When it comes to travel, the old adage “the best things in life are free” at times rings true. From natural history museums to private art collections, these fascinating attractions in major cities across the U.S. will seriously elevate your next vacation itinerary, all without costing a pretty penny.
Lincoln Park Conservatory – Chicago, Illinois
Located a few miles north of downtown, Lincoln Park is Chicago’s largest park, covering 1,214 acres. It’s also one of the country’s best city parks, making it a must-visit attraction during your stay in the Windy City. The park is home to miles of pathways through manicured gardens, with views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline, as well as a free zoo. One of the best attractions in the park, however, is the Lincoln Park Conservatory and Gardens. There’s no admission fee to walk through this indoor botanical and admire the lush, tropical fauna, including ancient ferns and rare, delicate orchids. It’s located inside a Victorian-era glass arboretum that has been standing in Lincoln Park since 1895.
Coit Tower – San Francisco, California
A fixture of the San Francisco skyline since 1933, the 210-foot-tall Coit Tower on Telegraph Hill offers free admission — if you skip the elevator and take the stairs, that is. Offering 360-degree views of the city and historic murals installed after the Great Depression, the monument honors the devoted volunteer firefighters who serve the city. It is named after Lillie Hitchcock Coit, who was a patron of the volunteer firefighters and helped to fund the tower’s construction. If you’re lucky, you may also spot the wild parrots who live on Telegraph Hill during your visit.
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden – Minneapolis, Minnesota
With more than 60 sculptures as part of Walker Art Center’s collections, the 11-acre Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is one of the best free attractions in the Twin Cities. The most famous sculpture in the garden is the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry, made of aluminum and stainless steel by Swedish American pop artist Claes Oldenburg and his wife and fellow artist Coosje van Bruggen. The open-air museum is open 365 days a year, from 6 a.m. to midnight.
National Portrait Gallery – Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., is perhaps the best city in the country to enjoy free museums and attractions. Each of the 17 Smithsonian museums and galleries in D.C. — including 11 along the National Mall — is completely free to visit, as is one of America’s most treasured art exhibits. Home to the most extensive collection of portraits in the world, the National Portrait Gallery is a unique art museum of commissioned portraits ranging from U.S. presidents to Oprah Winfrey and other dignitaries.
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre – Denver, Colorado
One of the most famous concert venues in the nation, Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a must-see when visiting the Mile High City. You won’t be alone, however — in 2023 alone, the venue sold 1.65 million tickets to popular acts such as Zach Bryan, Tori Amos, and Jon Pardi. But you don’t have to buy concert tickets to admire this historic venue. Located in the hills of Morrison, Colorado, just west of Denver, Red Rocks is a free attraction that anyone can enjoy when there’s no live music. Visit the Red Rocks Hall of Fame inside the visitor’s center to learn more about the venue’s history and the many famous bands and performers who have impacted its legacy.
Skyscraper Museum – New York, New York
The New York City skyline is home to some of the world’s most iconic buildings, and one of the best places to learn about them isthe Skyscraper Museum. Celebrating these vertical marvels and the architectural geniuses behind them, the museum in lower Manhattan’s Battery Park City is free to the general public, but it’s advised you reserve your timed-entry ticket in advance.
Sazerac House – New Orleans, Louisiana
Sazerac is a beloved New Orleans whiskey brand that dates to 1869, and for some, there’s no better way to spend an afternoon in the Big Easy than sampling some spirits — especially when they’re on the house. Sazerac House, a multifloor interactive museum chronicling the company’s history and the city’s apothecary culture, engages attendees with free tastings and unlimited access to the exhibits. Visitors can reserve tickets ahead of time for the free tasting and tour.
Forest Park – St. Louis, Missouri
Opened in 1876, Forest Park hosted the 1904 world’s fair and the 1904 Summer Olympic Games in St. Louis. Covering 1,326 acres, the gorgeous park is actually larger than New York City’s Central Park and includes waterways for boating, tree-lined trails for jogging, tennis courts, and much more. Forest Park is also home to the St. Louis Zoo, St. Louis Art Museum (SLAM), and St. Louis Science Center — which are all free to explore, as well.
Cable Car Museum – San Francisco, California
Located in the Nob Hill neighborhood of San Francisco, the Cable Car Museum is housed in a historic cable car barn and powerhouse. Visitors can explore a subterranean walkway to witness the cable line and large sheaves that operate the vintage cars that still roll up and down the city’s hills today. With three cars from the 1870s, the landmark is a unique place to understand San Francisco’s history, and it’s totally free to visit.
Getty Villa Museum – Los Angeles, California
Visitors can explore the grounds of this impressive manicured estate near the Malibu coast free of charge. Wandering the gardens of the Getty Villa and admiring the private collection of Greek and Roman antiquities is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon away from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood. The museum is located on the city’s west side, off the famed Pacific Coast Highway. While admission is free, visitors must reserve a timed entry in advance, and there’s a charge for parking.
Chicago Cultural Center – Chicago, Illinois
The Chicago Cultural Center is situated across from Millennium Park, home to the city’s famous “Bean” sculpture and one of the country’s most-visited tourist attractions. It features two stained-glass domes, a 200-seat historic theater, a learning lab, and a banquet hall for art, film, dance, theater, and music events. Best of all, the screenings and shows are 100% free. Check the center’s calendar ahead of your trip to stay on top of the latest happenings.
International Rose Test Garden – Portland, Oregon
As the oldest continuously operating rose test garden in the U.S., the International Rose Test Garden in Portland is home to some 10,000 blossoms. It also offers spectacular views of the downtown area and Mount Hood. The garden began as a space for hybrid roses grown in Europe during World War I, but has since grown into one of the best free attractions not only in Portland, but also in the country.
Fabric Workshop and Museum – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Explore the creative world of textiles at the Fabric Workshop and Museum, a nonprofit contemporary art museum offering free admission (with an optional suggestion donation) in Philly. Located downtown near the city’s famous Reading Terminal market, the museum features rotating exhibits and hands-on classes in which attendees can learn more about the art of block printing, dyeing, needlework, and more. When you visit, you’ll gain a newfound appreciation for one of art’s most expressive mediums.
U.S. Capitol – Washington, D.C.
No trip to D.C. would be complete without a stop at the U.S. Capitol. All tours of the grounds are free of charge, but check ahead to see if the Senate or House of Representatives is in session, as it is also free to watch Congress in action. The galleries are not open to the public during joint sessions or joint meetings, but visiting the Capitol is still a great way to learn more about important matters and get the chance to spot well-known political figures.
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