A generation or two ago, group tours were often whirlwinds, with guests whisked from attraction to attraction with barely a minute to catch a breath, let alone to venture out and explore on their own. Thankfully, that’s changing, and now trip planners realize that even on group tours, people want flexibility and free time that allows them to choose their own adventures, or even to take a break and relax at a cafe or in their hotel.
Some destinations lend themselves to free time better than others, offering great public transportation, concentrated attractions, walkable shopping and lively entertainment districts. Others have welcoming ambassador programs that make navigating the area a breeze.
Here are six places that ensure your groups enjoy the free time you’ve built into their trips.
Denver
Sitting exactly one mile above sea level, Denver earns its “Mile High City” nickname while offering visitors a walkable urban experience against the dramatic backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. Abundant sunshine creates ideal conditions for outdoor activities, with hiking trails and ski slopes accessible within an hour’s drive from downtown.
The A-line train links the airport to downtown’s gorgeously restored Union Station, a 1914 Beaux Arts terminal with upscale dining, shopping and lodging. The robust public transit system, along with bike, scooter and rideshare offerings, allow visitors to explore both the city and surrounding areas without the necessity of renting a car.
The recently renovated 16th Street walking mall features a free shuttle service running between Union Station and Civic Center Station along the 1.2-mile pedestrian corridor. Shuttles stop at every intersection, connecting visitors to shopping, restaurants and entertainment venues along this downtown thoroughfare. Visitors will want to check out the opulent Brown Palace Hotel, a historic landmark just one block north of the route.
Larimer Square preserves Denver’s oldest commercial block, with Victorian-era buildings housing upscale boutiques and restaurants. The nearby River North Art District, better known as RiNo, showcases vibrant street murals, craft breweries and the Denver Central Market food hall, all within walking distance of downtown hotels. Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies, offers craft beer and great mountain views. In City Park, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and Denver Zoo provide cultural attractions alongside recreational opportunities, while Washington Park’s gardens and lakes offer respite from urban exploration.
San Antonio
The home of the Alamo, San Antonio is both a historic gem and a vibrant, modern city, offering a ton of attractions, old and new. The vibrant San Antonio River Walk, also known as Paseo del Rio, encapsulates much of the city’s unique charm. On this 15-mile stretch along the banks of the San Antonio River, visitors will find meandering stone paths connecting hotels, restaurants, shops, historic landmarks and more. Downtown, a cadre of yellow-shirted Centro ambassadors keep the streets clean and welcoming, and they can provide directions and recommendations to residents and tourists alike.
San Antonio is known for its arts scene, and creatives will want to check out the Southtown Arts District. Composed of historic homes and warehouses, the trendy neighborhood is home to unique art galleries, creative services, museums and studios. Housed in a former brewery, the San Antonio Museum of Art boasts an impressive collection, including a particularly fine selection of ancient Mediterranean works.
Designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2017, San Antonio is a paradise for curious culinary explorers. While sampling authentic Tex-Mex is a must, there’s much more to savor including Savor, a restaurant operated on the third campus of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America. Savor is located at Pearl, a historic brewery turned foodie destination where visitors can enjoy a variety of shops and restaurants, including a well-regarded weekend farmers market. Shoppers must also check out La Villita Historic Arts Village and Market Square. The first is a historic haven for arts and crafts, while the second is the largest Mexican marketplace north of the Rio Grande.
Hartford, Connecticut
While Hartford, Connecticut, is known as a hub for the insurance and financial industries, there’s so much more to Connecticut’s capital city. Beloved by Mark Twain — whose Downton Abbey-esque mansion is not to be missed — the city is filled with glorious public art and is steeped in Colonial history and charm. Most major attractions are within a comfortable walking distance of one another, and Hartford’s grid layout makes navigation a snap.
The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, America’s oldest continuously operating public museum, houses an impressive collection spanning 5,000 years and is America’s oldest continuously operating public art museum. The nearby Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts hosts Broadway shows, concerts and cultural performances year-round. Nature lovers will enjoy all 50 acres of Bushnell Park, which was America’s first publicly funded municipal park, paid for with taxes after a popular vote. Your travelers can admire the historic 1914 carousel and grand Civil War monument then pass through the entrance to the state capitol, where free guided tours showcase stunning architecture and state history.
In the highly walkable downtown, ambassadors patrol to assist visitors with maps and recommendations while three information kiosks offer walking directions and suggestions via QR codes. On weekdays, the free Dash shuttle operates every 15 minutes, connecting to the convention center, riverfront, science center, the arts and entertainment district, and downtown hotels and restaurants. The one-block Pratt Street historic district is a pedestrianized oasis with shops, restaurants and events happening year-round.
Salt Lake City
Urban sophistication and unparalleled access to outdoor adventures centered around a pedestrian-friendly downtown make Salt Lake a winning destination. The city’s distinctive wide streets and mountain-framed skyline provide a dramatic backdrop for visitors making the most of their free time. Four of Utah’s world-renowned ski resorts can be reached via public transportation in less than an hour, and incredible hiking trails are mere minutes from downtown.
Home of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake’s Temple Square dominates the city center. Visitors should take advantage of free tours of the historic Salt Lake Temple, the Mormon Tabernacle with its famous choir, and the square’s beautifully landscaped grounds. The adjacent Family History Library attracts genealogy enthusiasts from around the world, while the Conference Center hosts major events year-round.
Cultural attractions include the architecturally striking Natural History Museum of Utah, the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, and the Red Butte Garden & Arboretum. The historic Union Pacific Depot houses shops and restaurants in a beautifully restored train station, along with the newly opened Asher Adams Hotel.
The Downtown Ambassador Program provides uniformed ambassadors who assist visitors with directions, support local businesses, and help maintain a safe, clean and welcoming environment throughout the downtown area. These friendly ambassadors also help connect people experiencing homelessness with shelters and social services.
Outside downtown, trendy neighborhoods like Sugar Hill or the 9th and 9th district offer plenty of options for eating, drinking and exploring. The TRAX light rail efficiently connects downtown to the airport, university and suburbs, and the free fare zone covers most of the central attractions.
Key West, Florida
Visitors don’t have to be pirates to revel in this former smuggler’s paradise — the fun and irreverent “endless vacation” vibe in Key West, Florida, brings out the buccaneer in everyone. Where the continental United States officially runs out of road, this tiny island paradise makes the most of its end-of-the-line status. The entire historic district is refreshingly compact; visitors can walk from one side to the other in about 20 minutes, though most want to linger everywhere along the way.
Duval Street is the island’s main artery, lined with everything from dive bars to upscale galleries. Sunset celebrations happen nightly at Mallory Square, where street performers, artists and tourists gather to applaud the sun’s dramatic dive into the Gulf of Mexico. At the Hemingway Home & Museum, fans of Ernest Hemingway can cuddle descendants of his famous six-toed cats, while the Harry S. Truman Little White House reveals presidential history in tropical splendor.
Getting around couldn’t be easier. Most visitors walk, bike or catch the colorful Conch Tour Train that narrates the island’s wild history of pirates, wreckers and rum runners. The Key West Attractions Association operates a visitor center that’s open seven days a week, providing free travel planning assistance. Golf carts and scooters are popular alternatives for covering more ground without breaking a sweat in the tropical heat.
The island’s laid-back vibe encourages meandering through tree-lined residential streets, where quirky architecture ranges from Conch Republic cottages to grand Victorian mansions. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park offers pristine beaches and snorkeling, while Glass Bottom Boat tours reveal underwater treasures without getting wet.
Spokane, Washington
Showcasing the charm of the Pacific Northwest’s inland gateway, Spokane, Washington, is an ideal destination for relaxed exploration. The Spokane River carves through the city center, creating the largest urban waterfall in the country. Built on the grounds of the 1974 World’s Fair, Riverfront Parks offers 100 acres of green space perfect for strolling along the rushing waters, along with the Numerica SkyRide, the Skate Ribbon, the Looff Carrousel and a giant red wagon that’s perfect for photo opportunities. Meet with one of Visit Spokane’s travel counselors at the Visitor Information Center at the entrance to Riverfront Park for dining suggestions, maps, the Visitor Guide and more.
Whether staying as a guest or enjoying a drink in the ornate lobby, the historic Davenport Hotel is a must. Epitomizing Spokane’s renaissance, its restored grandeur serves as both a landmark accommodation and an architectural marvel. Nearby, the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture houses regional history alongside contemporary exhibitions, while the Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox presents Broadway touring productions in a stunning 1931 venue.
The city’s compact downtown core makes exploration effortless on foot. The Spokane Transit Authority operates comprehensive bus service throughout the metropolitan area, with downtown routes connecting major attractions, hotels and shopping districts. The all-electric City Line system whisks riders to the historic Browne’s Addition neighborhood, where visitors can enjoy gorgeous Victorian homes, restaurants and the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture.
The Steam Plant Square entertainment complex transformed a century-old power plant into restaurants, bars and event spaces with dramatic industrial architecture. Kendall Yards offers trendy dining and shopping along the river and is easily accessible via Centennial Trail, which stretches 37 miles across the region.
Foodies will enjoy checking out local breweries like Iron Goat Brewing and No-Li Brewhouse, along with tasting rooms offering some of Washington state’s best wines. Anyone who loves a classic diner — or just a great breakfast — will want to stop by the downtown location of Frank’s Diner. Housed in a vintage rail car, it’s been serving hungry visitors since 1906.
The formal gardens of Manito Park provide respite south of downtown, with rose gardens, Japanese landscapes and tropical displays in the Gaiser Conservatory. The popular park connects to South Hill’s residential neighborhoods, which are lined with historic mansions.
