How To Be a Tourist in Your Own Town

How to be a Tourist in your own TownSometimes, you simply don't have the funds for a weekend getaway, or the time to spare for a cross-country road trip. If you still have the need for travel and exploration, try being a tourist in your own town! Chances are, if you live in or near a big city, there's plenty you have left to discover. Here are a few tips on how to be a local tourist!

 

1. Eat at the most renowned restaurants. You may have never had the chance to hit up that critically-acclaimed 5-star restaurant you've heard so much about, but your day of touristing is the time to do it! Treat yourself to a dish you wouldn't normally be brave enough to try.

 

2. Check out all the best local parks. Some cities have amazing, sprawling parks filled with fountains, running paths, hiking trails, ponds, and sometimes great events. Check your local calendar and see if any outdoor extravaganza is happening at your city park, or just start off your tourist day there with a breakfast-style picnic in the grass.

 

3. Visit a museum you may have never been interested in. Don't let the idea of learning something on your tourist day scare you -- many museums are actually tons of fun, and you might discover a new passion or interest while you're at it.

 

4. Go to a sports game. Even if it's minor league, you'll feel like you're taking a vacation day just by spending a day hootin' and hollerin' at the ball park.

 

5. Visit a theme park. Most major cities have an amusement park somewhere nearby, usually a Six Flags, but if you don't, try the next best thing -- a go-kart, mini-golf, batting cages, and arcade emporium! These are much more common staples in most towns, and spending an evening here can prove to be a great time.

 

6. See a concert. Nothing says road trip like a spontaneous stop at a run-down venue where a surprisingly awesome rock band is playing, so recreate that in your hometown at the preferred venue of your choice! Most cities have small venues with local musicians where concerts range from just $5-$20 per ticket, so you don't have to break the bank.