July Fourth on the cheap? Free attractions in NJ, PA rank high on USA Today's '10Best' list

Damon C. Williams, USA TODAY NETWORK

The civic-minded can head to the Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia during the extended Fourth of July holiday weekend, as the home of the Congress Hall, Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center will be accessible.

Even better? Visiting the Independence National Historical Park itself won't cost you a dime, as is it ranked by USA Today as a "10Best" free attraction in the nation.

Every week, USA Today invites a panel of industry experts to nominate their favorite points of interest and attractions across a wide range of categories. USA Today's 10Best editors then publish the results on the "10Best" website.

Independence National Historical Park, Cape May County Park & Zoo are '10Best' free summer attractions

The Cape May County Park & Zoo in New Jersey, which will be open through the Fourth of July holiday weekend and will host a free summer concert series performance by the Loose Cannon Band on Saturday, July 6, ranked third on USA Today's "10Best Free Attractions" list.

Billie Jean the bear may have helped boost Cape May County Park & Zoo's ranking.

Independence National Historical Park ranked tenth.

Here is the full USA Today "10Best Free Attractions" list:

  • 1. Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Juno Beach, Florida

  • 2. TECO Manatee Viewing Center, Apollo Beach, Florida

  • 3. Cape May County Park & Zoo

  • 4. U.S. Mint, Philadelphia

  • 5. Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

  • 6. JC Raulston Arboretum, Raleigh, North Carolina

  • 7. National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center, Columbus, Georgia

  • 8. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

  • 9. Freedom Trail, Boston

  • 10. Independence National Historical Park

Independence National Historical Park, which will be open through the Fourth of July holiday weekend, is ranked a "10Best" free attraction by USA Today.
Independence National Historical Park, which will be open through the Fourth of July holiday weekend, is ranked a "10Best" free attraction by USA Today.

Philadelphia ranked the top city for walkability

You'll have no problem getting around Philadelphia while celebrating the Fourth of July, ranked the most walkable city by the USA Today "10Best" panel.

"Philadelphia is beloved for its cultural and historical attractions, and its walkability is appreciated by residents and visitors," read USA Today's "10Best" panel's description. "Tourists would likely most enjoy strolling Center City — home to the historic Old City and gorgeous Rittenhouse Square neighborhoods."

Here is USA Today's "10Best Most Walkable Cities to Visit":

  • 1. Philadelphia

  • 2. Providence, Rhode Island

  • 3. Key West, Florida

  • 4. St. Augustine, Florida

  • 5. New Orleans

  • 6. Boston

  • 7. Chicago

  • 8. New York City

  • 9. Chattanooga, Tennessee

  • 10. St. Louis

Damon C. Williams is a Philadelphia-based journalist reporting on trending topics across the Mid-Atlantic Region.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Independence National Historical Park a "10Best" free destination

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