When it comes to budget travel, there’s more to do in the United States than you might think. Some of the country’s largest cities have lots of free things to do. So, if you’re traveling on a budget, here are 10 destinations in the United States that offer plenty to do without spending a fortune. RELATED: 10 Best Budget-Friendly Vacation Destinations for 2023
Ready to discover budget-friendly travel ideas in the United States? Some of the country’s big cities have not just budget-friendly activities but lots of free things to do as well, so let’s go:
1. Nashville, Tennessee
Known as “Music City,” Nashville is a budget traveler’s dream. The city is home to a thriving live music scene, with plenty of bars and clubs offering free or low-cost shows. You can enjoy free live music at a number of venues in Nashville pretty much any day of the year, which you can find out more about here. Nashville also has lots of galleries, art studios and museums that are free to visit. Get more details here.
2. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is famous for its vibrant culture and delicious food, but it’s also a budget-friendly destination. Visitors can take a free walking tour of the French Quarter, explore the city’s many parks and gardens, or check out the numerous street performers and musicians. Visitors can also take a self-guided tour of the famous St Louis Cemetery No 1, which offers a glimpse into the city’s rich history and culture.
3. Portland, Oregon
Portland is a city that is known for its laid-back vibe and abundance of outdoor activities. Visitors can hike in Forest Park, the largest urban wilderness area in the United States, or bike along the Springwater Corridor. The city also has a thriving food scene, with many food carts offering delicious and budget-friendly meals. Visitors can also take a free tour of the Portland Art Museum, which offers free admission on the first Thursday of every month from 5pm to 8pm.
4. Seattle, Washington
Seattle is another city that offers plenty of free activities. Visitors can take a free walking tour of the city, explore the famous Pike Place Market, or visit the Seattle Art Museum, which offers free admission on the first Thursday of every month. Additionally, visitors can take a self-guided tour of the famous Space Needle, and enjoy the stunning views of the city from the Observation Deck.
5. Austin, Texas
Austin is a city that is known for its live music scene and outdoor activities. Visitors can check out the city’s many parks and hiking trails, or catch a free concert at Zilker Park. The city is also home to the famous South by Southwest (SXSW) festival, which offers free events and concerts throughout the year. Visitors can also take a free tour of the Texas State Capitol, which offers a glimpse into the state’s rich history and culture. Check out these 50 free and cheap things to do in Austin.
6. Denver, Colorado
Denver is a city that offers plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking and biking in the nearby Rocky Mountains. Visitors can also explore the city’s many parks, including the famous Denver Botanic Gardens, which offers free admission on certain days of the week. Check out which days are free in 2023 here. Additionally, visitors can take a self-guided tour of the famous Denver Mint, which offers a glimpse into the production of American currency. Plus, check out Denver’s 16 Street Mall, take a free brewery tour and visit the Denver Zoo on one of the free days, which you can find out more about here.
7. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is a charming southern city that is known for its picturesque architecture and rich history. Visitors can take a free walking tour of the city, explore the many parks and gardens, or visit the Savannah Historic District, which is a National Historic Landmark. Visitors can also take a free tour of the Owens-Thomas House, which offers a glimpse into the city’s rich history and culture. Find more free things to do in Savannah here.
8. San Francisco, California
San Francisco is a city that is known for its famous landmarks, such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. Visitors can take a free walking tour of the city, explore the many parks and gardens, such as Golden Gate Park or the Japanese Tea Garden, or visit the California Palace of the Legion of Honor, which offers free admission on the first Tuesday of every month and free general admission to all residents of the nine Bay Area counties on Saturdays. Visitors can also take a self-guided tour of the famous Painted Ladies, a row of Victorian houses that are known for their colorful facades. Additionally, visitors can take a free hike in Lands End, which offers stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean.
9. Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is a charming small town that is known for its arts and crafts scene. Visitors can explore the many galleries and studios, such as the Folk Art Center or the River Arts District. The city is also home to the historic Biltmore Village, a charming enclave that was developed for employees of George Vanderbilt’s Biltmore Estate. Today, visitors can shop, eat and stay in the village and learn about the history surrounding it. Visitors to Asheville can also take a free hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Additionally, visitors can take a free self-guided tour of the Riverside Cemetery, which is the final resting place of many notable figures, including author Thomas Wolfe.
10. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is a city that is known for its rich history and cultural scene. Visitors can take a free walking tour of the city, explore the many parks and gardens, such as Rittenhouse Square or Fairmount Park. Visitors can also take a free tour of the Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were both signed. Additionally, visitors can take a self-guided tour of the famous Liberty Bell, which is a symbol of American independence. Visitors can also take a free tour of the Eastern State Penitentiary, which is a National Historic Landmark and offers a glimpse into the history of American prison system.
These 10 destinations are just a small sample of the many budget-friendly places to visit in the United States. Whether you’re looking to explore the great outdoors or experience the local culture, you’ll find there’s no shortage of ways to do either.
KEEP READING:
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–7 Things to Do in Naples, Italy
–12 Things to Know Before Going to Paris
–19 of the Best Off-the-Beaten Path Things to See and Do in Paris
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