Like most budget travelers, the word that makes eyebrows leap the
highest is ‘free’. If you think everything in the United States costs
too much, well, you’re right—almost. The U.S. can be a pricey
destination to visit, but there are plenty of things to do in U.S. for
free for the traveler on a budget.
Many of top historic, scenic and cultural spots in the US can be enjoyed admission-free. The Getty Center inLos Angeles, which offers permanent exhibitions that feature important pieces like Vincent Van Gogh’s Irises and Claude Monet’s Sunrise (Marine). Other country-wide attractions include The Freedom Trail in Boston, Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, The National Mall in Washington, D.C., Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Pacific Coast Highway in California, Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas, South Beach in Miami, and Central Park in New York City. If you’re hitting the road soon, check out our top 10 list of free attractions across the United States.
More free things to do in Washington,D.C.
Visit the President
Ok, so you might not get to meet the man himself, but you can tour the President’s home on your visit to D.C. You’ll be granted access to some of the 132 rooms in The White House, filled with artefacts of American history and culture. Tours are free and scheduled on a first come, first served basis. If you’re from the US, request a visit through your Member of Congress at least 1 month in advance; if you’re from outside the US you’ll need to contact your embassy in Washington to submit a tour request.
When is it free? Tues-Thurs, 7.30-11am; Fri, 7.30am-12pm; Sat, 7.30am-1pm
Tour the Pentagon
It’s absolutely free to tour the Pentagon on your trip to Washington D.C. Get in the thick of the action, strolling the corridors of the US Department of Defence and seeing the country’s military personnel go about their duties.
When is it free? Mon-Fri, 9am-3pm
Federal Agencies
The three documents referred to as the “Charters of Freedom” — “The Declaration of Independence,” “The Constitution” and “The Bill of Rights” — are on display in the rotunda at the National Archives Building, which is free to visit. The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Bureau of Engraving and Printing offers free 40-minute tours that allow visitors to observe as money is printed. Free public tours also are available at the Thomas Jefferson Building, which houses the Library of Congress. When not in session, the U.S. Supreme Court offers free public lectures every hour on the half-hour, Monday through Friday.
National Mall and Memorial Parks
There is no charge to visit many of the famous memorials in the National Mall and Memorial Parks. These include several well-known presidential memorials erected in honor of Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. There also are a number of monuments dedicated to war victims and veterans, including the National World War II, Korean War Veterans and Vietnam Veterans memorials. Most of the monuments are open until midnight and we suggests visiting at night to avoid crowds.
Museums
Admission is free at most of the Smithsonian museums in Washington, including the National Museum of American History, where visitors can see the banner that inspired the national anthem and Dorothy’s red slippers from the “Wizard of Oz” in a permanent exhibition about popular culture. Another institution, the National Postal Museum, chronicles the history of the American postal system from colonial to modern times through artifacts such as stamps and photographs. Other free Smithsonian museums include the National Museum of the American Indian, the National Museum of African Art and the National Air and Space Museum. Also free is the Sewall-Belmont House and Museum on Capitol Hill, which is devoted to the history of the women’s movement for equal rights. Another feminist museum, the National Museum of Women in the Arts, waives its admission fee on the first Sunday of every month.
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
The last natural marsh in Washington, Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, is a beautiful place to wile away an afternoon. You’ll marvel at the beautiful water lily and lotus blooms in the vast ponds, and kids will enjoy spotting frogs, turtles and butterflies amongst the greenery. Best of all, doesn’t cost a thing to visit!
When is it free? Daily, 8am-4pm
A green urban oasis in the middle of bustling Manhattan, Central Park offers open spaces, beautiful views, and peace and quiet. Tour the 55 monuments, memorials, and sculptures, watch a game at one of its 26 ball fields, or hike 130 acres of woodlands. If you have kids, let them run wild on the park’s 21 playgrounds, or do some running yourself on the park’s many paths. Bring your own bicycle and go for a ride, or simply take a stroll around the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. Pack a picnic, a blanket, and a Frisbee, and you can entertain yourself all day for free. And you can catch free performances at the Central Park SummerStage in warmer months. Central Park SummerStage 830 Fifth Ave. New York, NY 10021 212-360-2756 summerstage.org
More free things to do in New York City
Chrysler Building
The unmistakable Chrysler Building is an icon of the New York City skyline. Don’t miss seeing its shimmering spire up-close; then head inside to the great Art Deco lobby, with its vast Edward Trumbull ceiling mural and stunning elevator bays.
When is it free? Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm
Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art
If you’ll believe it, the $20 entry fee is really a suggested donation. You can pay as much, or as little, as you wish. Smaller donations may get some eye-rolling from the cashier, but it’s a small price to pay for access to world-famous works. 1000 5th Ave. at 80th St. www.metmuseum.org
Explore the new The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) on Friday between 4 and 8 pm, when the $20 entry fee is waived during Target Free Friday Nights. Tickets are not available in advance, so plan to wait in line. 11 W. 53rd St., between 5th and 6th Aves. www.moma.org E, M to 5th Ave./53rd St.; B, D, F to 47-50th St./Rockefeller Center.
Staten Island Ferry
It may not sound like a thrilling way to spend your day, but the views of the New York City skyline from the Staten Island Ferry are spectacular and a form of entertainment in themselves. The Staten Island Ferry shuttles thousands of commuters each day between St. George on Staten Island and Whitehall Street in Lower Manhattan. Check out the spiffy Whitehall terminal in Manhattan, completed in 2005 after a $200 million renovation. The ferry is popular as an inexpensive date spot—the cafeteria on board is a surprisingly inexpensive place to buy beer and snacks. The cruise takes approximately 25 minutes. Hop aboard for a sunrise/sunset cruise to add a special something to views like the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the New York Harbor.
The New York City Department of Transportation runs a nine-boat fleet with regular departures at both of its ferry terminals, offering visitors an alternative to the pricey boat tours available from Battery Park to the Statue of Liberty. Staten Island Ferry 1 Bay St. Staten Island, NY 10301 718-876-8441 siferry.com
When is it free? Daily
The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine
The world’s largest cathedral, St John the Divine, is a delightful place to spend an afternoon for free. Inside explore the part-Romanesque, part-Gothic building, or head into the grounds to discover the Peace Fountain and Biblical Garden.
When is it free? Daily
More Free Things to Do in San Francisco
Meander Along the Marina’s Golden Gate Promenade and Crissy Field. There’s something about strolling the promenade that just feels right. The combination of beach, bay, boats, Golden Gate views, and clean, cool breezes is good for the soul. Don’t miss snacks at the Warming Hut.
Wake up with North Beach Coffee. One of the most pleasurable smells of San Francisco is the aroma of roasted coffee beans wafting down Columbus Avenue in the early morning. Start the day with a cup of Viennese on a sidewalk table at Caffè Greco, 423 Columbus Ave. (tel. 415/397-6261), followed by a walk down Columbus Avenue to the bay.
Browse the Haight. Though the power of the flower has wilted, the Haight is still, more or less, the Haight: a sort of resting home for aging hippies, ex-Deadheads, skate punks, and an eclectic assortment of young panhandlers. Think of it as a people zoo as you walk down the rows of used-clothing stores, hip boutiques, and leather shops. End the tour with a pitcher of sangria and a plate of mussels at Cha Cha Cha, one of our favorite restaurants that’s a bargain to boot.
Pretend to be a Guest at the Palace or Fairmont Hotels. You may not be staying the night, but you can certainly feel like a million bucks in the public spaces at the Palace Hotel. The extravagant creation of banker “Bonanza King” Will Ralston in 1875, the Palace Hotel has one of the grandest rooms in the city: the Garden Court, where you can have high tea under a stained-glass dome. Running a close second is the magnificent lobby at Nob Hill’s Fairmont San Francisco.
Sip a cocktail in the clouds. One of the greatest ways to view the city is from a top-floor lounge in hotels such as the Sir Francis Drake, the Grand Hyatt San Francisco, and the venerable InterContinental Mark Hopkins. Drinks aren’t cheap, but considering you’re not paying for the view, it almost seems like a bargain.
Never has a beach been as fabled as Waikiki. Since the 1950s, Waikiki beach has been a tourist destination extraordinaire and is free for everyone to roam.The 2-mile stretch of white sand commonly referred to as Waikiki Beach runs from Hilton Hawaiian Village in the west to Kapi’olani Park in the east.Some of the most popular areas along this stretch of sand include Fort DeRussy Beach (a popular snorkeling spot in coral-protected water), Kuhio Beach (come here if you’re just learning to surf, the waves are more forgiving) and San Souci Beach (a quieter section of Waikiki that’s great for swimming and snorkeling). Cafes and shops also line the water’s edge.
More Free Things To Do in Oahu
Even if you don’t rent a car, almost all of the places and activities listed below can be reached by foot from Waikiki or by using Oahu’s excellent public transportation system called TheBus. It has more than 90 routes and 4,200 stops around Oahu, and is a quick and inexpensive way to get around. The one-way fare is just $2.50 and a four day pass costs just $25.00.
Visit Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial
Don’t miss the opportunity to pay your respects to those who died at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial remain top tourist destinations in Hawaii with over 1,500,000 visitors annually. The addition of the Battleship Missouri and the 1999 opening of the USS Missouri Memorial have further enhanced the importance of this historic area.A visit to the Arizona Memorial is a solemn and sobering experience.
There is no charge to visit the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument or to tour the USS Arizona. Note: Tours of the USS Arizona must be reserved. To reserve online there is a $1.50 reservation fee per ticket. It is not uncommon for tours to be booked solid several days in advance, though some tickets may be available up until noon on the same day of the tour. The 20, 40, 40A, 42 and 62 buses from Waikiki all make stops at Pearl Harbor; the ride takes about an hour.
Hike to the Top of Diamond Head
One of the most iconic sites on Oahu, Diamond Head Crater was formed about 300,000 years ago after a volcanic eruption. The trail to the summit was built in 1908 and used by the military to defend Oahu from invaders, but today, guests can climb it to see some of the most spectacular views of the island.A must trip for photography enthusiasts.
Trekkers should allow 1½-2 hours for the climb and should wear comfortable shoes. Some parts of the ascent can be strenuous, and near the summit, there is a 225-foot narrow tunnel; those suffering from claustrophobia should ask for the alternate route to the top. The walk to the base from Waikiki Beach takes about an hour. Diamond Head is also accessible via a short ride on the 22, 23 and 24 buses from Waikiki. Cost of admission is $1.00 for pedestrians.
Go Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay
What was thousands of years ago a large volcanic caldera has been flooded and subjected to centuries of wave erosion to produce one of the most popular snorkeling destinations in Hawaii – Hanauma Bay. Hanauma means “curved bay” in Hawaiian. Today its clear blue waters and beautiful reefs are home to thousands of tropical fish, green sea turtles and a controlled number of snorkelers.
Hanauma Bay is both a Nature Preserve and a Marine Life Conservation District where visitors are required by law to refrain from mistreating marine animals or from touching, walking, or otherwise having contact with the coral.
Entrance Fee – $1.00 per car to park and $5.00 per person to enter.
Watch Surfers at O’ahu’s North Shore
Oahu’s North Shore is home to the top world-class surfers in the world when the winter waves reach their majestic heights. It is an easy hour’s drive from Waikiki to lovely Hale’iwa town where the North Shore begins for most visitors as they travel in an eastward direction around O’ahu.Be sure to stop at the Banzai Pipeline where you can see surfers make their way through the middle of a wave.
Get lost in awe at “Lost” locations
Most of the hit television series “Lost” was filmed on Oahu and fans can visit everywhere from the mental institution where Hurley lived to the home of the mysterious Smoke Monster. Many of these sites are free: For a quick infusion of “Lost” mystique, visit the Hawaii Convention Center in downtown Honolulu to see where the cast filmed scenes that supposedly took place in the Sydney Airport.
For the quintessential “Lost” experience, visit the site of the fictional Flight 815 crash. Mokule’ia Beach Park, the filming site for most of season one, is on the north shore of Oahu, and a great place to visit along with the Banzai Pipeline. The north side of Oahu is less developed as a tourist destination than the south side where Waikiki is, so it’s not unusual for the beach to be empty (though don’t be surprised to see a sea turtle napping on the shore).
Beware that the intense surf on Oahu’s northern beaches often makes swimming dangerous, and no lifeguards are on duty. By bus, take the 52 to the Wahiawa Transit Center and transfer onto the 55. Get off at the Papailoa Road stop on Kamehameha Highway. Make a left onto Papailoa Road and walk about five minutes to the public access point for the “Lost” beach.
The Getty Center, one of Los Angeles’ best art museums, is free. Permanent exhibitions feature important pieces like Vincent Van Gogh’s Irises and Claude Monet’s Sunrise (Marine), and there are always rotating exhibitions like Portraits of Renown: Photography and the Cult of Celebrity, which runs through Aug. 26. Be sure to leave time to visit the recently reopened Central Garden in the heart the museum, where you can see a waterfall, specialty gardens, and more than 500 different varieties of plants. The Getty is closed on Mondays, so plan your visit for any other day.
More Free Things to Do in LA
Hollywood Walk of Fame:Elvis Presley? 6777 Hollywood Blvd. Marilyn Monroe? 6774 Hollywood Blvd. James Dean? 1719 Vine St. Nope, not last known addresses, just the exact spot for the brass star honoring these celebs on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, on Hollywood Blvd between La Brea Ave and Vine St. Since the 1960s, more than 2,300 terrazzo and brass stars have been unveiled on Hollywood’s major sidewalks, so check the website for precise locations.
Top Walk of Fame Stops: Here are the sites of a few of the stars along the Walk of Fame. Seeking out a particular star? Hit the directory on the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce’s Web site, www.hollywoodchamber.net.
Marlon Brando: 1765 Vine St; David Bowie: 7021 Hollywood Blvd; Carol Burnett: 6439 Hollywood Blvd; Charlie Chaplin: 6751 Hollywood Blvd; Tom Cruise: 6912 Hollywood Blvd; Bette Davis: 6225 Hollywood Blvd; Clark Gable: 1608 Vine St.; Cary Grant: 1610 Vine St.; Ella Fitzgerald: 6738 Hollywood Blvd; Tom Hanks: 7000 Hollywood Blvd; Audrey Hepburn: 1652 Vine St; Alfred Hitchcock: 6506 Hollywood Blvd; Nicole Kidman: 6801 Hollywood Blvd; Marilyn Monroe: 6774 Hollywood Blvd; Jack Nicholson: 6925 Hollywood Blvd; Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen: 6801 Hollywood Blvd.
Visitors by the millions flock to Grauman’s Chinese Theatre for its famous entry court, where stars like Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman, Ginger Rogers, Humphrey Bogart, Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and about 160 others set their signatures and hand-/footprints in concrete (a tradition started when actress Norma Talmadge “accidentally” stepped in wet cement during the premiere of Cecil B. DeMille’s King of Kings). It’s not always hands and feet: Betty Grable’s shapely leg; the hoofprints of Gene Autry’s horse, Champion; Jimmy Durante’s and Bob Hope’s trademark noses; Whoopi Goldberg’s dreadlocks; George Burns’s cigar; and even R2D2′s wheels are all captured in cement.
Cruising Mulholland Drive: Ride past the homes with million-dollar views, and then stop at the public viewing pullouts to see the splayed-out city in all its smoggy glory. It’s even more romantic at night, when the lights of the city and the valley twinkle below.
Evening Jazz Performances: The Los Angeles County Museum of Art offers free jazz concerts every Friday evening April through November. It’s the perfect coda to a satisfying day of art appreciation.
Free Admission Days to L.A.’s Museums: If it’s free, baby, it’s for me. Almost all of L.A.’s art galleries and museums are open free to the public 1 day of the week or month, and several never charge admission.
Hollywood Bowl Rehearsals: Few people know about the Bowl’s morning rehearsals with the L.A. Phil, which are generally open to the public on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and absolutely free. Bring coffee and doughnuts and enjoy the best seats in the house.
Going to the Getty Center: I already mentioned it above and I’ll mention it again here: One of L.A.’s best attractions is free, though parking has jumped to $15 per car.
Paying Your Respects at the Cemeteries of the Stars: Spend some downtime with Humphrey Bogart, Clark Gable, Karen Carpenter, and all their famous pals at L.A.’s most enduring celebrity hangouts. Six public cemeteries showcase the final performances of Bette Davis, Lucille Ball, Marilyn Monroe, and dozens more famous names.
Watching One of Your Favorite TV Sitcoms Being Taped: Alternately boring and fascinating (the old hurry-up-and-wait syndrome), being an audience member gives you the chance to wander the soundstage, marvel at the cheesy three-wall sets that look so real on TV, and get an inside look at the bloopers that never make it to broadcast — and are often far more entertaining than the scripted dialogue.
Lions, gorillas, and other wild creatures live just minutes away from downtown Chicago in Lincoln Park Zoo. The zoo is free and open every day of the year, making it an easy stop on any Chicago tour. Check the zoo’s daily calendar for inspiration on what to see—you can watch sea lion training, see cows being milked at the zoo’s farm, or even pet a goat. Make your visit even more fun by downloading the free SpotDash app, which will take you on a scavenger hunt throughout the zoo and the rest of the city.
More free things to do in Chicago
True to its democratic roots, Chicago isn’t a pay-to-play kinda town. Some of its best features — the lakefront, the architecture, the zoo, some museums — are free. Here we round up the best freebies in town.
Parks
Millenium Park ranks among Chicago’s most popular destinations, according to ExploreChicago.org. This downtown park area provides green space and respite from the surrounding concrete jungle. The park’s Pritzker Music Pavilion hosts free performances in the summer months, ranging from concerts to theatrical plays and shows for kids. Crown Fountain splashes between two enormous video screens that play back feeds of everyday people milling in and around the grounds. Visitors who come to Chicago in the winter can also check out Millennium Park’s McCormick Tribune Ice Rink for free ice skating. The rink operates from November through March. Grant Park is home to Buckingham Fountain. This gigantic fountain shoots jets of water 150 feet into the air. In operation from May to October, Buckingham Fountain is one of the largest in the world. The jet size increases every hour on the hour, and the waters become illuminated at night during a dazzling light show. Grant Park also hosts free movies on Tuesday evenings in the summer. Tourists can bring along a chair or blanket for the grass and enjoy Chicago’s free outdoor cinema program.
Cover the Waterfront
Chicago boasts 32 miles of Lake Michigan frontage, paralleled by 18 miles of lakefront recreational path. Make like a local and run it, or at least walk it. For stellar skyline views ahead and sparkling lake to the east, take the stretch from North Avenue south to downtown or north to downtown from the Field Museum.
See Free Art (Inside)
Time your visit to Chicago’s top art museums during admission-free hours. Arrive at the Art Institute of Chicago (111 S. Michigan Ave., 312/443-3600) after 5 p.m. on Thursdays (the museum is open until 8 p.m. that night) to see the Monets, Seurats and Hoppers gratis. The Museum of Contemporary Art is free all day Tuesday (220 E. Chicago Ave., 312/280-2660).
Museums
Chicago’s Smart Museum of Art sits on the University of Chicago campus. This facility houses more than 10,000 pieces of art, featuring works by many of the biggest names in art and design. Always free to the public, the Smart Museum boasts exhibits by the likes of Goya, Picasso, Matisse, Ansel Adams and Frank Lloyd Wright. Other prominent museums with free admission include the City Gallery, the Chicago Cultural Center, as well as the National Museum of Mexican Art. The City Gallery features photography exhibits. The Chicago Cultural Center has rotating contemporary pieces, and the National Museum of Mexican Art boasts an impressive collection of traditional works by well-known Mexican artists.
See Free Art (Outside)
Chicago’s Loop district downtown is packed with public art from some pretty big-name artists. Leading the collection is the untitled work by Pablo Picasso at Daley Center Plaza (Dearborn and Washington Streets). A Jean Miro rests across Washington, and don’t miss the stone mosaic by Marc Chagall at Dearborn and Monroe Streets. The neon orange “Flamingo” by Alexander Calder anchors the plaza at Dearborn and Adams, and the white fiberglass “Monument with Standing Beast,” by Jean Dubuffet, greets passersby at Clark and Randolph.
Historical Attractions
In Santa Barbara, stop to explore the Old Mission Santa Barbara (santabarbaramission.org), the largest of the California missions built by the Spanish to convert the native Chumash Indians during the late 1700s and early 1800s. Literary kids will be excited to discover the plaque in the mission garden commemorating Juana María, the woman who inspired the book “Island of the Blue Dolphins.” The over-the-top opulence of Hearst Castle (hearstcastle.org) in San Simeon, the former home of early 20th century media titan William Randolph Hearst, is worth a stop. Explore the castle — see if you can locate all 61 bathrooms — and the grounds, where you may run into a zebra descendant of Hearst’s private zoo.
Animal Attractions
The elephant seal rookery at Año Nuevo State Park (parks.ca.gov) — about an hour south of San Francisco — is an amazing experience. The park is the elephant seal’s largest mainland breeding ground, and you’ll need to call ahead to make reservations if you visit during the seals’ breeding season, which runs from December to March. The Monterey Bay Aquarium (montereybayaquarium.org) is a good bet for traveling families; kids will love the hands-on activities and interactive exhibits, while parents will appreciate the aquarium’s aesthetic style, including a three-story kelp forest.
Outdoor Attractions
Old-fashioned amusement park games and rides — the carousel dates to 1911 — make the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (beachboardwalk.com) an ideal spot to get out and stretch your legs. Divers and would-be divers won’t want to miss Point Lobos State Reserve (pointlobos.org), one of California’s richest and most diverse marine habitats, but you might need to make reservations as much as a year in advance to secure a spot.
More Free things to do in Boston
Try a Different Trail
The Freedom Trail’s success has spawned other no-cost routes, including the Black Heritage Trail and the Walk to the Sea, which traces four centuries of civic development. The Irish Heritage Trail and Boston Women’s Heritage Trail are other interesting options. The former covers sites relating to prominent Irish-Americans from John Hancock (who knew?) to John F. Kennedy, as well as the everyday folks forced from their homeland by the 1840s Potato Famine. The latter, meanwhile, pays tribute to local ladies who gained fame as patriots, suffragettes, abolitionists, and artists.
Artsy Alternatives
Symphony Hall (a Victorian showpiece with superb acoustics) and the historic Boston Public Library both run free tours. Moreover, the Museum of Fine Arts and Institute of Contemporary Art waive admission on Wednesday and Thursday evenings respectively. It’s worth noting as well that the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is always free for those under 18—and anyone named Isabella! Penny pinchers should also watch for special events such as the Fenway Cultural District’s “Opening Our Doors Day.” Held each Columbus Day, it sponsors concerts, lectures, and tours at some of Boston’s finest arts institutions.
Museum of Fine Arts- World-class art – Children and teens from 7-17 free after 3pm on weekdays, plus all day on weekends and Boston public school holidays. Children 6 and under free at all times. Also free if you have a Boston discount card. Details: 465 Huntington Ave, Fenway, Boston; 617-267-9300
MIT Museum – Super technology and science exhibits – Free admission on Sundays 10am – noon, and second Friday of each month, 5pm – 8pm. If you’re wondering what to do in Boston with teens, you’ll love this museum.
Details: 265 Mass Ave, Cambridge, MA; 617-253-5927; www.mit.edu/museum
Boston Children’s Museum – Top favorite among Boston things to do with the 10 and under crowd – $1 admission every Friday night from 5-9pm (thank you, Target!).
New England Aquarium – Watch seals play in their year-round outdoor habitat. You’ll find two families of them in their outdoor “tank” – really a large habitat area that simulates their native New England coastal homes – to the left of the Aquarium’s entrance. Free. More about New England Aquarium
ICA Boston – Boston’s contemporary art museum – Free admission for all from 5pm – 9pm every Thursday, free for families (up to 2 adults accompanied by children 12 and under) on the last Saturday of each month except for December), and free for kids 17 and under at all times. Free for anyone with a Boston discount card.
Stargazing at Gilliland Observatory, Charles Hayden Planetarium at the Museum of Science – Free every Friday night from 8:30 – 10pm, weather permitting (thank you, Lowell Institute). Features a computer-controlled Celestron CGE 1100 Schmidt Cassegrain telescope; call 617-589-0267 to confirm the schedule (if weather conditions seem iffy) and to find out what’s on view. Details: Roof of the parking garage; Museum of Science, www.mos.org – click on Planetarium link.
Enjoy Free Parking
When you’re ready for a rest, remember that relaxing in Boston’s best-loved parks doesn’t cost a dime. If you have already visited the glorious Public Garden and Boston Common, check out the Emerald Necklace. In 1878 renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted began work on six jewel-like parks strung together by a greenway. Connected to the Common and Public Garden by the Commonwealth Avenue Mall, the Necklace is an urban oasis that extends over 7 mi past meadows, manicured flowerbeds, and marshy ponds from Downtown to Dorchester. The American Planning Association named it one of the nation’s “10 Great Public Spaces” in 2010.
Often considered the best free attraction in Las Vegas, Bellagio’s dancing fountains provide some tranquility among the madness of the Strip. Shooting as high as 240 feet in the air to the beat of music ranging from Sinatra to Chopin, the fountains do their artistry every half hour starting early afternoon, then every 15 minutes 8pm to midnight. Closed when it’s windy. The area around Lake Bellagio is quite large, so securing a good viewing spot is usually not difficult. Bellagio 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. South Las Vegas, NV 89109 888-987-6667 bellagio.com
More Free things to do in Las Vegas
Vegas used to be the land of freebies — or at least, stuff so cheap it seemed free. Those days are an increasingly dim memory, but some hotels still offer free attractions designed to lure you into their casinos, where you might well then drop far more than the cost of a day ticket to Disney World. Here’s a handy list of the best of the free bait, er, sights:
The Bellagio
“A place of ideal beauty and comfort”, it’s hard to think who wouldn’t want to spend some of their trip to Las Vegas in The Bellagio. And if the casino, theatre and restaurants are out of your budget, you can enjoy it without spending the earth. It’s free to enter the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens; with their lush floral displays that’ll get your green fingers tingling. From Easter to Chinese New Year, events are celebrated with carefully designed splashes of flowers, plants, and remarkable decorations — it’s an incredible amount of labor for absolutely no immediate financial payoff. No wonder it’s one of the most popular sights in Vegas. Open 24 hours.
When are they free? Conservatory & Botanical Gardens: daily. Fountain shows: Mon-Fri, 3pm-12am; Sat & Sun, 12pm-12am
The Forum Shops Fountain Shows (in The Forum Shops at Caesars)
The first established of the free shows and easily the stupidest. Giant “marble” Greco-Roman statues come to creaky animatronic life and deliver a largely unintelligible speech, mostly exhorting the crowds to eat, drink. Daily every hour, starting at 10am.
Mirage Volcano (outside The Mirage)
The first curbside free attraction. One of the reasons Wynn designed it is so that you can’t see his new mountain and lake show from the street — because that doesn’t bring guests into the property. This paled in comparison to such things as dancing fountains and pirates, but a 2008 makeover amped up the fire, lights, sound, and effects to a much more entertaining level. Get up close to feel the heat of the “lava” blasts and the rumble of the sound system. Eruptions are daily on the hour after dark until midnight.
Show in the Sky (in the Rio)
Like Treasure Island’s pirates, this formerly wholesome, if a bit weird, show has undergone a revamp to make it more sexy and adult oriented. Giant carnival-style floats scoot about above the audience, manned by sexy, dancing, scantily clad men and women — and then more of them come out to sing, dance, and pelvic thrust their way through a stage show on the casino floor. Note that the later it gets, the more adult it gets; if you’ve got kids, take them to one of the early shows and you’ll only be slightly embarrassed. Performed hourly from 7pm until midnight Thursday through Sunday.
Sirens of TI (outside Treasure Island)
This used to be a fun, hokey stunt show, where pirates attacked a British sailing vessel. Lusty men swashed and buckled, cannons exploded, ships sank, and the pirates always won. But Vegas is not for families anymore, and to prove it, the British were removed and now the pirates are lured by lingerie-clad lovelies. Shows are daily at 5:30, 7, 8:30, 10, and 11:30pm (summer only), weather permitting.
Wynn Conservatory (in Wynn Las Vegas)
Yes, remarkably like the one at Bellagio, this one is better placed, situated just inside the door and laid out so that you can stroll through it on your way to other parts of the hotel, as opposed to the tucked-in-a-corner Bellagio version. The floral displays change regularly, though they may reflect the striking floral mosaics on the floor below. We do hope it won’t get as wacky as its Bellagio counterpart and will stick to the merely festive. Open 24 hours.
Many travelers see South Beach not only as one of the best vacation areas in Florida, but as one of the best in the country. South Beach takes up the southern chunk of Miami Beach; most agree that the northern boundary of South Beach runs from Dade Boulevard on the western bay side until it hits 23rd Street on the eastern ocean side. South Beach can be accessed at 1782 SW First Street in Miami Beach, Florida. This region of the city is known for three things, its fabulous beach, its infamous nightclubs and bars and its unique Art Deco architecture. This is a great place for couples and singles looking for a night on the town or urban adventures.Hotels in South Beach are expensive, so cost-conscious travelers should look farther north, between 24th and 192nd Streets, where they’ll find accommodations with much more palatable prices.
More Free Things To Do in Miami
Metromover, Miami
In operation since 1986, Miami’s Metromover is a free automated rapid transit system and it’s a great way of getting to some of the city’s main attractions without spending a cent. Initially using just one line, today the Metromover runs on three different Loops and serves 20 stations located in Downtown Miami and Brickell. The American Airlines Centre, Cultural Plaza and Bayside Marketplace are just a few of the cool spots served by this hugely popular public transport service. Opening hours: Daily from 5am to midnight – cars arrive in stations every 90 seconds during rush hour & every three minutes during off-peak hours.
Outdoors
Take part in free yoga classes at Bayfront Park: Just taking a stroll through beautiful Bayfront Park is a great free thing to do; however, if you’re looking for something extra, check out the regular schedule of free classes held at the park. Every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday free yoga classes are held in this Miami park. These classes are open to anyone over 18; all you have to do is bring your own yoga mat. On Monday and Wednesday, the classes take place from 6pm-7.15pm. You’ve got to get up earlier on Saturdays, when class is held between 9am and 10.15am. A black belt instructor leads a self-defence class for women every Monday and Wednesday from 7.15pm-8.30pm. A variety of things are covered in these free classes, from martial arts techniques to nutrition information. All of these yoga and self-defence classes are held at the Tina Hills Pavilion in the park.Location: 301 North Biscayne Boulevard.Opening hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset.
Miles of free-access beaches dot the southern coast of Florida. Miami Beach has South Pointe Park (with a pier), South Beach, Surfside, and Haulover Park (a clothing-optional beach). South Miami boasts Matheson Hammock Park Beach, while Key Biscayne and Virginia Key have three beaches offering family-friendly activities and adventures for thrill-seekers (sailboarding, windsurfing, and jet-skiing).
Attractions
Explore the city’s historic art deco architecture on a self-guided walking tour through South Beach. Follow 5th Street north to Dade Boulevard, and Alton Road east to the Atlantic Ocean—an area filled with more than 800 buildings exemplifying the pre-war modernism of the 1930s amidst the Deco District.
The Miami Beach Architectural Historic District is rife with more than 800 art deco buildings located within a one-mile radius on South Beach. Meander on your own through art deco, Mediterranean Revival, and Miami Modern styles, or hop aboard the South Beach local bus shuttle for just 25 cents. To see some of the most striking examples, stroll along both Collins Avenue and Ocean Drive. Not just focused on pastel-colored buildings and much photographed spots like the Carlton Hotel, this style even extends as far as the flamboyant lifeguard stations which have to be seen to be believed.Each January, the Miami Design Preservation League hosts the three-day Art Deco Weekend with free lectures and films. Ocean Drive transforms into a street market of vendors selling vintage goods.
Little Havana is home to Hispanic culture, and honors its Cuban roots along Memorial Boulevard, located on 13th Avenue off Calle Ocho. Wander the handful of monuments, including the Calle Ocho Walk of Fame, the Hispanic equivalent of Hollywood’s star-covered sidewalk; the eternal flame at the Brigade 2506 Memorial remembering the heroes of the Bay of Pigs; and more—all free.
Miami Art Museum
The Miami Art Museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and on the weekends from 12:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. There is an admission fee most days. However, you can get in free every second Saturday of the month, and you can also get in free if you are a member of the museum, if you are under 12 or if you are a student with a valid student id. This museum is found at 101 West Flagler Street. It specializes in post WWII American Artwork.
Nightclubs
Flamenco-dancing fiestas at Casa Panza in Little Havana are legendary. Follow your partner to the dance floor nightly (except Monday) for free music and flamenco-dancing performances. Jazid, the longest-running nightclub in Miami Beach, offers live music nightly—jazz, funk, cumbia, reggae, rock, and more. Guests get in free before 11 p.m. (must be 21 or over to enter).
If you can get past the haughty bouncer, Skybar is the place to be in SoBe. The “beautiful people” love to play here at the ritzy Shore Club on Collins Avenue. People-watching from a poolside bed or dancing to hip-hop beats in the Red Room are free for club clientele, but beware of lofty drink prices.
Many of top historic, scenic and cultural spots in the US can be enjoyed admission-free. The Getty Center inLos Angeles, which offers permanent exhibitions that feature important pieces like Vincent Van Gogh’s Irises and Claude Monet’s Sunrise (Marine). Other country-wide attractions include The Freedom Trail in Boston, Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, The National Mall in Washington, D.C., Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Pacific Coast Highway in California, Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas, South Beach in Miami, and Central Park in New York City. If you’re hitting the road soon, check out our top 10 list of free attractions across the United States.
The National Mall, Washington, D.C. – Top Free Attractions in the United States
-
The National Mall, Washington, D.C.
More free things to do in Washington,D.C.
Visit the President
Ok, so you might not get to meet the man himself, but you can tour the President’s home on your visit to D.C. You’ll be granted access to some of the 132 rooms in The White House, filled with artefacts of American history and culture. Tours are free and scheduled on a first come, first served basis. If you’re from the US, request a visit through your Member of Congress at least 1 month in advance; if you’re from outside the US you’ll need to contact your embassy in Washington to submit a tour request.
When is it free? Tues-Thurs, 7.30-11am; Fri, 7.30am-12pm; Sat, 7.30am-1pm
Tour the Pentagon
It’s absolutely free to tour the Pentagon on your trip to Washington D.C. Get in the thick of the action, strolling the corridors of the US Department of Defence and seeing the country’s military personnel go about their duties.
When is it free? Mon-Fri, 9am-3pm
Federal Agencies
The three documents referred to as the “Charters of Freedom” — “The Declaration of Independence,” “The Constitution” and “The Bill of Rights” — are on display in the rotunda at the National Archives Building, which is free to visit. The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Bureau of Engraving and Printing offers free 40-minute tours that allow visitors to observe as money is printed. Free public tours also are available at the Thomas Jefferson Building, which houses the Library of Congress. When not in session, the U.S. Supreme Court offers free public lectures every hour on the half-hour, Monday through Friday.
National Mall and Memorial Parks
There is no charge to visit many of the famous memorials in the National Mall and Memorial Parks. These include several well-known presidential memorials erected in honor of Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. There also are a number of monuments dedicated to war victims and veterans, including the National World War II, Korean War Veterans and Vietnam Veterans memorials. Most of the monuments are open until midnight and we suggests visiting at night to avoid crowds.
Museums
Admission is free at most of the Smithsonian museums in Washington, including the National Museum of American History, where visitors can see the banner that inspired the national anthem and Dorothy’s red slippers from the “Wizard of Oz” in a permanent exhibition about popular culture. Another institution, the National Postal Museum, chronicles the history of the American postal system from colonial to modern times through artifacts such as stamps and photographs. Other free Smithsonian museums include the National Museum of the American Indian, the National Museum of African Art and the National Air and Space Museum. Also free is the Sewall-Belmont House and Museum on Capitol Hill, which is devoted to the history of the women’s movement for equal rights. Another feminist museum, the National Museum of Women in the Arts, waives its admission fee on the first Sunday of every month.
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
The last natural marsh in Washington, Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, is a beautiful place to wile away an afternoon. You’ll marvel at the beautiful water lily and lotus blooms in the vast ponds, and kids will enjoy spotting frogs, turtles and butterflies amongst the greenery. Best of all, doesn’t cost a thing to visit!
When is it free? Daily, 8am-4pm
Central Park, New York City – Top Free Attractions in the United States
-
Central Park, New York City
A green urban oasis in the middle of bustling Manhattan, Central Park offers open spaces, beautiful views, and peace and quiet. Tour the 55 monuments, memorials, and sculptures, watch a game at one of its 26 ball fields, or hike 130 acres of woodlands. If you have kids, let them run wild on the park’s 21 playgrounds, or do some running yourself on the park’s many paths. Bring your own bicycle and go for a ride, or simply take a stroll around the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. Pack a picnic, a blanket, and a Frisbee, and you can entertain yourself all day for free. And you can catch free performances at the Central Park SummerStage in warmer months. Central Park SummerStage 830 Fifth Ave. New York, NY 10021 212-360-2756 summerstage.org
More free things to do in New York City
Chrysler Building
The unmistakable Chrysler Building is an icon of the New York City skyline. Don’t miss seeing its shimmering spire up-close; then head inside to the great Art Deco lobby, with its vast Edward Trumbull ceiling mural and stunning elevator bays.
When is it free? Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm
Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art
If you’ll believe it, the $20 entry fee is really a suggested donation. You can pay as much, or as little, as you wish. Smaller donations may get some eye-rolling from the cashier, but it’s a small price to pay for access to world-famous works. 1000 5th Ave. at 80th St. www.metmuseum.org
Explore the new The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) on Friday between 4 and 8 pm, when the $20 entry fee is waived during Target Free Friday Nights. Tickets are not available in advance, so plan to wait in line. 11 W. 53rd St., between 5th and 6th Aves. www.moma.org E, M to 5th Ave./53rd St.; B, D, F to 47-50th St./Rockefeller Center.
Staten Island Ferry
It may not sound like a thrilling way to spend your day, but the views of the New York City skyline from the Staten Island Ferry are spectacular and a form of entertainment in themselves. The Staten Island Ferry shuttles thousands of commuters each day between St. George on Staten Island and Whitehall Street in Lower Manhattan. Check out the spiffy Whitehall terminal in Manhattan, completed in 2005 after a $200 million renovation. The ferry is popular as an inexpensive date spot—the cafeteria on board is a surprisingly inexpensive place to buy beer and snacks. The cruise takes approximately 25 minutes. Hop aboard for a sunrise/sunset cruise to add a special something to views like the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the New York Harbor.
The New York City Department of Transportation runs a nine-boat fleet with regular departures at both of its ferry terminals, offering visitors an alternative to the pricey boat tours available from Battery Park to the Statue of Liberty. Staten Island Ferry 1 Bay St. Staten Island, NY 10301 718-876-8441 siferry.com
When is it free? Daily
The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine
The world’s largest cathedral, St John the Divine, is a delightful place to spend an afternoon for free. Inside explore the part-Romanesque, part-Gothic building, or head into the grounds to discover the Peace Fountain and Biblical Garden.
When is it free? Daily
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco – Top Free Attractions in the United States
-
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
More Free Things to Do in San Francisco
Meander Along the Marina’s Golden Gate Promenade and Crissy Field. There’s something about strolling the promenade that just feels right. The combination of beach, bay, boats, Golden Gate views, and clean, cool breezes is good for the soul. Don’t miss snacks at the Warming Hut.
Wake up with North Beach Coffee. One of the most pleasurable smells of San Francisco is the aroma of roasted coffee beans wafting down Columbus Avenue in the early morning. Start the day with a cup of Viennese on a sidewalk table at Caffè Greco, 423 Columbus Ave. (tel. 415/397-6261), followed by a walk down Columbus Avenue to the bay.
Browse the Haight. Though the power of the flower has wilted, the Haight is still, more or less, the Haight: a sort of resting home for aging hippies, ex-Deadheads, skate punks, and an eclectic assortment of young panhandlers. Think of it as a people zoo as you walk down the rows of used-clothing stores, hip boutiques, and leather shops. End the tour with a pitcher of sangria and a plate of mussels at Cha Cha Cha, one of our favorite restaurants that’s a bargain to boot.
Pretend to be a Guest at the Palace or Fairmont Hotels. You may not be staying the night, but you can certainly feel like a million bucks in the public spaces at the Palace Hotel. The extravagant creation of banker “Bonanza King” Will Ralston in 1875, the Palace Hotel has one of the grandest rooms in the city: the Garden Court, where you can have high tea under a stained-glass dome. Running a close second is the magnificent lobby at Nob Hill’s Fairmont San Francisco.
Sip a cocktail in the clouds. One of the greatest ways to view the city is from a top-floor lounge in hotels such as the Sir Francis Drake, the Grand Hyatt San Francisco, and the venerable InterContinental Mark Hopkins. Drinks aren’t cheap, but considering you’re not paying for the view, it almost seems like a bargain.
Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, awaii – Top Free Attractions in the United States
-
Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Hawaii
Never has a beach been as fabled as Waikiki. Since the 1950s, Waikiki beach has been a tourist destination extraordinaire and is free for everyone to roam.The 2-mile stretch of white sand commonly referred to as Waikiki Beach runs from Hilton Hawaiian Village in the west to Kapi’olani Park in the east.Some of the most popular areas along this stretch of sand include Fort DeRussy Beach (a popular snorkeling spot in coral-protected water), Kuhio Beach (come here if you’re just learning to surf, the waves are more forgiving) and San Souci Beach (a quieter section of Waikiki that’s great for swimming and snorkeling). Cafes and shops also line the water’s edge.
More Free Things To Do in Oahu
Even if you don’t rent a car, almost all of the places and activities listed below can be reached by foot from Waikiki or by using Oahu’s excellent public transportation system called TheBus. It has more than 90 routes and 4,200 stops around Oahu, and is a quick and inexpensive way to get around. The one-way fare is just $2.50 and a four day pass costs just $25.00.
Visit Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial
Don’t miss the opportunity to pay your respects to those who died at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial remain top tourist destinations in Hawaii with over 1,500,000 visitors annually. The addition of the Battleship Missouri and the 1999 opening of the USS Missouri Memorial have further enhanced the importance of this historic area.A visit to the Arizona Memorial is a solemn and sobering experience.
There is no charge to visit the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument or to tour the USS Arizona. Note: Tours of the USS Arizona must be reserved. To reserve online there is a $1.50 reservation fee per ticket. It is not uncommon for tours to be booked solid several days in advance, though some tickets may be available up until noon on the same day of the tour. The 20, 40, 40A, 42 and 62 buses from Waikiki all make stops at Pearl Harbor; the ride takes about an hour.
Hike to the Top of Diamond Head
One of the most iconic sites on Oahu, Diamond Head Crater was formed about 300,000 years ago after a volcanic eruption. The trail to the summit was built in 1908 and used by the military to defend Oahu from invaders, but today, guests can climb it to see some of the most spectacular views of the island.A must trip for photography enthusiasts.
Trekkers should allow 1½-2 hours for the climb and should wear comfortable shoes. Some parts of the ascent can be strenuous, and near the summit, there is a 225-foot narrow tunnel; those suffering from claustrophobia should ask for the alternate route to the top. The walk to the base from Waikiki Beach takes about an hour. Diamond Head is also accessible via a short ride on the 22, 23 and 24 buses from Waikiki. Cost of admission is $1.00 for pedestrians.
Go Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay
What was thousands of years ago a large volcanic caldera has been flooded and subjected to centuries of wave erosion to produce one of the most popular snorkeling destinations in Hawaii – Hanauma Bay. Hanauma means “curved bay” in Hawaiian. Today its clear blue waters and beautiful reefs are home to thousands of tropical fish, green sea turtles and a controlled number of snorkelers.
Hanauma Bay is both a Nature Preserve and a Marine Life Conservation District where visitors are required by law to refrain from mistreating marine animals or from touching, walking, or otherwise having contact with the coral.
Entrance Fee – $1.00 per car to park and $5.00 per person to enter.
Watch Surfers at O’ahu’s North Shore
Oahu’s North Shore is home to the top world-class surfers in the world when the winter waves reach their majestic heights. It is an easy hour’s drive from Waikiki to lovely Hale’iwa town where the North Shore begins for most visitors as they travel in an eastward direction around O’ahu.Be sure to stop at the Banzai Pipeline where you can see surfers make their way through the middle of a wave.
Get lost in awe at “Lost” locations
Most of the hit television series “Lost” was filmed on Oahu and fans can visit everywhere from the mental institution where Hurley lived to the home of the mysterious Smoke Monster. Many of these sites are free: For a quick infusion of “Lost” mystique, visit the Hawaii Convention Center in downtown Honolulu to see where the cast filmed scenes that supposedly took place in the Sydney Airport.
For the quintessential “Lost” experience, visit the site of the fictional Flight 815 crash. Mokule’ia Beach Park, the filming site for most of season one, is on the north shore of Oahu, and a great place to visit along with the Banzai Pipeline. The north side of Oahu is less developed as a tourist destination than the south side where Waikiki is, so it’s not unusual for the beach to be empty (though don’t be surprised to see a sea turtle napping on the shore).
Beware that the intense surf on Oahu’s northern beaches often makes swimming dangerous, and no lifeguards are on duty. By bus, take the 52 to the Wahiawa Transit Center and transfer onto the 55. Get off at the Papailoa Road stop on Kamehameha Highway. Make a left onto Papailoa Road and walk about five minutes to the public access point for the “Lost” beach.
The Getty Center, Los Angeles – Top Free Attractions in the United States
-
The Getty Center, Los Angeles
The Getty Center, one of Los Angeles’ best art museums, is free. Permanent exhibitions feature important pieces like Vincent Van Gogh’s Irises and Claude Monet’s Sunrise (Marine), and there are always rotating exhibitions like Portraits of Renown: Photography and the Cult of Celebrity, which runs through Aug. 26. Be sure to leave time to visit the recently reopened Central Garden in the heart the museum, where you can see a waterfall, specialty gardens, and more than 500 different varieties of plants. The Getty is closed on Mondays, so plan your visit for any other day.
More Free Things to Do in LA
Hollywood Walk of Fame:Elvis Presley? 6777 Hollywood Blvd. Marilyn Monroe? 6774 Hollywood Blvd. James Dean? 1719 Vine St. Nope, not last known addresses, just the exact spot for the brass star honoring these celebs on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, on Hollywood Blvd between La Brea Ave and Vine St. Since the 1960s, more than 2,300 terrazzo and brass stars have been unveiled on Hollywood’s major sidewalks, so check the website for precise locations.
Top Walk of Fame Stops: Here are the sites of a few of the stars along the Walk of Fame. Seeking out a particular star? Hit the directory on the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce’s Web site, www.hollywoodchamber.net.
Marlon Brando: 1765 Vine St; David Bowie: 7021 Hollywood Blvd; Carol Burnett: 6439 Hollywood Blvd; Charlie Chaplin: 6751 Hollywood Blvd; Tom Cruise: 6912 Hollywood Blvd; Bette Davis: 6225 Hollywood Blvd; Clark Gable: 1608 Vine St.; Cary Grant: 1610 Vine St.; Ella Fitzgerald: 6738 Hollywood Blvd; Tom Hanks: 7000 Hollywood Blvd; Audrey Hepburn: 1652 Vine St; Alfred Hitchcock: 6506 Hollywood Blvd; Nicole Kidman: 6801 Hollywood Blvd; Marilyn Monroe: 6774 Hollywood Blvd; Jack Nicholson: 6925 Hollywood Blvd; Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen: 6801 Hollywood Blvd.
Visitors by the millions flock to Grauman’s Chinese Theatre for its famous entry court, where stars like Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman, Ginger Rogers, Humphrey Bogart, Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and about 160 others set their signatures and hand-/footprints in concrete (a tradition started when actress Norma Talmadge “accidentally” stepped in wet cement during the premiere of Cecil B. DeMille’s King of Kings). It’s not always hands and feet: Betty Grable’s shapely leg; the hoofprints of Gene Autry’s horse, Champion; Jimmy Durante’s and Bob Hope’s trademark noses; Whoopi Goldberg’s dreadlocks; George Burns’s cigar; and even R2D2′s wheels are all captured in cement.
Cruising Mulholland Drive: Ride past the homes with million-dollar views, and then stop at the public viewing pullouts to see the splayed-out city in all its smoggy glory. It’s even more romantic at night, when the lights of the city and the valley twinkle below.
Evening Jazz Performances: The Los Angeles County Museum of Art offers free jazz concerts every Friday evening April through November. It’s the perfect coda to a satisfying day of art appreciation.
Free Admission Days to L.A.’s Museums: If it’s free, baby, it’s for me. Almost all of L.A.’s art galleries and museums are open free to the public 1 day of the week or month, and several never charge admission.
Hollywood Bowl Rehearsals: Few people know about the Bowl’s morning rehearsals with the L.A. Phil, which are generally open to the public on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and absolutely free. Bring coffee and doughnuts and enjoy the best seats in the house.
Going to the Getty Center: I already mentioned it above and I’ll mention it again here: One of L.A.’s best attractions is free, though parking has jumped to $15 per car.
Paying Your Respects at the Cemeteries of the Stars: Spend some downtime with Humphrey Bogart, Clark Gable, Karen Carpenter, and all their famous pals at L.A.’s most enduring celebrity hangouts. Six public cemeteries showcase the final performances of Bette Davis, Lucille Ball, Marilyn Monroe, and dozens more famous names.
Watching One of Your Favorite TV Sitcoms Being Taped: Alternately boring and fascinating (the old hurry-up-and-wait syndrome), being an audience member gives you the chance to wander the soundstage, marvel at the cheesy three-wall sets that look so real on TV, and get an inside look at the bloopers that never make it to broadcast — and are often far more entertaining than the scripted dialogue.
Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago – Top Free Attractions in the United States
-
Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago
Lions, gorillas, and other wild creatures live just minutes away from downtown Chicago in Lincoln Park Zoo. The zoo is free and open every day of the year, making it an easy stop on any Chicago tour. Check the zoo’s daily calendar for inspiration on what to see—you can watch sea lion training, see cows being milked at the zoo’s farm, or even pet a goat. Make your visit even more fun by downloading the free SpotDash app, which will take you on a scavenger hunt throughout the zoo and the rest of the city.
More free things to do in Chicago
True to its democratic roots, Chicago isn’t a pay-to-play kinda town. Some of its best features — the lakefront, the architecture, the zoo, some museums — are free. Here we round up the best freebies in town.
Parks
Millenium Park ranks among Chicago’s most popular destinations, according to ExploreChicago.org. This downtown park area provides green space and respite from the surrounding concrete jungle. The park’s Pritzker Music Pavilion hosts free performances in the summer months, ranging from concerts to theatrical plays and shows for kids. Crown Fountain splashes between two enormous video screens that play back feeds of everyday people milling in and around the grounds. Visitors who come to Chicago in the winter can also check out Millennium Park’s McCormick Tribune Ice Rink for free ice skating. The rink operates from November through March. Grant Park is home to Buckingham Fountain. This gigantic fountain shoots jets of water 150 feet into the air. In operation from May to October, Buckingham Fountain is one of the largest in the world. The jet size increases every hour on the hour, and the waters become illuminated at night during a dazzling light show. Grant Park also hosts free movies on Tuesday evenings in the summer. Tourists can bring along a chair or blanket for the grass and enjoy Chicago’s free outdoor cinema program.
Cover the Waterfront
Chicago boasts 32 miles of Lake Michigan frontage, paralleled by 18 miles of lakefront recreational path. Make like a local and run it, or at least walk it. For stellar skyline views ahead and sparkling lake to the east, take the stretch from North Avenue south to downtown or north to downtown from the Field Museum.
See Free Art (Inside)
Time your visit to Chicago’s top art museums during admission-free hours. Arrive at the Art Institute of Chicago (111 S. Michigan Ave., 312/443-3600) after 5 p.m. on Thursdays (the museum is open until 8 p.m. that night) to see the Monets, Seurats and Hoppers gratis. The Museum of Contemporary Art is free all day Tuesday (220 E. Chicago Ave., 312/280-2660).
Museums
Chicago’s Smart Museum of Art sits on the University of Chicago campus. This facility houses more than 10,000 pieces of art, featuring works by many of the biggest names in art and design. Always free to the public, the Smart Museum boasts exhibits by the likes of Goya, Picasso, Matisse, Ansel Adams and Frank Lloyd Wright. Other prominent museums with free admission include the City Gallery, the Chicago Cultural Center, as well as the National Museum of Mexican Art. The City Gallery features photography exhibits. The Chicago Cultural Center has rotating contemporary pieces, and the National Museum of Mexican Art boasts an impressive collection of traditional works by well-known Mexican artists.
See Free Art (Outside)
Chicago’s Loop district downtown is packed with public art from some pretty big-name artists. Leading the collection is the untitled work by Pablo Picasso at Daley Center Plaza (Dearborn and Washington Streets). A Jean Miro rests across Washington, and don’t miss the stone mosaic by Marc Chagall at Dearborn and Monroe Streets. The neon orange “Flamingo” by Alexander Calder anchors the plaza at Dearborn and Adams, and the white fiberglass “Monument with Standing Beast,” by Jean Dubuffet, greets passersby at Clark and Randolph.
Pacific Coast Highway, California Highway 1 – Top Free Attractions in the United States
-
Pacific Coast Highway, California
Historical Attractions
In Santa Barbara, stop to explore the Old Mission Santa Barbara (santabarbaramission.org), the largest of the California missions built by the Spanish to convert the native Chumash Indians during the late 1700s and early 1800s. Literary kids will be excited to discover the plaque in the mission garden commemorating Juana María, the woman who inspired the book “Island of the Blue Dolphins.” The over-the-top opulence of Hearst Castle (hearstcastle.org) in San Simeon, the former home of early 20th century media titan William Randolph Hearst, is worth a stop. Explore the castle — see if you can locate all 61 bathrooms — and the grounds, where you may run into a zebra descendant of Hearst’s private zoo.
Animal Attractions
The elephant seal rookery at Año Nuevo State Park (parks.ca.gov) — about an hour south of San Francisco — is an amazing experience. The park is the elephant seal’s largest mainland breeding ground, and you’ll need to call ahead to make reservations if you visit during the seals’ breeding season, which runs from December to March. The Monterey Bay Aquarium (montereybayaquarium.org) is a good bet for traveling families; kids will love the hands-on activities and interactive exhibits, while parents will appreciate the aquarium’s aesthetic style, including a three-story kelp forest.
Outdoor Attractions
Old-fashioned amusement park games and rides — the carousel dates to 1911 — make the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (beachboardwalk.com) an ideal spot to get out and stretch your legs. Divers and would-be divers won’t want to miss Point Lobos State Reserve (pointlobos.org), one of California’s richest and most diverse marine habitats, but you might need to make reservations as much as a year in advance to secure a spot.
The Freedom Trail, Boston – Top Free Attractions in the United States
-
The Freedom Trail, Boston
More Free things to do in Boston
Try a Different Trail
The Freedom Trail’s success has spawned other no-cost routes, including the Black Heritage Trail and the Walk to the Sea, which traces four centuries of civic development. The Irish Heritage Trail and Boston Women’s Heritage Trail are other interesting options. The former covers sites relating to prominent Irish-Americans from John Hancock (who knew?) to John F. Kennedy, as well as the everyday folks forced from their homeland by the 1840s Potato Famine. The latter, meanwhile, pays tribute to local ladies who gained fame as patriots, suffragettes, abolitionists, and artists.
Artsy Alternatives
Symphony Hall (a Victorian showpiece with superb acoustics) and the historic Boston Public Library both run free tours. Moreover, the Museum of Fine Arts and Institute of Contemporary Art waive admission on Wednesday and Thursday evenings respectively. It’s worth noting as well that the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is always free for those under 18—and anyone named Isabella! Penny pinchers should also watch for special events such as the Fenway Cultural District’s “Opening Our Doors Day.” Held each Columbus Day, it sponsors concerts, lectures, and tours at some of Boston’s finest arts institutions.
Museum of Fine Arts- World-class art – Children and teens from 7-17 free after 3pm on weekdays, plus all day on weekends and Boston public school holidays. Children 6 and under free at all times. Also free if you have a Boston discount card. Details: 465 Huntington Ave, Fenway, Boston; 617-267-9300
MIT Museum – Super technology and science exhibits – Free admission on Sundays 10am – noon, and second Friday of each month, 5pm – 8pm. If you’re wondering what to do in Boston with teens, you’ll love this museum.
Details: 265 Mass Ave, Cambridge, MA; 617-253-5927; www.mit.edu/museum
Boston Children’s Museum – Top favorite among Boston things to do with the 10 and under crowd – $1 admission every Friday night from 5-9pm (thank you, Target!).
New England Aquarium – Watch seals play in their year-round outdoor habitat. You’ll find two families of them in their outdoor “tank” – really a large habitat area that simulates their native New England coastal homes – to the left of the Aquarium’s entrance. Free. More about New England Aquarium
ICA Boston – Boston’s contemporary art museum – Free admission for all from 5pm – 9pm every Thursday, free for families (up to 2 adults accompanied by children 12 and under) on the last Saturday of each month except for December), and free for kids 17 and under at all times. Free for anyone with a Boston discount card.
Stargazing at Gilliland Observatory, Charles Hayden Planetarium at the Museum of Science – Free every Friday night from 8:30 – 10pm, weather permitting (thank you, Lowell Institute). Features a computer-controlled Celestron CGE 1100 Schmidt Cassegrain telescope; call 617-589-0267 to confirm the schedule (if weather conditions seem iffy) and to find out what’s on view. Details: Roof of the parking garage; Museum of Science, www.mos.org – click on Planetarium link.
Enjoy Free Parking
When you’re ready for a rest, remember that relaxing in Boston’s best-loved parks doesn’t cost a dime. If you have already visited the glorious Public Garden and Boston Common, check out the Emerald Necklace. In 1878 renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted began work on six jewel-like parks strung together by a greenway. Connected to the Common and Public Garden by the Commonwealth Avenue Mall, the Necklace is an urban oasis that extends over 7 mi past meadows, manicured flowerbeds, and marshy ponds from Downtown to Dorchester. The American Planning Association named it one of the nation’s “10 Great Public Spaces” in 2010.
Fountains of Bellagio, Las Vegas – Top Free Attractions in the United States
-
Fountains of Bellagio, Las Vegas
Often considered the best free attraction in Las Vegas, Bellagio’s dancing fountains provide some tranquility among the madness of the Strip. Shooting as high as 240 feet in the air to the beat of music ranging from Sinatra to Chopin, the fountains do their artistry every half hour starting early afternoon, then every 15 minutes 8pm to midnight. Closed when it’s windy. The area around Lake Bellagio is quite large, so securing a good viewing spot is usually not difficult. Bellagio 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. South Las Vegas, NV 89109 888-987-6667 bellagio.com
More Free things to do in Las Vegas
Vegas used to be the land of freebies — or at least, stuff so cheap it seemed free. Those days are an increasingly dim memory, but some hotels still offer free attractions designed to lure you into their casinos, where you might well then drop far more than the cost of a day ticket to Disney World. Here’s a handy list of the best of the free bait, er, sights:
The Bellagio
“A place of ideal beauty and comfort”, it’s hard to think who wouldn’t want to spend some of their trip to Las Vegas in The Bellagio. And if the casino, theatre and restaurants are out of your budget, you can enjoy it without spending the earth. It’s free to enter the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens; with their lush floral displays that’ll get your green fingers tingling. From Easter to Chinese New Year, events are celebrated with carefully designed splashes of flowers, plants, and remarkable decorations — it’s an incredible amount of labor for absolutely no immediate financial payoff. No wonder it’s one of the most popular sights in Vegas. Open 24 hours.
When are they free? Conservatory & Botanical Gardens: daily. Fountain shows: Mon-Fri, 3pm-12am; Sat & Sun, 12pm-12am
The Forum Shops Fountain Shows (in The Forum Shops at Caesars)
The first established of the free shows and easily the stupidest. Giant “marble” Greco-Roman statues come to creaky animatronic life and deliver a largely unintelligible speech, mostly exhorting the crowds to eat, drink. Daily every hour, starting at 10am.
Mirage Volcano (outside The Mirage)
The first curbside free attraction. One of the reasons Wynn designed it is so that you can’t see his new mountain and lake show from the street — because that doesn’t bring guests into the property. This paled in comparison to such things as dancing fountains and pirates, but a 2008 makeover amped up the fire, lights, sound, and effects to a much more entertaining level. Get up close to feel the heat of the “lava” blasts and the rumble of the sound system. Eruptions are daily on the hour after dark until midnight.
Show in the Sky (in the Rio)
Like Treasure Island’s pirates, this formerly wholesome, if a bit weird, show has undergone a revamp to make it more sexy and adult oriented. Giant carnival-style floats scoot about above the audience, manned by sexy, dancing, scantily clad men and women — and then more of them come out to sing, dance, and pelvic thrust their way through a stage show on the casino floor. Note that the later it gets, the more adult it gets; if you’ve got kids, take them to one of the early shows and you’ll only be slightly embarrassed. Performed hourly from 7pm until midnight Thursday through Sunday.
Sirens of TI (outside Treasure Island)
This used to be a fun, hokey stunt show, where pirates attacked a British sailing vessel. Lusty men swashed and buckled, cannons exploded, ships sank, and the pirates always won. But Vegas is not for families anymore, and to prove it, the British were removed and now the pirates are lured by lingerie-clad lovelies. Shows are daily at 5:30, 7, 8:30, 10, and 11:30pm (summer only), weather permitting.
Wynn Conservatory (in Wynn Las Vegas)
Yes, remarkably like the one at Bellagio, this one is better placed, situated just inside the door and laid out so that you can stroll through it on your way to other parts of the hotel, as opposed to the tucked-in-a-corner Bellagio version. The floral displays change regularly, though they may reflect the striking floral mosaics on the floor below. We do hope it won’t get as wacky as its Bellagio counterpart and will stick to the merely festive. Open 24 hours.
South Beach, Miami – Top Free Attractions in the United States
-
South Beach, Miami
Many travelers see South Beach not only as one of the best vacation areas in Florida, but as one of the best in the country. South Beach takes up the southern chunk of Miami Beach; most agree that the northern boundary of South Beach runs from Dade Boulevard on the western bay side until it hits 23rd Street on the eastern ocean side. South Beach can be accessed at 1782 SW First Street in Miami Beach, Florida. This region of the city is known for three things, its fabulous beach, its infamous nightclubs and bars and its unique Art Deco architecture. This is a great place for couples and singles looking for a night on the town or urban adventures.Hotels in South Beach are expensive, so cost-conscious travelers should look farther north, between 24th and 192nd Streets, where they’ll find accommodations with much more palatable prices.
More Free Things To Do in Miami
Metromover, Miami
In operation since 1986, Miami’s Metromover is a free automated rapid transit system and it’s a great way of getting to some of the city’s main attractions without spending a cent. Initially using just one line, today the Metromover runs on three different Loops and serves 20 stations located in Downtown Miami and Brickell. The American Airlines Centre, Cultural Plaza and Bayside Marketplace are just a few of the cool spots served by this hugely popular public transport service. Opening hours: Daily from 5am to midnight – cars arrive in stations every 90 seconds during rush hour & every three minutes during off-peak hours.
Outdoors
Take part in free yoga classes at Bayfront Park: Just taking a stroll through beautiful Bayfront Park is a great free thing to do; however, if you’re looking for something extra, check out the regular schedule of free classes held at the park. Every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday free yoga classes are held in this Miami park. These classes are open to anyone over 18; all you have to do is bring your own yoga mat. On Monday and Wednesday, the classes take place from 6pm-7.15pm. You’ve got to get up earlier on Saturdays, when class is held between 9am and 10.15am. A black belt instructor leads a self-defence class for women every Monday and Wednesday from 7.15pm-8.30pm. A variety of things are covered in these free classes, from martial arts techniques to nutrition information. All of these yoga and self-defence classes are held at the Tina Hills Pavilion in the park.Location: 301 North Biscayne Boulevard.Opening hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset.
Miles of free-access beaches dot the southern coast of Florida. Miami Beach has South Pointe Park (with a pier), South Beach, Surfside, and Haulover Park (a clothing-optional beach). South Miami boasts Matheson Hammock Park Beach, while Key Biscayne and Virginia Key have three beaches offering family-friendly activities and adventures for thrill-seekers (sailboarding, windsurfing, and jet-skiing).
Attractions
Explore the city’s historic art deco architecture on a self-guided walking tour through South Beach. Follow 5th Street north to Dade Boulevard, and Alton Road east to the Atlantic Ocean—an area filled with more than 800 buildings exemplifying the pre-war modernism of the 1930s amidst the Deco District.
The Miami Beach Architectural Historic District is rife with more than 800 art deco buildings located within a one-mile radius on South Beach. Meander on your own through art deco, Mediterranean Revival, and Miami Modern styles, or hop aboard the South Beach local bus shuttle for just 25 cents. To see some of the most striking examples, stroll along both Collins Avenue and Ocean Drive. Not just focused on pastel-colored buildings and much photographed spots like the Carlton Hotel, this style even extends as far as the flamboyant lifeguard stations which have to be seen to be believed.Each January, the Miami Design Preservation League hosts the three-day Art Deco Weekend with free lectures and films. Ocean Drive transforms into a street market of vendors selling vintage goods.
Little Havana is home to Hispanic culture, and honors its Cuban roots along Memorial Boulevard, located on 13th Avenue off Calle Ocho. Wander the handful of monuments, including the Calle Ocho Walk of Fame, the Hispanic equivalent of Hollywood’s star-covered sidewalk; the eternal flame at the Brigade 2506 Memorial remembering the heroes of the Bay of Pigs; and more—all free.
Miami Art Museum
The Miami Art Museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and on the weekends from 12:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. There is an admission fee most days. However, you can get in free every second Saturday of the month, and you can also get in free if you are a member of the museum, if you are under 12 or if you are a student with a valid student id. This museum is found at 101 West Flagler Street. It specializes in post WWII American Artwork.
Nightclubs
Flamenco-dancing fiestas at Casa Panza in Little Havana are legendary. Follow your partner to the dance floor nightly (except Monday) for free music and flamenco-dancing performances. Jazid, the longest-running nightclub in Miami Beach, offers live music nightly—jazz, funk, cumbia, reggae, rock, and more. Guests get in free before 11 p.m. (must be 21 or over to enter).
If you can get past the haughty bouncer, Skybar is the place to be in SoBe. The “beautiful people” love to play here at the ritzy Shore Club on Collins Avenue. People-watching from a poolside bed or dancing to hip-hop beats in the Red Room are free for club clientele, but beware of lofty drink prices.
没有评论:
发表评论