No-Cost Activities

New England offers a wealth of free activities for visitors across its six states. From scenic coastal walks to historic landmarks and cultural hotspots, here’s a guide to exploring the region without breaking the bank.

RHODE ISLAND

Cliff Walk (Newport, RI) – A scenic 3.5-mile walkway along Newport’s shoreline, offering stunning ocean views and historic mansions.
RISD Museum (Providence, RI) – Free admission on Sundays and Thursdays 5-8pm, showcasing world-class art collections.
WaterFire Providence –nearly 100 bonfires above the surface of three rivers running through this beautiful city filled with performers and music. Scheduled dates between May and November.
Beavertail Lighthouse and Park (Jamestown, RI) – Visit the nation’s third-oldest lighthouse while enjoying dramatic coastal views.
Cultural Main Streets: Providence, Federal Hill, Benefit Street and Providence Place – North Kingston, Wickford Village – Newport, Bowen’s Wharf, Thames Street

CONNECTICUT

Olde Mistick Village (Mystic, CT) – A charming, historic shopping and cultural center with unique shops and seasonal events.
Yale Museums (New Haven, CT) – Yale University offers free admission to its art galleries and museums.
USS Nautilus & Submarine Force Museum (Groton, CT) – Learn about submarine history and tour the first nuclear-powered sub.
Bushnell Park (Hartford, CT) – The oldest publicly funded park in the U.S., with walking trails, a carousel, and seasonal events.
Cultural Main Streets: Mystic–Greenwich – New Haven – West Hartford Center/Blue Back Square – Ridgefield – Westport – Litchfield

MASSACHUSETTS

Essex Coastal Scenic Byway (North Shore, MA) – A 90-mile drive along the historic North Shore, featuring scenic views, period architecture and historic sites.
Drive to the Summit of Mount Greylock (Lanesborough, MA) – from the visitors center from May to the end of October, visitors can drive to beautiful summit within the Taconic Mountain range. Free to drive and small fee to park.
Natural Bridge State Park (North Adams, MA) – Explore the only natural white marble arch in North America.
Spark of the American Revolution (Concord, MA) – Minuteman National Historical Park/Lexington Town Green – The Battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775 marked the first conflict between the British and Americans, sparking the Revolutionary War.
Cultural Main Streets: Salem – Provincetown – Northampton – Concord

Boston

Boston Common & Public Garden (Boston, MA) – America’s oldest public park with iconic Swan Boats.
USS Constitution & Museum (Charlestown, MA) – Visit “Old Ironsides” and its historic museum in Charlestown.
Freedom Trail (Boston, MA) – A 2.5-mile red brick path connecting 16 historic sites.
Black Heritage Trail (Boston, MA) – A guided or self-guided tour of African American historic sites.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace (Boston, MA) – A vibrant historic market with street performers and cultural

VERMONT

Church Street Marketplace (Burlington, VT) – A lively pedestrian street in Burlington with music, art, and shops.
Quechee Gorge (Quechee, VT) – The “Grand Canyon of the East,” with breathtaking views and hiking trails.
Dog Mountain (St. Johnsbury, VT) – A dog-friendly art sanctuary with scenic trails and a dog chapel.
Cold Hollow Sculpture Park (Enosburg Falls, VT) – Immersive art experience in northern Vermont. 70 sculptures by artist David Stromeyer.
Cultural Main Streets: Woodstock – Stowe – Montpelier – Middlebury – Manchester

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Kancamagus Highway (White Mountains, NH) – A scenic drive through the White Mountains, famous for its foliage views.
New Hampshire State House Tour (Concord, NH) – A free guided tour of the oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use.
Prescott Park Summer Performances (Portsmouth, NH) – Free outdoor concerts and theater in Portsmouth.
Dartmouth College Hood Museum of Art/Jose Clemente Orozco Mural (Hanover, NH) –A diverse global art collection and Mexican muralist José Clemente Orozco’s The Epic of American Civilization.
Cultural Main Streets: Concord – Portsmouth – Littleton – Meredith – Wolfeboro – Hanover

MAINE

Marginal Way (Ogunquit, ME) – A picturesque seaside walking path in Ogunquit.
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, (New Gloucester) – Home to the last active community of Shakers with a Shaker Museum and the Shaker Store and Shaker Herb House Cultural Center. Open year round.
Eastern & Western Promenades (Portland, ME) – Stunning waterfront parks with scenic trails and picnic areas in Portland.
L.L. Bean Summer in the Park (Freeport, ME) – Free outdoor concerts and events in Freeport.
Cultural Main Streets: Kennebunkport – Ogunquit – Freeport – Portland, Old Port – Camden – Bar Harbor – Rockland

This list provides just a glimpse of the many cost-free experiences available across New England. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or vibrant cultural spots, there’s something for every traveler to enjoy!