Here Are 12 Affordable Vacation Spots To Visit In The U.S. Before Prices Rise
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
Travel doesn’t have to be expensive. You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to have a getaway that you will always remember. However, travel prices are on the rise and vacations are becoming more expensive than in years past. I am a frugal individual who sticks to my budget religiously, but I also love to travel. Fortunately, I have found several affordable vacation spots in the U.S. where you and I won’t break my budget and I won’t spend my entire vacation worrying about finances. The following are 12 of the most affordable U.S. travel destinations. So, pack your bags, and don’t worry about pinching pennies!
1. Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania
Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania, USA
The Pocono Mountains, also known as the Poconos, sit on the eastern edge of the Delaware Water Gap and offer something for everyone. Here, you will find forests to explore, dozens of lakes to admire, and historic towns to explore. The Poconos are delightful any time of the year as the winter months are full of skiing and snowboarding opportunities, snow tubing, dog sledding, and more. The summer is an outdoor lovers paradise with time spent on the water and ziplining, biking, hiking, and even mountain coaster rides to enjoy.
Plus, no matter what your budget may look like, you’ll easily find the perfect accommodation. This region features everything from camping and glamping destinations to multiple luxury resorts.
Plus, no matter what your budget may look like, you’ll easily find the perfect accommodation. This region features everything from camping and glamping destinations to multiple luxury resorts.
2. The Finger Lakes, New York
Finger Lakes, NY, USA
There is no getaway quite like the Finger Lakes in upstate New York. This area features 11 beautiful, clear lakes that you’ll never want to leave. Hop in a boat and throw in a line or just admire the scenic beauty that surrounds you. We also recommend exploring on a hike or even a bike.
The Finger Lakes region is also home to multiple waterfalls, perfect for waterfall chasers of all ages. I suggest a visit to Taughannock Falls State Park to see the breathtaking 215-foot Taughannock Falls. Watkins Glen State Park, also located in the Finger Lakes region, is considered one of the best state parks in America with more than a dozen waterfalls that will each take your breath away.
The Finger Lakes region is also home to multiple waterfalls, perfect for waterfall chasers of all ages. I suggest a visit to Taughannock Falls State Park to see the breathtaking 215-foot Taughannock Falls. Watkins Glen State Park, also located in the Finger Lakes region, is considered one of the best state parks in America with more than a dozen waterfalls that will each take your breath away.
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3. Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor, ME, USA
Along Maine’s Frenchman Bay and on Mount Desert Island is the breathtaking Bar Harbor. This is not only one of the best getaway destinations in America but it is also one of the most affordable vacation spots in the U.S. You can spend your days walking around this small town and admiring its charm or head into the neighboring Acadia National Park for some exploring and incredible sunrises.
This destination also makes it easy to cater your getaway to activities that interest you — that make you excited for your vacation. Spend time on the water or a hiking trail, shop, or just relax at a cozy bed and breakfast in town. There is so much to do for every member of your family — it’s pure perfection.
This destination also makes it easy to cater your getaway to activities that interest you — that make you excited for your vacation. Spend time on the water or a hiking trail, shop, or just relax at a cozy bed and breakfast in town. There is so much to do for every member of your family — it’s pure perfection.
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4. Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis, IN, USA
If you want a budget-friendly vacation in the city, you won’t regret a visit to Indianapolis. This large city in Indianapolis is delightful for the entire family as you’ll find a long list of free activities or those with a very small admission fee. You can spend your day walking around destinations like the Indianapolis Art Center ARTSPARK or just enjoy some fresh air and green space at one of the 210 city parks. You can also walk along the Indianapolis Cultural Trail or check out Bookmark Indy, a unique literary tour of the city.
5. Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, USA
Lake of the Ozarks may become your new favorite vacation destination in America. Located in central Missouri, you’ll find an adventure of a lifetime here. This area offers excellent fishing and boating opportunities if you want to spend all of your time on the water. If you simply want more of a simple getaway, relax on the shore, golf, or head outdoors for a hike or bike ride.
While you can always stay at one of the local resorts, you can also find more budget-friendly accommodations such as campgrounds and RV parks, vacation rentals, cabins, and cozy bed and breakfasts. These each make for a perfect base camp for your upcoming adventures.
While you can always stay at one of the local resorts, you can also find more budget-friendly accommodations such as campgrounds and RV parks, vacation rentals, cabins, and cozy bed and breakfasts. These each make for a perfect base camp for your upcoming adventures.
6. Destin, Florida
Destin, FL 32541, USA
There’s nothing like a vacation to the beach and Destin, Florida is not going to disappoint. This affordable getaway destination is home to breathtaking Gulf of Mexico beaches where you can easily spend all day relaxing and playing. Spend some time walking along the Destin Harbor Boardwalk, a family-friendly attraction where you’ll find all types of activities, delicious food, and breathtaking views. You may also want to spend a day or two at Henderson Beach State Park. Here, you can splash in the water or play on the sand dunes. This Florida state park also features a beautiful campground where you’ll feel right at home.
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7. San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio, TX, USA
You’ll create memories without spending a fortune during a getaway to San Antonio. This Texas city has things to do for every budget from visiting gorgeous city parks and fascinating historical sites to spending your day at resorts, amusement parks, and more. If you want to keep your costs low, I recommend a visit to the San Antonio River Walk, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, and The Alamo. All three destinations are free to visit and absolutely incredible.
8. Nags Head, North Carolina
Nags Head, NC 27959, USA
You can relax and let all of your worries wash away during a visit to Nags Head. This beach town is located on North Carolina’s outer banks and is known for its sand dunes (these sand dunes are some of the largest on the eastern coast). This town is home to everything you need for a memorable and affordable vacation including a plethora of accommodation types, fabulous restaurants, and many unique attractions.
If you visit Nags Head, spend at least one day at Jockey’s Ridge State Park. This state park is home to the largest natural living sand dune on the East Coast and is also where you will find multiple trails and nature programs. You may even want to spend the afternoon flying a kite and enjoying a picnic — there’s plenty to do in this gorgeous area of North Carolina.
If you visit Nags Head, spend at least one day at Jockey’s Ridge State Park. This state park is home to the largest natural living sand dune on the East Coast and is also where you will find multiple trails and nature programs. You may even want to spend the afternoon flying a kite and enjoying a picnic — there’s plenty to do in this gorgeous area of North Carolina.
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9. Moab, Utah
Arches National Park, Utah, USA
Spend your vacation among red rocks at Moab, Utah. This popular Utah vacation destination features some of the most remarkable landscapes including red rock formations, mesas, buttes, and the Green and Colorado Rivers. It is also the entrance to Arches National Park, one of the most stunning national parks in America. Outdoor lovers will quickly fall in love with this area as there are dozens of hiking trails, mountain biking opportunities, whitewater rafting, and more. I recommend a scenic drive if you want something a little less extreme, yet absolutely gorgeous.
Moab is also home to dozens of accommodations including campgrounds, glampgrounds, vacation rentals, and cozy hotels. Keep in mind that if you really want to keep costs low, visit Moab in the winter. During off-peak season, the crowds are small, lodging options are more plentiful and cost less, and you don’t have the scorching summer heat to worry about.
Moab is also home to dozens of accommodations including campgrounds, glampgrounds, vacation rentals, and cozy hotels. Keep in mind that if you really want to keep costs low, visit Moab in the winter. During off-peak season, the crowds are small, lodging options are more plentiful and cost less, and you don’t have the scorching summer heat to worry about.
10. Flagstaff, Arizona
Flagstaff, AZ, USA
When you think of Arizona, you may think of the hot desert but Flagstaff offers something a little different. This unique Arizona city is actually tucked away in the mountains, surrounded by forests. This area is much cooler than other cities in the state and is home to Snowbowl Ski Resort, the perfect place to spend a winter day. We particularly love to visit during the spring when you’ll see blooms all around the nearby forests — it’s breathtaking.
Flagstaff offers some of the best stargazing in the country and was actually the world’s first International Dark Sky City. When you visit, plan to stay up late — you won’t want to miss the star shows going on above you.
Flagstaff offers some of the best stargazing in the country and was actually the world’s first International Dark Sky City. When you visit, plan to stay up late — you won’t want to miss the star shows going on above you.
11. Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach, OR, USA
No list of the best vacation destinations in America would be complete without Cannon Beach, Oregon. I have visited this charming small town multiple times and each time I fall in deeper love. You can easily spend multiple days simply sightseeing and admiring the beauty of the area. Walk along the shore and take in all of the views of Haystack Rock. You also don’t want to miss Ecola State Park. Here, you can hike to a view of historic Tillamook Rock Lighthouse and even visit Indian Beach, where you may catch glimpses of brave surfers. This state park also offers some of the best whale watching in Oregon.
I also recommend you spend time just walking around the town and visiting its lovely local shops. You’ll find all types of unique stores including some unforgettable candy shops.
I also recommend you spend time just walking around the town and visiting its lovely local shops. You’ll find all types of unique stores including some unforgettable candy shops.
12. Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic National Park., Jefferson County, WA, USA
You will feel far away from the worries of the world when you visit Olympic National Park. This national park is nearly one million acres and is home to all types of ecosystems including glaciers, rain forests, coastline, and more. Spend some time hiking and exploring the wilderness or even participating in one of the many ranger-led programs. Spend the night camping at one of the park’s 16 campgrounds and stare up at the night sky for breathtaking stargazing opportunities.
Keep in mind that Olympic National Park is extremely large so you’ll want to plan your trip carefully and determine ahead of time how you will access the park (you may need to arrive via ferry, car, bus, or even plane). And once you arrive, plan to stay for a while. You never know what incredible things you’ll discover in this national park in Washington.
Keep in mind that Olympic National Park is extremely large so you’ll want to plan your trip carefully and determine ahead of time how you will access the park (you may need to arrive via ferry, car, bus, or even plane). And once you arrive, plan to stay for a while. You never know what incredible things you’ll discover in this national park in Washington.
What other affordable U.S. travel destinations would you add to this list? Do you have an upcoming getaway planned? Let us know in the comments.
I’ve found that one of the best ways to save money and visit several bucket-list-worthy destinations is on a road trip. Before you go, check out our ultimate road trip packing list and some of our favorite car-friendly snacks for your drive.
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