1

Central Park

Image: Harry Gillen

Let’s open the list with a classic one: Central Park. Located in the heart of New York, Central Park attracts local and foreign visitors by the millions. The reasons are just one too many to list in this article but to put it simply, the park offers a wide variety of activities with some of the most astounding views in the city.

Within the 843 acres, visitors can enjoy views of the Ramble and Lake, the Central Park Zoo, Hallett Nature Sanctuary, and more. No visit to New York is truly complete without a visit to Central Park!

2

Independence National Historical Park

Image: Miguel Ángel Sanz

Our vast country has proudly fought its way to independence and the landmarks that narrate that history are scattered all over the country. However, one city has more landmarks than any other: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Here, you’ll find the Independence National Historical Park, a federally protected area that comprises several historic buildings like the Independence Hall or the Liberty Bell. Do you want to go over history? This is the place for you, and it’s free!

3

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Image: NATHAN MULLET

If nature is your thing, National Parks are the best options. They offer the best views for a free entrance, what’s better than that?

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited park in our country and, big as it is, it offers more than just stunning mountain views. The park spans across the border of Tennessee and North Carolina and, in it, you can choose to visit the historic structures, walk along the hiking trails, enjoy the waterfalls, and more!

4

Cape May County Park & Zoo

Image: Daiga Ellaby

After two Snow Leopard cubs, the Cape May County Zoo was under the spotlight, and for good reason. This attraction will keep you entertained and won’t make you break the bank.

The animal exhibits, which feature more than 500 creatures , are amazing. Besides, you can also enjoy picnic areas, playgrounds, and walking trails.

Open every day except Christmas day, the zoo is a perfect opportunity to get to know the wildlife and enjoy an outdoor activity day for free!

5

Golden Gate Bridge

Image: Maarten van den Heuvel

This magnificent bridge has been the main character in many films and TV shows, it’s extraordinary, and imposing and it attracts thousands of visitors every year.

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most recognizable constructions in America and the World. It is one of San Francisco’s gems and crossing it is just a must for anyone paying a visit to the city. Moreover, visitors can enjoy the Golden Gate National Recreational Area and the Golden Gate Park. Just amazing, isn’t it?

6

U.S. Mint

Image: Adam Nir

Have you ever wondered where the coins you handle every day come from? If that is so, you have to pay a visit to the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia.

Visitors can learn more about the history of the nation’s coins through a self-guided tour that takes only 45 minutes. Additionally, there is a gift shop that offers collectible coins and tokens about the U.S. financial system. And of course, you’ll be able to see how the coins are actually produced. If that’s not enough, meeting Peter the Mint Eagle, a real bald eagle will surely convince you, right?

7

Freedom Trail

Image: Brett Wharton

This is no short trail. The Freedom Trail spans for 2.5 miles and it goes through a variety of locations that are significant in the construction of our nation.

Starting in Boston Common, in downtown Boston, the Trail takes you through historic sites , important buildings, and churches. Note that not every stop in the Trail admits visitors for free, but most of them do at the same time accept donations.

8

JC Raulston Arboretum

Image: micheile henderson

In Raleigh, North Carolina, you can find JC Raulston Arboretum, a 10-acre botanical garden that features a massive collection of plants, bulbs, trees, and more from over 50 countries!

With just a visit, you’ll get to know the most diverse plant collection . In the Arboretum, you’ll find more than ten carefully curated gardens and enjoy educational programs and workshops for all ages.

9

Loggerhead Marinelife Center

Image: Giorgia Doglioni

Located in Juno Beach, Florida, Loggerhead Marinelife Center is devoted to marine conservation. It specializes in the treatment and rehabilitation of sea turtles and it offers its visitors the possibility to learn about sea animals’ ecosystems for free.

This place is perfect for children, but people of all ages can enjoy a visit through the guided tours and the educational programs it has. Now, the highlight of this place? You can also adopt a turtle and contribute to ocean conservation! How cute is that?

10

National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center

Image: Levi Meir Clancy

Located in Columbus, Georgia, this museum with free admission goes over the history of the U.S. Army Infantry . The archive collects pieces from the American Revolution to the more current military operations. The exhibits are curated and displayed in different galleries depending on the era.

It is an interactive museum that takes visitors through the values that guide the military task, such as duty, loyalty, service, honor, integrity, and more. Which of these places are you visiting next?

1

Jurassic World Dominion

Image: Christopher Stark

We understand; bringing giant reptiles from millions of years ago to life isn’t easy… or cheap. Maybe that’s why Jurassic World: Dominion (2022) cost an incredible $465 million! But not all of that went to special effects. Filmed during the pandemic, the costs of safety measures and protocols for the large cast and crew were anything but low. The actors even spent months quarantining in the luxurious Langley Hotel near Pinewood Studios, which also inflated the film’s budget.

2

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Image: Lyman Hansel Gerona

There are Star Wars fans everywhere, and for good reason, as it’s considered one of the greatest movie franchises of all time. But creating something this good comes at a high price: $447 million, to be precise. In addition to the visual effects and incredibly detailed costumes, the movie was shot across multiple countries: England, Iceland, Ireland, and even the United Arab Emirates. On top of that, the production counted with a top-tier cast, including Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher.

3

Fast X

Image: Cook aynne

Fast X (2023) ranks among the most expensive movies ever made, with an incredible budget of $379 million. But it wasn’t just the explosions, wild rollovers, and high-speed chases that elevated the costs; a big part went into reuniting much of the original cast. On top of that, the production didn’t stick to Los Angeles alone; it also filmed in beautiful international locations such as Rome, Turin, and Lisbon.

4

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

Image: Intricate Explorer

This film cost about the same as Fast X , but it came out 12 years earlier, when that budget was even more impressive. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011) accumulated around $378.5 million in production costs, much of it going to star salaries, especially Johnny Depp, who reportedly earned $55 million for his role. And that’s not all; the film’s visual effects and far shooting locations (Hawaii, the UK, Puerto Rico) drove the budget even higher.

5

Avengers: Age of Ultron

Image: Jason Leung

The superheroes’ suits, the incredible effects that brought their powers to life, the amazing battle scenes, and all the destruction they caused pushed the budget of Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) to $365 million. But here’s the most interesting part: another film from the same saga, Avengers: Endgame , was released four years later and actually cost less (about $356 million).

6

Avatar: The Way of Water

Image: Luke Tanis

One thing’s for sure: making a movie is never easy, especially when it features a giant blue alien species living in an underwater world. That’s the case with Avatar: The Way of Water , released in 2022 with an astounding budget of $350 million. Costs climbed even higher thanks to its long filming schedule, which stretched from 2017 all the way through 2020!

7

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

Image: Intricate Explorer

Indiana Jones always gives his all, and his latest adventure, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023), was proof of that. The film cost around $327 million to produce, and the action didn’t stay confined to a studio, as the cast, crew, and equipment traveled to locations across the UK, Morocco, and Italy. In addition, the innovative visual effects and de-aging technology used to bring Harrison Ford’s character to life weren’t exactly cheap.

8

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning

Image: Nao Takabayashi

Powerful action scenes and chases, biplanes performing aerial stunts, fierce battles, and underwater sequences: you’ll find all this and more in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (2025). But all this didn't come out of nowhere; it cost $300 million! Beyond the vehicles and specialized equipment, security measures had to be a serious matter. On the other hand, bringing Tom Cruise back to the saga and having him perform his own stunts added more dollars to the equation, with the actor reportedly earning between $70 million and $120 million for the movie.

9

No Time to Die

Image: Marcel Eberle

We were all excited to see Daniel Craig back in James Bond’s shoes, and we were lucky enough to watch him do it! But, of course, it didn’t come cheap. Beyond Craig’s generous salary and advanced visual effects, the film’s $250 million budget also covered the costs of filming across multiple, distant locations, including Italy, Jamaica, Norway, the Faroe Islands, and the UK!

10

Snow White

Image: Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦

After so many scenes of action, aliens, weapons, and explosions, you probably didn’t expect Snow White (2025) to make this list, right? But it did! While the film’s budget wasn’t officially confirmed, estimates put it at around $270 million. So, where did all that money go? First of all, the film relied on high-quality visual effects to bring the magic and fantasy of the fairy tale to life. But that wasn’t all; lead actresses Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot reportedly requested substantial salaries.

1

Colonel Sanders

Image: Aleks Dorohovich

Colonel Sanders, the iconic KFC mascot, is based on Harland Sanders, the chain's founder . He received the honorary title of "Colonel" from Kentucky's governor in 1935.

Sanders embraced the persona, adopting a white suit, goatee, and bow tie, creating the famous image that still represents KFC today.

2

Energizer bunny

Image: Jerry Wang

The Energizer Bunny debuted in 1988 as a parody of Duracell’s "Drumming Bunny." Designed with sunglasses, flip-flops, and a bigger drum, it stood out as a bold contrast to its competitor’s mascot.

The campaign grew into a long-running success, and, obviously, a trademark battle followed, ultimately ending with Energizer securing exclusive rights to the pink bunny in the U.S. and Canada.

3

GEICO gecko

Image: Hunter Masters

The GEICO Gecko debuted in 1999 during an actors' strike, when live talent was unavailable. The idea stemmed from people mispronouncing "GEICO" as "Gecko," inspiring a quick lizard doodle during a brainstorming session.

In his first ad, the Gecko held a press conference asking people to stop confusing him with the company. The quirky concept quickly became a memorable and enduring mascot.

4

Jolly Green Giant

Image: Jun Weng

The Jolly Green Giant began in 1925 with the Minnesota Valley Canning Company’s "Green Giant" peas. The original mascot was a stern, fairy tale–like figure.

In 1936, ad legend Leo Burnett redesigned him with a leafy toga and a friendly smile, making him "jolly." The company later adopted the Green Giant name, and the mascot became a lasting icon.

5

Pillsbury Doughboy

Image: Sonia Nadales

The Pillsbury Doughboy, named Poppin' Fresh, was created in 1965 by ad copywriter Rudy Perz. The idea came to him as he imagined a dough character popping out of a can in his kitchen .

First seen in stop-motion animation, the Doughboy became a cheerful brand icon, starring in over 600 commercials since his debut.

6

Chester Cheetah

Image: Erik Mclean

Chester Cheetah became the face of Cheetos in 1986, replacing the original Cheetos Mouse. He debuted as a cool, animated cartoon character in TV ads.

Known for his smooth voice, catchy rhymes, and laid-back style, the character is depicted as a "cool cat" with a strong craving for Cheetos.

7

Kool-Aid Man

Image: Fotografía de Alimentos

The Kool-Aid Man, a smiling pitcher of Kool-Aid, evolved from earlier iterations and became the brand’s mascot after General Foods acquired the company in the 1950s. He quickly stood out in ads with his dramatic entrances.

Known for crashing through walls and shouting "Oh yeah!", this mascot became instantly recognizable.

8

Tony the Tiger

Image: Dom .

Tony the Tiger has been the mascot for Frosted Flakes since 1952, known for his upbeat catchphrase, "They’re gr-r-reat!" and his iconic presence on cereal boxes. He has also represented other cereals, such as Tony’s Cinnamon Krunchers.

9

Planters

Image: aboodi vesakaran

Mr. Peanut was created in 1916 by Antonio Gentile, a schoolboy who entered a design contest held by Planters. His original drawing featured a peanut with arms, legs, and a cane .

A commercial artist later refined the character by adding a top hat, monocle, and spats , transforming it into the classic Mr. Peanut mascot we know today.

10

Mr. Clean

Image: Clay Banks

Mr. Clean was created in 1957 by an ad agency for Procter & Gamble. Originally conceived as a genie, he evolved into a muscular, bald man dressed in white, sporting an earring and folded arms. Inspired by a Navy sailor, he became a symbol of powerful cleaning.

11

Toucan Sam

Image: Zoshua Colah

Toucan Sam, the colorful blue-and-orange mascot for Froot Loops, was created in 1963. Known for his catchphrase, "Follow my nose!" and his ability to "smell" Froot Loops from afar, Sam’s voice and design have evolved over time, making him a beloved cereal icon.

12

Ronald McDonald

Image: Erik Mclean

Ronald McDonald first appeared in 1963 in local TV ads in Washington, D.C., portrayed by actor Willard Scott. He was created by the Oscar Goldstein ad agency.

In 1965, McDonald's expanded Ronald’s role to national commercials with a slightly altered look. He became a key figure in McDonaldland, interacting with other characters . Over time, Ronald’s image and advertising style evolved, with updates to his outfit and overall presence.