A vacation should be relaxing, not stressful for your bank account. The good news is that there are many good vacation spots in the US where you can enjoy beaches, mountains, music and history without spending a fortune. These places offer affordable lodging, free or cheap attractions and great local food.
This guide covers good vacation spots in the US for travelers on a budget, with daily costs per person (sharing a room) and tips for saving even more.
Good Vacation Spots in the US for City Lovers
San Antonio, Texas
The River Walk, the Alamo and the Spanish missions are free. Tex-Mex food is cheap and filling, and hotels outside downtown are good value.
Daily cost: $90 to $140.
Washington, DC
The Smithsonian museums, the National Zoo and the monuments are free. Stay in Arlington or a hostel to save on lodging.
Daily cost: $120 to $180.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Free street music, historic neighborhoods and inexpensive po’boys make New Orleans one of the most fun good vacation spots in the US. Avoid Mardi Gras for lower prices.
Daily cost: $100 to $160.
Memphis, Tennessee
Beale Street blues, barbecue and civil rights history at affordable prices.
Daily cost: $90 to $140.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Cheap hotels, desert sunsets and green chile food.
Daily cost: $80 to $130.
Affordable Beach Vacations
Gulf Shores, Alabama
White sand and warm water at lower prices than most Florida beaches.
Daily cost: $80 to $130.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Miles of free beach, cheap motels outside summer and seafood buffets.
Daily cost: $80 to $140.
Galveston, Texas
Historic streets, beaches and a free ferry with dolphin sightings.
Daily cost: $90 to $140.
Affordable Nature Vacations
Great Smoky Mountains
No entrance fee, waterfalls and cheap cabins make the Smokies one of the best good vacation spots in the US for families.
Daily cost: $70 to $120.
Hot Springs, Arkansas
A national park in the middle of town, with free trails and historic bathhouses.
Daily cost: $80 to $130.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Skyline Drive, waterfalls and cheap campgrounds near Washington, DC.
Daily cost: $70 to $120.
Black Hills, South Dakota
Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park’s bison and Badlands National Park nearby.
Daily cost: $80 to $130.
Affordable Small-Town Vacations
Asheville, North Carolina
Mountain views, waterfalls and a lively arts scene.
Daily cost: $100 to $150.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Victorian streets, quirky shops and Ozark scenery.
Daily cost: $90 to $130.
Savannah, Georgia
Free walks through historic squares and Forsyth Park.
Daily cost: $100 to $150.
How to Save Money at Good Vacation Spots in the US
- Travel in the shoulder season, such as April, May, September and October.
- Stay a little outside the center and drive or take transit in.
- Rent lodging with a kitchen to cook breakfast and pack lunches.
- Use free attractions like parks, beaches and museums.
- Buy an annual national parks pass if you will visit several parks.
- Drive instead of flying for trips within a day’s drive.
- Travel midweek for lower hotel rates.
These habits make all good vacation spots in the US even more affordable.
Good Vacation Spots in the US for Families
Families get the most value at places with free activities and spacious lodging. Washington, DC, the Smoky Mountains, Gulf Shores and San Antonio are top picks. Look for hotels with free breakfast and pools, or condos with kitchens.
Good Vacation Spots in the US for Couples
Couples can enjoy romance on a budget in Savannah, Asheville, Eureka Springs and Hot Springs. Sunset walks, picnics and free scenic drives cost nothing but create great memories.
Sample Budget: 5 Days in the Smoky Mountains
For two people, a five-day trip with a cabin, groceries, one restaurant meal a day and park parking can cost about $700 to $1,200 in total, excluding gas. It is proof that good vacation spots in the US do not need big budgets.
Good Vacation Spots in the US Within Driving Distance
Driving is one of the easiest ways to save money. Many good vacation spots in the US are within a day’s drive of major cities. From Atlanta, try Savannah, Chattanooga or the North Georgia mountains. From Dallas, head to San Antonio, Hot Springs or Galveston. From Chicago, Door County and Michigan’s lakeshore are close. From Washington, DC, Shenandoah and the Outer Banks are easy drives. Choosing good vacation spots in the US near home saves flights and gives you more to spend on fun.
Good Vacation Spots in the US for Off-Season Travel
The off-season is the secret to cheap travel. Beach towns cut prices in fall and spring, mountain towns are quiet in late spring and late fall, and desert cities are cheap in summer. Visiting good vacation spots in the US in their off-season can cut lodging costs by 30 to 50 percent, with fewer crowds as a bonus.
Free Things to Do at Good Vacation Spots in the US
Almost every destination has free fun. Walk historic districts, swim at public beaches, hike in state parks, visit free museums and enjoy sunsets from scenic viewpoints. Many towns host free concerts and festivals in summer. Filling your days with free activities makes good vacation spots in the US even better value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are good vacation spots in the US on a budget?
San Antonio, the Smoky Mountains, Gulf Shores, Albuquerque and Memphis.
How much should I budget per day?
About $70 to $180 per person, depending on the destination.
When is the cheapest time to travel?
Late winter and fall, outside holidays.
Are national parks affordable?
Yes. Fees are modest, and some parks, like the Smokies, are free.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of good vacation spots in the US that won’t break the bank. Choose a place with free attractions, travel in the shoulder season and enjoy a great trip without money worries.
Pick a destination, set a simple daily budget and start planning. With smart timing and a little research, good vacation spots in the US can give you a rich, relaxing trip and leave money in your pocket for the next adventure.