Seeing historic landmarks is a unique experience that really brings you back in time. The problem is the costs can add up. If you want some great free options that you can plan your next vacation around, you’re in the right place. Here are 20 historic American landmarks you can visit for free.
Independence Hall, Philadelphia, PA
Might as well start the list with where it all started! The birthplace of the United States and where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were adopted. This is a great place to stop in for free.
Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, PA
While you are in Pennsylvania, it may be worth stopping by Gettysburg National Military Park. This is where Abraham Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address.
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, Atlanta, GA
You’ll find quite a bit of Martin Luther King Jr. history in and around Atlanta. However, the National Historical Park has several sites that played a role in the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. If you’re passing through Atlanta, this is one to see.
Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C.
The 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, played a big role in American History. The Lincoln Memorial is free to visit, and it honors the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln.
Freedom Trail, Boston, MA
The 2.5-mile Freedom Trail is a free way to visit more than 15 historically significant sites. If you plan a trip to Boston, the Freedom Trail is a perfect way to pack in a ton of history at a very low price!
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA
You’ll have to pay to cross the Golden Gate Bridge, but if you prefer to see the areas around it and witness the bridge's beauty, you can do that for free.
Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, New York, NY
To get to Ellis Island, you’ll have to stop on a ferry (which is free), and then you can explore everything that the island has to offer. You’ll be able to look for the names of ancestors and be right next to the Statue of Liberty. You’ll have to pay to get into the Statue of Liberty, but with everything else being free, it’s still a great deal.
National Mall, Washington D.C.
There’s a lot to see in Washington, D.C., and a good amount of it is free. You’ll find landmarks, memorials, the Washington Monument, and Veterans Memorials for free.
The Alamo, San Antonio, TX
The Alamo was a historic Spanish mission and fortress compound. There is still a historical sight today where you can be on the same ground where the Battle of the Alamo occurred.
Fort Sumter National Monument, Charleston, SC
Hop on a ferry ride to Fort Sumter to see the Civil War site where the first shorts were fired. The ferry ride sometimes has a fee, but the actual site should not be something you have to pay for.
San Juan National Historic Site, San Juan, PR
Another historic military site, you will find forts, bastions, and the old city wall. If you are visiting Puerto Rico, this should be on your list of things to do.
The National September 11 Memorial, New York, NY
One of the newer national landmarks you can visit for free is the National September 11 Memorial. This memorial honors the victims of the September 11 attacks and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.
The Freedom Center, Cincinnati, OH
Located in the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, you’ll have to pay for admission to the museum, but there are free events and even educational programs for free.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN/NC
If the great outdoors appeals to you, check out the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You’ll find breathtaking scenery and historic sites, and it’s not going to cost you. Make sure to go at the right time of year to enjoy this one fully.
Vicksburg National Military Park, Vicksburg, MS
Another military landmark that you can visit for free is Vicksburg National Military Park. This one commemorates one of the Civil War's pivotal battles.
Chimney Rock National Historic Site, Bayard, NE
If you spent some time as a youngster learning about the Oregon Trail, this historic landmark should be on your list. Chimney Rock National Historic Site is an iconic landmark along the Oregon Trail and a symbol of the great Western migration.
Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, Jackson, MS
If you plan your trip correctly, you can visit the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum for free. You’ll have to visit on a Sunday, but you have full access to the entire place. This museum details the struggle for civil rights in the state of Mississippi.
Angel Island State Park, San Francisco Bay, CA
If you want to do more than just see the Golden Gate Bridge while you are in California, check out Angel Island State Park. You’ll have to pay for the ferry, and then the park is free to explore. Often called "The Ellis Island of the West," it’s an interesting place to pick up some historical knowledge.
Savannah Georgia Historical Squares, Savannah, GA
There is more free history around Savannah than you could possibly take in. All of the squares have historical monuments and educational insights, and there is no fee for any of them!
Montezuma Castle National Monument, Camp Verde, AZ
Finally, you can head to Camp Verde, AZ, to see the Montezuma Castle National Monument site. This site has Native American cliff dwellings dating back hundreds of years. It’s well-preserved and worth a visit.
Tell Us What You Think