10 Free Things to do in United States That You Shouldn't Miss

March 4, 2022 Rosalyn Ihle

Spanning 2,800 miles (4,506 kilometers) from east to west, the US is a vast patchwork of landscapes and metropolises. From Arizona’s red-rocked canyons and California’s coastal beaches to New York’s big city and Virginia’s storied past, it covers any topic any traveler could want or need.
Restaurants in United States

1. Garden of the Gods

1805 N. 30th St., Colorado Springs, CO 80904-1247 +1 719-634-6666 http://www.gardenofgods.com
Excellent
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5.0 based on 17,122 reviews

Garden of the Gods

Located at the base of Pikes Peak, this National Natural Landmark and popular park features stunning geological formations, rock climbing, nature trails and the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center.

Reviewed By BrooklynDodgers13 - Henderson, United States

This is a tourist attraction. It is a lovely natural Red rocked City Park with lots of hiking ???? trails, beautiful rock formations such as the Siamese Twins, Sentinel Spires, the Scotsman, Giant Footprints, Cathedral Spires and of course, Balanced Rock. There are many ways to explore the Park. There are Jeep ???? Tours, you can hike, climb rocks or take the 1909 Trolley ???? like we did. The driver told us a lot of interesting historical facts. The only problem was she didn’t stop for any photos so we had to take them on the go. The Gift Shop was large with lots of merchandise. I purchased Huckleberry tea!

2. Pacific Coast Highway

147161, CA +1 650-879-2120 http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/byways/byways/2301
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5.0 based on 1,643 reviews

Pacific Coast Highway

Running along the northern California coast, this highway has some of the best views of any in the United States.

Reviewed By WaitForIttttt - Hazlet, United States

My husband and I drove the Pacific Coast Highway while making our way down the West Coast from Seattle to San Diego. This was the most beautiful drive we have ever taken. The views of the coast and the Pacific are absolutely stunning. There are tons of vistas and beaches to stop at, and sometimes even the road itself is a sight to see. There was also so much to see along the way! We stopped at: * Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park * Shelter Cove * Glass Beach * Bowling Ball Beach * San Francisco * Point Arena Lighthouse * Davenport Pier * Monterey * 17- Mile Drive * Bixby Bridge * Big Sur * Santa Barbara I'd recommend trying to take in all of them because we enjoyed every single place we visited. Also, make sure to check for closures. We were fortunate in that the entire stretch was open when we visited. There were some minor areas of construction where we had to wait a bit before passing, but it wasn't a long wait. I think everyone should experience this beautiful highway and every breathtaking mile it has to offer!

3. The Getty Center

1200 Getty Center Dr N Sepulveda Blvd & Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049-1657 +1 310-440-7300 [email protected] http://www.getty.edu/visit/center
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5.0 based on 14,503 reviews

The Getty Center

Spectacular museum boasts a most impressive collection by such luminaries as Van Gogh, Monet and Cezanne, along with the architectural triumph of its six buildings and gardens.

Reviewed By msmyka - Boca Raton, United States

This is an excellent museum that is easily conquered you can see a great variety self touring in 2 hrs or spend the whole day if you like - great art, views, sculptures and Louis XIV collection you feel transported to Versailles! Must do!!!!!!

4. Savannah Historic District

301 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Savannah, GA 31401-4217 +1 912-944-0455 http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/geo-flor/1.htm
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5.0 based on 14,018 reviews

Savannah Historic District

Savannah's picturesque historic district brings the traditional southern atmosphere to life.

Reviewed By mmwinters

The Savannah historic district will thrill those who love American history, especially colonial or civil war times; African American history; art and architecture; seafood or southern foods; trees and landscaping; fountains and sculptures. Several convenient modes of travel will help you get around - trolleys, horse-drawn carriages, Uber type services, and the free DOT bus system. Parking for cars is limited. I think it would be difficult to try to see things with your personal car. Be sure to wear a good pair of walking shoes and stay hydrated. It’s hard to recommend the “best” things to see and do. As a history lover, I wanted to see it ALL and hope to return someday to see the places I couldn’t get worked in. I think Savannah, budding and blooming in the spring, would be the most beautiful time to tour. August is very hot and humid, but bearable because the the sites are just so darned interesting and the beach is nearby!

5. Big Cottonwood Canyon

Big Cottonwood Canyon Rd Uintah-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Salt Lake City, UT 84121 https://www.visitsaltlake.com/listing/big-cottonwood-canyon/55175/
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5.0 based on 1,149 reviews

Big Cottonwood Canyon

Located in the Wasactch Mountains, this wilderness region offers a limitless range of recreation for outdoor enthusiasts.

Reviewed By Francophile84108 - Salt Lake City, United States

When the temp hits triple digits in the city, that's when I head for the canyons. I love Big Cottonwood. It's a great place to hike, has beautiful scenery and if you have little kids or elderly friends and family, there's a nice gentle walk at the top, by Brighton Ski resort, around Silver Lake. If you go at dusk, you're likely to see Moose as you stroll the boardwalk around the lake. There are interpretive signs along the way, restrooms and a small information center. If you're hungry, stop at Silver Fork Lodge for a bite to eat, just minutes from the lake as you descend the canyon.

6. Billy Graham Library

4330 Westmont Dr, Charlotte, NC 28217-1001 +1 704-401-3200 [email protected] http://billygrahamlibrary.org/
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5.0 based on 2,409 reviews

Billy Graham Library

Journey through history with one of the most influential voices of the 20th century. Learn more about Billy Graham and his message of God’s love. Through multimedia exhibits, films, and memorabilia, you'll relive the historic moments of his life. Tour the restored Graham family home, shop in Ruth’s Attic, and enjoy lunch in the Dairy Bar. The Billy Graham Library will leave you inspired by this amazing man and his message of hope.

Reviewed By SilverStar092

This site is a wonderful experience as it includes the Graham homestead, a building housing displays of key events in Rev. Graham's life and a good dairy bar that is perfect for lunch. The grounds offer some nice walking paths as well. Amazingly there is no charge to visit and this is a great place to spend a couple hours.

7. Hilton Head Island Bike Trails

1 Chamber of Commerce Dr, Hilton Head, SC 29928-3573 +1 800-523-3373 http://www.hiltonheadisland.org/biking/biking-on-hilton-head-island/
Excellent
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5.0 based on 3,141 reviews

Hilton Head Island Bike Trails

Reviewed By JoniSBrown - Charlotte, United States

My favorite thing to do in Sea Pines, where is do vacation rentals, is to ride bikes, walk or run the trail system. They are well maintained, well marked and long enough to satisfy any level of exercise ability. A great way to spend time with friends and family.

8. St. Augustine Distillery

112 Riberia St, St. Augustine, FL 32084-4351 +1 904-825-4962 [email protected] http://www.staugustinedistillery.com
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5.0 based on 8,108 reviews

St. Augustine Distillery

St. Augustine Distillery is a locally owned and operated, artisanal spirits distillery in historic, downtown St. Augustine. Located within a beautifully restored ice plant from the turn-of-the-century, our mission is simple: Educate and inspire our guests about our handcrafted, award-winning rum, bourbon whiskey, gin, and vodka. All of our spirits are made from local and regional agricultural products. The result is undeniable; world-class spirits that create the best local cocktails imaginable. Come taste for yourself. St. Augustine Distillery offers free tours and tastings seven days a week.

Reviewed By kristincW3725BV - Sarasota, United States

The St. Augustine Distillery tour is a must-do! It’s a free tour and Nick is a great tour guide/bartender.The samples are excellent, especially the Florida Mule and Rum Tiki. You won’t regret this off-the-beaten path stop.

9. Sugarlands Distilling Company

805 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738-3248 +1 865-325-1355 [email protected] http://www.sugarlands.com
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5.0 based on 26,634 reviews

Sugarlands Distilling Company

Sugarlands Distilling Company is conveniently located in downtown Gatlinburg. Visitors who come to the barn-style distillery can take a behind-the-scenes tour of our still house and learn firsthand how we make our authentic Sugarlands spirits. Adults over the age of 21 can take a guided tasting flight of our spirits at the Sippin' Posts. Our Back Porch stage offers free shows covering many genres, open to guests of all ages. REMEMBER TO ALWAYS SIP WISELY.

Reviewed By SavvyTravelerWV

My husband and I stopped in here during our vacation we had fun sampling the different types of moonshine and even took a distillery tour, very fun and interesting place to go!

10. Santa Barbara County Courthouse

1100 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101-2099 +1 805-962-6464 [email protected] https://www.sbcourthouse.org/?source=tripadvisor
Excellent
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4.5 based on 2,969 reviews

Santa Barbara County Courthouse

Visit the Santa Barbara Courthouse to enjoy a free Self-Guided Exterior Tour and a virtual tour of the Mural Room interior. Use your cell phone or tablet to explore Santa Barbara’s iconic Spanish Colonial Revival Courthouse. The web-based tours can be found at sbcourthouse.org. The Courthouse is closed to visitors during Covid.

Reviewed By cresapsd - San Diego, United States

Coincidentally our stay in Santa Barbara was during the annual Fiesta Days and we enjoyed free concerts in the courthouse sunken garden as well as a docent led tour. The tour was very interesting and entertaining. The courthouse is not to be missed and don’t forget to check out the breathtaking view from the courthouse clock tower

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