The best free things to do in California
Lonely Planet Editors
15 March 2021
Sprawling California may be that state that gave us the Gold Rush and home to some of the most expensive cities in the United States, but you don t have to blow your vacation budget to visit. Some of the best sites in California are free to experience, from the towering redwoods of NorCal to the surf breaks of SoCal and dozens of wineries, museums, gardens, and cultural touchstones in between.
Whether you re looking for stunning state parks or museums that cover subjects from the avant garde to cryptozoology, Italian grapes or California cuisine, marine wildlife or towering man-made infrastructure, there s a lot to see in the Golden State. We narrowed your list down to the top 32 free attractions in California you don t want to miss, organized from north to south.
Alcatraz to reopen to visitors next week after coronavirus-related shutdown lifted: reports foxnews.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from foxnews.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Alcatraz to reopen to tours next week - restrictions still apply
FacebookTwitterEmail
Tourist visits to Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay
, which had boats limited to 150 passengers in August, will reopen on Monday.Scott Strazzante / The Chronicle 2020Show MoreShow Less
2of2
Low fog swirls around Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge under clear skies as boats sail on the San Francisco Bay on an atmospheric day in September.Lea Suzuki / The Chronicle 2020Show MoreShow Less
For more stories like this, check out The Chronicle’s weekly Travel newsletter!Sign up here.
Alcatraz Island will reopen Monday after being closed for most of the past year.
We have been working closely with our public health partners to align our operations with local guidance and provide access to the island for the first time this year, GGNRA General Superintendent Laura Joss said in a statement. We expect everyone to follow CDC guidance, wear a mask, and give each other space to safely enjoy their experience at this iconic site.
Ferries to the island will operate at reduced capacities for the time being and require advanced reservations via alcatrazcruises.com.
Access to the island s outdoor areas like Eagle Plaza and Sally Port as well as China Alley and lower Building 64 will be open to all visitors while indoor sections like the Cell House will be limited to visitors who sign up for tours.