Not since the summer of 2020 has the humble staycation been so hot. Americans are exploring locally or flying domestically, with two out of five U.S. Airbnb customers searching for accommodation within the States rather than venturing abroad.
It’s part of a global trend of staying local. Vacationers are looking to save money, have more meaningful experiences and avoid both road and air travel to minimize the environmental impact of each well-deserved break.
To help adventurers find fun in their own state (and stick to their budgets), CashNetUSA identified the free attraction with the highest five-star rating in every state on Tripadvisor and the top 10 overall.
What We Did
We ranked all free-entry attractions in every state by their publicly available Tripadvisor tourist rating out of five stars and isolated the highest-rated free-entry attraction in each state and the top 10 nationwide. Please note: we filtered out attractions with fewer than 750 tourist reviews (250 review threshold for North Dakota attractions).
Places to go for free: key findings
- Duncan McClellan Gallery in St. Petersburg, Florida, is America’s best free thing to do, with an average rating of 4.95.
- California’s top free attraction is the Mendocino Coast (4.87), a “scenic drive along California’s Pacific coastline offering beaches, historic lighthouses and old-time fishing villages.”
- In New York (state), the World Trade Center’s Liberty Park is the top free attraction, with an average rating of 4.79.
Florida glass gallery is America’s best free attraction
First, here’s a rundown of the top ten free attractions in the U.S. overall.
Florida’s Duncan McClellan Gallery is the number one by just a fraction: a “7,800 square foot former fish and tomato packing plant” that Duncan and Irene McClellan have transformed into a glass art gallery and sculpture garden like no other. The gallery has a rating of 4.95, with visitors recommending the weekend glass blowing demonstrations and talks from artists in residence.
Virginia and Pennsylvania each have two attractions in the top ten list. Pittsburgh’s Bicycle Heaven is a 4.87-rated bicycle museum — the world’s largest — featuring thousands of rare and vintage bikes as well as a functioning bike workshop.
Every state’s best free attraction, mapped
Next, we mapped the top-rated free attraction in every state. Spot your local venue on the map, or use the menu below to hop to a brief description of each state’s best free attraction.
Choose a state:
AL | AK | AZ | AR | CA | CO | CT | DE | FL | GA | HI | ID | IL | IN | IA | KS | KY | LA | ME | MD | MA | MI | MN | MS | MO | MT | NE | NV | NH | NJ | NM | NY | NC | ND | OH | OK | OR | PA | RI | SC | SD | TN | TX | UT | VT | VA | WA | WV | WI | WY
Alabama — The Wharf (4.06)
Address: 23101 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
The Wharf is Orange Beach’s “vacation oasis,” featuring dozens of stores and eateries, rides and games, plus a light show, boat shows and fishing contests. While entry is free and there’s plenty to see, you’re unlikely to leave without troubling your wallet — so it’s best to set some spending rules in advance if visiting with kids.
Alaska — Nugget Falls (4.78)
Address: Photo Point Trail, Juneau, AK 99801
Nugget Falls is a spectacular 377-foot waterfall into Mendenhall Lake with nearby views of the Mendenhall Glacier. The waterfall is “absolutely beautiful and worth the 2 mile hike back and forth,” says one visitor, and “so is the hike to get there.”
Arizona — Chiricahua National Monument (4.81)
Address: 12856 E Rhyolite Creek Rd, Willcox, AZ 8564
Twenty-seven million years ago, a huge volcanic eruption spilled white-hot ash and molten rock across the land near present-day Willcox, Arizona, leaving an iconic trail of bizarre rock formations that are free to visit and admire today. The rocks are best seen by walking, so prepare for a trail across Arizona’s “Wonderland of Rocks.”
Arkansas — Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (4.83)
Address: 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, AR 72712
Crystal Bridges aims to “celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature.” Five centuries of American art are nestled in the stunning purpose-built galleries amidst 134 acres of parkland and five miles of sculpture and walking trails.
California — Mendocino Coast (4.87)
Address: Mendocino, CA 95460
California’s epic Pacific coastline offers magical views of rock formations and enchanted sunsets. Walk the cliffs or laze on the beaches — but don’t forget your camera!
Colorado — Garden of the Gods (4.78)
Address: 1805 N. 30th St., Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Astonishing rock formations and romantic sand dunes mark out a 240-acre park bought by a 19th-century railroad man and bequeathed to the public. “If you possibly can, try to visit at sunrise or sunset to capture some remarkable views,” advises one reviewer. “It was extremely busy during the day.”
Connecticut — Yale University Art Gallery (4.84)
Address: 1111 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT 06510
America’s oldest college art museum balances seasonal exhibitions with a collection of over 300,000 objects from wallpaper to weaponry. The collection is kept across three historic buildings from three eras, designed by Peter Bonnett Wight, Egerton Swartwout and Louis Kahn.
Delaware — Air Mobility Command Museum (4.86)
Address: 1301 Heritage Rd. Dover Air Force Base, Dover, DE 19902
Explore the history of military aviation at this Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award-winning museum situated on the Dover Air Force Base. More than 35 preserved aircraft tell the story of America’s wars in Korea, Vietnam and elsewhere. Visitors of age 10 or older can even fly any of the museum aircraft — on the museum’s flight simulator, of course. Check for availability before making the journey.
Florida — Duncan McClellan Gallery (4.95)
Address: 2342 Emerson Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712
We found the Duncan McClellan Gallery to be America’s highest-rated free attraction. “The most beautiful, creative and amazing works of glass art showcased with care and love by Duncan and his lovely wife Irene,” writes one reviewer. “Each piece handcrafted with elegance and bursts of color and shape, what a feast for the eyes. Step out into the garden area for a Zen-like experience of nature and glass designs.”
Georgia — National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center (4.91)
Address: 1775 Legacy Way, Columbus, GA 31903
A Giant Screen Theater and Virtual Reality Combat Simulators are among the fun attractions at Georgia’s tribute to those who’ve bravely served their country against tyranny and in the protection of liberty. “Great for history buffs and military buffs,” raves one reviewer.
Hawaii — Kauai Path (4.80)
Address: 6524 Kalama Rd, Kapaa, Kauai, HI 96746
Simply, a picturesque coastal path along which to walk or cycle — and perhaps spot a seal, turtle or dolphin as you go. Scenic enough that both Jurassic Park and Pirates of the Caribbean were shot nearby.
Idaho — Boise River Greenbelt (4.81)
Address: Multiple access points in Boise
This 29-mile tree-lined pathway along the Boise River — and through the city — features a series of parks known as the Ribbon of Jewels. The Greenbelt is particularly popular among birdwatchers, with highlights signaled along the Idaho Birding Trail.
Illinois — Lincoln Home National Historic Site (4.73)
Address: 413 S 8th St, Springfield, IL 62701
“We know him as the sixteenth president but he was also a spouse, parent, and neighbor who experienced the same hopes, dreams, and challenges of life that are still experienced by many people today,” notes the National Park Service. Visit the only home Abraham Lincoln ever owned and its neighborhood for a glance back at an exemplary moment in American statesmanship.
Indiana — Monument Circle (4.57)
Address: 100 Monument Cir, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Monument Circle is a plaza at the heart of Indianapolis. And at the heart of the plaza stands the 284-foot Soldiers and Sailors Monument, a tribute to serving Hoosiers of years gone by. The Circle’s unique position grants memorable views of several aspects of the plaza and the city that surrounds it. Visitors enjoy these views and the atmosphere and seasonal events the plaza hosts.
Iowa — Capitol Building (4.78)
Address: 1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319
Completed by architects John C. Cochrane and Alfred H. Piquenard in 1886, the Iowa State Capitol is a refined Renaissance-style statehouse featuring a 23-carat gold-finished dome. It’s not just the entrance that’s free — guided tours of the grounds and ornate interiors also come with no charge.
Kansas — The Keeper of the Plains (4.60)
Address: 339 Veterans Pkwy, Wichita, KS 67203
A 44-foot, five-ton weathering steel sculpture of an Indigenous American atop a 30-foot rock pedestal, by Blackbear Bosin, a Kiowa-Comanche artist. Visitors in Kansas can reach the area across two bow-and-arrow-inspired cable-stay bridges over the junction of the Little and Big Arkansas rivers. At night, the sculpture is dramatically lit by flaming fire drums.
Kentucky — Cave Hill Cemetery (4.72)
Address: 701 Baxter Ave, Louisville, KY 40204
“There are some notable people resting here all across the board,” advises one reviewer of Louisville’s historic cemetery. “From Colonel Harland Sanders of the KFC empire to world renowned boxer, Muhammad Ali to the NBA player Derek E Smith who invented the “high five” and more!” Picturesque ponds and artificial lakes extend the sense of tranquility over this special resting place.
Louisiana — The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden at NOMA (4.76)
Address: 1 Collins C Diboll Cir, New Orleans, LA 70124
This eleven-acre garden at City Park next to the New Orleans Museum of Art in Louisiana features was first developed from its unpromising landscape of mosquito-infested backswamp and oak groves in the late 19th century. From 2003, its guardians have developed it into a sculpture park featuring over 90 works of art, with a curving 5,000-square-foot indoor sculpture pavilion providing shelter and a focal point for visitors.
Maine — Marginal Way (4.87)
Address: Ogunquit, ME 03907
A 1.25-mile-long cliff walk from Sparhawk Oceanfront Resort to Perkins Cove. The mostly paved route features plenty of sitting places to catch your breath and watch the lobster boats, but with plenty of chances to explore the beachland and rocky coves, too. “Be sure to get up early and enjoy the sunrise if you can,” advises one reviewer, “or at least get on the path by 730am or around sunset to avoid the crowds.”
Maryland — The Walters Art Museum (4.79)
Address: 600 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201
Situated in Baltimore’s buzzing Mount Vernon neighborhood, the Walters Art Museum features 36,000 art objects from across 7,000 years spread through five historic buildings. Alongside a long-term installation of Latin American and Indigenous art, visitors can browse “19th-century paintings of French country and city life to Ethiopian icons, richly illuminated Qur’ans and Gospel books, ancient Roman sarcophagi, and images of the Buddha,” according to the website.
Massachusetts — Boston Public Library (4.70)
Address: 700 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116
America’s first large free municipal lending library system radiates from the Central Library in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood. The Central Library consists of the McKim building, completed by architect Charles Follen McKim in 1895, and Philip Johnson’s Boylston Street Building, a modern National Historic Landmark. In addition to the stacks and study areas, you’ll find a number of tea lounges in which to soak up the ambience.
Michigan — Presque Isle Park (4.77)
Address: Peter White Dr., Marquette, MI 49855
“Almost” Isle — actually a peninsula — has welcomed human visitors for over 3,000 years. Today, this vast forested space remains home to over 100 species of native plants across landscapes ranging from pebble beaches to rocky cliffs and bogs. It is best visited for picnics, hiking or fishing.
Minnesota — Minneapolis Institute of Art (4.81)
Address: 2400 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55404
“Inspiring wonder through the power of art,” Mia promises to serve the community by “collecting, preserving, and making accessible outstanding works of art from the world’s diverse cultures.” The permanent collection includes pieces by Rembrandt, Poussin, van Gogh, Picasso, Matisse, Mondrian and Stella. Seasonal exhibitions range from the likes of “Gatsby at 100” to José María Velasco to the first solo exhibition of reclusive Native American artist Mary Sully.
Mississippi — Biloxi Beach (3.92)
Address: 1027-1031 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, MS 39530
With 26 miles of pure white sand, Biloxi is the world’s largest artificial beach. “I have to say I have never been more proud of our coast line,” writes one local, praising the beach’s comeback from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. “The beaches were very clean, not over crowded, and everyone was super friendly.”
Missouri — Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis (4.87)
Address: 4431 Lindell Blvd, Saint Louis, MO 63108
Regardless of faith, the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis in Missouri is a work of art to behold. From mosaics made of more than 41 million pieces of glass to a rare bronze replica of Michelangelo’s Pietá, prepare to be stunned by both the scale and fine detail of this meticulously crafted building.
Montana — Downtown Bozeman (4.55)
Address: E Main St #302, Bozeman, MT 59715
Mountain air, independent stores and charming hostelries characterize this bustling stretch of urban Bozeman. Events range from live music to theatre and comedy, with vibrant film and book clubs organized in the vicinity.
Nebraska — Sunken Gardens (4.71)
Address: 2600 D St, Lincoln, NE 68502
Leisurely approaching its centenary in 2030, this picturesque former dumpsite’s flora is designed with a fresh theme each year, such as “Golden Hours” (2024) or “Enchanted Ocean” (2025). “So pretty! I took away lots of ideas of what flowers to plant together,” writes one reviewer.
Nevada — Fountains of Bellagio (4.72)
Address: 3600 Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Tripadvisor’s number one thing to do in Las Vegas, the 460-foot-high fountain show features lights and music as part of Sin City’s most wholesome attraction. “The show is free, is about 3 minutes long, and […] is one of the very few free entertainments you can find on the Strip,” reports one frequent visitor. “[G]o check it out.”
New Hampshire — Cathedral Ledge (4.69)
Address: 17 Carroll Lane Intervale, North Conway, Conway, NH 03845
This 700-foot-high clifftop is popular among hikers and rock climbers, offering as its reward breathtaking views of Saco River Valley and the White Mountains. Please note that the area is unstaffed and rest facilities are unavailable during off-hours and the off-season; and “the off-season poses unique risks inherent when participating in outdoor recreational activities.”
New Jersey — Princeton University (4.76)
Address: 36 University Pl, Princeton, NJ 08540
Fall — with its evocative smells and colors — is touted as the best time to visit the tree-lined avenues of Princeton University, nestled in 800 acres of parkland. The campus and some of its buildings are open to roam, and visitors say the atmosphere is serene and welcoming.
New Mexico — The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi (4.58)
Address: 131 Cathedral Pl, Santa Fe, NM 87501
The grounds of this Romanesque Revival-style cathedral are dotted with statues and sculptures, not least in the tranquil Prayer Garden. “The exterior and interior both are eyeball extravaganzas and photo opportunities abound.”
New York — World Trade Center’s Liberty Park (4.79)
Address: 155 Cedar St, New York City, NY 10006
This one-acre green space, located atop the Vehicular Security Center, offers a reflective break from the city’s mainline, with views of Memorial Plaza, One World Trade Center and the Oculus. The park also features the St. Nicholas National Shrine, America’s Response Monument (dedicated to the U.S. Special Operations Forces) and Fritz Koenig’s The Sphere, the world’s largest bronze sculpture, which was salvaged from the ruins of the World Trade Center.
North Carolina — Dry Falls (4.84)
Address: US-64, Highlands, NC 28741
The Falls are named for the fact that you can, in theory, walk behind the waterfall without getting wet. However, you are fairly likely to get sprayed. The route is family-friendly, although it can get slippery, and there is a dedicated observation point for those with disabilities.
North Dakota — Painted Canyon Overlook (4.69)
Address: Exit 32, Hwy 94, ND 58645
The gateway to the badlands of North Dakota, Painted Canyon Overlook is so-named for its painterly, contrasting layered rocks. And as the “badlands” moniker suggests, this trail is no walk in the park, but offers a “moderate challenge” to hikers that is more than rewarded by the otherworldly look and feel of this unique landscape.
Ohio — National Museum of the U.S. Air Force (4.92)
Address: 1100 Spaatz St. Dayton, OH 45433
“Since 1923 the museum has grown from a small engineering study collection to the world’s largest military aviation museum and is a world-renowned center for air and space power technology and culture preservation,” boasts the museum’s website. With lots to see and little to read, you can fill a whole day marveling at the extent to which America goes to dominate the skies.
Oklahoma — Bricktown (4.36)
Address: 211 N. Robinson, Ste 225, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
Oklahoma City’s historic warehouse and distribution district has been thoroughly reimagined as an entertainment hub, featuring restaurants, bars, stores, museums and galleries, among other attractions. The canal trail, blend of old industrial and new hospitality buildings, and public art make Bricktown a feast for the senses.
Oregon — Yachats coastline (4.88)
Address: 241 Highway 101 N, Yachats, OR 97498
The sixth best free thing to do in America is made of “forest trails, ocean vistas, magic and majesty.” The Yachats coastline is where vast ocean views and pleasant beaches meet lush forestry and snug eating places, overseen by a diverse cast of marine and bird life. By the way, it’s pronounced “YAH-hots.”
Pennsylvania — Gettysburg National Military Park (4.88)
Address: 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, PA 17325
“Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal,” wrote President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, in response to the Civil War battle that took place on these grounds. Tours of the battlefield and Living History reenactments are among the highlights of a free trip to Gettysburg National Military Park today. Those with a vacation budget may consider staying in one of the historic Bushman or Slyder Houses.
Rhode Island — Mohegan Bluffs (4.78)
Address: Mohegan Trail, Block Island, RI 02908
The cliffs of Block Island frame a dramatic landscape of human activity, with surfers, nude sun bathers and adventure bicyclists living their best lives against the expanse of the Atlantic. Since there are no amenities, it is advisable to take a chillbox of refreshments with you.
South Carolina — Falls Park on the Reedy (4.85)
Address: 601 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601
Falls Park on the Reedy in South Carolina is an extraordinary landscaped garden on a former industrial site that now offers a peaceful respite from city life. Its centerpiece is the 355-foot Liberty Bridge, which bends around the Reedy River Falls, giving unobstructed views of the waterfall. “Don’t forget to take a photo at the Centennial Tree and right in front of the beautiful waterfall — both are iconic spots!”
South Dakota — Black Hills National Forest (4.83)
Address: Near Hill City, South Dakota
Some 125 miles long and 65 miles wide, the Black Hills may appear gloomy from afar (hence the name), but up close, they offer a rich landscape of rock formations, canyons, open grasslands, blue lakes and mysterious caves. Camping is available both in organized campsites and, for the intrepid and well-prepared, elsewhere through the forest.
Tennessee — Great Smoky Mountains National Park (4.83)
Address: 107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
America’s most visited national park can trace its human history back past 20th-century loggers to European colonists and all the way back to prehistoric Paleo Indians. But with 800 square miles of mixed mountain terrain, today you’re more likely to encounter one of over 100,000 species of flora and fauna in Great-Smoky-Mountains-National-Park in Tennessee.
Texas — Kimbell Art Museum (4.77)
Address: 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107
Another Louis Kahn-designed building (see Yale University Art Gallery, above), the Kimbell Art Museum in Texas was funded — and its initial collection provided by — the estate of Kay and Velma Kimbel. It’s not the biggest gallery, but the “light inside is magical and the views down the ceiling vaults are striking,” says one reviewer. And its exhibitions — from Modern Art and Politics in Germany 1910–1945 to Art and War in the Renaissance — are intelligently curated.
Utah — Corona Arch (4.83)
Address: 82 East Dogwood Ave., Moab, UT 84532
A “moderately strenuous 3-mile round trip hike to the spectacular Corona Arch.” Also known as Little Rainbow Bridge, Corona Arch is a 105-foot-high, naturally formed Navajo sandstone arch. The trail in Utah itself is also picturesque, and all that the authorities ask by way of payment is that you pick up any litter you find along the way.
Vermont — Stowe Recreation Path (4.76)
Address: 137 Main Street, Stowe, VT 05672
A 5.3-mile meander from Stowe Village along the Little River and across Vermont’s idyllic meadows. “This is one of the top reasons we come to Stowe multiple times a year,” writes one regular. “Outstanding views of the mountains and meadows and a great way to “travel” by foot or bike to shops and restaurants.”
Virginia — National Museum of the Marine Corps (4.93)
Address: 18900 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Triangle, VA 22172
Positioned next to Marine Corps Base Quantico, the National Museum of the Marine Corps is designed to conjure images of the flag raisers of Iwo Jima. Interactive exhibits jostle with unique artefacts, with reviewers suggesting it may take a two-day visit to make the most of it all.
Washington — Manito Park (4.80)
Address: 1702 S. Grand Blvd, Spokane, WA 99203
A former zoo, Manito Park now features five distinct gardens with flourishing horticultural displays, a greenhouse and the much-loved Mirror Pond. The park also features a well-regarded café, though there are plenty of spaces for picnics as well.
West Virginia — New River Gorge Bridge (4.77)
Address: U.S. Route 19, Fayetteville, WV 25938
America’s third-highest (876 feet) and the longest steel span bridge in the western hemisphere (3,030 feet), New River Gorge Bridge will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2027. “The whole experience is so much MORE than just a view of the bridge,” writes one five-star reviewer. “This place is SPECTACULAR! There is no way a picture does it full justice.”
Wisconsin — Cave Point County Park (4.82)
Address: 5360 Schauer Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Boasting dolomite limestone ledges, rocky beaches and underwater caves, Cave Point County Park in Wisconsin offers as its grand reward stunning views over Lake Michigan. In wintertime, the waves form icicles on the rock formations — a very special sight, but mind your footing.
Wyoming — Cody Dug Up Gun Museum (4.83)
Address: 1020 12th St, Cody, WY 82414
This museum features more than a thousand weapons from different points in America’s violent past, as collected by husband and wife team, Hans Kurth and Eva Szkultecki. “It’s like walking into an archeological dig!”
Land of the free
Good times don’t require a big budget in a land with such a rich and long history. But expenses can still crop up, so it’s best to travel prepared:
Take a packed lunch. Many free attractions provide picnic space. Eat a big breakfast before you go to reduce the temptation of buying snacks.
Travel with family and friends. If you’re visiting together, travel together to keep down fuel costs or benefit from group coach tickets.
Set a souvenir budget before you go. Getting kids through the souvenir shop unscathed is always a challenge. Instead, set them the challenge of finding something to buy within a fixed budget — it gives them a sense of control and freedom and saves you from being the bad guy.
With these ideas in mind, there’s no end to the free fun you can have, no matter which state you’re in.
Methodology
We ranked all free-entry U.S. attractions using publicly available average 5-star user ratings from Tripadvisor. Then, we isolated the highest-rated free-entry attraction in every state and the top 10 nationwide.
We filtered out attractions with fewer than 750 tourist reviews (250 review threshold for North Dakota attractions).
The data is correct as of July 2025.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, tax or legal advice.
