The Best Free Thing To Do in Each State (and DC)

May 26, 2016

When you're on vacation and nearly every step you make takes a bite out of your wallet, the most beautiful sight may just be a four-letter word: FREE. Of course, sometimes you get what you pay for, but there are plenty of truly cool and totally gratis attractions out there. In fact, Money pulled together a list of the best free thing to do in each of the 50 states. We even threw in one for Washington, D.C.

There are plenty of surprises in store, from an unusual way to explore New York City to the jellybean tour in Wisconsin. A few of these free gems are a bit off the beaten track, but if you want to hang out with Iditarod sled dogs in Alaska or sip a Budweiser with the Clydesdales in New Hampshire, you've got to take a few less-traveled roads. Still, you'll find one thing at each of these destinations: a great way to skimp on cost, not on fun.

By the way, if you're looking for your state here, don't bother searching alphabetically. The list runs in the order of when a state entered the Union. Just think of it as a free history tour.

Sign Up for Our Newsletters

Sign up to receive the latest updates and smartest advice from the editors of Money

SUBSCRIBE