5 Best Free Things To Do in the US This Summer

What are YOU doing this summer?

Here at Must See Places, we can’t wait for the summer season to begin. The only downside is that we don’t always have a whole lot of extra cash to burn. This got us thinking… Let’s search for places our readers can visit that don’t cost a thing!

Our country offers a never-ending amount of fun AND free things you can do in the summertime. So why not take advantage? Just because your travel budget is a bit on the small side doesn’t mean you can’t experience all a city offers.

To help those who are on the hunt for bargains make the most of their travels, we’ve rounded up the top cost-free activities and attractions available in the best destinations in our country.

These are the 5 most amazing free things to do in the top inexpensive places across America.

Click “Next” to begin your adventure!

Explore the Pacific Northwest parks in Seattle, Washington

The Emerald City is as beautiful as it sounds. And luckily, it’s also budget-friendly! For example, Pike Place Market, considered one of the country’s best, frequently offers its customers delicious samples.

And if you wish to get in touch with Mother Nature this summer, Discovery Park has many stunning trails and relaxing beaches within city limits you can explore.

But if you’re looking for a bit more of an adventure, Mount Si lies a mere 40 miles away from the city center, and the best part is that it’s free to enter.

And for even more breathtaking views, we recommend you skip the costly admission ticket at the Space Needle and go to Kerry Park instead. It’s a park on Seattle’s Queen Anne Hill where many well-known skyline photos were snapped.

Observe Wild Bats in Austin, Texas

This city in Texas is always a great place to visit because it offers various free activities for you to enjoy. Outdoor lovers will enjoy Zilker Park and Barton Creek Greenbelt, which offers trails and swimming holes for you to cool off in the summer.

And art enthusiasts will enjoy the graffiti-full HOPE Outdoor Gallery. But above all this, animal lovers will get a rush from seeing about 1.5 million bats underneath the Congress Avenue Bridge.

Moreover, there are plenty of venues for music lovers in the Live Music Capital of the World that don’t cost an arm and a leg. For instance, the White Horse doesn’t have a cover charge, and the Elephant Room won’t charge entrance fees during weekday shows.

Jam Out to Music in Nashville, Tennessee

We must admit that “free” attractions are occasional in Nashville. But it IS still possible to enjoy a piece of Music City if you’re on a tight budget. There are many concerts and festivals offered throughout the year that are free, including CMA Fest and Let Freedom Sing!

But venues like Robert’s Western World and Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge host live music every day, and they don’t have a cover charge. You can also get to know all the great legends in music by walking the Music City Walk of Fame.

If you’re an art enthusiast, you can either pay for the $15 Hatch Show Print studio tour. Or you can visit the affiliated shop that’s free of charge. It offers unique views into the process of printing posters.

Explore Some Southern Salt Marshes in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

The main reason many travelers flock to this seaside city for the summer is for its 60 miles of gorgeous beaches, which won’t cost you a thing to access. But beaches aren’t the only “free” reasons to visit this area.

Strolling around on the promenade and boardwalk can be a relaxing time for visitors.

And even though Broadway by the Beach, a shopping and entertainment complex, is pretty costly, many tourists boast this place as an excellent spot for soaking in the ambiance of the summer crowds and people-watching.

But if you’d like some time away from all the hustle and bustle, you should venture out to visit Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens. It offers boardwalks and trails through salt marshes and fantastic views of the Intracoastal Waterway.

Take A Hike To See Geysers With a Yellowstone National Park Ranger in Wyoming

Now, we admit that this last one isn’t completely free of charge. But it’s well worth it! Yellowstone has a modest admission fee of $30 for a seven-day vehicle pass. It’s a massive steal for the number of natural attractions that you’ll find within the world’s first national park!

Besides getting access to nearly 3,500 square miles, visitors can experience a variety of No-charge, seasonal activities that are offered by the National Park’s ranger programs.

This includes educational talks, like astronomy lessons, wildlife presentations, and multiple walks through Yellowstone Lake and Geyser Hill. You’ll get a chance to see approximately 30 geysers, including Old Faithful, so don’t forget your camera for this one!

So now that you have a few options for how to spend an adventure-filled summer on a budget be sure to leave us a comment and let us know which ones were your favorite!

But if you’re looking for even more ideas on where to plan your next trip, we also recommend reading about 4 Best Small Towns in the US for a Summer Vacation