Now that I've said that, consider your own goals, time, and investment. The free sites can be helpful, but you will be limited. However, for many of us, free is the only option to begin with.

HTML is essential, though. Depending on your Webmaster goals, time, and money, you do have a couple of options. There are user friendly programs like Microsoft's Front Page that don't require you to look at actual HTML code for the most part. However, it's going to cost you more than other HTML editors will. The cheapest I've seen it go for is $129.
 

Another factor to consider is your web hosting. Some come with an HTML editor on the site for you to use. That will depend on who you choose to host with, of course, but most of these are just basic editors that require you to know how to work with the code. Some do have menu driven site builders you can use that do the coding for you, but again those are basic and you will be limited in what you can do.

As with most things, you get what you pay for. Consider your time, what you have to invest, and what your goals are. If you want to do anything beyond just basic text and pictures, you'll be better off to buy a good HTML editor.

Whatever you do, if you plan on making a good web site, you need to learn at least some HTML. Here are a couple of sites that offer tutorials to get you started:Hacks,Hackers,Forums