The United States is one of the most visited countries worldwide thanks to its good infrastructure, vibrant cities, rich history and culture, and budget-friendly travel spots catering to many visitors. However, with so many travel destinations, it can sometimes be hard for some travelers to decide on the best options for them.
This article explores the best budget-friendly travel destinations to make your choice easier. This list includes lots of variety for folks who enjoy the outdoors and many more. Whether you’re into adventure and nightlife or want to spend time on the beach in the summer, this list is almost perfect.
Top Affordable Places to Travel in the US
1. Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque is the biggest city in New Mexico, and it is known for its budget-friendly, beautiful desert landscape, delicious Mexican food, and rich cultural heritage. The cost of living in this city is 7% lower than the national average, making it ideal for travelers on a budget. There are relatively good hotel options for as low as $60. In addition to its cost-friendly travel spots, Albuquerque also has several free spots that you can visit, such as the free museums on the first Friday of every month, the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology, and free fishing at Tingley Beach.
2. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Oklahoma is another amazing city in the US that offers many cost-effective travel destinations. This city’s average cost of living is 12% below the national average, making major expenses such as accommodation and food less costly. For instance, housing in this state is 28% below the national average. Several four-star hotels in this city cost under $100 a night. The city also has several free but fun places to visit, including Oklahoma City National Memorial, Martin Park Nature Center, Keystone Ancient Forest, Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, and more.
3. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Grand Teton National Park is a great place to visit if you are into wildlife viewing and a history lover. The entrance fee to this park is $35, covering all passengers in your vehicle, and is valid for 7 days. Grand Teton National Park also offers a wide range of free activities, including kayaking, hiking, and mountain climbing. Besides wildlife viewing, you will also experience scenic drives like Teton Park Road and Moose-Wilson Road.
4. Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach is another popular place for US visitors, thanks to its beautiful beaches, stunning coastal scenery, and sunsets. Most of the beautiful beaches in this city are free to access for all visitors and residents alike. Even though it has relatively pricey accommodation (averaging $150 per night), you will enjoy a wide range of free activities in this city, including hiking, bird-watching, and visiting Haystack Rock. If you are on a budget, there are several affordable accommodation options like vacation rentals and camping.
5. Moab, Utah
Moab is a popular city in Utah known for its captivating yet affordable camping sites. The camping options range from $10-30 per night, which is way below the average price for most camps in the US. Of course, you can pay up to $350 for a more luxurious experience in a Moab cabin. Besides camping, Moab offers many free activities, such as hiking, biking, and rafting. This camp is also close to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, two other affordable places to visit in this city.
6. St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine is another affordable travel sport in the US (Florida) with many historic sites, including the Old Jail Museum, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, and many more. Most of the historic sites in St. Augustine are free to visit. The accommodation in this place is also below the national average, with hotels and inns available for as little as $70. You will also access cheap foods and groceries from the Quaint downtown area.
7. Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is the place to be if you love nature and adventure. It is located in western North Carolina, with affordable accommodation and food. You can save more on accommodation by opting for hostels or vacation rentals downtown. While in this city, you can engage in a wide range of free activities like hiking and visiting the Botanical Gardens. The other affordable activities include viewing vibrant arts and culture scenes. You can also experience the scenic drives and hiking trails of Blue Ridge Parkway.
8. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
It is a popular beach in South Carolina that is great for group and family travel. The entrance fee for this beach is $8 for adults and $4 for kids. Accommodation in this area is also not so high, with several good places available for under $80. Some of the popular activities you can engage in at Myrtle Beach include spending time at the Brookgreen Gardens, Ripley’s Aquarium, museums, and mini golf courses. You can also enjoy the free live shows and weekly fireworks at Broadway at the Beach.
9. Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is a world-renowned music city, making it an ideal travel destination for music lovers. In this city, you can enjoy live performances at the Grand Ole Opry or Ryman Auditorium, historic RCA Studio B recording studios, and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. For nightlife lovers, you will have a good time at places like Robert’s Western World and Bluebird Café. Nashville is also the home to Centennial Park, where you can engage in activities like long walks, biking, swimming, boating, golf, and many more.
10. San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan is an affordable beach vacation destination home to many beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters. The city has several nice places to visit, including historic sites like Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristobal, colorful buildings, and Caribbean bars. Other activities in this city include kayaking in Condado Lagoon, exploring the Bioluminescent Bay, hiking in the El Yunque National Forest, and enjoying nightlife at rooftop bars and salsa clubs. Accommodation in this city is also affordable, with several options available for as little as $80.
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