20 Incredible Free Tourist Attractions in the West
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. Shoshone Falls
Location: Twin Falls, Idaho
This beauty on the Snake River in Southern Idaho is nicknamed “Niagara of the West.” While not as photogenic, Shoshone Falls is actually higher than Niagara at 212 feet. The best time to visit is during the spring and summer months when water flow is highest. Along with a scenic overlook, there are a number of hiking trails as well as picnicking areas to enjoy. If you love waterfalls, you will want to put this one on your bucket list. Shoshone is a great detour on the way to Boise, as well as a great addition to any Idaho natural wonder sightseeing trip.
7. San Diego beaches
Location: San Diego, California
“America’s Finest City” is home to some of the country’s best beaches. Fortunately, the breathtaking beaches are free for all to enjoy. With so many enticing options, there really is something for everyone here. Mission Beach is one of the more popular tourist options. It’s a great choice if you are seeking lots of beachside entertainment. With a beautiful boardwalk, an amusement pier, and plenty of restaurants and bars, Mission is an exciting choice for active beach goers. Other popular options include: La Jolla Cove (sea lion watching hotspot), Coronado (beautiful white sand beaches), and Torrey Pines (gorgeous & relaxing).
Check out my full guide to the best of San Diego
8. San Juan National Forest
Location: Southwest Colorado
This diverse 1.8+ million acre forest is the highlight of Southwestern Colorado. If you are vacationing in nearby Pagosa Springs, Durango, or surrounding mountain communities, then you will definitely want to enjoy a hiking adventure in the San Juan. There are endless treasures to explore here, the best time being during the vivid fall leaf peeping season. Particularly impressive are the many jaw dropping waterfalls you can explore, some fortunately easily accessible. The best is Treasure Falls, a 105 foot jaw dropping beauty viewable via the road or better yet via a moderate 0.7 mile hike through beautiful forest. For the little effort required, this is easily one of the best bang-for-your buck hikes in the San Juan. You can read more about my experience vacationing in Pagosa Springs.
9. Redwood National and State Park
Location: Northern California
Not only are they the world’s tallest trees (they can grow upwards of 300 feet!), but the majestic redwoods are also the most mesmerizing. Any nature lover will definitely want to plan a visit to Redwood National and State Park to see these stately trees in person. You will find numerous means of observing these trees including hikes, bike rides, and scenic drives. Newton B. Drury drive is a scenic route through old growth redwood forest in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. The famous Avenue of the Giants (runs parallel to Hwy 101) is an incredibly scenic 31 mile route. Humboldt Redwoods State Park features over 100 miles of hiking trails. This truly is a magical place where you can get lost in otherworldly nature.
10. Latourell Falls
Location: Columbia River Gorge
This impressive 224 foot tall beauty is easily one of the most incredible waterfalls in Oregon. It is the first waterfall on the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Highway. The hike is short at just over a mile to get to the falls although the payoff is big! As a bonus, this is one of the closest waterfalls to Portland (just a half hour away), and thus, a great daytrip for nature lovers/hikers visiting the city. Also just a few miles away lies the incredibly scenic Crown Point Vista House overlook, called the “Crown Jewel of the Columbia River Gorge.” Awesome views although it can get extremely windy here! Note – Bridal Veil and Horsetail Falls are 2 other waterfall beauties in close proximity if you have the time!
