4 make it!). While you may not have the stamina or time to complete the entire trek in one journey (it takes 5-7 months on average!), hiking just a short section of the trail is all it takes to enjoy the beauty. The official starting point is in Springer Mountain, GA. Blue Ridge, Georgia is a great place to base your vacation as the charming community sits just 30 miles from the trail’s official start. Longcreek Falls, a beautiful 50 foot double tiered waterfall is accessed via a 1 mile trail – ths is a great place to begin your AT adventure.
