Now is a great time to start planning your trip playing tourist in some of America's most-visited cities. You don't need to spend a lot of money to experience some of the world's most amazing views, enjoy great food or get an adrenaline rush. Several destinations offer attractive lodging options for budget travelers, and you can also find some great deals on airfare through summer vacation season.
Whether you're heading off on a road trip or jetting off for a weekend getaway, be sure to take advantage of some great deals and special offers at some of the most popular tourist attractions in the U.S.
Space Needle
kw: Seattle space needle
Where: Seattle
Visitors per year: 1,000,000
Enjoy the view from 520 feet at this observation tower. You can also settle in for a meal at the famous SkyCity restaurant for 360-degree views of the city. General admission is $22 for adults, $19 for seniors and $14 for younger visitors between 5 and 12 years of age.
Alcatraz
kw: Alcatraz
Where: San Francisco Bay
Visitors per year: 1,400,000
Learn about the rich history of Alcatraz Island and some of America's most famous criminals with a guided tour. If you book an Alcatraz Tour through AlcatrazCruises.com during the spring or summer, you'll need to pay around $33 to $40 for an adult ticket and $20.50 to $24 for a child ticket, depending on the tour.
USS Arizona Memorial
kw: USS Arizona Memorial
Where: Hawaii
Visitors per year: 1,800,000
This is one of the best deals in Hawaii. The resting place of more than 1,000 sailors and Marines killed during the Pearl Harbor attacks, the USS Arizona Memorial is open daily -- excluding some major holidays -- with free admission. Head over to the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park nearby to round out your trip.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
kw: Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Where: Keystone, S.D.
Visitors per year: 2,434,297
You can't visit South Dakota without catching a glimpse of the Mount Rushmore National Memorial in the Black Hills region. The granite faces are a sight to behold in any season -- and the best part is, it's free to see. Entrance to the park is free, but you will need to pay $11 per vehicle for parking.
Yellowstone National Park
kw: Yellowstone National Park
Where: Wyoming/Idaho/Montana
Visitors per year: 4,097,710
Keep an eye out for hidden expenses at this national park. Yellowstone is one of the most scenic parks in the country with hot springs, a Grand Canyon, geysers and wildlife. Head here to pay a tribute to Old Faithful or plan a skiing or biking trip. Fees are $30 per vehicle or $15 per person if you enter by foot or on a bike.
Yosemite National Park
kw: yosemite national park
Where: California
Visitors per year: 4,150,217
Yosemite is pretty affordable, but its hidden expenses could put a damper on your budget. But, it's worth the money. Explore Yosemite Valley where you can visit the Ansel Adams Gallery, and enjoy a good meal at one of the nearby charming restaurants. Fees are $30 per vehicle or $15 per person if you enter by foot or on a bike.
Statue of Liberty
kw: statue of liberty
Where: New York
Visitors per year: 4,279,020
Given as a gift of friendship from France, "The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World" is still one of the most-admired -- and recognized -- tourist attractions in the world. You can see Lady Liberty from several locations around New York, but your best bet is to take a ferry over to Liberty Island. A New York Reserve Ticket, which includes a self-guided audio tour and provides access to Liberty Island's ground as well as limited access to the Ellis Island Immigrations Museum, is only $18 for adults, $9 for children.
Grand Canyon
kw: Grand Canyon
Where: Arizona
Visitors per year: 5,520,736
Head to Grand Canyon National Park for a few days of hiking, nature walks and whitewater rafting down the Colorado River. Entrance fees are $15 per person and $30 per vehicle.
Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum
kw: Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum
Where: Washington, DC
Visitors per year: 6,700,000
Learn about aircraft and space objects, the history of aviation, planetary science and more at the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum. You can explore thousands of objects, take a tour or check out a science demonstration. Admission is free, but you will pay fees for special shows and programs.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
kw: Lake Mead National Recreate Area
Where: Nevada/Arizona
Visitors per year: 7,298,465
Spend your days hiking, boating and swimming as you explore some of America's most beautiful desert ecosystems. This outdoor attraction is a haven for campers and nature enthusiasts year round. Entrance fees range from $10 per individual walking or biking to $20 per vehicle and is good for one to seven days. An annual pass, however, is only $40.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
kw: Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Where: Washington, DC
Visitors per year: 7,300,000
You can't miss the grand facade of this museum on the National Mall. Head here to learn about some of the world's natural wonders, fossils, animals, geology and more. Admission is free.
Lincoln Memorial
kw: Lincoln Memorial
Where: Washington, DC
Visitors per year: 7,941,771
This national monument on the National Mall stands above the Reflecting Pool. While exploring, you'll find carved inscription of President Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address and his Gettysburg address as well as murals and the famous Lincoln statue. You can't miss this grand sculpture, which is accessible 24 hours a day, free of charge.
Universal Studios Florida
kw: Universal Studios Florida
Where: Florida
Visitors per year: 8,263,000
Be a part of your favorite movies and movie scenes at this entertainment theme park that has been catering to modern movie enthusiasts for years. Now home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter experience, Universal Studios Florida attracts visitors from all over the world. Single-park tickets for one day are $105 for adults and $100 per child.
Navy Pier
kw: Navy Pier
Where: Chicago
Visitors per year: 8,900,000
Make your way over to this pier for views of Lake Michigan and a variety of events and activities. The Chicago landmark is home to the Miller Lite Beer Garden, the Centennial Wheel and an IMAX theatre. There's no fee to walk around the pier, but you might need to buy tickets for some attractions.
Pier 39
kw: Pier 39
Where: San Francisco
Visitors per year: 10,000,000
Waterfront dining options, live music and entertainment, and plenty of shopping opportunities await at this famous pier in the San Francisco Bay area. Visit some of the city's top attractions and enjoy beautiful views of the Bay. Admission to the pier is free, but bring money to spend on treats and souvenirs.
Pike Place Market
kw: Pike Place Market
Where: Seattle
Visitors per year: 10,000,000
This buzzing food and seafood market is the perfect place to pick up fresh food. It's Seattle's original farmers market and is now a local tradition. Just bring enough money to buy your favorite foods and crafts.
Balboa Park
kw: Balboa Park
Where: San Diego
Visitors per year: 10,000,000
Make your way over to this 1,200-acre urban park to explore the beautiful gardens and visit museums. Steeped in history and culture, this is a prime spot to enjoy nature its best and relax in a beautiful setting. Admission inside the park grounds is free, but you might need to buy a ticket for attractions and special events.
Golden Gate Bridge
kw: Golden Gate Bridge
Where: San Francisco
Visitors per year: 10,000,000
This famous 1.2-mile-long bridge in San Francisco is one of the city's most famous landmarks and is easily accessible via bike, car or on foot. You'll find gift shops and a cafe at the south end of the bridge.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
kw: Disney Hollywood Studios
Where: Florida
Visitors per year: 10,312,000
Enjoy a few thrill rides at Disney's Hollywood Studios. This is the place to watch some of Disney's best stage shows or take a backstage tour. Prices vary, but one-day tickets cost around $97.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
kw: Disney Animal Kingdom
Where: Florida
Visitors per year: 10,402,000
See your favorite animals in action, and enjoy exciting theme park rides at this Disney theme park in Florida. Catch the lineup of entertainment that includes a carnival experience and a wildlife party. Single-day tickets start at about $97.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
kw: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Where: Tennessee/North Carolina
Visitors per year: 10,712,674
This national park is ripe for exploring any time of year. Head to the observation tower on the Clingmans Dome for breathtaking views of the mountains and landscaping. Admission to the park is free, but you will pay $14 to $23 per night to camp overnight.
Epcot at Walt Disney World
kw: Epcot Disney World
Where: Florida
Visitors per year: 11,454,000
Kids will enjoy a day at Epcot, where they can experience the culture and cuisine from 11 different countries and visit galleries, watch live performances and, of course, go on rides. Tickets are as low as $97 for a single day.
Niagara Falls
kw: Niagara Falls
Where: Canada/U.S.
Visitors per year: 12,000,000 (for Canada)
One of the biggest tourist destinations in the world, Niagara Falls is home to three majestic waterfalls. With the Niagara Falls State Park 2016 Discovery Pass, which costs $45 for adults and $34 for youth ages 6 to 12, you can ride the Maid of the Mist Boat tour, see the Cave of the Winds and more.
Golden Gate Park
kw: Golden Gate Park
Where: San Francisco
Visitors per year: 13,000,000
Encompassing more than 1,000 acres, Golden Gate Park features gardens, museums and tons of activities. Head here to explore the Japanese tea garden, the De Young Museum and more. Admission to the park is free, but you will pay for some attractions.
Disneyland
kw: Disneyland
Where: Anaheim, Calif.
Visitors per year: 16,769,000
Visiting Disneyland is expensive -- if you don't know the secret tricks to saving money at this theme park -- but it's a once-in-a-lifetime trip where all of your favorite Disney characters come to life. Tickets start at around $95 for a single day.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
kw: Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Where: Boston
Visitors per year: 18,000,000
The famous cobblestone promenade is a busy hub of activity with a lineup of shops, street performers and plenty of great places to eat -- so make sure you bring some spending money to fully enjoy the experience.
Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World
kw Magic Kingdom Walt Disney World
Where: Florida
Visitors per year: 19,332,000
A trip to Disney World isn't complete without at least one day at the Magic Kingdom. Try out the thrilling rides, and watch the parades and fireworks. A single-day ticket at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World starts at around $105.
Hollywood & Highland Center
kw: Hollywood & Highland Center
Where: Los Angeles
Visitors per year: 25,000,000
One of the biggest shopping and entertainment complexes in Los Angeles, you could spend the entire day window shopping specialty stores, shopping for designer clothing, watching the latest movies and gazing at the Hollywood Sign. The Hollywood & Highland Center is free to visit.
Union Station
kw: Union Station
Where: Washington, DC
Visitors per year: 32,850,000
Now a popular transportation hub and shopping and retail destination, Union Station is free to explore. But, you will need some cash or a credit card for shopping, dining and Amtrak tickets.
Central Park
kw: Central Park
Where: New York
Visitors per year: 42,000,000
Pack a picnic, and head on over to this world-famous park for a day of exploring. Central Park is home to gardens, man-made lakes and other attractions. You will need tickets for carriage rides, tours and food, though.
Las Vegas Strip
kw: Las Vegas Strip
Where: Las Vegas
Visitors per year: 42,312,216
The Las Vegas Strip is home to several hotels and casinos that are open to the general public 24/7. You could take a self-guided tour of popular destinations like the Bellagio, the Mirage and the Luxor. And, you'll find some free shows and entertainment to enjoy on the trip along the way.
Times Square
kw: Times Square
Where: New York
Visitors per year: 109,500,000
You can't miss the fast-paced activity and at this famous junction. There's no admission fee to enter Times Square, but you will need some money for shopping and restaurants. Be sure to visit during the day and at night for a completely different experience.
Rockefeller Center
kw: Rockefeller Center
Where: New York
Visitors per year: 171,550,000
Don't miss the jaw-dropping views and architectural wonders of Rockefeller Center. For a fee, you can check out the observation deck or take a guided a tour. And if you come during the holidays, check out the magnificent Christmas tree and ice-skating rink.
Grand Central Terminal
kw: Grand Central Terminal
Where: New York
Visitors per year: 273,750,000
This midtown Manhattan landmark is still one of the most-visited attraction in the United States. Just remember that you'll need some extra cash for shopping and food at Grand Central Market.
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Most Popular U.S. Tourist Attractions