Places to See

All the cities we have traveled to and from, and our favorite activities from there. Below includes tips for attractions to see in a short amount of time, free events, and how we got around. Food is included on the "Food Page"

Miami

  • Wynwood Walls- Large spray painted walls that feature cool and colorful designs. Price-free
  • South Pointe Park- Beautiful park located on the southern tip of Miami Beach. Definitely recommend watching the sunset here! Price-free
  • Lincoln Road Mall- If you like shopping and cool outdoor malls, we recommend coming here. There are lots of food locations as well. Price-depends on if you shop
  • South Beach- Just what you would think, a white sandy beach. Price-free
Seattle
  • Space Needle- Iconic landmark. While we don't recommend going up to the top of the Space Needle(price wise), it definitely is something to see while you are in Seattle. This could just be walking by, or viewing it from another building. 
  • Sky View Observatory- Look out point on the 73rd floor of the Columbia Center. This is a great place to watch the sunset, as you are able to look out over all of Seattle, from Elliot Bay to Mount Rainier. At sunset you can see all the hustle and bustle of the city too! Price range-$10-$15
  • Olympic Sculpture Park- Outdoor sculptures that are situated right on the water. Some amazing views, and interesting pieces of art. Price-free
  • Seattle Art Museum- While we didn't go inside, we heard from a lot of people that this is a great museum to see! It does cost money though, unless you go on one of the free days, so make sure you research when you are going to Seattle. Price-free to $13-$20
Washington D.C.
  • Dumbarton Oaks- Museum and garden located at the highest point in Georgetown. Great photo opportunities, and its free!
  • Georgetown Shops and Restaurants - Great shopping and tons of restaurants to choose from to satisfy anyone from the meat lover to the vegan. Don't forget about the great cupcake places for dessert! 
  • Smithsonian Museums- DC has some of the best museums in the world, and the best part is they are free! Head over to the National Mall to see the Air and Space, Natural History, American History, Native American History, and so much more! 
  • National Zoo - Check out the pandas and other fun animals at the National Zoo! It's free! 
  • White House - Pretty self explanatory, but it's where the president lives! You can see the outside of the building, and the grounds. Depending on the time of year, you might be able to see the National Christmas Tree, or them setting up for the National Easter Egg Roll. You can schedule a tour of the White House if you go contact your local representative. Price: free
  • Capitol - See where all the laws are passed! Check out the history in the halls, as well maybe see a senator or two. If you call ahead your local representative will be able to schedule your tour for you. If you are interested in a tour of the Capitol you need to schedule it online, they no longer allow same day reservations. Price: free
  • Library of Congress - Visit the oldest federal library in the country! With lots of history exhibits, you can learn something new while you are there too. Unfortunately, you cannot get into the actual library unless you have a library card, but you can stand on the second floor and look out over the library. Great place to take those who love history and books! Price: free
  • National Archives - Just like in National Treasure, go see the Declaration of Independence for yourself! With lots of historical documents and interesting exhibit, this is a can't miss spot to see. Price: free
  • Gravely Point Park - Watch the planes fly right over you as you look out over the Potomac River and see the Nation's Capitol. Price: free
  • Chinatown - Visit DC's China Town! Filled with restaurants and shops that might seem very familiar to you, expect the name is written in Chinese. Unique spot to walk through, and very close to the Verizon Center, in case you are seeing a game or going to a concert. 
Richmond, VA
  • Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens- This amazing garden is the top paid attraction in Richmond! Check out their extensive collection of flowers, their large butterfly menagerie, and the overall peacefulness of the garden. Price: $13(offers multiple types of discounts)
  • Carytown- Hip restaurants and shopping boutiques in Richmond. Walk around and find a nice place to eat or get some shopping done.
  • Virginia State Capitol Building- Visit the State Capitol of Virginia where you can experience history, see where legislation happens for the commonwealth, and take in a tour if you have time. Price-free
  • Maymont Mansion and Garden-Visit this historical estate and walk around the pristine gardens! (In case you didn't notice, Richmond has a lot of amazing gardens!) Price: $5(recommended donation)
  • Hollywood Cemetery - Walk around this peaceful cemetery that features past presidents, famous generals, and other notable historical figures! Price: Free
  • Edgar Allan Poe Museum- Learn more about this great author and the short stories he wrote at this museum! Price: $6
Boston
  • Freedom Trail- Historic walking tour of Boston where you can see some of the buildings and institutions that helped start the motivation for the Revolutionary War! Price: Free
  • Quincy Market- Indoor market featuring lots of food and little shops. This is a great place to eat lunch at! Price: Free
  • New England Aquarium- Visit the penguins and turtles and fish and...there was so much here!! This aquarium had something for everyone and featured different discounts you could get so you don't have to pay full price! Even if you do pay full price, this is definitely worth seeing in our opinion, we love aquariums! Price: $26.95 adult/$18.95 child
  • Prudential Observatory - See all of Boston from the sky! This amazing observatory has an admission fee, but the views were breathtaking! Price: $18.00(Military gets in for free)
  • Harvard/Cambridge-Walk around one of the most prestigious colleges in the country, and take in the whole academic feel! Price: free
  • Beacon Hill- High end neighborhood in Boston where you can see quaint brick buildings and old cobble stone streets. Definitely take some time to walk around and see the area. Price: Free...unless you buy something in the stores! 
Philadelphia
  • Philadelphia Zoo- Cozy zoo located outside the city. You have some great opportunities to see rhinos, zebras, tigers, and more! Price:$19-$23
  • Philadelphia Museum of Art - Beautiful art museum that features hundreds of works of art! They do offer discounts for students, and children under 12 are free. Price: $14-$20
  • The Franklin Institute - Fun science museum for the whole family. Complete with lots of interactive exhibits, and a planetarium. Price: $16-$20
  • The Liberty Bell- Let freedom ring! This piece of history is a must see! Price: Free!
  • Independence Hall - See where they signed the Declaration of Independence. Tickets are required, but they are free. Price: Free!
  • Rocky Statue - A true must see for movie lover's. This statue is located right outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Price: Free!
  • One Liberty Observation Deck- See Philadelphia from 52 stories up! Take in the views and enjoy seeing the City of Brotherly Love. Price: $14-$19
  • Philadelphia Mint - Who doesn't like money? Come see where a money is minted, and learn some more history about this process. Price: Free
  • Betsy Ross' House - See the home of the lady who created the first US flag! Price: $3-$5
Mystic, CT 
  • Mystic Aquarium - Large aquarium that features beluga whales, sharks, penguins, and so much more! Offering discounts for military and senior citizens Price: $25-$35
  • Mystic Seaport - Living museum that lets you get to relive the days of a seaport in New England. Price: $17-$26
  • Fort Griswold - Fort from the revolutionary war that is now a state park. Look out at the nice views and take some of the history at the museum right across the street. Price: Free
  • Groton Monument - Large monument overlooking the fort and the city of Groton, CT. Price: Free
  • Submarine Force Museum and Library 
  • Holmberg Orchards - Pick your own orchard that also features a fun country store. Get homegrown fruits and veggies at great prices Price: depends
  • Foxwoods Casino - Local casino that features a large shopping mall with over 80 types of outlet stores! Price: Depends on how much you buy!
  • Mystic Pizza- Restaurant in Mystic, CT for which the movie Mystic Pizza is based off of! Price: Free if just driving by it
Atlanta, GA
  • Georgia Aquarium- Number one aquarium in the country featuring unique exhibits showcasing aquatic animals from around the world. Price: $30-$35
  • World of Coca-Cola- Museum and interactive exhibits displaying the history and fun of Coca-Cola. Taste hundreds of type of soda from all over the world! Price: $13-$17
  • Centennial Olympic Park- Park where the 1996 Olympics were held. Festivals and large events still occur here for the city. Price: Free
  • CNN World Headquarters - Tour the CNN studio, have lunch in one of the myriad of options, or just walk around the gift shops. Tickets are required for the studio tour, but discounts are offered for college students, children, and seniors. Price: $13-16
  • Sun Dial Restaurant- Get 360 degree views of Atlanta at 72 stories above the ground. You can buy tickets just for the observation deck, or you can have a meal there too. Price: (for just observation deck) $4-$8
  • Zoo Atlanta- Fun zoo located in Atlanta that features a variety of animals, including pandas. Save money by visiting in the winter! Buy your tickets online to save money if you are visiting during the other seasons. Price: (Winter) $16, (All other seasons) $23-26 
Key West, FL
  • Duval Street- Walk and shop through stores and eat at great restaurants in this bustling street in Key West!
  • Dry Tortugas National Park- Explore this 19th century fort, and experience the crystal clear waters! Price: $10 per visitor
Great Falls Park, MD
  • Hike, bike, or just casually walk around at this park. If you drive here, there is an entrance fee of $10
  • Virginia side offers better view opportunities and a more leisurely hiking path
  • Rock climbing and kayaking are also available 
Raleigh, NC
Annapolis, MD
  • Maryland State House-Free self guided tours offered to the public everyday except Christmas and New Years Day from 9am-5pm.  Price: Free
  • United States Naval Academy- Stop by the visitor's center, or tour the grounds of the USNA. Tour the grounds on your own for free, or participate in a guided walking tour where tickets must be purchased. Family, military, and children rates are available. Price: Free-$36
San Antonio, TX
  • The Alamo- Famous mission in San Antonio that played a big role in the Texas war for independence. You can walk around the grounds outside, or can go inside the Alamo Church. Price: Free
  • The Riverwalk-Scenic walkway through San Antonio that features stops at the major attractions of the city. Price: Free 
  • Buc-ee's- Large convenience store chain in Texas. Get everything you need from food, household items, and outdoor equipment. Price: Depends what you buy!  
  • Tower of the Americas- Observation deck and restaurant overlooking San Antonio. Military discounts, and children pricing is available. Price: $9-$12
  • La Villita - Entertainment and shopping area that features art galleries, stores, and dining options. Price: Free
  • The Missions- Historical sights located all over San Antonio. Price: Free

No comments:

Post a Comment