Short trips around the country are a great way to spend a long weekend; however, without a proper plan and itinerary, each trip can potentially cost individuals a significant amount of money. Fortunately, there is no dearth of attractions and hidden gems in the US that individuals can explore for free. Knowing about these options can help individuals minimize travel expenses and allow them to spend those funds doing fun activities during the trip.
Charlottesville, Virginia
Virginia is home to several cities that are budget-friendly and offer free activities. While former presidential estates like Monticello and Ash Lawn-Highland do charge some fees, individuals can appreciate the premises of these historic sites at no cost. They can also while away their time at the Downtown Pedestrian Mall and explore the University of Virginia, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in Charlottesville. Visitors will also find the Thursday Evening Sunset Series at Crater Mountain Orchard particularly appealing during the summer. This event allows visitors to experience a stunning sunset from the mountaintop at no charge.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The Steel City is another destination in the US with must-see attractions and other fun activities. Tourists can visit the Strip District to capture pictures of some historic landmarks. They can also check out the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, which is a 24-mile nonlinear trail connecting visitors to different parts of the town, including the north and south sides and downtown.
Individuals can also explore various streets where artists flock to exhibit their work. Other things to do in Pittsburgh are explore the Cathedral of Learning, drive on the Roberto Clement Bridge, and spend time inside over 456 acres of woods, trails, and the attractions of Schenley Park.
Austin, Texas
Austin, Texas, has a host of unique free sightseeing spots, one of which is the area beneath the Congress Avenue Bridge, housing approximately 1.5 million bats. Additionally, art enthusiasts can visit the HOPE Outdoor Gallery, known for its vibrant graffiti art.
Austin is also known as the Live Music Capital of the World and features renowned venues like the White Horse and the Elephant Room, both of which typically do not charge a cover fee. For adventure seekers, Zilker Park and Barton Creek Greenbelt provide great trails and swimming spots, making them perfect for outdoor activities.
New York, New York
NYC is a bustling city with iconic free spots. For instance, individuals can appreciate contemporary art at The Museum of Modern Art, which has free entry on Uniqlo Free Fridays during designated time slots. Additionally, the Staten Island Ferry offers a complimentary ride, and visitors can marvel at stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines while crossing New York Bay.
Those looking to venture beyond NYC can go to Adirondack Park in upstate New York, which offers many free outdoor activities. This expansive area features 30,000 miles of rivers and streams and more than 3,000 lakes and ponds, providing visitors with tons of opportunities for adventure and exploration.
Key West, Florida
Traveling to major cities like Key West has several perks for tourists, including free, family-friendly attractions. One must-visit place is Mallory Square, where individuals can soak in stunning sunset views. This square is also a great spot for enjoying various forms of art, such as music, comedy, and magic performances. In addition, visitors can also snap a picture with the colorful buoy that marks the southernmost point of the United States.
Places like Smathers Beach in Key West are perfect for relaxation; plus, visitors don’t have to pay a dime. However, they will need to pay for restrooms, food, chairs, and umbrellas.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is one of the top places for budget-conscious tourists to visit, as it boasts a wide range of attractions that are mostly free to visit. Some of the popular highlights include Bonaventure Cemetery, Forsyth Park, and the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, all of which welcome visitors at no cost. Savannah also has 22 public squares, including the famous Chippewa Square, where a lot of scenes from the popular movie Forrest Gump were filmed. Not only that, the City Market area provides a vibrant place for individuals to shop or simply browse through things and souvenirs they might want to buy. Just a half-hour east of Savannah is Tybee Island, a famous landmark known for its expansive, clean beaches and coastal scenery.
Asheville, North Carolina
There is nothing cooler than taking in the scenery of Asheville’s Blue Ridge mountain. Tourists can go for a long drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, known as one of the nation’s top scenic drives, and stop for a picnic.
The city offers much more than just picturesque landscapes. Tourists can explore Asheville’s rich culture by admiring the fine architecture along the Urban Trail, which is an approximately two-mile walking tour with 30 stops throughout downtown. Besides that, individuals can marvel at marine life, such as sharks and tropical fish, at the Team ECCO Ocean Center and Aquarium in Hendersonville. What’s more, teachers with valid ID proof can enter for free during the school year.