Air & Space Museum
General admission is free.
The National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. currently requires a free timed-entry pass.
Reserve before you arrive during busy periods.
NEW YORK & WASHINGTON, D.C.
Veteran & Senior Travel Discounts: New York & Washington, D.C.
Some of America's most famous museums, monuments, historic sites and attractions can be surprisingly affordable — if you know what is free, what requires a reservation and what offers special Veteran or Senior pricing.
Washington, D.C. is especially unusual because many major attractions are already free to everyone. In New York, the savings often come from State Park programs, Veteran admission rates and planning ahead.
Know what is free. Know what requires a ticket. Ask before you pay.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Start With What's Already Free
Washington, D.C. may be one of the best-value sightseeing destinations in America.
Smithsonian Museums
General admission to most Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C. is free for everyone.
Some locations still require free timed-entry passes, so "free" does not always mean "walk in whenever you want."
Before your visit, check whether the museum requires an advance pass.
Smithsonian Museums
Many Smithsonian museums around the National Mall offer free general admission.
That includes major museums covering American history, natural history, art and culture.
Smithsonian National Zoo
Admission is currently free for everyone.
Free entry passes are required.
Parking is separate and can add significant cost, so compare transportation options before driving.
NATIONAL MALL
Some of America's Most Important Sites Cost Nothing to Visit
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Lincoln Memorial
Visit one of America's most recognizable monuments without an admission charge.
🎖️
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
A meaningful destination for Veterans, families and anyone visiting Washington.
No general admission ticket is required.
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World War II Memorial
Another major National Mall memorial that visitors can experience without paying an admission fee.
Washington Monument: Free Admission, But Plan Ahead
Admission to the Washington Monument is free, but timed-entry tickets are required.
Advance reservations can be made online, and a small reservation service charge may apply.
Demand can be high, especially during peak travel seasons.
Free attraction does not always mean no planning is required.
NEW YORK CITY
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
This is a perfect example of why you must separate the attraction from the transportation.
The Federal Site Is Free — The Ferry Is Not
The National Park Service does not charge an entrance fee for the museums on Liberty Island or Ellis Island.
However, visitors must use authorized ferry transportation to reach the islands.
Ferry fares, parking and certain special tours are separate costs.
America the Beautiful passes do not cover the required ferry transportation.
NEW YORK STATE RESIDENTS
Veteran & Senior State Park Benefits
New York has State Park programs that can be especially valuable to resident Veterans and Seniors.
Lifetime Liberty Pass
Qualified New York State resident Veterans and eligible Gold Star family members may receive the free Lifetime Liberty Pass.
Benefits can include free vehicle entry at many State Parks and DEC day-use areas, free swimming pool admission, free greens fees at qualifying State-operated golf courses and discounts on qualifying camping and cabin rentals.
Once issued, the pass does not expire.
Golden Park Program
New York State residents age 62 and older may receive free vehicle access to many State Parks and related facilities on qualifying weekdays.
The program generally applies Monday through Friday except holidays and can also provide reductions at certain State-operated historic sites and recreational facilities.
Your qualifying New York State driver's license or non-driver ID serves as proof.
New York Access Pass
Qualified New York residents with disabilities may receive free or discounted use of State Parks, historic sites and recreational facilities.
Veterans with a qualifying service-connected disability may also be eligible.
Documentation requirements apply.
NIAGARA FALLS
Niagara Falls: Separate the Park From the Attractions
Niagara Falls State Park and the surrounding attractions involve several different costs.
Simply entering the park area is different from paying for parking, observation experiences, boat tours, caves, transportation or other separately operated attractions.
New York resident Veterans and Seniors should check whether their applicable State Park benefits affect any qualifying State-operated charges.
For separately operated attractions, ask directly about Veteran, military or Senior rates before purchasing.
COOPERSTOWN
National Baseball Hall of Fame
A strong example of an attraction publishing separate Veteran, military and Senior rates.
Current Published Admission Categories
The National Baseball Hall of Fame currently publishes special admission categories for Veterans, Seniors and military personnel.
| Visitor | Current Published Admission |
|---|---|
| Veterans | $25 |
| Active / Career Retired Military | Free |
| Seniors 65+ | $29 |
Admission rates can change. Verify current pricing before visiting.
Before You Visit New York or Washington, D.C.
- Check which attractions are already free.
- Reserve required free timed-entry passes.
- Separate transportation fees from attraction fees.
- Ask about Veteran, military and Senior admission.
- Check New York resident State Park benefits.
- Compare parking costs with public transportation.
- Check whether a discount requires advance purchase.
- Carry appropriate identification or eligibility proof.
Not a Veteran or Senior?
You can still use Senior Vet Discounts.
Find businesses that support Veterans and Seniors and choose to support those businesses with your own purchases.
Support the businesses that support them.
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NATIONAL GUIDEAlways Verify Before You Pay
Admission prices, Veteran and military policies, Senior rates, State Park benefits, reservations, transportation charges and eligibility requirements can change.
Some programs apply only to State residents, active-duty military, career retirees or specific eligibility groups.
Always verify current information directly with the attraction, agency or business before purchasing tickets or making travel plans.
Page reviewed: September 2026.