Boston’s Freedom Trail was named No. 7 on USA Today readers’ list of the 10 best free attractions in America—an honor backed by a long-running draw: the red-brick route brings in more than 4 million visitors each year.
For a lot of first-time visitors, Boston begins with a simple choice: spend the day without spending much at all. The Freedom Trail makes that possible—and it just landed on a national list that puts a number on its reach.
USA Today released its 2026 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards list of the 10 best free attractions in America. and Boston’s Freedom Trail ranked No. 7. The honor comes from readers’ votes. after USA Today travel experts selected 20 nominees across categories ranging from food to lodging. destinations to things to do.
The Freedom Trail is a 2 1/2-mile, red brick path connecting 16 historical sites. It runs from Boston Common to the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown, guiding visitors through a string of places tied to the nation’s founding. Each year, the route attracts more than 4 million visitors.
USA Today framed the appeal in plain terms: even though the attractions on its list come at no cost. visitors “get way. way more than you pay for.” About the Freedom Trail specifically. the publication described a route that starts at Boston Common and ends at the Bunker Hill Monument while letting people hop on and off as it weaves through the city. The trail highlights well-known stops including Park Street Church. the Old State House. Faneuil Hall. Paul Revere House. and the USS Constitution.
The No. 1 free attraction in America on USA Today’s list is the Saint Louis Zoo in St. Louis.
For Boston. the rankings underline what many locals already know when they watch out-of-towners trace the bricks: this isn’t just a tourist route—it’s a way to see history up close without a ticket price. The question now is what comes next. USA Today invited readers to share their favorite free attraction in Boston by filling out a form or emailing [email protected]. with the possibility that responses could appear in a future Boston.com article.
Freedom Trail Boston Common Bunker Hill Monument USA Today 10Best free attractions Saint Louis Zoo Park Street Church Old State House Faneuil Hall Paul Revere House USS Constitution