These road trip attractions are 100% free and 100% awesome

New York City is an urban playground in so many ways, so it's no surprise that it's home to one of the world's most amazing urban parks. Central Park is an incredible achievement in landscaping and design, and has absolutely withstood the test of time, having been established way back in the 1800s. It's retained its timeless charm, and today you could spend an afternoon people-watching in the relaxing 15-acre Sheep Meadow, or climb atop the bronze "Alice in Wonderland" sculptures.

Don't forget your camera! There's loads of great photo ops, from the Conservatory Garden, a 6-acre European garden, to the Belvedere Castle, which offers stunning views of the Great Lawn, and Turtle Pond.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the best national parks in all of America and it's absolutely 100% free of charge, which is pretty significant considering most national parks can charge upwards of $20 a day to visit! There are over 800 beautiful square miles to explore, including parts of the historic Appalachian Trail, which having originated in Maine, goes smack dab through the center of the park, and ends in Georgia. There's a little something for everyone, from hiking and biking trails, to wildlife viewing, fields of wildflowers, horseback riding, and fishing. The park is also open every single day of year, 24/7.

A few must-see spots include: Chimney Tops Trail, which provides a drop-dead gorgeous view of the mountains; Fontana Dam, the tallest dam east of the Rockies; beautiful Cades Cove, an 11-mile one-way looped road that has incredible waterfalls and fields of wildlife; Elkmont Historic District, an entire abandoned summer resort town in the middle of the park where you can wander around the cottages and even spend the night in the campground; and lastly, Clingmans Dome, an essential way to end your trip. With an elevation of nearly 6,643 feet, the view is absolutely out of this world.

Remember the Alamo! Even if you don't know the full story or the historical significance of this famed fort, you at least have heard its name. The Alamo is the site of a notorious siege against Texan rebels by the Mexican Army, led by General Santa Anna. The Alamo fell after a few days, and almost everyone inside was killed in the ensuing battle. However, "Remember the Alamo!" became a rallying cry for the rest of the Texan rebels, and it carried them on to defeat the army and declare Texan independence from Mexico.

It's open pretty much year-round (with a few holiday exceptions) and it's totally free. There are a few buildings to explore here, including the famous church and a military barracks, with tons of historical background provided on the various sites. In fact, the whole Alamo Plaza is worth exploring. It's pretty crazy to see the old building surrounded by modern development, but the parks, gardens, restaurants, and shops nearby all add to the experience of looking into Texas' storied past.

Whether you're into star spotting (space stars, not movie stars) or you just want a good view of the Hollywood sign, head to Griffith Observatory. Located on a hill above Hollywood, Griffith Observatory offers incredible views of the LA area, and the observatory's museum and telescopes are free! There's a planetarium that costs extra to visit, but with multiple telescopes, films, and exhibits, you can easily spend an afternoon here without spending a cent. And, since countless movies have been filmed here, from "Terminator" to "Rebel Without A Cause,” it's got some cool Hollywood history as well.

Bonus: there are several trails around Griffith Park, where the observatory is located, that are awesome for a hike. Head in search of the carousel or the abandoned zoo after you check out the exhibits at the observatory!