Impressive (& Inexpensive) East Coast Activities to Add to Your Itinerary

The East Coast boasts some of the nation’s top vacation destinations, from the huge cities of New York City and Washington DC to the sandy beaches of Florida. If you’re planning an East Coast getaway, you’ll find endless options for making lasting memories. But between the flights, hotels, and attractions themselves, budgeting for an unforgettable vacation doesn’t come easy. Luckily, you don’t have to empty your wallet to experience the best of the East Coast. We’ve uncovered some of the top inexpensive activities in major East Coast cities to add to your vacation itinerary, no matter your destination. With affordable and unique attractions, your group can craft an East Coast travel experience that’s high on fun and low on cost. And when you need efficient transportation between all these can’t-miss stops, Busrental.net has you covered. Call our team at 877-200-4461 and we’ll get your group to these East Coast highlights in total comfort aboard our selection of charter buses and minibuses. Read on to discover some of our top money-saving recommendations in every East Coast hotspot!

Notable NYC Attractions on a Budget

New York City vacations don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Between the countless museums, landmarks, shows, and eateries, the Big Apple has entertainment options to match any budget. Ditch the overpriced tourist traps and head to these affordable NYC attractions instead.

Walk the High Line

What was once an unused, elevated railway track is now one of the city’s most beloved public green spaces. The High Line stretches 1.5 miles long above the streets of Manhattan’s West Side, planted with gardens and landscaping that create a tranquil oasis 30 feet in the air.

Stroll from end to end and take in views of the Hudson River, NYC skyline, and bustling streets below. Catch sight of public art installations that change seasonally, grab a bite at a food truck, people watch on sun-drenched wooden benches, or experience a guided walking tour. The best part? Entry is completely free.

Walk the Brooklyn Bridge

For one of the best skyline views New York City has to offer, take a walk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge—no tickets required. Join commuters and fellow tourists journeying between boroughs via this historic suspension bridge. Pause along the way on the wooden pedestrian walkway to see unobstructed views of the Lower Manhattan skyscrapers, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Statue of Liberty, and more.

Make it a leisurely afternoon stroll, pack a picnic, or time it at sunset for a stunning vista at golden hour. Just watch for cyclists sharing the walkway if you’re stopping for photos!

Wave Hill

For a tranquil escape from city life without leaving NYC, head to Wave Hill. This public garden and cultural center sits on the Hudson River overlooking the Palisades and offers free admission to its lush gardens every Tuesday and Saturday morning. Wander through gardens of flowering trees and shrubs, relax in peaceful alcoves and verandas, or join a guided nature walk. Don’t miss the iconic views from Glyndor Gallery overlooking the Hudson and majestic Palisades.

Tour a TV Show Taping

Skip the Broadway show tickets and studio tours that put a dent in your vacation budget. Instead, apply to be part of a live studio audience for a taping of your favorite shows filmed in NYC like The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Saturday Night Live, The Wendy Williams Show, and The View. Score free tickets to a live show where you may even wind up on camera! Arrive early to beat the crowds and check show websites for age restrictions.

Experience Philadelphia’s Past and Present

In the City of Brotherly Love, you’re never far from FREE events, exhibits, tours, and entertainment. Get your fill of history, culture, and fun on a trip to Philadelphia without emptying your wallet.

See the Liberty Bell

You can’t visit Philly without seeing the Liberty Bell, the famous symbol of American Independence, and luckily a glimpse of this important artifact won’t cost you a penny! The Liberty Bell resides in the Liberty Bell Center, an expansive glass pavilion that allows you to get up close to view the 2,000 pound bell.

Surrounding exhibits detail the bell’s origins, its role in the Revolution, and how this powerful symbol became a catalyst for the abolitionist and civil rights movements. After visiting the Liberty Bell, make sure to explore the picturesque grounds surrounding Independence Hall just across the street—the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution.

Climb the Philadelphia Museum of Art Steps

The 72 stone steps before Philadelphia’s Museum of Art may look familiar, even if you’ve never visited before! This iconic movie location is known for the training montage in Rocky, where Sylvester Stallone sprints to the top as part of his intense workout regimen.

Run, walk, or take the Rocky pose at the top of the stairs for an epic photo op with the city skyline—and get your cardio in for the day. While museum admission does cost money, the famous steps and exterior grounds of the building are open to the public at no cost.

Attend Free Museum Sundays

On the first Sunday of each month, many of Philly’s premier art institutions open their doors to the public free of charge. Time your East Coast trip right to catch Free Museum Day at the Barnes Foundation, Rodin Museum, Philadelphia Museum of Art, and more throughout the month. Arrive early at each museum to secure your free timed tickets and make the most of your day.

Watch a Free Outdoor Movie

When the sun goes down, Philly heats up with free outdoor movie screenings all summer long. Head to parks around the city to catch blockbuster hits and classics under the stars. Old City’s Race Street Pier shows movies on a 50 foot screen right on the Delaware River, and Penn Treaty Park in Fishtown uses an inflatable screen with fantastic skyline views. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and your own snacks to munch on during the show.

Explore Washington DC’s Iconic Sites

As the nation’s capital filled with revered institutions and memorials, Washington DC makes hitting the top attractions easy on your wallet. Many of the city’s can’t-miss sites like national monuments and Smithsonian museums have free general admission year-round.

Tour the National Mall

The two-mile stretch known as the National Mall is home to some of the most iconic sites in DC. And since allSmithsonian museums have free entry, you can make a full day of museum hopping without spending a dime!

Start at the National Museum of African American History and Culture to view impactful exhibits on Black history and culture across three centuries. Head next door to the National Museum of American History to see pop culture relics like Dorothy’s ruby red slippers. Refuel with a packed lunch on the steps of the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden surrounded by works from Rodin and more.

Then spend the afternoon wandering through dinosaur skeletons and fossils at the National Museum of Natural History or discovering stories of immigration at the National Museum of American History. End your day at the Lincoln Memorial and neighboring Vietnam and Korean War Memorials, all open 24 hours.

Explore the U.S. Botanic Garden

Experience stunning displays of plant life from rainforests to deserts all under one roof at the United States Botanic Garden. As one of the oldest botanic gardens in North America, this living plant museum provides a tranquil sanctuary to reconnect with nature right in the heart of the city.

Wander room after room bursting with exotic flowering plants, cacti, exotic medicinal plants, and orchids. Step into the jungle of the Conservatory’s Garden Court to be transported into the tropical canopy. The Botanic Garden is open every day of the year with free admission, excluding some special events.

Take a Scenic Stroll on the George Washington Memorial Parkway

Some of the best views in the city are from this scenic national park stretching along the Potomac River. Take a relaxing walk or bike ride along this expansive trail without spending a dime! Pass by Theodore Roosevelt Island’s tranquil walking trails, the Netherlands Carillon with breathtaking river views, picnic areas at Columbia Island Marina, and more.

The Parkway connects a series of parks between Washington’s Old Town Alexandria and Mount Vernon Estate—all free to enjoy at your leisure. Pause frequently for photos with backdrops of iconic DC across the river.

Embark on Boston’s Freedom Trail

Get acquainted with Revolutionary Boston by embarking on a self-guided tour along the iconic Freedom Trail. This route winds 2.5 miles through downtown Boston passing 16 historical sites that tell the story of the American Revolution.

Pick up a free map at the National Park Service Visitor Center on State Street, then hit the trail to spend the day exploring Boston’s revolutionary past. You’ll walk along red-brick sidewalks and special markers that connect sites like the gold-topped Massachusetts State House, Park Street Church, and Faneuil Hall.

Rest your legs and grab a bite at Quincy Market halfway through the trail. You can choose to do the full loop or opt to visit sites that interest you most, since there's no cost for following the trail and taking in the history.

Stroll the Rose Kennedy Greenway

Once an unsightly overhead highway, this strip of prime real estate in downtown Boston has been transformed into a contemporary public park perfect for green space and public art. The Rose Kennedy Greenway features gardens and greenways with art installations from local to global artists.

Pack a lunch and have a picnic on the lawn, then head to the custom-designed Greenway Carousel for a spin on this vintage attraction. The Greenway hosts fitness classes, concerts, farmers markets, food truck events, and winter attractions like an ice skating path. Special events may have ticket fees, but otherwise enjoying the mile-long Greenway is free!

See Fourth of July Fireworks on the Charles River Esplanade

You just can’t beat the views of Boston’s beloved July 4th display anywhere other than the Charles River Esplanade. Stake out your spot early to picnic along the riverbanks with live entertainment until the big event.

The free fireworks show lights up the sky around 10:30 PM with musical accompaniment broadcasted on local radio. Arrive via public transit like the MBTA or book Busrental.net’s 4th of July shuttle service to avoid traffic headaches leading up to showtime.

Go On a Cranberry Bog Tour

Cranberries are a major industry in Massachusetts—the state even produces a quarter of the nation's cranberries. Many bogs across the state welcome visitors for educational bog tours at no cost.

Head to Mills Bog in Carver or A.D. Makepeace in Wareham to walk the cranberry bogs and learn how cranberries are harvested and processed. See a cranberry harvest first-hand in autumn, or time your visit for a taste test to try crunchy homemade cranberry treats. Don't forget to snap a photo for the 'gram wading in the gorgeous crimson bogs.

Budget-Friendly Pastimes in Miami

As one of America’s most luxurious vacation destinations, an affordable getaway to Miami may seem unlikely. But the glitz and glamour of South Beach isn’t the only thing to do in this Florida hot spot. Miami offers wallet-friendly activities along with the high-priced hotels and nightclubs.

Take a Stroll on Ocean Drive

You can’t visit Miami without taking in the sights on iconic Ocean Drive. Lined by art deco buildings, restaurants, and bars, a walk down this vibrant street won’t cost you a cent. Window shop the high-end stores at your leisure, admire classic neon hotel signs and vibrant street art, and watch street performers show off their skills.

For cheaper eats, head inland off Ocean Drive to try Cuban sandwiches and cafe con leche from no-frills cafes and taquerias. Then make your way back to see Ocean Drive lit up at night before grabbing tropical cocktails on the outdoor patios.

Beach Day at South Pointe Park

Experience South Beach in all its glory for free at South Pointe Park. Visit the beach at the southern tip of Miami Beach for soft white sand, a refreshingly breezy atmosphere, and serene bay views.

Relax on the grass or rent a beach umbrella and chairs for a relaxing Miami beach day. Here you can sunbathe, jet ski, or paddle board away from the most crowded beaches closer to Ocean Drive. Don't forget the sunscreen!

Everglades National Park

Miami is a quick drive from the subtropical wilderness region of Everglades National Park, where exploring won't cost you a dime. See American alligators, colorful birds, unique wildlife, and indigenous plants across the "river of grass" ecosystem by booking a ranger-guided boat tour. You can also hike the Anhinga Trail or cruise along the Shark Valley Tram for a bit of a thrill.

The Flamingo Visitor Center offers the most expansive recreational access to boating, canoeing, bicycling, hiking and camping. Just remember to carry plenty of bug spray before entering the wilderness!

Pérez Art Museum

This bright and airy modern art museum overlooking Biscayne Bay exhibits over 2,000 contemporary works with an emphasis on art and artists from the Global South. Highlights include stunning large-scale installations and sculpture gardens surrounding the exterior.

General admission to the Perez Art Museum is free every second Saturday and every first Thursday of the month! Time your visit to catch one of the monthly free days. Don't miss the adjacent museum shop, where you can find stylish home decor and jewelry by local designers.

Wynwood Walls

This cutting-edge outdoor destination is home to the world’s largest collection of international street art with gravity-defying murals and installations. Wander through the open-air urban gallery to see colorful creations by renowned artists like Shepard Fairey, Futura 2000, and Ron English.

The Wynwood Walls came to life in 2009 when visionary Tony Goldman transformed the neighborhood’s abandoned warehouses into an outdoor museum. Beyond the walls, the surrounding Wynwood District also has eye-catching graffiti art decorating factory buildings and storefronts.

Family Fun in Orlando for Less

As one of the most visited vacation destinations on the East Coast, Orlando is synonymous with theme parks and their sky-high admission fees. But you needn’t rely solely on Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld to keep the family entertained in Central Florida.

The city offers affordable attractions and parks where you can craft a budget-friendly family vacation or use these stops to take a break between bigger theme park trips. Call 877-200-4461 at Busrental.net and let us shuttle your crew between Orlando highlights in our fleet of family-friendly charter buses made for Florida road trips.

Lakeside Park

This fun and lively public park rests on the shores of Lake Ivanhoe just north of downtown Orlando. Lakeside Park spans 20 acres filled with sprawling lawns, scenic walking paths, a playground, fishing docks, outdoor amphitheater and more.

Kids will love climbing the massive wooden play structure and scrambling across webbed ropes while parents unwind on nearby picnic tables. Visit on a weekend to browse the Orlando Farmer's Market.

Leu Gardens

Transport your family to tropical paradise at Harry P. Leu Gardens. Wander through nearly 50 acres of lush floral displays blooming year-round across Leu Gardens. This sprawling green space contains over 20 themed gardens like a vibrant butterfly garden, fragrant citrus grove, and vibrant tropical garden surrounding a pristine lake.

Don't miss the giant oak tree draped in winding Spanish moss at the center of Leu Gardens. Admission is free for kids 4 and under.

Mennello Museum of American Art

Introduce kids to art appreciation through interactive exhibits at Mennello Museum. This intimate lakeside art museum offers a manageable collection for families, with galleries filled with masterpieces by American folk artist Earl Cunningham alongside visiting exhibitions.

The museum sits on a scenic 12-acre site perfect for picnics before or after your visit. Kids will love the specialty themed activity packs available for free at the front desk to enhance their visit.

Disney Springs

You can still feel the magic of Disney without buying park tickets by spending an afternoon at Disney Springs. This lively outdoor shopping and entertainment district is open to the public with no ticket required. Let kids splash and play at the interactive fountains while parents snap pics with a Lake Buena Vista backdrop.

Grab a cone at the world’s largest Ghirardelli ice cream shop or indulge in chocolatey s'mores samples at the Ghirardelli store. Then catch nightly live music performances and stick around for the Tree of Life Awakenings show after sunset!

Hit the East Coast With Busrental.net

The East Coast promises no shortage of memorable itineraries for travelers on a budget. Let Busrental.net handle transportation between the top affordable attractions on your East Coast bucket list! Our charter buses and minibuses are designed to keep your group together and comfortable throughout your entire vacation. Request onboard entertainment like WiFi and DVD players to keep everyone occupied on long drives. Simply call 877-200-4461 and we’ll get you a custom quote for an affordable bus rental to match your ideal East Coast itinerary.