Summary of Budget Friendly Destinations
- Free Fun at the Beach
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site
- The Blue Ridge Parkway
- Savannah’s Landmark Historic District
- The Appalachian Trail
- North Carolina Museums of Natural Sciences, Art and History
- Arlington National Cemetery
- Centennial Olympic Park
- The World’s Longest Yardsale
Fact checked by
Erin Medlicott
The Southeast U.S. is generally a budget-friendly destination with an abundance of reasonably priced accommodations and sightseeing options. Visitors can find a wealth of interesting, fun, and free things to do, including some of the region’s top attractions. Here are my top picks for the best free attractions and activities in the Southeast:
01. Free Fun at the Beach
With over 2,500 miles of coastline stretching from Virginia to Louisiana, the Southeast U.S. is one of the top beach destinations in the world. With proper planning, enjoying the beach can be free.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore on the Outer Banks offers 70 miles of often uncrowded wilderness beaches and free parking. At Virginia Beach, you can spend a delightful day on the beach, stroll the boardwalk, and enjoy free seasonal entertainment. The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk also features new free attractions, enhancing the already lively and popular free beaches of the Grand Strand.
02. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Tennessee and North Carolina
Welcoming eight to ten million annual visitors, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States. Straddling the North Carolina and Tennessee border, it is one of the few major national parks that does not charge an entrance fee.
03. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site
Atlanta, Georgia
This memorial complex preserves the places where Dr. King was born, worked, worshipped, and is buried. Operated in partnership by the National Park Service, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and The King Center, it offers opportunities to pay tribute to Dr. King while exploring his life’s work and legacy. Admission, parking, and ranger tours are offered free of charge.
04. The Blue Ridge Parkway
Virginia and North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Parkway stretches along 469 miles of the Appalachian Mountains, connecting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. Known for its scenic views, it is the most visited unit of the U.S. National Park System.
05. Savannah’s Landmark Historic District
Savannah, Georgia
The Historic District of Savannah, covering 2.5 square miles, is the largest registered urban National Historic Landmark District in the United States. While most historic museum homes charge admission for interior tours, visitors can enjoy the stunning exterior architecture, delightful garden squares, and ornate fountains via self-guided walking, biking, and driving tours at no cost.
06. The Appalachian Trail
The iconic Appalachian Trail (A.T.) spans over 2,175 miles from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. This scenic route runs through 14 states, and approximately 1,010 miles pass through five southeastern states, including Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Although some areas may require camping permits, no fees are needed to walk the trail.
07. North Carolina Museums of Natural Sciences, Art and History
Raleigh, North Carolina
Admission to these museums is free, although charges may apply for special exhibits. Highlights include:
- NC Museum of Natural Sciences – The largest of its kind in the region, featuring exhibits on dinosaurs and a Living Conservatory.
- NC Museum of Art – Home to a collection spanning 5,000 years of history.
- NC Museum of History – Showcasing the state’s military past and cultural heritage.
08. Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington, Virginia
This historic site in the Washington, D.C. area welcomes over four million visitors annually. It offers a profound opportunity for reflection and connection with history. While there is no admission fee, parking fees apply at the Visitor Center.
09. Centennial Olympic Park
Atlanta, Georgia
Home to the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, Centennial Olympic Park is a 21-acre public space revitalized for everyday enjoyment. Centrally located near attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola, the park is a vibrant haven for both visitors and locals.
10. The World’s Longest Yardsale
The World’s Longest Yardsale stretches over 650 miles, becoming a premier event that attracts countless bargain hunters each August. While browsing is free, some visitors may be tempted to purchase unique treasures, making for an enjoyable experience filled with regional attractions and entertainment.
