20 Best Cheap Vacation Spots in the U.S.

Want to plan a cheap vacation in the U.S.? Start here.

Are you in the market for an exciting trip that won’t drain your bank account? You’re not alone.

Using expert opinions and user votes, U.S. News & World Report ranked the best value vacations in the U.S. All the destinations are relatively affordable to get to and average prices for accommodation are less than $150. Many offer access to scenic nature at minimal or no cost.

We’re sharing the 20 best spots across the U.S. that offer charm on the cheap.

20. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

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In 1863, during the height of the American Civil War, the battle fought in Gettysburg turned the tide for Union forces and inspired Lincoln to give his iconic Gettysburg Address. For even casual U.S. history buffs, there’s no better place to visit.

Today, the battlefield where that seminal event took place is part of the expanded Gettysburg National Military Park, where you can check out artifacts in the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center and explore the Gettysburg National Cemetery to see the memorial that marks where Lincoln gave his history-making address. As is the case throughout Gettysburg, most park and visitor exhibits are free (though you should check with the park service for fees on your group’s planned activities).

Outside the history park, you can explore the Eastern Museum of Motor Racing, Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum, and Historic Round Barn and Farm Market — all for free or mere pocket change. Bus and ghost tours cost a bit more, but not so much that you’ll regret the purchase.

*Note: This list comes from U.S. News and World Report’s 2023-24 report.

19. Williamsburg, Virginia

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Dive into the history of the U.S. in Williamsburg, which forms the Historic Triangle with Jamestown and Yorktown. Its most famous area is Colonial Williamsburg, a living-history museum that, while not particularly cheap (it’s $49 for adults), offers decent bang for the buck. In the streets, shops and workshops, you’ll find actors dressed in period costumes depicting typical colonial life.

Hop on the Schooner Alliance for a few hours to get the feel of old sailing ships. You’ll cruise down the York River and pass the battlefield where the country won its independence. Then head over to historic Jamestown for more living museums, exhibits and monuments.

For some modern fun, consider visiting Busch Gardens, Water Country USA or the Williamsburg Indoor Sports Center.

18. San Antonio, Texas

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Sure, San Antonio is famous for The Alamo, but there is plenty more to see in this south-central Texas charmer. For an additional dose of history, you can hop on a rented bike and travel down the 15-mile Mission Reach Trail that highlights San Antonio’s Missions, which collectively comprise a UNESCO World Heritage Site and national historic park. Visitor activities and ranger-led programs are free.

Get your nature fix on the cheap at the Japanese Tea Garden (free), San Antonio Botanical Garden ($12), Government Canyon State Natural Area ($6) or San Pedro Springs Park (free).

Then, of course, there’s the River Walk, with its waterfront cafes and shops touting Tex-Mex flair. Stop along the way for a reasonably priced margarita to sip on while you people-watch. Another great spot for margarita-sipping (or coffee-sipping) is Yanaguana Garden, an art-filled park and playground that caters to visitors of all ages.

If you’re willing to spend a bit more, SeaWorld and Six Flags are mega-parks that can keep families entertained for hours on end. Or you can take a ghost tour through this city that’s been around since 1718.

17. Flagstaff, Arizona

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Some small cities are cheap because there’s nothing to do in them. That isn’t the case for Flagstaff. This exciting destination is in the desert, but it’s near mountains and pine forests, making it ideal for adventure travelers.

Most people come here for nature, as the city offers access to Walnut Canyon National Monument, Horseshoe Bend and the Grand Canyon. You can go rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, fishing and more. Plus, if you’re a fan of worlds beyond ours, Flagstaff was the first official International Dark Sky City and boasts the Lowell Observatory, one of the best in the country.

When you’re not relishing in the beauty of Planet Earth, you can walk through the city’s pretty downtown area, which is filled with art galleries, restaurants and boutique shops.

16. Colorado Springs, Colorado

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Colorado Springs sits at the eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains and caters to outdoor enthusiasts at every turn.

Garden of the Gods is filled with towering red-rock formations, while the 12,115-foot Pikes Peak boasts Insta-worthy views from its summit. (Both can be enjoyed for free.) Visitors can also soar high above the Arkansas River in one of the highest zip lines in the country, try whitewater rafting or explore the area’s scenic beauty via train.

For indoor fun, the city touts an excellent craft-beer scene that’s budget-friendly to boot.

15. Santa Fe, New Mexico

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Because of its history, Santa Fe combines elements of Indigenous, Spanish, Mexican and American culture. This makes it one of the country’s most exciting cities. Visit the historic center, originally built in the early 17th century, where you’ll find the New Mexico History Museum housed inside the Palace of the Governors. Then, go to the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum or catch a show at the Santa Fe Opera.

You should also visit the Bandelier National Monument, where you’ll find ancient dwellings and artifacts of the Pueblo People. Or plan an outdoor excursion to the Sangre de Cristo foothills.

Of course, the best thing about this wonderful city is that it’s relatively cheap.

14. Gatlinburg, Tennessee

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Gatlinburg is most famous for its access to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At the most popular national park in the country, visitors can hike to waterfalls, test out the Appalachian Trail or watch for black bears. The fee to enter the park? Absolutely nothing.

But it’d be a mistake to spend all your time at Great Smoky without sampling Gatlinburg itself. At this charming small town, you can sip on authentic Gatlinburg moonshine, craft beers and ciders, or local wines; dance to live country music at Ole Red Gatlinburg; or catch a rollicking musical comedy show at Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre & Music Hall.

13. Nags Head, North Carolina

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If you need a deeply relaxing but affordable beach vacation, head to Nags Head on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. If napping in the sun while the sound of waves lulls you to sleep sounds too slow, don’t fret. Nags Head has plenty of activities for adventurers, too, including paddleboarding, parasailing and hang gliding.

Walk, hike and run the trails at Jockey’s Ridge State Park, which covers 426 acres and has the tallest active sand dune system in the eastern United States. The circa-1872 Bodie Island Lighthouse is a beauty, while Jennette’s Pier stretches 1,000 feet over the Atlantic Ocean and is filled with charming mom-and-pop shops.

12. Finger Lakes, New York

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The Finger Lakes region includes eleven lakes in Central New York. Water sports, fishing and boating are natural options for vacation activities. But visitors can also spend their vacation sipping beverages at 35 wineries, cideries and breweries along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. Most have just a minimal fee ($2-5) that’s waived with the purchase of a bottle.

Use the money you’ve saved to gain a new perspective on the area by booking a motorless glider plane on Harris Hill. A tow plane will take you 4,000 feet up before you glide above the Chemung Valley.

State parks local to the Finger Lakes include Taughannock Falls and Watkins Glen, which touts an impressive 19 waterfalls.

11. Asheville, North Carolina

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Lovely, lovely Asheville is a mountain city with art galleries, cultural events and more microbreweries than you could visit. Its proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains makes it particularly popular with hikers, who can easily explore trails, waterfalls and peaks for free.

Another wonderful activity that doesn’t require money is walking around the River Arts District. Here, you’ll find numerous workshops and studios that local artists often open to the public. At night, look for a bar or a pub with live music.

10. Grand Canyon, Arizona

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President Theodore Roosevelt, who declared the Grand Canyon a national monument in 1908, once said, “In the Grand Canyon, Arizona has a natural wonder which, so far as I know, is in kind absolutely unparalleled throughout the rest of the world.”

Over a century later, his words very much still ring true.

This natural wonder stuns with its layers of red rocks, shaped over millennia, and sheer scale — it’s 277 river miles long, up to 18 miles wide and a mile deep.

For another perspective, you can visit the canyon’s depths on a donkey or soar above it on a helicopter. Want to watch for animals? Easy. More than 500 species of wildlife roam here.

It’s just $35 per vehicle to explore this sight known and revered the world over.

9. St. Augustine, Florida

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St. Augustine is one of the oldest cities in the United States, dating all the way back to 1565. Tons of free attractions highlight the historical backdrop of the town, including Fort Matanzas National Monument, home to a circa-1740 Spanish fort; Mission Nombre de Dios, where Spanish settlers established the first Shrine to the Blessed Virgin Mary in the U.S. in the early 1600s; and the Father Miguel O’Reilly House Museum, one of the oldest buildings in the country, built in 1691.

History isn’t the only aspect of St. Augustine that draws in visitors, though. With more than 42 miles of beach, the city offers an ideal place to unwind while enjoying Florida’s famous sunny climes.

There are also several free art experiences, including the Crisp-Ellert Art Museum at Flagler College and the First Friday Art Walk, where art galleries offer walking tours. From November to February, St. Augustine decorates the Old City area with thousands of holiday lights for the annual Nights of Lights event. Again, it’s totally free.

Oh, and don’t miss the wine tastings at San Sebastian Winery or libations at St. Augustine Distillery, which sits inside a century-old ice house!

8. Destin, Florida

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Although South Florida beaches often get the most attention, the state’s Panhandle has nothing to envy them. Hugging the Gulf of Mexico, Destin is closer to Georgia and Alabama, making it easier to access for those wanting to arrive by car. The city has picture-perfect beaches with soft, white sand and clear water without the noise and crowds of places like Miami.

Of course, watersports are the main thing to do here. You can go boating, jet skiing, kayaking, diving, parasailing and more. Outside the water, you can visit wild dunes at the Topsail Hill Preserve State Park or go golfing in one of the city’s courses.

7. Olympic National Park, Washington

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In western Washington, Olympic National Park isn’t particularly easy to access — but its remoteness is also its greatest selling point.

From Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, you’ll drive at least two hours before being rewarded with views of staggering mountain ranges, the state’s famous Evergreen trees and various bodies of water (rivers, lakes, ocean — they’re all here). You also have the option to take your rental car on a ferry to cross the Puget Sound for even more breathtaking views.

Once you’re at the park, there are countless things to do, from fishing to boating to visiting tidepools. Hikers have myriad trails to choose from, while serious backpackers can plan overnight adventures. Due to its vast size and distance from city life, the park offers many night-sky programs as well.

One of the most popular attractions is the Hoh Rain Forest, which sits inside the park. One of the largest temperate rainforests in the United States, it offers guests a lush, green canopy of plants and is home to the quietest spot in the continental U.S., making it an ideal place for a digital detox. The park entrance fee? A mere $30 per vehicle.

6. Bar Harbor, Maine

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While Bar Harbor isn’t the cheapest place on this list, prices are pretty good for what the town offers. Most people come to the town (which only has 5,535 people) for the astonishing Acadia National Park. For a mere $35 per car, you can have access to scenic coastal hikes, pristine lakes hidden in the mountains and rock-climbing spots.

Back in town, you’ll be happy to walk around the colorful downtown area, enjoying the smell of the sea while taking in harbor views. And if you have a bit of money to splurge, buy some fresh Maine lobster or go on a boat tour. In the right season, you’ll be able to go whale watching right outside the town.

5. Sequoia National Park, California

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If you’re coming from out of state, the closest airport to Sequoia National Park is a 90-minute drive away at the Fresno Yosemite International Airport. Once you reach the park, you’ll notice what it is most famous for: giant sequoias. The biggest tree here — the General Sherman Tree, standing 275 feet tall with a base over 36 feet in diameter — is the largest in the world.

The park’s views of the southern Sierra Nevada mountains are spectacular, as are the steams and unique rock patterns you’ll find underground at Crystal Cave. Oh, and the park is also home to hundreds of black bears, making it likely that you’ll see at least a few during your time here (just remember to keep your distance!).

All this for $20 per individual and $35 per private vehicle. And this fee gains you access for seven days to Sequoia and the nearby, also stunning Kings Canyon National Park.

4. Cannon Beach, Oregon

Haystack Rock and the Needles at Cannon Beach on the Oregon Coast USA Sunset

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Cannon Beach is one of the most iconic beaches in the U.S. And it’s completely free to visit. With giant rocks rising from the sea, the beach is extremely popular. Luckily, there are about 44 access points, so plan to enter from a less frequented area.

The beach’s eponymous town only has 1,547, so there are limited dining and accommodation options. Luckily, prices are reasonable. And if you find that they’re a bit much for your pocket, you can always stay in a nearby town and then drive to the beach to enjoy a spectacular sunset.

3. Glacier National Park, Montana

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With nearly 1,600 square miles of wilderness, Glacier is a dream for hikers, bikers, climbers, wildlife watchers and photographers alike.

One fan favorite is the photogenic Hidden Lake, named for its tucked-away setting amid towering peaks and accessible via a scenic trail that, every spring, blooms with wildflowers. Also beloved is Going-To-The-Sun Road, which passes glaciers, glacial lakes, waterfalls, mountains, cedar forests and wildflowers as it winds its way across the park for 50 glorious miles.

If you’d like to experience the great outdoors with a bit of help, consider taking a guided tour by boat or a ranger-led hike. Don’t want to spend the extra money? Pay $25 per vehicle in the winter or $35 in the summer to explore on your own.

2. Moab, Utah

Mountain Biking In Canyonlands National Park, Moab, Utah

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Surprisingly, Moab is affordable despite providing access to both Canyonlands and Arches national parks. At both of these incredible places, you’ll see desert landscapes almost too beautiful to be real. In Arches, walk around a red desert filled with natural stone formations, many of which are, of course, arches. Stay the night for one of the most incredible stargazing experiences of your life.

Besides these famous spots, there are smaller state parks, like Dead Horse Point State Park, which have a low admission price and are less crowded. In town, you can visit the Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage to learn about the area’s long relationship with TV and film.

1. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

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Located right next to Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton continues to be sorely underrated. But let the mistake of other people become an opportunity to explore this vast and gorgeous land without noise and large crowds. Entrance is only $35 per vehicle, so pack up your car with good friends and come prepared to hike the Teton Mountains and look for packs of wild bison.

While several nearby towns, like Jackson, can be very expensive, look to stay in lesser-known or smaller towns. This will prove to be a much cheaper way to enjoy the park.

Honorable Mention: Albuquerque, New Mexico

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New Mexico’s largest city has historic and modern offerings for guests, and none of them will break the bank. While Old Town Albuquerque dates back to 1706 and includes adobe structures, museums and shops selling handcrafted goods from indigenous groups, downtown Albuquerque offers up hip shops and restaurants catering to a contemporary clientele.

The Sandia Peak Tramway offers stunning views of the city and the Sandia Mountains. Don’t want to pony up the $25 for a round trip? Walk or bike the 16 miles of the Paseo del Bosque Trail that traces the Rio Grande River.

For a unique experience, visit the American International Rattlesnake Museum (yes, that’s right, a museum dedicated to rattlesnakes). Or travel to Albuquerque in October to participate in the iconic Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Honorable Mention: Portland, Oregon

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“Keep Portland weird” isn’t just a catchy motto; it’s a call to action for travelers seeking an extraordinary vacation that’s also surprisingly affordable.

At Forest Park, spooky ruins dating back to the 1930s play host to hikers and nighttime partiers. In the heart of the city, Mill Ends Park is billed as the smallest park in the world (it’s two square feet!). And in the Mississippi neighborhood, houses-turned-quirky bars serve up reasonably priced local brews.

Portland can also cater to more conventional interests, like browsing books (at the massive Powell’s Books), gorging on donuts (Is Blue Star or Voodoo better? You decide), smelling flowers (at the gorgeous downtown rose garden) and sampling ice cream (at the nationally renowned Salt & Straw).

Plus, Portland is home to and near countless gorgeous nature spots that are free to visit, including Multnomah Falls, Horsetail Falls and the Oneonta Gorge.

Honorable Mention: Athens, Georgia

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Of course, to get to Athens by plane, you’ll probably want to fly into Atlanta, about an hour’s drive from this college town. Home to the University of Georgia, you’ll see Bulldogs fans everywhere you visit.

Because students are the primary residents, you’ll also find a variety of free attractions, including the Georgia Museum of Art and State Botanical Garden of Georgia. You can also explore historic homes and gorgeous parks that won’t cost you a penny.

Honorable Mention: Anchorage, Alaska

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If you’re looking for wild beauty on your next vacation, Alaska’s largest city has it in spades. It costs a bit more to access this remote destination than other cities on this list, but once you’re here, you’ll find it’s very easy on the wallet.

The city sits on the Cook Inlet and offers access to nearby mountains like Chugach and Talkeetna, where the hiking trails are beautiful, bountiful and free to access. Also free here? The fascinating Alaska Native Heritage Center, open-air Anchorage Market and unique Alaska Trooper Museum, where you can learn about how law enforcement operates in this remote corner of the world.

The coolest thing you can do is view the Northern Lights, often visible from the middle of August through April. There are countless tour options for visitors, depending on your goals, and they’re pretty much all worth the relative splurge.

Embrace winter in Anchorage, and you’ll have endless activities, including flightseeing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice skating, skiing, fat tire biking and ice fishing. And lest you think this rugged city lacks culture, it’s also home to a surprisingly good symphony and opera company.

Honorable Mention: Memphis, Tennessee

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Music is the main attraction in Memphis, a city that helped birth American blues, soul and rock ‘n’ roll. Between the Blues Hall of Fame, Stax Museum of American Soul Music and Elvis Presley’s Graceland mansion, you’ll never get bored by day. By night, Beale Street’s live-music venues keep the good times rolling until the early morning hours.

There are also countless ways to explore (for free) the great outdoors in Memphis, famously home to the mighty Mississippi River. Hike, bike or take a four-wheeler on the Big River Crossing for excellent views of the river. At Shelby Farms Park, you’ll likely see some buffalo, while the BMX track caters to those with a need for speed. Explore the 342 acres that make up Overton Park and take a brewery tour before you head home.

Oh, and one more thing: The barbecue here is amazing (some will argue the best in the country) and blessedly not overpriced.

Honorable Mention: Tucson, Arizona

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Arizona is chock-full of cheap cities to add to the bucket list, including this sunny mid-size metropolis that’s too often overlooked.

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a massive space that includes an aquarium, botanical garden, zoo, art gallery and natural history museum. Outdoor enthusiasts can get some hiking in at the Sabino Canyon in the Santa Catalina Mountains, or meander through the Saguaro National Park, home to sections of the Rincon Mountains, Tucson Mountains and Sonoran Desert.

For something totally different, Biosphere 2 at The University of Arizona is the world’s largest living research center, where scientists focus on global challenges surrounding food, water, health and energy.

Cinephiles can nerd out by visiting a movie set at Old Tucson Studios, where Westerns like “El Dorado” and “Gunfight at the O.K. Corral” were filmed, as was the “Little House on the Prairie” TV series.

No matter how you fill your itinerary, make sure to end your trip with a picturesque (and free) drive on the Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway. The canyon and mountain views can’t be beat.

Honorable Mention: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

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Head to South Carolina’s Atlantic coast, and you’ll find Myrtle Beach and its 60 miles of beaches. The city offers countless ways to enjoy the water, including scuba diving, surfboard rentals, Hobie Cat sailboats rentals, charter boat cruises and guided tours of the blackwater and salt marsh ecosystems.

Myrtle Beach is also known for its celebrity-designed golf courses. With more than 100 courses, every level of player is welcome, and many are quite affordable.

If you have little ones in tow — or just want to embrace your inner child — head to the boardwalk for arcades, restaurants, shopping and one of the country’s tallest Ferris wheels (at 187 feet!).

Up for learning some new dance moves? Make your way to Main Street in North Myrtle Beach. Here, you’ll find several clubs that specialize in South Carolina’s state dance, the shag, a partner dance set to beach tunes.

Honorable Mention: Salt Lake City, Utah

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The capital and most populated city in Utah also happens to be extremely affordable. Salt Lake City has a variety of free activities, including the Family History Library, the world’s largest genealogical library (cool!), and Temple Square, which hosts lively concerts and block parties at no charge.

Are you an outdoor enthusiast? Red Butte Garden has more than 21 acres of gardens and five miles of walking and hiking trails. If you want to get on the water, head to the Great Salt Lake Marina, which is only slightly less salty than the Dead Sea. You can paddleboard, kayak, sail and take dinner cruises on the lake. And then there’s the Bonneville Salt Flats, a strikingly unusual landscape that’s served as the setting for countless movies and car commercials.

Since you’ve saved so much money, you can hopefully afford the splurge of Utah Olympic Park to experience zip lining, rock climbing, ski jumping, tubing, ropes courses, luge and bobsledding…no experience required.

Honorable Mention: Branson, Missouri

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This Ozarks town is best known for being a fun-filled family-travel destination, replete with kid museums, themed amusement parks, mini golf, fudgeries and a plethora of (clean) live shows. Plus, you can bring the brood without worrying about how it will affect the family finances.

For nature lovers, there are tons of free parks to explore, including Branson State Park and Table Rock State Park. Head to the Lakeside Wilderness Area for miles of hiking with a waterfall and cave, or check out the Moonshine Beach if a day in the sun is in order.

Branson’s landmarks can be accessed via a free downtown trolley. Some local wineries and distilleries offer free tours and/or tastings, and you can learn a bit about the town’s history at the Branson Centennial Museum — also scot-free.

The Strip, aka Highway 76, aka 76 Country Music Boulevard, is famous for its many theaters and entertainment venues, including Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction and Silver Dollar City, both super-affordable and a guaranteed good time.