Shasta Cascade
Cross the Sundial Bridge
Walk or rent bikes to cross the Sacramento River on the 700-foot architectural marvel of the Sundial Bridge, located at Turtle Bay Exploration Park in Redding. Nearby, you can also stroll through Paul Bunyan’s Forest Camp or relax in the McConnell Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.
Play at Bidwell Park
One of the largest municipal parks in the nation, Bidwell Park in Chico is a 3,670-acre sanctuary offering everything from hiking, mountain biking and disc golfing to swimming holes, fishing and an observatory.
Chase waterfalls
A trip to the Shasta Cascade region wouldn’t be complete without visiting some of the area’s stunning waterfalls. With over 50 in the area, there is something for everyone ranging from easily accessible to more strenuous with spectacular payoff. Venture through Shasta, Siskiyou, Butte, Plumas, Tehama or Trinity County to enjoy the natural tranquility — bonus points if you ask a local for their favorite! Be sure to follow California’s Responsible Travel Code while visiting, too!
North Coast
Drive the Avenue of Giants in Humboldt County
Cruise this 31-mile stretch, which runs parallel to Highway 101 and is flanked by the enormous trees of Humboldt Redwoods State Park. But the exploration can go beyond the car: make a quick stop on the avenue to check-out the park’s loop trails that have views of some of the world’s tallest trees in the Rockefeller Forest.
San Francisco Bay Area
Wake Up and Smell the Roses in San Jose’s Municipal Rose Garden
With more than 3,500 plantings and 189 varieties of roses, the Municipal Rose Garden in San Jose is the perfect place to take pictures, have a picnic or simply enjoy the little things in life. Green grass, fragrant blooms all year round, surrounding redwood trees and a grandiose fountain give visitors a rich experience for free.
Experience San Francisco Icons
San Francisco offers plenty to do for little to no cost. Experience the Golden Gate Bridge a different way by walking across it, taking in sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, Alcatraz Island and local sea life. Also experience the city’s other most famous icon: cable cars. Learn about and see San Francisco’s cable car and streetcar history up close at the Cable Car and SF Railway Museums, both free to enter. Don’t forget about the city’s plethora of public parks as well from Golden Gate Park, the Presidio Tunnel Tops and Sunset Dunes.
Get a Taste of Ancient Greece at the Pulgas Water Temple
Built in 1938, the ancient Greek-inspired Pulgas Water Temple in Redwood City commemorates the Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct, which used the engineering methods of ancient Greeks and Romans to complete it. With stunning views of the temple, interactive learning experiences and soft green grass perfect for a picnic, the Pulgas Water Temple is a place to discover free fun.
Bike along the Napa Valley Vine Trail
The Napa Valley Vine Trail runs from downtown Napa to Yountville, going straight through the heart of the valley. Open to both bikes and pedestrians, the trail is the perfect way to see wine country and the vines that put it on the map. Don’t forget to stop for a photo op at one of the two famous “Welcome to Napa Valley” signs.
Visit Farm to Fork Farms
While Sonoma County may be known for its wine, its farm-to-fork bounty is just as enticing. Journey through Sonoma’s agricultural heartland with Sonoma County Farm Trails to learn about the agricultural heritage, experience life on the farm and taste some of the local goods. Using the Farm Trails interactive map or downloadable guide, visitors can curate a self‑guided tour of farms across rolling oak-studded hills, redwood groves and river valleys.
Gold Country
Look at Past History in California’s Capitol
With its noble columns and stunning cupola, California’s State Capitol building in Sacramento looks like a mini replica of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Take a free tour to learn about the 1869 building’s architecture and history, or stroll through the adjacent 40-acre Capitol Park, where you can admire monuments and memorials that remind visitors of California’s history and natural beauty.
Step Back to Gold Rush Times at Columbia State Historic Park
Explore the beautifully preserved Columbia State Historic Park, populated by costumed docents, then browse working on-site operations like a candy kitchen, blacksmith shop and saloon. This free state park in Tuolumne County is an immersion experience into the Gold Rush era where visitors can enjoy performances at the Fallon Theater or sip on a coffee while exploring the nature trails.
High Sierra
Ride in Style with Mammoth’s Free Transit System
Mammoth Lakes offers a free, eco-friendly transit system that connects major spots around town, including the Village, Mammoth Mountain and nearby lakes free of charge. Whether you're headed out for a hike, planning to bike or simply want to explore the town, these free year-round shuttles make travel easy.
Get Around South Lake Tahoe for Free
South Lake Tahoe also offers free transportation through Lake Link Transportation. Take the shuttle, available on demand everyday, to hike some of the area’s most beautiful hikes like the Skyline Trail in Heavenly Village, Cascade Falls near Emerald Bay or one of the most challenging hikes, Mount Tallac.
Swim in Tenaya Lake at Yosemite National Park
Dive into clear blue waters on a hot summer day, or simply admire the beautiful mountains from the shore at Tenaya Lake. Because of its free admission, its prime spots for picnicking and calm waters for safe swimming and canoeing, this lake deserves a spot on visitors’ next Yosemite trip.
Central Valley
Hug Trees at the UC Davis Arboretum
This 100-acre public garden at the University of California, Davis, offers free year-round appeal open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Don’t miss the redbuds, which bloom hot pink in early spring, and the Peter J. Shields Oak Grove, which boasts more than 80 kinds of oak trees.
Meditate at a Buddhist temple
Stroll the grounds of the statue-filled Wat Dhammararam Buddhist Temple in Stockton. This working temple is home to over 90 hand-painted Buddha statues — including a reclining Buddha the size of a school bus. Open daily and free to visit, the grounds invite quiet reflection and colorful photo ops.
Drive through Blossoming Flowers
Every late winter, Fresno County bursts into bloom with almond, peach, plum and nectarine blossoms along the 62-mile Fresno County Blossom Trail. This self-guided drive offers postcard-worthy views around every curve. Bring a camera and stop at roadside stands for local treats.
See Endangered Species
Wind Wolves Preserve, just outside Bakersfield, offers over 30,000 acres of wild terrain and rare wildlife. Free to hike or camp, this nature conservancy site is home to the endangered San Joaquin kit fox, California condors and sweeping wildflower fields in spring. Don't miss the El Camino Viejo Trail.
Central Coast
Marvel at Monarch Butterflies
From October to February, thousands of monarch butterflies descend on a small eucalyptus grove in Pacific Grove. This Monarch Grove Sanctuary is free to visit, with helpful docents offering insight and scopes for close-up views. Afterward, stretch your legs on nearby Asilomar State Beach for ocean air and coastal trails.
See the Elephant Seal Spectacle
Just five miles from Hearst Castle in San Simeon, Piedras Blancas Beach offers a wildlife spectacle like no other. From December through May, up to 17,000 massive elephant seals crowd the shore during breeding and molting seasons. Free viewing areas just off Highway 1 make this one of the most accessible — and unforgettable — animal encounters in California.
Stroll through Solvang
Wandering this Danish-style village in the Santa Ynez Valley is an attraction in itself, immediately transporting visitors to the Old World. Solvang's flower-lined streets are packed with windmills, historic buildings and free-to-enter attractions like the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art. Don’t forget to sample aebleskiver or peek into the old-style bakeries while you wander.
Los Angeles County
Visit the Santa Monica Pier
The iconic Santa Monica Pier blends beachside fun with nostalgic charm. Walk the boardwalk, watch street performers or take in ocean views — all for free. Bonus: The pier also hosts a small aquarium beneath its carousel that offers free educational events throughout the year.
Get a Taste of Luxury in Beverly Hills
Take a glamorous stroll and window shop down Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, where luxury storefronts line the palm-draped streets. Even if you’re not buying, the people-watching and architecture make for an entertaining and quintessential 90210 afternoon. If window shopping isn’t your style, explore landmarks known for being epic Hollywood sets, like the Greystone Mansion and Park, featured in countless TV shows and movies from X-Men to Gilmore Girls. When you need a break, rest your legs alongside the lily pond at the nearby Beverly Gardens Park.
Attend a Live TV Taping
Watch your favorite shows come to life without spending a dime. From Jimmy Kimmel Live! to The Price Is Right, LA County is home to dozens of free tapings. Just be sure to reserve your spot early, as tickets are in high demand. If you can’t snag a ticket, you can see rising stars perform for free at Grand Performances, the Blank Theater and more.
See Stars in the City of Angels
The most visited public observatory in the world, Griffith Observatory offers hands-on exhibits and sweeping views for free. On clear nights, peer through powerful, public-viewing telescopes to see the solar system. To see a different type of star, stroll downtown the famous sidewalks of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The 2,700-plus terrazzo-and-brass stars commemorate famous celebrities — find your favorite legend’s star and snap a photo!
LACMA’s Music and Art
Every Friday evening from May to October, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) hosts free-of-charge jazz concerts with a rotating lineup of world-class musicians. Pack a picnic and enjoy the smooth tones and rhythms of internationally known names and local acts. Between sets, carve out time to experience the famous cluster of city street lamps at the Urban Light exhibit.
Explore Exposition Park
Exposition Park is a culture lover’s dream. Visit the California Science Center — home of the Space Shuttle Endeavour — or the California African American Museum, both with free entry, or simply take in the serene 7.5 acres of surrounding rose gardens.
Orange County
Skate at Vans Off the Wall Skatepark
Thrill-seekers of all ages can test their skills at the Vans Off the Wall Skatepark in Huntington Beach. With 35,000 square feet of terrain — including bowls, rails and stairs — it’s a paradise for skateboarders and BMX riders alike, open to the public and always free.
Admire Free Public Art Around Orange County
From intricate murals to bold sculptures, Orange County is home to striking art installations that you can visit without a ticket. Spots like Laguna Beach’s Heisler Park or Costa Mesa’s arts district offer dozens of pieces — all in scenic outdoor settings.
Hang Ten
A trip to Orange County wouldn’t be complete without catching a wave and hanging ten, or at least watching the pros do it! The Huntington Beach Pier is a great viewing spot to watch some of the best, but also perfect for beginners. In Dana Point, Doheny State Beach is a locals’ favorite, plus visitors can stop in the original Hobie Surf Shop.
Inland Empire
All Aboard in Perris
While guided tours and train rides require a small fee, explore 100 acres of trains and trolleys for free at the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris.
Find your Inner Artist
The Ontario Museum of History & Art offers bi-weekly “Studio Saturdays,” inviting visitors to learn about new mediums during a free workshop with local artists. From quitting to acrylics, make sure to bring your creativity!
Go Back in Time in Temecula
Step into the heart of Southern California’s early days in Old Town Temecula, where the Wild West meets contemporary charm in a compact, walkable destination filled with historic architecture, artisan boutiques and live entertainment.
Big Entertainment in Big Bear
Stop by the Big Bear Discovery Center, the largest visitor center in the Big Bear Valley, for free entertainment throughout the year. Enjoy events like outdoor concerts, theater productions and nighttime interpretive programs in the Amphitheater. Make sure to take a dip in the lake before you leave!
Deserts
Explore Big Morongo Canyon Preserve
Nestled between Joshua Tree and Palm Springs, Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is a wildlife haven with free trails, marshes and lush desert landscapes. Wheelchair-accessible paths make this a great destination for all ages and abilities. Look out for kangaroo rats, deer and over 240 species of birds.
Experience the Palm Springs Art Museum on a Free Night
Every Thursday from 5–8 p.m., the Palm Springs Art Museum opens its doors for free. Discover cutting-edge contemporary art and design, including a Frey-designed architectural masterpiece in the form of the museum’s glass house installation.
Attend a Star Party in the Desert
The Astronomical Society of the Desert invites everyone to experience dark-sky wonders during their monthly star parties outside of Palm Desert. Held in locations with minimal light pollution, these events include telescopes, sky tours and expert insights — all free of charge.
Tour a Plush Desert Estate in Rancho Mirage
Wander through the 29,000-square foot estate once known as the “Camp David of the West.” Sunnylands in Rancho Mirage offers free access to its immaculate gardens, mid-century modern architecture and self-guided audio tours.
San Diego County
Explore Balboa Park
A cultural oasis with an incredible 65 miles of trails and 18 museums, there’s no shortage of free things to explore in San Diego’s Balboa Park. Walking loops range from 1.5 to 6.6 miles, with some favorites being the accessible Palm Canyon and the more strenuous Sixth and Upas Trails Gateway. Outside of the scenic trails, other free offerings in the park include the Timken Museum of Art, Botanical Building and House of Pacific Relations International Cottages. Finally, The Spreckels Organ Pavilion also hosts a Twilight in the Park summer concert series, with free organ concerts every Sunday.
Take a History Walk in Oceanside
Soak in the rich history of Oceanside by taking a self-guided Downtown History Walk. The humble beach city’s origins date back to the 1800’s with some of the landmarks still intact. Check out some of the most recognizable landmarks including the Top Gun house and the Oceanside Pier.
Visit the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Discovery Campus
Tucked into the eastern shoreline of Carlsbad’s 400-acre saltwater lagoon, the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Discovery Campus in Carlsbad is a hands‑on educational hub surrounded by native sage scrub, coastal wetlands and marine life. Free to explore, with a suggested $15 donation, this community-driven nature center blends outdoor trails and live exhibits for a memorable day in nature.