The Best Free US Tourist Attractions
In the U.S., the public can enjoy free access to many resources including some famous tourist attractions. Without paying for a penny [for entrance], let us enjoy these free tourism resources this summer.
The Freedom Trail (Boston)
16 historic sites of great historical significance in the American Revolution are marked out on the approximately two and a half miles of the Freedom Trail. Along the way, visitors can, free of charge, enjoy urban landscape, learn American history and exercise. Before embarking on your journey to the Freedom Trail, pay a visit to the official websites of the Bunker Hill Monument and Paul Revere House for a brief understanding of their histories. For direction-insensitive drivers, do not worry about being lost, the entire trail is marked with either two red marks or stone trails.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina and Tennessee)
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the few national parks to offer free access (there is a sign showing charges are prohibited in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park). In here, you will not only be able to enjoy the presence of hundreds of species of wild animals, but also to understand the history of the southern Appalachian Mountains. In addition, visitors can also walk, cycle and do other activities in the park.
The National Mall (Washington, D.C.)
From Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech that was given in the National Mall to the famous Smithsonian Castle, the most representative landscapes can all be seen at the National Mall. Along the two sides of the Square Park on the Mall sit the world-famous museums of the Smithsonian. There are also historic buildings like Capitol Hill. You can download a map application to customize your own tourism schedule.
The Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco)
This year is the Golden Gate Bridge’s 75th birthday. Why not take the opportunity to pay a visit in celebration? To have some knowledge on the background of the Golden Gate Bridge, you only need to download an application — to get expert advice or even to listen to the bridge builders telling the bridge’s history. To get a perfect view overlooking San Francisco, the best ways are to walk or ride bikes over the bridge.
The Independence National Historical Park (Philadelphia)
Many people know that Washington, D.C. is the capital of the United States. But prior to the establishment of Washington, D.C., Congress and the Supreme Court resided in Philadelphia for ten years. Let us take a look at the second birthplace of the United States — to see the Liberty Bell and the Old Town City Hall, or to simply enjoy the public green space. Except for the National Constitution Center, all the other sites are free to access. If you want to visit Independence Hall, you need a free admission ticket.
The Getty Center (Los Angeles)
The best art museum in Los Angeles, at the Getty Center, is actually free of charge. The museum holds year-round exhibitions including Van Gogh's Irises and Monet's Sunrise. Touring exhibitions include Portraits of Renown: Photography and the Cult of Celebrity — it will be on display until August 26, 2012. Be sure to reserve some time for the central park, reopened this year and located near the museum. There is water and more than 500 plant spices. The Getty Center is closed on Mondays.
Jackson Square (New Orleans)
At Jackson Square, one can experience the true feeling of New Orleans. Here you can purchase the works of local artists, see an iconic building of New Orleans, the St. Louis Cathedral, and the sculpture of Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States. The square is named after him to memorialize his victory of leading the U.S. army in the Battle of New Orleans.
The Lincoln Park Zoo (Chicago)
At the Lincoln Park Zoo, only a few minutes outside of Chicago, you will be able to see lions, gorillas and other creatures. The zoo offers free public access all year round. If you check out the Zoo calendar, you might be able see some unique scenes, such as training sea lions and cows feeding their babies.
The International Rose Test Garden (Portland, Oregon)
In the International Rose Test Garden in Portland, you can smell the fragrance of 10,000 kinds of roses. The garden not only hosts a full range of diversified roses; their landscape layout is also very elegant and beautiful. The garden has been in use since 1917. It even has hybrid roses that were shipped from Europe during World War I. The peak blooming season for roses is June to October. Although the entire park is free for viewing, do remember not to touch anything; otherwise, you may face a fine of $500.
Central Park (New York)
Central Park has been hailed as the green lung of Manhattan, New York. It not only has a huge open public space and scenic views, but also a tranquil environment for you to enjoy. At the park, you can tour 55 monuments and sculptures, watch sports in one of the 26 stadiums or have a walk on 130 acres of forested road. Children can run around on playgrounds or ride their own bikes, or you all can walk along the rivers or have a picnic with a tablecloth and a Frisbee. Everything is free and will bring you utmost enjoyment.
The Freedom Trail (Boston)
16 historic sites of great historical significance in the American Revolution are marked out on the approximately two and a half miles of the Freedom Trail. Along the way, visitors can, free of charge, enjoy urban landscape, learn American history and exercise. Before embarking on your journey to the Freedom Trail, pay a visit to the official websites of the Bunker Hill Monument and Paul Revere House for a brief understanding of their histories. For direction-insensitive drivers, do not worry about being lost, the entire trail is marked with either two red marks or stone trails.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina and Tennessee)
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the few national parks to offer free access (there is a sign showing charges are prohibited in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park). In here, you will not only be able to enjoy the presence of hundreds of species of wild animals, but also to understand the history of the southern Appalachian Mountains. In addition, visitors can also walk, cycle and do other activities in the park.
The National Mall (Washington, D.C.)
From Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech that was given in the National Mall to the famous Smithsonian Castle, the most representative landscapes can all be seen at the National Mall. Along the two sides of the Square Park on the Mall sit the world-famous museums of the Smithsonian. There are also historic buildings like Capitol Hill. You can download a map application to customize your own tourism schedule.
The Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco)
This year is the Golden Gate Bridge’s 75th birthday. Why not take the opportunity to pay a visit in celebration? To have some knowledge on the background of the Golden Gate Bridge, you only need to download an application — to get expert advice or even to listen to the bridge builders telling the bridge’s history. To get a perfect view overlooking San Francisco, the best ways are to walk or ride bikes over the bridge.
The Independence National Historical Park (Philadelphia)
Many people know that Washington, D.C. is the capital of the United States. But prior to the establishment of Washington, D.C., Congress and the Supreme Court resided in Philadelphia for ten years. Let us take a look at the second birthplace of the United States — to see the Liberty Bell and the Old Town City Hall, or to simply enjoy the public green space. Except for the National Constitution Center, all the other sites are free to access. If you want to visit Independence Hall, you need a free admission ticket.
The Getty Center (Los Angeles)
The best art museum in Los Angeles, at the Getty Center, is actually free of charge. The museum holds year-round exhibitions including Van Gogh's Irises and Monet's Sunrise. Touring exhibitions include Portraits of Renown: Photography and the Cult of Celebrity — it will be on display until August 26, 2012. Be sure to reserve some time for the central park, reopened this year and located near the museum. There is water and more than 500 plant spices. The Getty Center is closed on Mondays.
Jackson Square (New Orleans)
At Jackson Square, one can experience the true feeling of New Orleans. Here you can purchase the works of local artists, see an iconic building of New Orleans, the St. Louis Cathedral, and the sculpture of Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States. The square is named after him to memorialize his victory of leading the U.S. army in the Battle of New Orleans.
The Lincoln Park Zoo (Chicago)
At the Lincoln Park Zoo, only a few minutes outside of Chicago, you will be able to see lions, gorillas and other creatures. The zoo offers free public access all year round. If you check out the Zoo calendar, you might be able see some unique scenes, such as training sea lions and cows feeding their babies.
The International Rose Test Garden (Portland, Oregon)
In the International Rose Test Garden in Portland, you can smell the fragrance of 10,000 kinds of roses. The garden not only hosts a full range of diversified roses; their landscape layout is also very elegant and beautiful. The garden has been in use since 1917. It even has hybrid roses that were shipped from Europe during World War I. The peak blooming season for roses is June to October. Although the entire park is free for viewing, do remember not to touch anything; otherwise, you may face a fine of $500.
Central Park (New York)
Central Park has been hailed as the green lung of Manhattan, New York. It not only has a huge open public space and scenic views, but also a tranquil environment for you to enjoy. At the park, you can tour 55 monuments and sculptures, watch sports in one of the 26 stadiums or have a walk on 130 acres of forested road. Children can run around on playgrounds or ride their own bikes, or you all can walk along the rivers or have a picnic with a tablecloth and a Frisbee. Everything is free and will bring you utmost enjoyment.