museums

10 Must-See Museums in the U.S.

Nick Wharton — Mon, 10 Sep 2018 08:00:09 +0000

Whether you're an art lover, a history buff, a space geek, or just have a curious mind, nothing will quench that inquisitive thirst like wandering around a museum. We're blessed to have some of the very best in the world right here in the U.S., and it can be difficult to narrow it down when choosing which one to visit.

Luckily, we've got you covered. Here are 10 must-see museums in the U.S. (See also: How to Visit Museums for Free)

1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City

Celebrating over 5,000 years of incredible art from across the globe, this museum is truly a national treasure. So it's little wonder that over 7 million people stream through the doors of The MET's three locations each year. Among those three sites, over 2 million pieces of art are in its permanent collection, and there's even a rooftop bar with views over Central Park at the Fifth Avenue location.

Admission fee: $25

2. The National World War II Museum in New Orleans

This ambitious museum documents the American participation in World War II from how and why it began, why the U.S. was involved, and how we ultimately helped to end it. In parts it's harrowing, in others it's inspirational, but it's informative and interesting from beginning to end. The National World War II Museum is thoroughly modern with a focus on interactive exhibits, movies, and a thoughtful layout taking you right into the depths of the war.

Admission fee: $28

3. The Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago is regularly rated as one of Chicago's top attractions. It's home to 300,000 works of art, including some of the most iconic paintings in the U.S., like Grant Wood's "American Gothic," Edward Hopper's "Nighthawks," and several pieces by Monet.

Admission fee: $29

4. National 9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York City

Thought provoking, humbling, and emotional are some of the words frequently used to describe this beautiful tribute to the victims of 9/11. Built to remember the thousands of people killed in the atrocious attacks, as well as to honor those who risked their lives trying to help, this memorial is truly moving. Twin reflection pools occupy the site where the two towers once stood, providing a tranquil and peaceful place to consider the impact of the attacks and the many sacrifices made that day.

Admission fee: $24

5. USS Midway Museum in San Diego

This unique maritime museum is based on the USS Midway, the U.S.'s longest serving aircraft carrier in the 20th century. This floating airstrip has a long and distinguished history that saw it taking part in the Cold War, the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and many other significant battles. The museum is a hands-on celebration of the importance of the USS Midway and demonstration of its inner workings, taking you right into the heart of the vessel.

Admission fee: $21

6. National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.

Boasting the world's biggest collection of aviation artifacts and space memorabilia, the National Air and Space Museum is an homage to all things that fly, and the study of the universe. You'll find aircrafts ranging from early airplanes to advanced spaceships, as well as the documented history of flight from it's very beginnings to its current stage. Between this location and the other in Chantilly, VA, the National Air and Space Museum brings in over 8 million visitors a year. (See also: 8 Free Things You Can Do on Any Vacation)

Admission fee: Free

7. The Getty Center in Los Angeles

As impressive as the collection of influential artists on display here are the buildings and gardens surrounding it. The Getty Center incorporates modern architectural design, with stunning outdoor spaces joining them together. The buildings are magnificent, and the gardens are truly breathtaking. In addition to pieces by Van Gogh and Cezanne, you'll also get access to some of the most incredible views across the City of Angels.

Admission fee: Free

8. American Museum of Natural History in New York City

Kids will probably know the American Museum of Natural History as the setting for the Ben Stiller movie, Night at the Museum. But while they may be disappointed that the exhibits don't actually come to life, they'll soon get over that when they discover the awesome exhibits on display. From dinosaur skeletons to models of marine life, this place is a treasure trove of cultural and scientifically significant finds. (See also: How to Entertain Your Grandkids Without Going Broke)

Admission fee: $23

9. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City

The Museum of Modern Art houses pieces by all of the big hitters, including Van Gogh's "The Starry Night," to "The Persistence of Memory" by Salvador Dali. It also offers live performances, films, and other events that are sure to expand the mind. And if you get hungry while browsing their huge collection of famous works of art, you can grab a bite to eat at any of their three restaurants.

Admission fee: $25

10. NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida

Learn about space and space travel in the most engaging way possible, short of blasting off in your very own shuttle. The NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers a fun and highly educational look at the history of space travel in the U.S. You can also dine at one of several space-themed restaurants, or have lunch with an actual astronaut!

Admission fee: $57

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This article is from Nick Wharton of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

10 Ways to Do LA On the Cheap

Andrea Cannon — Fri, 04 Sep 2015 11:00:27 +0000

It's no secret that Los Angeles is expensive. In fact, it was ranked the second-worst U.S. city for saving money. If you're living there, then rent is significantly higher than the national average, and if you're just planning a trip there, then hotels, airfare, food, and entertainment can really add up.

Once you've taken advantage of an affordable travel package or found a great hotel deal, there are other ways to save money by living like the locals do. The best part about Los Angeles is the consistently beautiful weather, and we've found a number of ways for you to get even more from it. Whether you are living there or just spending a few days on vacation, we've compiled some tips to help save you money in the City of Angels.

1. Relax at the Beach

Southern California is famous for its beautiful beaches and coastline. You can visit famous spots like Newport Beach, Long Beach, Huntington Beach, Mission Beach, La Jolla Beach, Coronado Beach, Malibu, and Venice Beach. Whichever beach you choose, it can provide endless hours of free entertainment.

The Santa Monica Pier is home to a beautiful beach and boardwalk, complete with an admission-free amusement park, carousel, arcade, aquarium, shopping, food, and more. It's like visiting a theme park, without the high price tag.

2. Festivals Galore

There is always a festival going on somewhere in California. Visit the California Fairs and Festivals page to find out what free events and festivals are happening near you. There are also free art walks throughout LA on a monthly and quarterly basis. Many galleries, office buildings, and even apartment complexes will host receptions. During this time, you can take advantage of free music, art, food, and drinks, all while taking in the sights and sounds of LA.

3. See the Hollywood Sights

Driving down Sunset, Hollywood, and Vine can give you a glimpse into the glamorous California lifestyle and provide perfect photo ops, like the famed Hollywood sign. If you want a true Hollywood experience, just park your car and visit the Walk of Fame, Grauman's Chinese Theater, Kodak Theater, and more, all within walking distance. Central to it all, the Hollywood and Highland Center also offers shopping, dining, and more, with $2 parking for up to two hours with validation.

4. Free (or Discounted) Tours

Tours are usually very affordable or free. You can take part in walking, biking, or bus tours, or you can take your time with an online tour or through a smartphone app like Stray Boots. You can also find deals on tours and attractions on discount sites like Groupon, Living Social, and Amazon Local Deals. Take advantage of free tours at locations like the Los Angeles City Hall and the Downtown LA Central Library.

5. Spend Time at the Park

Los Angeles offers beautiful sites and hiking trails through Runyon Canyon, Kenneth Hahn Park, and Griffith Park. You can enjoy the sights, go for a bike ride, or have a romantic picnic for two. Many of the parks, such as Grand Park and Bluff Park, even offer free yoga throughout the week. The options are limitless and none of them cost a thing. If you're serious about taking in California's beautiful National Parks, then consider getting a National Park Pass. You'll be able to visit the parks as often as you like throughout the year, saving you money on admission fees.

6. Visit a Museum

Museums can provide tons of free entertainment, so take advantage of the free museums in Los Angeles to soak up some culture. The best free museums include the J. Paul Getty Museum, California Science Center, Griffith Observatory, Travel Town Museum, California African-American Museum, and the Fowler Museum at UCLA.

7. Forget the Theme Parks

The Venice Beach Boardwalk, Santa Monica Pier and Boardwalk, Universal CityWalk, and Downtown Disney can provide the theme park experience, without an entry fee. You can enjoy rides, shopping, food, and fun, all in a prime location. If you are intent on visiting one or more of California's theme parks (like Disneyland, Universal Studios, Knott's Berry Farm, Sea World, and Six Flags), consider purchasing a Southern California CityPASS or Go Los Angeles Card, which offers savings of up to 55% on some of California's most popular theme parks, events, and attractions.

8. Shopping and Food

California is famous for its destination shopping centers, like Melrose and Rodeo Drive, but that can be really costly. If you're looking to find some of the latest trends without blowing your budget, then you can find some great deals in Santee Alley. You can find discounted men's wear, women's wear, accessories, and more in this Fashion District stop. Olvera Street is another fun stop where you can take advantage of some great bargains, authentic food, and an experience unique to Los Angeles. There are also some great local swap meets, like the Los Angeles City College Swap Meet, Rose Bowl Flea Market, Valley Indoor Swap Meet, and Slauson Super Mall, that offer unique and vintage finds at a bargain.

Los Angeles is home to some of the best food in the world, but it comes at a high cost. Fortunately, you can get some great eats at a discount if you ask the locals, keep your eyes open, and shop at one of the many local farmers markets. If you'll be visiting anytime from January through July, consider taking advantage of Los Angeles Restaurant Week, where you can sample some of LA's best restaurants with a fixed menu at discounted prices. You can also take advantage of Street Food Cinema and Eat | See | Hear for free live music, movie screenings, and local street fare.

9. Save on Transportation

There are a number of public transportation options, which can save you time and money, and help you avoid the famous Los Angeles traffic and parking. California weather is perfect for skateboarding, walking, and riding your bike to get around, but there are also some great public transportation options, including the Metro, Santa Monica Big Blue Bus, and the Culver City Bus.

10. Free Entertainment

One great thing about being in such a big city is the endless free entertainment. You can have the true Hollywood experience by attending a free television show taping, take in the Rose Parade, and enjoy other unique experiences that won't cost you a dime. You can also find deals, free items, and cheap eats on About.com's local discount page year-round.

The city offers free music throughout the year at a number of locations, such as the Santa Monica Pier, Downtown LA, Long Beach, Venice Beach, and Pasadena. During the summer, there are even more free concerts, which you can enjoy in the beautiful weather. There are also endless free comedy shows, so if comedy is your thing, make sure to find a comedy club near you that offers free shows. You can also sign up for Goldstar, which offers discounted tickets to the best concerts, sports events, theatre, and more.

What are your favorite ways to save money in Los Angeles? Please share your thoughts in the comments!

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This article is from Andrea Cannon of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

6 Best Cities for Frugal Lovers of the Arts

Amanda Meadows — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 21:00:09 +0000

Sure, booming coastal metropolises like New York or San Francisco have well-deserved reputations as hotbeds for the arts. But unless you're really successful, or willing to live like an actual starving artist, it's costly and difficult to enjoy all they have to offer. Here are six lower-cost, but equally artistic cities you might enjoy.

1. Detroit, Michigan

While it's true that Detroit's economy has experienced some difficulty, it's not all bad news: Cheap rent and low-cost buildings are a great opportunity for young upstarts with creative ambition. Detroit is in the stage of mass vacancies and lack of jobs (think Berlin, Warsaw, Prague, or New York City in the 70s), which will almost inevitably lead to its revival. Artists are moving to Detroit in flocks, and the city is paying them to revitalize its urban core.

2. Tucson, Arizona

Want a place to live that even hipper-than-thou San Francisco calls hip? This is your town. The youth population has turned downtown Tucson into a walkable paradise of shops, restaurants, and a great art scene with Hotel Congress as its beating heart. Comedians, fine art, and theatre are all flourishing here. Plus, low average monthly rents mean you can afford to experience this desert beauty for yourself.

3. Columbus, Ohio

Columbus is a great model for the rest of Ohio: lots of small businesses combined with a thriving creative class. The Short North Art District is a mecca for the hip and creative, while COSI Columbus, Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio Craft Museum are brilliant examples of the great art Columbus has to offer. Oh, and cheap rent, anyone?

4. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh has happily become the less pretentious "Portland of the Rust Belt." Local young people are now choosing to stay in Pittsburgh, and new people are flocking here for great, cheap housing and an opportunity to grow their creative endeavors with low risk. The extensive art scene, with favorites like Mattress Factory, Unsmoke Systems, and Industrial Arts Co-Op, are drawing more budget-conscious artists every day.

5. Buffalo, New York

While many upstate New York natives historically moved to NYC, many Millennials now seem to be leaving NYC to return upstate. And their first choice is Buffalo, another rust belt town that's been in resurgence for years. Artists and other creative small business owners are taking their work to Buffalo to enjoy the great artisanal coffee, beer, and food while admiring the proliferating arts scene anchored by two excellent museums — the Burchfield Penney and the Albright Knox.

6. North Adams, Massachusetts

Another industrial town that's got it mojo back, North Adams is booming again thanks in part to its creative youth population. A happening arts scene includes 21 galleries and museums in downtown alone, plus Mass MoCA, which is one of the largest museums in the world. With rents as averaging as little as $450/month in some areas, how can you not have extra time and money to see it all?

Which other lower-cost cities have strong arts scenes?

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This article is from Amanda Meadows of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

11 Things You Can Do in Philadelphia That You Can't Do Anywhere Else

Alaina Tweddale — Mon, 14 Jul 2014 17:00:04 +0000

Philadelphia is nestled snugly between the nation's capital and New York City, the largest city in the U.S. Like a middle sibling that's often overshadowed by its other siblings, it's no wonder the city of brotherly love is often overlooked or — even worse — gets a bad rap.

Despite the fame and illustriousness of its east coast neighbors, this surprisingly large city (it's the fifth largest in the nation) has plenty to boast about. If you're looking to spend a day (or five) in town, check out these 11 things you can only do in Philadelphia. (See also: Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards)

1. Recreate Rocky Balboa's Run Up the Steps

Join the tens of thousands of visitors who trek up the 72 steps to the entrance of the world class Philadelphia Museum of Art. From the top step, you can enjoy one of the most breathtaking views of the Philadelphia skyline. It's no wonder this gorgeous landmark that has been named the second most famous movie location in the entire world. Once inside, enjoy more than 300,000 works of art, including those from the Renaissance, American, Impressionist, and Modern eras. (See also: 9 Fun and Affordable Vacation Ideas)

2. Hang Where the Country's Forefathers Once Dined

Tour a hidden piece of Philadelphia history at Hamilton's Mansion, a forgotten treasure tucked away inside the Woodlands Cemetery in University City.

Constructed in 1770, the house boasts what may have been one of the finest neoclassical interior spaces of its time, along with sophisticated servant's quarters that were among the first of their kind. "When touring the home," says Marla McDermott, Chief Experience Officer and Lifestyle Concierge for Iheartphl.com, "it's surreal to think that you're standing on the same original wood plank floors where guests like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin once dined. You just can't do that anywhere else."

3. See the Strangest Medical Oddities Ever

If you've ever wanted to see what a jar of pickled human skin looks like, well, now you can. At the Mütter Museum of Medical Oddities at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia you can see this and more, including a display of 139 skulls that were collected by a Viennese anatomist in the 1800s; 1300 jars of bottled body parts, cysts, and tumors; and even small slices of Albert Einstein's brain, carefully preserved in glass slides.

4. Visit One of the World's Finest Collections of Impressionist Art

The Barnes Foundation houses the vast private art collection of self-made millionaire Albert Barnes. From 1912 until his death in 1951, Barnes collected 19th and 20th century French masterpieces from the most daring artists of the time, including Cézanne, Renoir, Monet, Picasso, and van Gogh. "If you're going to check out only one museum in Philadelphia," says McDermott, "the Barnes Foundation is a can't miss."

5. Walk Through the Inside of a Giant Beating Heart

Inside the Franklin Institute Science Museum you can walk through a beating model heart that's large enough for a person the height of the Statue of Liberty. Also explore a host of permanent and rotating exhibits, including Circus! Science Under the Big Top, 101 Inventions that Changed the World, and a rooftop observatory.

6. Get Spooked at the World's First True Penitentiary

(And yes, it's haunted.)

The now vacant Eastern State Penitentiary revolutionized the penal system in 1829 with this imposing prison built to house criminals in solitary confinement. "It's design was so innovative for it's time that it was the inspiration for Alcatraz," says McDermott. "The prison also once housed famous criminals like Al Capone and Willie Sutton." Closed since 1971, the prison is now open to tour, year-round. If you really want to get scared, visit in October for Terror Behind the Walls, one of the most terrifying annual haunted houses you'll ever visit.

7. Take a Stroll Down America's Oldest Residential Street

People have been living on Elfreth's Alley in Old City since 1728, making it the oldest continually inhabited residential street in the nation. The National Historic Landmark consists of one cobblestone-lined alley that is flanked by Georgian and Federal-style homes and provides a glimpse at how the 18th Century working class smiths, glassblowers, and furniture builders once lived.

8. Eat the World's Best Cheesesteak

Philly is famous for loading up a freshly baked hoagie roll (See? Where else will you get a hoagie roll but in this fine city?) with thinly sliced rib eye steak and then smothering it with heaps of fried onions and, depending on where you dine, either cheese whiz or melted provolone. Like all fine things, you'll find variations on the original, but this is the gist. Dalessandro's in Roxborough is a favorite but explore for yourself with this list of top cheesesteak shops in the city. Resistance is futile so come prepared with an elastic waistband. You've been warned.

9. Visit the Nation's First Zoo

The Philadelphia Zoo, opened in 1874, sits on 42 acres in the middle of the city and is home to 1,300 animals, including many that are rare or endangered. The zoo features a 2.5 acre primate preserve; Big Cat Falls, where visitors can stand eye-to-eye with 12 endangered big cats, separated only by a pane of glass; and a miniature African plain featuring white rhinos, reticulated giraffes, zebras, hippos, and gazelles. Throughout the zoo are statues of endangered animals, constructed completely out of legos. Peacocks and Peahens also roam the zoo freely.

10. See the Birthplace of Our Nation

Philadelphia served as the backdrop for much of our country's battle for independence, and we have the landmarks to prove it. Visit Independence Hall, where the Constitution and Declaration of Independence were created. The first continental congress met at Carpenter's Hall and the American flag was sewn at the Betsy Ross House.

11. Get In Touch With Nature

It's a little known secret to city outsiders but Philadelphia is home to the largest landscaped urban park in the world. There are 9,200 acres of nature across 63 parks, making it easy to access from almost anywhere in the city. You can go for a stroll, pack a family picnic, or grab your fishing rod for a day in the stocked creek. "Few things beat spending a beautiful afternoon riding along the scenic Schuylkill River Trail, then looping around to Martin Luther King Drive," says McDermott, "Especially on weekends from April through October, when the road is closed to auto traffic." Rent a bike or segway and start exploring.

Do you know and love Philadelphia? We want to know your favorite spots! Share the love in the comments below.

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This article is from Alaina Tweddale of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How to Visit Museums for Free

Matt Bell — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 10:36:22 +0000

Whether you’re into art or archeology, spacecrafts or handicrafts, there’s a museum for you — and you may be able to visit a museum that interests you for free. (See also: How to Have a Frugal Vacation and Still Treat Yourself)

Some museums are always free, including some of the most popular museums in the country, such as the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, National Air and Space Museum, and National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. In fact, most of the Smithsonian’s 19 museums and the National Zoo are free.

If you don’t live near the nation’s capital or aren’t planning a visit, don't worry. Chances are good that a museum near you has at least certain days or times when admission is free.

Search for a Free Museum Near You

A quick internet search is one of the easiest ways to find free museums in your area. Search "free museums in…” and then the name of your city. When I did that for Chicago, which is close to where we live, I found several blogs and other sites that had comprehensive lists of museums that have free days.

Here are the best sites I found for the scoop on museum free-days in the five largest cities in the country.

New York
Los Angeles
Chicago
Houston
Philadelphia (No listing of free museum days could be found, but this site shows you all of the city’s museums and their websites, so you can check for free offers.)

While searching for these, I also found these popular kids museums that offer free or deeply discounted admission on certain days and times.

The Association for Children’s Museums can help you find children’s museums in other cities.

You could also start by finding out what museums are near you by searching for the name of your city and “museums.” After finding a museum that interests you, go to its website and find its “Admission” page. If the museum offers free days, you’ll usually find the info there.

Free Museum Visits in Your Wallet

Many libraries offer card holders free passes to nearby museums, zoos, botanical gardens, and more. Check at your local library so see if this option is available.

If you have a Bank of America credit or debit card, the company’s Museums on Us program gives you free access to many museums, zoos, and more on the first full weekend of each month.

If you’re a member of a museum, check to see if it has a reciprocity agreement with other museums. Premium members of the Art Institute of Chicago, for example, have free access to 16 other museums in the U.S. and Canada.

If you’re on active duty with the military, National Guard, or Reserve, a proper ID card will grant you and up to five family members free entry to your choice of more than 1,000 museums around the country through Labor Day via a National Endowment for the Arts program called the Blue Star Museums Initiative.

"Visit" Museums for Free

One final free option for those who love art museums doesn’t even require leaving the comfort of your home. Google’s Art Project provides no-cost online access to some of the world’s finest art museums, including New York’s Metropolitan Museum, Museum of Modern Art, and Frick Collection; London’s National Gallery and Tate Britain; the Uffizi in Florence; Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum; and more.

The Price of Free

Keep in mind that free admission doesn’t mean you won’t spend anything on your visit. At most museums, you’ll pay plenty for parking, special exhibits, audio tours, and food.

It’s also best to check with the museum directly before you go just to be sure their free offers are still available.

This article is from Matt Bell of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Get More Bang for Your Membership Buck!

Kelly Whalen — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:00:02 +0000

If you are looking for a way to get out of the house, and do something without breaking the bank, it may seem your options are limited, but using these simple tricks, you will be able to get out of the house without going broke.

Free Days

Many museums offer days of the year, or hours during the week, where you can get in for free or reap deep discounts. For instance, here is a fantastic list on NY.com of museums in New York City that are free, take only donations, or offer free times every week.

Scout your local area's websites, and call your local museums/attractions, to find out if and when they offer any free or pay-as-you-wish times.

Another option is to volunteer! If you volunteer you may get a free membership, or at the very least use of the museum or attraction after you are done helping out. Volunteering is also a fantastic way to meet people who share common interests.

It Pays to Be a Member

Purchasing a membership is the key to consistently going places on a budget. By being a "member," you can take advantage of reciprocal memberships. Reciprocal memberships are memberships that give you the benefit of admission to similar attractions.

By digging around on your chosen attraction's website, you can usually find any associations and rules for using your membership at other places. For instance, by using the American Horticultural Society's website, I was able to find a local garden membership at nearly half the cost of the garden I was considering joining.

You may find a membership at a vacation spot or in your hometown that is a less expensive option to your local attraction to stretch your dollar even further. This can be a boon when there are rules about how far away you have to be from your "home" museum or site.

Aren't sure you want to purchase a membership without visiting first? Ask if you can buy one that same day if you change your mind. In my experience, many places offer this benefit because it's a win-win. Just be sure to hold onto your receipt, and usually the membership office can deduct that day's fees.

Best Family Memberships

Look for a membership to one of the museums who belong to the Association of Children's Museums, which touts it "was rated by Real Simple, Nick Jr. Family Magazine, and others as the best value for families."

In my area, a membership to ACM affiliate The Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia is a fantastic deal. It saves you the $5 parking fee at every visit, and includes a number of free carousel rides.

Kid-Free Households

No kids? No problem! There are memberships to gardens, botanical centers, science centers, etc. that have the same benefits. Whatever your taste, you are sure to find some kind of museum or attraction that offers admission to other local, national or worldwide places. It may take longer to pay back your membership, but if you have a favorite place, it's well worth it.

Other Discounts on Memberships

Students should always make sure to take along your ID, as many museums offer student discounts.

Seniors also get discounts at a variety of venues.

Check with AAA, your workplace, and even your local government — you may find an extra discount, or discounted tickets.

Vacation and Memberships

When visiting another area for vacation or to visit family, you can leverage your memberships to see the local sights. You may find your memberships don't extend to that area, or your memberships don't extend to the attractions you want to see. In major metropolitan areas, look for multi-passes to several attractions.

In San Francisco, for example, you can choose the CityPass, which includes a muni/cable car pass and admission to:

the California Academy of Sciences
to Aquarium of the Bay
San Francisco MoMA
the Exploratorium or the deYoung/Legion of Honor art institutes
a cruise on the Blue/Gold Fleet

Just be sure you want to visit ALL the attractions, or you may end up spending more than you need to. When my husband and I visited San Francisco in June, we purchased a Muni/Cable Car pass only. It enabled us to take the cable cars multiple times ($5 for one way), the streetcars (my favorite), and Muni all over the city.

Another example, my family (6 of us) traveled to Baltimore 2 years ago, and thanks to our memberships, we went to the Children's Museum and the Science Center for FREE! We saved over $200 in admission fees.

Keep in mind that you can also plan ahead by using guidebooks and websites to find free or discounted admission times at various venues. Just be sure to call ahead, so you don't end up spending $100 without intending to!

Do the Math

My family has used memberships to save over $1,000 in the last 3 years. That's a lot of bang for our membership buck!

With a family of 6 a membership usually pays for itself pretty quickly. A few months ago we purchased a family membership to the Philadelphia Zoo. We would have paid $106 plus parking, but instead I bought and printed out our membership for $99 which included free parking. We only saved $7 on the first trip, but each additional trip adds another $106 to our savings total!

You may not have quite as large a brood, so here is a simple equation to figure out how many trips it will take to make membership worth your money:

Step 1: Cost of tickets x # of people = cost for 1 visit
Example: $15 x 4 = $60

Step 2: Cost of membership / Cost for 1 visit = # of visits to pay for membership (round up)
Example: $100 / $60 = 2 (rounded up)

In our example, it would take only 2 visits for a membership to be worth it!

My favorite part of using these memberships, however, is not saving money. It is the time well spent with your family or friends in a carefully and lovingly cared-for environment. Whether it's a science museum, an estate turned garden, a historic ship, or a children's museum we often find a renewed sense of wonder with each visit!

This post was included in the lastest edition of the Festival of Frugality.

Guest Post Blurb:

This is a guest post by Kelly Whalen who blogs about paying off debt, organizing family life, and personal finance on The ¢entsible Life:

This article is from Kelly Whalen of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

5 Tips for Sightseeing on the Cheap

Thursday Bram — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 18:47:50 +0000

When you’re traveling, half the fun is seeing the sights — museums, historical locations, that sort of thing. But more and more of those sights are trying to make money off of tourists: they charge entry fees, mark up gift-shop items and offer outrageously priced cafeterias. There are ways to keep your sightseeing on the inexpensive side, especially if you have an opportunity to plan your itinerary ahead of time.

Look for Nationally-Controlled Sights

Museums are one of my favorite touristy sights — a national museum brings together a wide variety of exhibits that can show large portions of the country that you’d never get to see otherwise. Consider the Smithsonian Museums in Washington, D.C. They’re run by the U.S. government, in a round about way, so entry to the museums is free, just like visiting the local monuments. There are more exhibits than you can go through in the average trip, too. Compare that to Mount Vernon, a popular tourist destination just outside of D.C. — there’s perhaps a couple of hours of entertainment, and an adult ticket costs $13.

Go Off the Beaten Path

If you aren’t visiting something that a lot of tourists aim for, you’re more likely to avoid those costly entry fees and gift shops. I learned this rule young, hiking in the Garden of the Gods. While entry to the park is free, the commonly used trails practically lead inside of the Visitor’s Center and its gift shop. Instead, heading on to the less popular trails offer more opportunities to explore and climb, and you’ll wind up with just as good of a view of the park.

Check the Local Tourism Board

Those organizations in charge of bringing tourists to an area can be your best bet to find coupons and special deals. In Ireland, the local tourism offices in each town can often connect you with a deal for just about anything — I was with a group of students traveling around and they managed to call ahead and get a group rate fifteen minutes before we were planning to show up at an attraction. Tourism boards are often at their best when they’re trying to convince you to visit their area — they can arrange special deals, notify you of upcoming events, and do other things to make sure their area gets your business.

Try Public Transportation

I think half the cities in the world have those hop-on-hop-off tour buses these days, and I really don’t think they’re the great deal they’re made out to be. When touring Cardiff, a friend and I snagged a copy of their map and hopped on a public bus that went to basically the same places. Our tour cost literally a tenth of theirs and we didn’t have to figure out what some squawking intercom was saying.

Go to Church

Many churches and other religious sites are considered amazing tourist attractions, such as Paris’ Notre-Dame, but are free. Architectural buffs, take h eed: you can see some of the best-preserved buildings just by visiting religious sites during your sightseeing. Cemeteries can also be worth a visit, though you might not think of them at first. But if you’re particularly interested in a particular historical figure, look up where they’re interred: most cemeteries have some beautiful sculpture and can give you a great introduction to an area’s history.

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This article is from Thursday Bram of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread: