14 Vacation Spots In The US That Won’t Break The Bank

Summary

• Budget-Friendly Accommodations:
  Opting for affordable lodging is crucial for a budget-friendly vacation. Cities like St. George, Utah, and Charleston, South Carolina, offer highly-rated yet economical options.
• Abundance of Free Activities:
  Each destination boasts a wealth of cost-free or low-cost attractions. From exploring Forsyth Park in Savannah, Georgia, to visiting the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona, travelers can enjoy diverse experiences without overspending.
• Strategic Timing:
  Visiting during off-peak seasons or taking advantage of free museum days can further reduce costs. For instance, exploring the San Antonio Riverwalk in Texas during the off-peak period or enjoying free admission to the McNay Art Museum in San Antonio, Texas, on Tuesdays from 4 pm to 9 pm can help travelers save money while experiencing these vibrant cities.

Vacationing is all about escaping the routine and getting immersed in a new experience. While there are a number of factors to consider when picking a vacation spot, including weather, attractions, and food choices, there is one thing that seems to hold the most sway over the itinerary – the budget.

The United States might seem like an expensive place for a vacation, but there are many destinations across the country that offer relaxing nature retreats that won’t break the bank. International and domestic travelers can find fantastic holiday spots in each state, and these cities remain affordable with lots of free things to see and do. Check out the best vacation spots in the US when planning a budget-friendly holiday in the country.

One of the biggest factors in determining an affordable vacation destination is having a budget-friendly place to stay. The accommodations recommended in this article were chosen after extensive research on affordable but highly-rated places to stay in the cities listed.

UPDATE: 2024/02/08 01:33 EST BY NICOLE HANSEN

More Affordable Ways to Enjoy the Top Vacation Spots in the US!

Prices may be on the rise, but there are still a number of affordable vacation spots in the US. This article has been updated with current information on prices, as well as free and inexpensive attractions at each destination.

14 Portland, Maine

Average Hotel Price:$288/night

Located in the northeast, the coastal town of Portland, Maine, is picturesque and comes without the price tag of the more popular beach destinations further south. Portland is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and seafood lovers.

In addition to being one of the best vacation spots in the US, Portland, Maine, is also an excellent gateway city for a variety of adventures. From scenic day trips between Portland and Acadia National Park to full-blown East Coast road trips, there are a number of affordable vacation options that are centered right on this Maine city.

13 St. George, Utah

Average Hotel Price:$211/night

Southern Utah is home to no less than five national parks (and several other national monuments). While the parks themselves are some of the most cost-effective destinations in the US, the gateway cities can get pricey quickly. St. George is one of the most affordable US vacation spots in the Southwest, with affordable accommodations and plenty of cheap and free attractions.

St. George is not only near Zion National Park and its incredible hiking trails (including Angel’s Landing, the most dangerous hike in the US), but it has several other outdoor recreation options that make it affordable. Snow Canyon State Park, for instance, has many of the same red sand dunes and unique formations as its neighboring national parks, but for only $10 a vehicle (versus $35 for Zion National Park).

12 Astoria, Oregon

Average Hotel Price:$196/night

The West Coast has a number of beautiful coastal cities to visit (especially for a road trip), but most aren’t exactly affordable vacation spots. Astoria, Oregon, however, manages to defy the odds by offering affordable accommodations and a variety of free attractions.

Astoria stands out as the meeting point of the Pacific Ocean and the Columbia River, both of which are havens for outdoor activity. Numerous free hiking trails, fishing holes, and rafting stretches keep activity prices reasonable for even the thinnest budget.

11 Charleston, South Carolina

Average Hotel Price:$180/night

Charleston is a charming city in South Carolina with historical architecture, cobblestone streets, and the romance of horse-drawn carriages traveling throughout the city. Compared to other popular cities in the United States, accommodation is affordable, especially for travelers willing to stay outside the historic city center or in one of Charleston’s many exceptional hostels.

Given its long history, particularly by American city standards, simply exploring Charleston can easily fill a day’s itinerary while keeping the vacation budget well under control in this popular US vacation spot.

10 Asheville, North Carolina

Average Hotel Price:$170/night

Asheville is an underrated destination that remains budget-friendly. Accommodation is easily found for less than $175 per night, and there are plenty of free outdoor activities to enjoy. Nature walks, hiking, biking, and sound baths are some of the ways to connect with the great outdoors in this gem of North Carolina.

Asheville is particularly famous for being the back entrance to Blue Ridge Parkway, a free-to-drive scenic route that is also one of the most-visited national parks in the US. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is one of the national parks that is always free to visit, is also a convenient day trip from Asheville, giving even more budget-friendly reasons to love this top US vacation spot.

9 Daytona Beach, Florida

Average Hotel Price:$163/night

Daytona Beach, with its huge variety of things to see and do, most definitely deserves to be included on the list of the top vacation spots in the US for being the city of the sand, sun, food, and cars. Its miles of white sandy beaches and an exciting array of restaurants, shops, and thrilling rides on its boardwalk offer multiple opportunities to indulge or unwind, all while staying on budget.

Popular attractions like the Marine Science Center ($8/person) and the Museum of Arts and Sciences ($19/person) are fun to visit and moderately priced. Many dining and accommodation options also help visitors balance the cost of their trip while also serving them with excellent facilities.

Looking for up-to-date beach information? Details on which Daytona Beach waterfront areas are free and open to the public are available on the
Daytona Beach City website
. Travelers can also use this resource to get key details on parking, boating limitations, and other safety measures.

8 Miami, Florida

Average Hotel Price:$152/night

Parts of Florida can be costly for a holiday, especially during the peak tourist season. But accommodation in Miami remains reasonable, with hotel and hostel options to suit all budget ranges. The best part of visiting Miami is that, besides paying for food and accommodation, travelers can enjoy free activities like walking around the city or lounging at the beach.

With endless sunshine and plentiful budget-friendly accommodations, Miami is undoubtedly one of the best affordable vacation spots in the US.

7 Savannah, Georgia

Average Hotel Price:$148/night

Savannah is a historic, charming southern city in the United States with a lot of free things to do while visiting. Biking in Forsyth Park, admiring the Savannah Botanical Gardens, visiting the Bonaventure Cemetery, or walking the many nearby trails are just a few ways to enjoy the city on a budget.

Even for those traveling in large groups or as a family, Savannah is an amazing, affordable US vacation spot. In fact, the variety of kid-centered activities has made Savannah one of the best budget-friendly vacation destinations for families, with spots like the Savannah Children’s Museum costing just $10 per person (18 months and older).

6 Colorado Springs, Colorado

Average Hotel Price:$139/night

For travelers looking for a budget vacation location in the US, Colorado Springs is definitely the right choice! With the stunning surroundings of the Rocky Mountains and the captivating, lush Garden of the Gods park, there is no shortage of free and inexpensive things to do in Colorado Springs that can fit into any budget.

While visitors can explore lovely nature centers, parks, and museums without paying a penny, the entrance fees to many of the exciting attractions are quite nominal, especially when compared to other Colorado destinations. Additionally, there are many affordable eating joints where visitors can have tasty meals, as well as inns and guest houses where they can enjoy a relaxing stay at a reasonable price.

5 Williamsburg, Virginia

Average Hotel Price:$133/night

Known for its significant role in the American Revolution, Williamsburg, Virginia, has a number of things to do and remains an important historical site for the country. Visiting Colonial Williamsburg is like stepping back in time to the 18th century. It remains the biggest outdoor educational living museum in the United States, offering immersive experiences for visitors.

The best part is that while it’s considered one of the top vacation spots in the US, it remains affordable.

4 New Orleans, Louisiana

Average Hotel Price:$132/night

New Orleans is a popular travel destination, but it remains budget-friendly despite the variety of high-dollar activities that the city has become known for. It’s easy to spend a lot of money by staying in upscale hotels and eating at lavish restaurants. Thankfully, travelers can enjoy the city on a budget by choosing one of New Orleans’ more budget hotels or hostels. Limiting the amount of alcohol consumption on the trip can also reduce expenses.

During the day, the vibrant art scene in New Orleans lends itself to a number of free activities, galleries, and scenic areas. These colorful attractions are the perfect way to fill a budget-friendly day exploring New Orleans.

In addition to being one of the best affordable places to vacation in the US, New Orleans is also one of
the best places in the US to visit without a car
. By sticking to walking paths and bike rentals, budget-conscious visitors to New Orleans can save even more money on their vacation.

3 Raleigh, North Carolina

Average Hotel Price:$128/night

Just like the other cities on this list, Raleigh is a popular yet affordable US vacation destination. Raleigh has many exciting attractions to keep visitors occupied for days without breaking the bank. Some of these attractions include historical buildings, art museums, parks, and lakes.

There are many thrilling opportunities to satisfy the thirst of outdoor lovers, as they can go canoeing across the popular lakes or hike nature trails to have some unforgettable experiences. The culinary scene of Raleigh is a delightful experience for visitors, as is the hospitality of the city’s hotels. Also, the city is best explored on foot or by bike, saving money on transportation.

2 Phoenix, Arizona

Average Hotel Price:$126/night

Phoenix, Arizona, is a desert destination that offers pleasant temperatures for sun-seekers in the spring and fall and high heat in the midst of summer. The city is lively yet budget-friendly. Nature lovers will appreciate the unique landscapes and attractions like the Desert Botanical Garden and Camelback Mountain.

As a major city, Phoenix is also home to a wide variety of museums for all ages and interests. While most of these museums charge an entrance fee, there are several free museums, such as the Contemporary Arts Museum in the Mesa Arts Center, around the city. Most of Phoenix’s museums, including the Heard Museum and Phoenix Art Museum, also have a number of free days throughout the year, making an already exciting vacation spot even more budget-friendly.

• Free and Cheap Things To Do in Phoenix: Desert Botanical Garden, Camelback Mountain, Free Museum Days, Arizona Capitol Museum, Phoenix Hiking Trails
• Best Time To Visit Phoenix: November-April

1 San Antonio, Texas

Average Hotel Price:$110/night

Texas overall is a fairly affordable state to visit in terms of accommodation prices. San Antonio stands out as one of the most budget-friendly cities in the state, thanks to its many free and low-cost attractions. The San Antonio Riverwalk and the Japanese Tea Gardens are just a couple of the free walkable attractions in San Antonio to visit.

San Antonio also has a number of highly rated, budget-friendly accommodations right in the city, making it ideal for those who want to save money not only on the hotel itself but also on transportation costs as they explore this vibrant city. With average hotel prices sitting at just $110 a night, San Antonio is definitely one of the most affordable spots to vacation in the US.