Austin is a progressive metropolis that stands out amid the gung-ho conservatism that characterizes the rest of Texas. Despite being a bureaucratic capital city, Austin retains a funky flavor and boasts a diversity of recreational opportunities. And from its lively music scene to its abundance of outdoor pursuits, Austin overflows with activities that don’t require you to pay entrance fees or buy tickets. Check out these free things to do during your visit if you want to have fun in Austin without spending a dime.

1. Barton Creek Greenbelt

The Barton Creek Greenbelt is an outdoorsy paradise within the city limits of Austin that offers a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. 7.9 miles long and 809 acres, the Barton Creek Greenbelt features lush vegetation, swimming holes, hiking and biking trails, and limestone cliffs that are ideal for rock climbing.

2. Blues on the Green

Grab a blanket, some lawn chairs, and your family and head to Blues on the Green, a free concert series held in Zilker Parker from June to August. These evening concerts allow you to enjoy live musical performances from local favorites, including Marcia Ball and Los Lonely Boys.

3. Texas Capitol Building

Learn about the history of Texas while exploring awe-inspiring sights at the Texas Capitol Complex, which is home to the Texas State Capitol Building, landscaped lawns, and 17 historical monuments. Guided tours of the Capitol Building are absolutely free.

4. Free Museum Day

Austin is home to a diversity of fascinating museums and you can visit about 30 of them for free every September. Museums that participate in Free Museum Day include the Austin Children’s Museum, Austin Museum of Art, and the Texas Natural Science Center.

5. Zilker Botanical Garden

Located on 31 acres on the South Bank of the Colorado River, the Zilker Botanical Garden displays an array of habitats and exotic plant life. Attractions at the Zilker Botanical Garden include a butterfly garden, Japanese garden, and a prehistoric garden in an area where dinosaurs once roamed.

6. Lady Bird Lake

Lady Bird Lake is a reservoir on the Colorado River that’s located in downtown Austin. This lake, formerly known as Town Lake, is a major recreational area that offers magnificent views of the Austin Skyline (perfect for pictures) and is home to hiking and biking trails and sports fields. Most types of motorized watercraft are prohibited on the lake, so the lake is popular for canoeing and kayaking.

7. Barton Springs Pool

Located within Zilker Park, the Barton Springs Pool is a three acre man-made pool fed from underground springs that is popular for swimming. The water has a year round average temperature of 68 degrees. Native Americans in the area considered the Barton Springs sacred and went there to heal their wounds.

8. Watch the Bats at the Congress Avenue Bridge

The Congress Avenue Bridge in downtown Austin is home to the largest urban bat colony in the United States. Each evening, from mid-March to November, an estimated 1.5 million Mexican free-tail bats emerge from under the bridge at sunset to forage for food. To find out where the best free spots are for viewing this spooky sight, visit the information kiosk located on the north bank of the river.

9. University of Texas Campus

The University of Texas campus in Austin is home to the majestic Littlefield Fountain and the symbolic University of Texas Tower where the infamous 1966 shooting took place. During an afternoon stroll on this scenic campus, guests can enjoy museum hopping at no charge. At the Harry Ransom Center, you can view world-famous artifacts, such as an authentic copy of the Gutenberg Bible and the first photograph ever taken in the world. At the Texas Memorial Museum, you can learn about the natural and cultural heritage of the state and see real dinosaur tracks!

10. Mount Bonnell

Mount Bonnell is the highest point within Austin city limits, where you can get amazing views of downtown Austin and Lake Austin. Mount Bonnell is the perfect location for a romantic date or a picnic lunch.

The next time you’re in San Francisco, be on the lookout for San Francisco City Guides. This group of local volunteers is organized by members who are passionate about their city, and want to share little known facts and historical tidbits about SF. From neighborhood tours including Chinatown and Nob Hill, to famous landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf,  their daily schedule of free tours is in constant rotation. Check their website for up-to-date tours.

1.  Japanese Tea Garden Tour

Photo courtesy of Thierry- http://www.flickr.com/photos/http2007/2204391012/

Located inside Golden Gate Park, the Japanese Tea Garden is a world-famous five-acre garden featuring beautiful monuments, bridges and native Japanese plants and ponds. Originally built by Japanese immigrant and gardener Makoto Hagiwara for the 1894 California Midwinter International Exposition, the garden is one of the most popular attractions in San Francisco today. Tours are available nearly every day of the week, but the garden fee is waived if you take the Monday  morning tour, beginning at 9:30 a.m. The tour is approximately 45 minutes.

2.  Fisherman’s Wharf Tour

Photo courtesy of Prayitno- http://www.flickr.com/photos/34128007@N04/4690202925/

San Francisco City Guides offers a side of Fisherman’s Wharf like you’ve never seen. Discover the many hotels, restaurants, attractions and retail stores offering services in the area.  Tour guides give away some of the best secrets about Fisherman’s Wharf, including what’s underneath Aquatic Park, naming the baseball great who whose father wanted him to be a fisherman, and sharing how Ghirardelli arrived here from Peru. Tours begin at 11 a.m. every Monday and Friday.

3. Golden Gate Bridge Tour

Have you ever wondered why the Golden Gate Bridge isn’t  actually painted gold? Find out the answer to this question, and more fascinating facts about San Francisco’s most famous landmark on the San Francisco City Guides’ Golden Gate Bridge Tour. Offered year-round,  this tour features the most amazing views of The City and the Marin Headlands. Tours start at 11 a.m. on Sunday and Thursday.

4. Chinatown Tour

Photo courtesy of Trace Meek- http://www.flickr.com/photos/tracemeek/5037065668/

Come on down to Chinatown and experience the colorful alleyways and side streets of this bustling neighborhood. Chinatown is the center of family associations, sewing shops, community organizations and long-standing churches.  The Chinatown market features shops offering Chinese medicinal herbs, gold jewelry and fresh vegetables. Chinatown tours are available Saturday at 10 a.m. and Monday at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

5. Omni Hotel Walk

Guests on the Omni Hotel Walk never know where their tour might lead. Starting from the lobby of the Omni Hotel, this free City Guides tour offers a new sight of Downtown every week. It could be Nob Hill, Chinatown, Emaracadero Skyway, Gold Rush City, or the Ferry Building, but no matter where you end up, you won’t be disappointed!  Tours begin on Saturday at 10 a.m.

6. Alamo Square Tour

Photo courtesy of Blupics- http://www.flickr.com/photos/blupics/560186143/

Alamo Square is home to some of San Francisco’s most opulent and beautifully restored Painted Ladies, all of which can be witnessed on the Landmark Victorians of Alamo Square Tour.  Check out the famous Postcard Row, and be prepared for an unparalleled view of this historic neighborhood. Tours take place every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month at 11 a.m. and every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at 11 a.m.

7. Theatre in SF Tour

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San Francisco has a long history of being connected with the theater. For 150 years, thespians have been entertaining the masses with their song and dance. The tour includes current theaters, as well as those that fell and burned in the 1906 earthquake. Learn about prominent actors and theatrical trends occurring throughout the years.  This tour takes place at 10 a.m. on the 3rd Sunday of each month, as well as the 2nd and 3rd Wednesday of each month.

Visit San Francisco City Guides online for more available tours of the city.

Miami, the center of Florida’s largest metro region, has loads of activities for visitors! Enjoy Miami’s rich cultural heritage without opening your wallet! Explore Little Havana, peruse art museums, or visit one of the city’s many beaches, free of charge.

1. Viernes Culturales

Experience the vibrant culture of Miami’s Cuban population with Viernes Culturales! The last Friday of each month, the Little Havana neighborhood hosts a festival of music, art, and dining which attracts over 70,000 visitors a year. Tour the district’s thirteen art galleries, listen to outdoor musical performances, and taste free samples at the many fine restaurants that line the streets.

2. Miami Beaches

Soak up the sun at one of Miami’s many public beaches! Check out South Beach, Virginia Key Beach, and Haulover Beach, and the many other beaches that dot the Miami coast. Swim, run, or just enjoy the weather! Most beaches have free admission.

3. Gables Art Walk

Visit on the first Friday of the month and experience Miami’s burgeoning art scene with the Gables Art Walk! Over a dozen museums, studios, and other art venues open their doors to visitors through the evening. Expect to see some beautiful local art, talk to artists, and enjoy wine and cheese, all free of charge!

4. Wolfsonian Art Museum

This museum comprehensively covers North American and European art from the late 19th century to WWII. Explore Dutch and Italian art nouveau furniture, British arts and crafts, and German and American political propaganda. This wide-ranging collection can be viewed free of charge Fridays, after 6 PM.

5. Holocaust Memorial

This internationally recognized sculpture garden commemorates the six million Jews who died during the Holocaust. The site features sculptures of victims, a concise history of the Holocaust, a reflecting pool, and a passageway lined with the names of victims.

6. Miami Art Museum

Miami’s young art museum houses hundreds of pieces, focusing on works from the Western Hemisphere made during the last two centuries. Check out beautiful contemporary works from Miami, the US, and the world! Second Saturdays of every month are free.

7. Bay of Pigs Museum

In 1961, thousands of American-trained Cuban exiles invaded their homeland before being defeated by Castro’s army. This event shook the Americas and influences US-Cuban relations to this day. Visit this museum in Little Havana and view CIA photos and other artifacts pertaining to the invasion.

8. Miami Beach Architectural Historic District

This neighborhood, within a mile of South Beach, is home to hundreds of beautiful buildings of various architectural styles. In addition to its 800 edifices, the district contains Mediterranean Revival and modern architecture. Walk or take the shuttle through this beautiful, historic neighborhood.

9. Jewish Museum of Florida

This museum stands as a testament to Florida’s Jewish population. The museum, itself comprised of two historic synagogues, houses an addition 100,000 items which chronicle the Jewish experience in Florida. Admission is free on Saturdays.

10. World of Bacardi Museum

Anyone who drinks Bacardi and has a taste for history should stop by the World of Bacardi Museum. The museum chronicles the history of both the Bacardi family and corporation. Admission is free but appointments are required.

Photo Credit: Joey Gannon- http://www.flickr.com/photos/brunkfordbraun/113595395/

Going to Pittsburgh on a tight budget? The Steel City has plenty of options for budget travelers. You can watch movies, see concerts, explore nature and go on group bike rides, all without opening your wallet.

1- Frick Woods Nature Reserve and Environmental Center

The 151-acre Frick Woods Nature Reserve provide a beautiful alternative to urban Pittsburgh. The reserve is the entrance into many of the city’s natural trails, where you can spend a whole afternoon on foot or bike. In addition, the Frick Woods Nature Reserve provides educational nature programs year-round.

2- Allegheny County Summer Series

Every summer Allegheny County hosts a series of free concerts throughout the county’s public parks. Acts include jazz, classical and popular musicians, and this summer include Yo la Tengo, Rusted Root, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and the Pittsburgh Opera.

3- Group Bike Rides

If you’ve brought a bike with you on your visit, Pittsburgh has a number of mass bike rides for you to enjoy. Like many cities, Pittsburgh hosts a Critical Mass bike ride on the last Friday of every month. Those looking for a slower, more polite ride should check out Flock of Cycles, held on the second to last Friday of every month. Finally, if you’re after a nighttime experience, join the Midnight Mass bike ride. These intense, fast paced rides begin at midnight on the first Friday of each month. Whatever experience you’re looking for, Pittsburgh has the urban biking experience for you!

4- Point State Park

Pittsburgh’s Point State Park lies at the convergence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers. This beautiful area, right in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh, was the location of Fort Duquesne and Pitt, built during the French and Indian War. Point State Park preserves their memory with the Fort Pitt Museum, which lies inside the Park. Spend a day at this historically and geographically significant spot!

5- Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park

Enjoy the outdoors and great films at the same time! Dollar Bank Cinema will be hosting free movie screenings at parks around Pittsburgh. This summer’s selection includes Up, How to Train Your Dragon, The Blind Side, and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Screenings occur at different times for different parks. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy!

6- The Frick Art and Historical Center

If you’re interested in the art and history of the American Gilded Age, the Frick Center is a must-visit! The museum’s collection of art includes work from both late 19th century America and Renaissance Europe. In addition to its art exhibits the center houses a collection of the Frick family’s antique cars. The building itself is a beautiful architectural remnant of Gilded Age-America.

7- Pittsburgh Bansai Society

Discover the art of bonsai with the Pittsburgh Bansai Society: one of the oldest bansai centers in the United States. Visitors can come to meetings regular meetings and learn about subjects such as horticulture and stone appreciation. The society additionally holds meetings and seminar where beginners can learn rudimentary techniques and develop an appreciation for bansai.

8- Roberto Clemente Memorial Park

Named after the Pittsburgh Pirate Roberto Clemente, this Park features a statue of the famous right fielder as well as a large garden and a Vietnam War memorial. The park also contains The Sculpture Court at Allegheny Landing: an outdoor collection of modern art sculptures. With Pittsburgh’s three rivers as a backdrop, the Roberto Clemente Memorial Park is a great way to get outside and enjoy the nature and history of the city.

Photo Credit: Frank Kovalchek- http://www.flickr.com/photos/72213316@N00/2477758030/

1. Alaska Heritage Museum

One of the largest public collections in the state, the Alaska Heritage Museum covers both Alaska’s native and settler populations. The museum houses over 900 native artifacts, including traditional clothing, a seal skin kayak, and ivory carvings. In addition, you can find paintings by local Alaskan artists. Learn about Alaska’s diverse heritage at this all-encompassing museum!

2. Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge

Anchorage’s refuge covers 16 miles of beautiful oceanic wilderness. The site supports moose, mongoose, over 300 species of birds, and numerous fish in its many creeks. Come and escape the city and enjoy a slice of Alaska’s pristine wilderness!

3. Eagle River Nature Center

The Eagle River Nature Center provides visitors many opportunities to explore the vast Chugach State Park. Take a free organized walk through the park, attend a fascinating astronomy program, or bring the kids to an outdoor, educational day camp. The Eagle River Nature Center provides many free ways to get the most out of your Chugach experience

4. Alaska Law Enforcement Museum

Learn about the history of Alaska’s law enforcement agencies at this one-of-a-kind museum! Exhibits cover such subjects as Ed Krause, Alaska’s first serial killer, historic uniforms and insignias, and the technology used by Alaska’s first police officers. Discover a unique slice of Alaskan history at this free museum!

5. Wild Berry Chocolate Waterfall

Head over to the Wild Berry Theater and Park to see the world’s largest chocolate waterfall! The chocolate shoots up a twenty-foot fountain before falling down a series of copper kettles. Using over 3,000 pounds of chocolate, this is a one-of a kind spectacle, and a must see for chocolate enthusiasts of all ages!

6. Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

Want some exercise during your vacation? Hike, bike, or skateboard down the eleven-mile Tony Knowles Coastal Trail! This paved trail takes you from downtown Anchorage to Kincaid Park, all the way alongside the beautiful Alaskan coast.

7. Elmendorf State Fish Hatchery

This fish hatchery features many different fishes at different stages of development. The site’s 21 small ponds contain Chinook, Rainbow Trout, and a number of other fish species. While you’re there, observe salmon swimming upstream in their natural habitat at the adjacent Salmon Viewing Area.

In addition to its status as a financial and economic center, Texas’ second largest city is a major center of cultural attractions and production. If you plan your trip correctly, you can take advantage of all that Dallas has to offer without spending a dime!

1. Trammel and Margaret Collection of Asian Art

Adjacent to the Trammell Crow Center sits a free museum dedicated to the art of China, Japan, India, and Southeast Asia. Current exhibits include bamboo baskets, Chinese “snuff bottles,” and Qing dynasty jade.

2. Cedar Ridge Preserve

This 600-acre wilderness reserve features a mesquite prairie, nine miles of hiking trails, and nurseries for native plants. Get away from the city and explore some of Dallas’ pristine natural surroundings!

3. Meadows Museum

Southern Methodist University’s Meadows Museum features a wide array of Spanish art, including pieces by Picasso, Velázquez, Ribera, and Francisco de Goya. Current exhibitions include the personal collection of King Charles IV of Spain, including paintings, sculptures, books, coins, musical instruments. Admision is free Thursdays after five.

4. Fountain Place

Itself an architectural marvel, this stunning, 60-story building of reflective glass features a fountain show at its base. Come and admire both the building and its 172 dancing fountains!

5. Trammell Crow Garden

At the base of the Trammell Crow Center sits a beautiful sculpture garden featuring over 20 pieces by famous French sculptors. Pieces include Maillol’s “Nymph With Flowers,” Rodin’s “Genius of Eternal Rest,” and Bourdelle’s “Horse for Alvear Monument.”

6. JFK Memorial

Just blocks away from the site of Kennedy’s assassination rests this simple memorial. It consists of four concrete walls containing an engraving of the late President’s name.

7. African American Museum

This free museum honoring African-American history contains one of the largest collections of African-American folk art in the country. Current exhibits include Bayou sculpture from Louisiana.

8. Hall of State

This beautiful building holds a variety of exhibits relating to Texan history. The hall holds pieces including a fresco of “Old Man Texas,” bronze sculptures of the founders of the Lone Star Republic, and much more.

Arizona’s second largest city has plenty of options for budget travelers! With this list you can plan your dream Southwestern vacation without opening your wallet!

1. Arizona State Museum

Come visit the oldest and largest anthropology museum in the Southwestern United States! The Arizona State Museum’s incredible collection ranges from Mexican folk masks to the skeletons of over 3,500 vertebrates. A donation of $3 is suggested.

2. DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun

This ten-acre gallery and National Historic District was built by artist Ted DeGrazia to escape downtown Tucson. Its six outdoor galleries contain over 15,000 original DeGrazia pieces. With its rock floors, interior murals, and open-air roof, this gallery is simply one-of-a-kind!

3. Center for Creative Photography

Head over to the University of Arizona and check out this archive and research center of creative photography! The permanent collection includes pieces by Ansel Adams and Edward Weston.

4. Presidio Trail

Want to learn about downtown Tucson? The Presidio Trail is an historic self-guided trail that shows tourists the best that Tucson has to offer. The 2.5-mile trail brings travelers to a number of restaurants, theaters, the South Arizona Transportation Museum, and an archaeological dig. There’s no better way to experience downtown Tucson!

5. University of Arizona Museum of Art

This museum, located on the University of Arizona campus, holds over 5,000 paintings, sculptures, prints, and drawings. The collection focuses on European and American art from the Renaissance to the present and features such iconic artists as Pollock, Matisse, Picasso, and Dali. Check out special exhibitions like Japanese prints, and sculptural books, as well as student artwork.

6. Arizona History Museum (Tucson)

Tucson’s Arizona History Museum focuses on southern Arizonan history from colonization to the territorial period. Look at Spanish silver mining artifacts and Geronimo’s rifle. Admission is free on the first Saturdays of every month.

7. Mission San Xavier del Bac

San Xavier was founded as a Catholic Mission in 1692. With its dramatic interior and its stone, lime, and clay exterior, the Mission is often considered the finest example of Spanish architecture in the United States. Check out this beautiful building and its museum, which chronicles the history of the centuries-old landmark.

8. South Arizona Transportation Museum

This museum, built on the restored Southern Pacific Railroad Depot, chronicles the history of transportation in Southern Arizona. Exhibits include the locomotive #1673, a 1919 boxcar, and various other rotating artifacts.

Hawaii definitely isn’t known for being the cheapest place in the country to visit. With this list, however, you can make the most out of the Aloha State without feeling a sting in your wallet. Visit parks, hear music, learn hula and more!

1. Diamond Head

If you want to get some exercise and a spectacular view, take a hike up Hawaii’s famous Diamond Head volcanic cone. This 762 foot sculpture is an immortal symbol of Hawaii’s natural beauty.

2. Akaka Falls State Park

This beautiful state park contains natural wonders unlike anything in the lower 48. Take a half hour walk through the park and experience the tropical flowers and wildlife. The park is also home to its namesake Akaka Falls: a cascading, 442 foot waterfall.

3. Dole Plantation

History and agriculture come alive at Dole Pineapple Plantation: an historic site which reopened as a plantation and tourist attraction in 1989. Take a tour of the grounds to enjoy the beautiful scenery and learn about the agriculture which has so deeply affected modern Hawaii.

4. Pearl Harbor Memorial

The attack on Pearl Harbor which brought the US into WWII has proved to be one of the major turning points in US history. Pay homage to the fallen at the USS Arizona Memorial: a beautiful granite building which sits atop the sunken vessel. Visitors also watch a 22 minute film about the Pearl Harbor attack.

5. Movies at Waikiki Beach

If you feel like catching a movie but don’t want to leave the beautiful climate, head over to Kapahulu Pier at Waikiki Beach. Bring a picnic and watch the sunset before enjoying a free movie with hundreds of others.

6. Hula Lessons

No trip to Hawaii is complete without learning its famous dance! The Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center provides free lessons in hula, as well as ukulele and lei-making. Learn a skill to bring a piece of Hawaii home with you!

7. Whaler’s Village Museum

Visit the town of Lahaina and explore its history as a whaling hotspot! The Whaler’s Village Museum boasts an antique whaling ship, antiques made of whale ivory and bone, and a collection of scrimshaw-pictures finely carved into whale bone.

8. Road to Hana

The famous trip from Kahului to Hana on the island of Maui is equal parts awe-inspiring and terrifying. The treacherous road has more than 600 sharp turns and 59 bridges, making this 68-mile round-trip a ten hour journey. If you’re willing to take the harrowing journey, then you’ll be rewarded with some of Hawaii’s most beautiful views of tropical forests and waterfalls.

9. Hear the Royal Hawaiian Band Perform

Though the Hawaiian monarchy was ended over a hundred years ago, a tangible vestige of that era remains in the Royal Hawaiian Band. Hear them perform for free every Friday at Iolani Palace bandstand and every Sunday in Kapi’olani Park.

10. Pipiwai Trail

Take a stop on the Road to Hana to walk down this stunning trail, which leads to the Seven Sacred Pools. The beautiful pools are connected with waterfalls. The pools are a popular spot for swimming and cliff jumping, though you should exercise utmost caution because there aren’t any lifeguards.

11. Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens
Translating roughly to “To make a place of peace and tranquility”, Ho’omaluhia is aptly named indeed. Originally built by the US Army to prevent flooding, the garden today is a bastion of Hawaiian and Polynesian plant life. The grounds also include a 32-acre picnic area. Admission is free every day, and there are free guided walks Saturday at 10 AM and Sunday at 1 PM.

Known for its position on the Mississippi, its French-Creole architecture, and its blend of American, Spanish, and French cultures, New Orleans is considered one of the most unique cities in the United States. While some of the city’s attractions come with a price tag, there are plenty of options that you can enjoy free of charge. This list covers natural, cultural, musical, and educational sites which can improve your trip without adding to the cost.

1. Jackson Park

This historic park is located in the center of the famous French Quarter. The center of the park features a statue of the park’s namesake – Andrew Jackson, on horseback, by Clark Mills. The surrounding streets feature great coffee shops, colonial buildings and a popular brewery. For history buffs, the park will excite interest as the site of the 1811 German Coast Uprising. Anybody visiting the city should stop in Jackson Park and explore both it and the surrounding area.

2. National WWII Museum

New Orleans’ WWII museum was, in 2003, designated America’s National WWII museum. Though there’s an entrance cost for most visitors, children and those with a military ID can gain access for free, and all are welcome to free swing dances every Sunday!

3. Besthoff Sculpture Garden

This impressive outdoor sculpture garden includes over works 50 by dozens of artists including Louis Bourgeois, Henry Moore and Joel Shapiro. Take a stroll through the garden and catch a free glimpse of some of the city’s best sculptural artwork.

4. Canal Street Ferry

Pedestrians gain free access to this ferry ride, which sails to Algiers Point – an historic residential neighborhood with a number of great places to eat. Enjoy the skyline on the ferry and the antique architecture of the neighborhood before heading back!

5. Satchmo Summer Fest

Louis Armstrong’s birth city pays tribute to the legendary musician during this annual, three-day jazz festival. Musicians from New Orleans and Japan take part in a wide array of concerts. If you’re visiting during the summer, check to see if you can enjoy this unique cultural celebration!

6. Frenchman Street

This two-block strip features some of the city’s best music and dance clubs, many of which have free admission! Head to Frenchman Street any day of the week and enjoy some of the city’s entertainment with the locals.

7. Barataria Preserve

Part of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, Barataria is a 20,000 acre preserve of forests, marshes, and swamps. The site also contains a visitors center with films, exhibits, and environmental education materials. The preserve is a short drive from the city of New Orleans.

8. St. Louis Cathedral

The St. Louis Cathedral was built in 1727, making it oldest continuously operating Roman Catholic cathedral in the United States. This magnificent edifice features beautiful stain-glass designs and a garden in back. At night, the cathedral is lit up and makes a spectacular sight for passers-by. The St. Louis Cathedral is located across the street from Jackson Park.

9. Arnauld’s

This well-known restaurant has a museum dedicated to the city’s famous Mardi Gras parades. Enjoy the history and artifacts whether or not you’re dining at Arnauld’s.

10. Chalmette Battlefield

The site of the 1815 Battle New Orleans is commemorated with this National Historical Park. The Battlefield hosts presentations, films, and exhibits about the famous battle. Next to the battlefield is an historic cemetery for US soldiers serving in wars from the Civil War to Vietnam. The battlefield and cemetery are part of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve.

Photo Credit: Adrian Sampson- http://www.flickr.com/photos/adrian_s/22440437/

The country’s sixth largest city, Philadelphia is commensurately rich in culture and history. It’s central role in the formation of the American country have earned it the nickname “The Birthplace of America”. Whether you’re interested in the history or the contemporary culture of this great city, there are ways to get your dream vacation without spending a nickel!

1. Independence Hall

One of the most historically important buildings in US history, Independence Hall served as the Founding Fathers’ meeting place when they debated and adopted the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. It was additionally the original home of the Liberty Bell and Pennsylvania’s original statehouse. Anyone interested in American history should take the time to discover this site, which was pivotal in the foundation of the country as we know it.

2. Philadelphia Museum of Art

One of the largest museums in the world, the Philadelphia Museum of Art holds hundreds of thousands of pieces. Their collection includes famous paintings by Dali, Duchamp, Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh. Plan your trip on the first Sunday of the month, when you can “pay what you wish”.

3. Liberty Bell

The Liberty Bell, with its famous crack, have become an irreplaceable symbol of the American Revolution. Traditionally, the bell was rung during the First Continental Congress and the Battle of Lexington and Concord. Head to Independence National Historical Park and view this iconic piece of Americana.

4. New Hall Military Museum

This two floor museum is devoted to the role of the military in America’s early history. Artifacts include swords, grenades, and model ships. Come and appreciate the critical role that the marines played in the formation of the American Republic!

5. US Mint

Want to see where are coinage comes from? The US Mint in Philadelphia manufactures and distributes the billions of coins per year which enter our currency every year. The Mint is open to the public, so take yourself on a self-guided tour during your visit!

6. Rodin Museum

Auguste Rodin was a French sculptor, most famous for the statue “The Thinker”. Though that iconic statue remains in Paris, Philadelphia’s Rodin Museum holds more of his work than any museum outside of France. The museum holds such pieces as the Burghers of Calais and the Gates of Hell. Admission is free, though a donation of five dollars is suggested.

7. First Bank of the United States

The First Bank was the first central bank of the United States. Established during the Washington administration, this bank handled the nation’s monetary policy for twenty years. Visit this beautiful, historical building and learn about the key role in our country’s early history!

8. Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial

Kosciuszko, in addition to being a hero in his native Poland, is also famous for his assistance given to America during the Revolutionary War. Honor this international hero and learn more about our Revolutionary War at this tiny National Memorial.