Who says you need to spend big to make big memories? In Winston-Salem, some of the best experiences are free—or close to it. From downtown art parties and lively concerts to historic strolls, college sports, and family fun, there’s something for everyone on a budget. Whether you're a visitor or a local, we’ve rounded up the top free and affordable things to do—plus a few insider tips for exploring the city without breaking the bank.

Outdoor Adventures on a Budget

Explore lakes, trails, gardens, and green spaces.

Escape to Salem Lake
Just minutes from downtown, Salem Lake offers a 365-acre oasis for outdoor enthusiasts. The 7.1-mile Salem Lake Trail (pictured) is a go-to for walkers, joggers, and bikers, offering gentle slopes and panoramic water views. Seasonal kayak rentals, fishing from the pier, a playground, and abundant wildlife make it a favorite retreat for nature lovers of all ages. Check Salem Lake's website for operating hours and rates for fishing, boating, and kayak rentals.

Golf with a Disc
Try your hand at disc golf on one of several free courses around town. Start with the beginner-friendly course at Horizons Park, the popular Patriot Disc Golf Course at Triad Park in Kernersville, or the new 18-hole course at Jack Warren Park in nearby Lewisville. Short on time? Crossnore Communities for Children offers a casual 9-hole course just a mile from downtown.

Spend the Day at Tanglewood
Just west of Winston-Salem, Tanglewood Park is a recreational haven with something for everyone. Stroll the scenic 2.2-mile Loop Trail or the kid-friendly Little Walden Trail. Explore seasonal blooms at the park’s dazzling Arboretum and wildflower garden. Visit Tanglewood Stables to pet the horses or enjoy a $5 pony ride, and don’t miss a fun photo op aboard the old-timey locomotive. In spring and summer, even more budget-friendly activities await: splash into the Aquatic Center’s pool, slides, and lazy river; rent a pedal boat or cast a line at Mallard Lake; or play a round of family-friendly SoftGolf.

Explore Award-Winning Gardens
Where history meets beauty, Winston-Salem’s gardens offer a vibrant window into the past. Stroll through Reynolda Gardens—once part of the R.J. Reynolds estate—to enjoy formal beds, a restored 1913 greenhouse, scenic trails, wetlands, and year-round blooms. Other free-to-explore favorites include the whimsical Ciener Botanical Garden in Kernersville, the kid-friendly Arboretum at Tanglewood Park (\$2 park entry), and the culturally rich grounds at Historic Bethabara Park—home to America's oldest medicinal and Colonial community garden. See our guide to the city's Top Gardens for more details.

Hit the Trails
Whether you're up for a leisurely stroll or a bit more of a challenge, Winston-Salem’s walking and hiking trails deliver. Stroll the Downtown Strollway, a city-to-garden path that connects downtown to Old Salem and the Salem Creek Greenway. Explore Graylyn’s romantic bridges and duck pond, or wander the peaceful pastures and wooded groves at Crossnore Children’s Home. On the north side, trails at Bethabara Park and nearby Bethania feature wildlife views, wetlands, rocky outcrops, and historic landmarks—perfect for nature lovers and history buffs alike. For more on these and other in-town treks, check out our Walking Trails guide.

• Want to go further? Head to one of our nearby state parks for some of the Southeast’s most scenic hikes. Pilot Mountain offers sweeping views and a must-do one-mile loop around its iconic peak. Hanging Rock features nearly a dozen trails—including the namesake Hanging Rock Trail—along with five picturesque waterfalls. (Lower Cascades is the standout waterfall, complete with a wading pool that’s perfect for cooling off.) Find more details in our Hiking Itinerary.

Enjoy galleries, live music, museums, and historic landmarks.

Experience the Arts District
Colorful murals, public sculptures, and galleries make Winston-Salem’s Downtown Arts District a must-visit. Stop by Artivity on the Green, then explore shops like Visual Index, Piedmont Craftsmen, Mast General Store, and DeLurk Gallery. Don’t miss ART CRUSH, a free monthly block party held on the third Friday of each month with street vendors, live entertainment, kids activities, and extended gallery hours.

Step Back in Time (Moravian-Style)
Winston-Salem’s rich Moravian heritage comes to life at two must-see historic sites. Begin by exploring the grounds of Historic Bethabara Park, a national landmark featuring archaeological ruins, trails, gardens, and a reconstructed 1750s village. Admission is free year-round, with guided tours available for a small fee. Next, explore Old Salem Museums & Gardens, one of America’s most immersive historic attractions. A ticket ($22, $12 for kids) grants access to interpreted buildings and gardens—and it's well worth it—but it's 100% free to wander the district's cobblestone streets and explore sites such as Salem Square, God’s Acre, and the famed Winkler Bakery.

Take a Self-Guided Art Crawl
Downtown doubles as an open-air gallery, where vibrant murals, sculptures, and other installations fill the streets. Highlights include the 5 Royales and 9th Wonder murals, the Art Tower, wind sculptures at Merschel Park, and ever-changing walls at Artivity Park. Plan your route with our Public Art Guide.

Catch Free Seasonal Concerts
When the weather warms up, Winston-Salem’s music scene comes alive with dozens of free concerts across the city. Hear themed concerts by the historic Salem Band in Old Salem, dance under the stars at Downtown Jazz and Summer on Fourth, or rock out at the Coal Pit Live concert series at Bailey Power Plant. Annual events like Gears & Guitars (May) and the Pride Festival (June) also bring free live music to the masses. Stay in the loop with our Concert Series Guide and Events Calendar.

Explore Local Museums
Discover art, history, and culture at Winston-Salem’s top museums—many of which offer free or discounted admission year-round. Start at Reynolda House Museum of American Art, where iconic works are displayed inside the former home of tobacco tycoon R.J. Reynolds (admission is $18 for adults, but free for kids, students, teachers, and veterans). Nearby, the NC Museum of Art, Winston-Salem (formerly SECCA), showcases rotating contemporary exhibits in the historic home of Hanesbrands founder James G. Hanes. Admission is free every second Saturday; otherwise, it’s $8 for adults and free for those under 17. Also worth a visit: the always-free Lam Museum of Anthropology on the campus Wake Forest University, featuring global exhibits and year-round programs.

From splash pads to scenic selfies, here’s a roundup of more wallet-friendly fun Winston-Salem.

Unwind in Bailey Park
A downtown social hub, Bailey Park is a 1.6-acre sloping green space that offers a variety of free events during warmer months. This includes Sunset Salutations community yoga, Bailey Beats concerts, and Innovation in Cinema movie nights—all offered monthly from April through October.

Slide, Swing, and Splash
Local playgrounds offer more than just swings. Find mining-themed fun at Quarry Park, dinosaur adventures at Washington Park, and zipline obstacles at Bolton Park, along with classic setups at other in-town favorites such as Hanes and Miller parks. In summer, cool off at splash pads around the city—especially popular ones at Happy Hill and Malloy parks.

Snap Your Way Around Town
Strike a pose at the city’s most Instagrammable landmarks—no filter required. Highlights include Old Salem's Heritage Bridge and whimsical Coffee Pot, the retro Shell Station on Sprague Street, picture-perfect ARTivity Park in downtown, or the skyline view from Quarry Park—all scenic, all free.

Pack a Picnic
Whether you’re drawn to the charm of Salem Square, the peaceful meadows of Reynolda Gardens, or the downtown buzz of Bailey Park, Winston-Salem is made for picnicking. Find your perfect patch of grass—and nearby bites to pair with it—in our Ultimate Picnic Guide.

Unleash an Adventure
Named one of the most pet-friendly cities in America, Winston-Salem offers tail-wagging fun for your four-legged travel companions. Let them run free at Washington Park or Tanglewoof, or relax at Tucker’s Tap Yard, the city’s indoor-outdoor dog park bar. Discover more in our Dog-Friendly Guide.

Get in on the Sports Action
Winston-Salem’s sports scene offers big-time thrills without big-time costs. Catch a Dash baseball game at award-winning Truist Stadium, or bring a cooler to Bowman Gray Stadium (aka "The Madhouse") for a Saturday night race. Both events run from April to September, with tickets starting at $10.

Explore More. Plan Smart. Stay Inspired.

Want more fun ways to experience Winston-Salem? Explore trip ideas and upcoming events in our Things to Do section, or start mapping out a weekend getaway on our Plan Your Visit page. You can also stay in the loop by signing up for our monthly e-newsletter, What's New in Winston-Salem.