7 Affordable Vacation Spots In US For Your Next Getaway – Episode 172

Estimated Reading Time: 9 minutes

Budget-friendly destinations across the U.S. where you can have an enjoyable experience without completely blowing your budget. I often see articles that promise to share the most affordable travel destinations within the U.S. As I start reading, I shake my head — no, no, no. They’ve got it all wrong! The U.S. is vast— one of the world’s largest countries —and over the last three years, I’ve had the opportunity to see a lot more of it.

Many people think vacationing within the United States is pricey. While plenty of places will have you spending top dollar on vacations, this doesn’t have to be the case. Beyond the popular cities, there are plenty of affordable vacation spots in US which are worth checking out. This guide goes beyond the usual hotspots, highlighting destinations perfect for those minding their budget.

Here are seven top picks for budget-friendly vacations in the U.S. that are easy on the wallet yet big on experiences. I hope this list inspires you to consider visiting a new city, state, or region.

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Best Cheap Cities To Visit in the US

1. Portland, Oregon 

If you enjoy great food, art, culture, and fun neighborhoods, each with its own character and flair, Portland, Oregon, should not be missed. It is, without a doubt, one of the best Oregon vacation spots.

For beautiful views, peace, and tranquility, visit the Portland Japanese Garden, an authentic Japanese garden outside Japan that will set you back $21.95. If you love roses, visit the International Rose Test Garden for free. Here, you can find over 10,000 rose bushes and 650 variables in bloom.  

Immerse yourself in Portland’s vibrant arts scene by visiting the Portland Art Museum or admiring the many murals and street art around town. 

Portland’s culinary and craft beer scene is unmatched in quality and affordability. For instance, a beer at Upright Brewing, including gratuity, will cost you $8.50. 

Whether you’re on a tight budget or looking for a gourmet experience, Portland caters to all with its pop-ups, food carts, small mom-and-pop shops, and multicourse upscale dining experiences. You can expect Colombian empanadas, plant-based ice cream, Thai pad see ew noodles, Indian naan, Japanese sushi, and so much more. 

Read Next: Must Try Portland, Oregon Foods and Drink Experiences

In this podcast episode, we explore Portland through the five flavors: sweet, sour, savory, and bitter.

Listen to the podcast episode here.

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For those who appreciate fresh, local produce and crafts, check out the Portland Farmers Market. It’s held on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays and offers a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, artisanal products, and handcrafted items. Multiple events are also held across the city, making it a great place to experience Portland’s vibrant community spirit.

Getting around Portland is a breeze. Take the tram for a budget-friendly $2.80 for a 2.5-hour pass or opt for the convenience and comfort of an Uber ride.

Portland, Oregon, is full of character and has something for everyone, no matter your interests or budget.

Where to Stay: The Heathman Hotel Portland and The Bidwell Marriott Portland are both centrally located in Downtown Portland. They are within walking distance of public transportation, shops, restaurants and bars, and Pioneer Courthouse Square.

The Heathman Hotel Portland has a gorgeous 2-story library where you can unwind with a good book, meet up with friends, or do some work. I recommend this hotel for an elevated stay with an artsy and sophisticated ambiance.

The Bidwell Marriott Portland offers modern accommodations in bright and airy rooms. On higher floors, guests can enjoy stunning views of the waterfront.

2. Bennington, Vermont

If you’re looking for charming small towns in Vermont nestled in the countryside, Bennington should definitely be on your list. We stumbled upon this delightful town after discovering a beautiful rustic Airbnb cabin in nearby Shaftsbury, just a 20-minute drive away.

Bennington holds the distinction of being Vermont’s first established town, offering chances to immerse yourself in history. Be sure to check out the Bennington Museum, which features one of the oldest American flags.

During my visit, I also explored the Arlington Green Covered Bridge, my first experience with a barn-covered bridge and one of the oldest in Vermont. Having grown up in New York City, I find these structures captivating!

Bennington is also an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for hiking, fall leaf peeping, and swimming in lakes in the summer months.

Visit the Bennington Battle Monument, a historical landmark, for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area. Completed in 1891, this impressive 306-foot stone obelisk commemorates the Battle of Bennington, a pivotal moment in the American Revolutionary War. Although the elevator to the observatory was closed during our visit, we still enjoyed the lovely scenery from the grounds, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing picnic.

3. Houma, Louisiana 

For those looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of New Orleans, just an hour’s drive away, Houma, Louisiana, offers a serene escape at a fraction of the cost. With its flavorful Cajun cuisine, picture-perfect bayous, and moss-draped cypress trees, Houma feels worlds away. 

Want to hold a baby alligator? For $20, you can tour Greenwood Gator Farm and learn about the gator farming process on a two-hour tour.

Do you enjoy paddling or fishing? Pointe-aux-Chenes is one of the world’s top fishing destinations. You may even see wild horses roaming the sparkly coastlands and dolphins playing in the distance. 

Plus, you will not go hungry in Houma. A visit to Louisiana’s Bayou Country is incomplete without experiencing authentic Southern home-cooked Cajun dishes like gumbo, boudin, red beans and rice, fried catfish, and crawfish étouffée. 

Speaking of crawfish, the Bayou Country Crawfish Trail is a must-visit for foodies. It has dozens of stops, from drive-through boilhouses to seafood markets and family-friendly Cajun restaurants, serving delicious and authentic Southern dishes. Regardless if you’re a fan of spicy crawfish boils or prefer your seafood grilled, you’ll find something to satisfy your cravings on this trail. 

Are you considering a weekend getaway to Houma? You’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn that it can cost around $900. This includes a car rental, a comfortable 3-star hotel, and various activities.

Read Next: Things To Do in Houma, Louisiana

Where to Stay: Courtyard by Marriott Houma Hotel has an indoor and outdoor pool, a bistro, and an on-site bar. Rooms are comfortable, and bathrooms are spacious. There’s plenty of free parking, the staff is courteous, and checkout is at noon. 

4. Clarksville, Tennessee 

Within an hour’s drive from Nashville, Clarksville, Tennessee, offers a budget-friendly adventure for the entire family. 

For those who love the outdoors, Clarksville’s nature parks, playgrounds, historic Dunbar Cave, scenic trails, and waterways offer a world of adventure that’s both accessible and affordable. 

Clarksville’s compact historic downtown is home to the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center, street art, and various restaurants. The City Forum, a 120,000-square-foot family entertainment center, and Beachaven Vineyards are nearby. 

Whether you visit for a day or spend your entire vacation here, Clarksville packs a lot of fun for families looking to explore the best of Middle Tennessee. 

Read Next: Historic Things To Do in Clarksville, Tennessee

Where to Stay: The spacious and brightly colored Pink House Clarksville on Airbnb is perfect for a girl’s getaway or a romantic couple’s escape. I loved the pink-themed vintage decor, outdoor patio, and sunroom, which are perfect for lounging around after a busy day of exploring.

5. Rochester, New York

One of my favorite affordable vacation spots in US, Rochester, New York, boasts a blend of history, culture, and a vibrant art and culinary scene. There’s a cool mix of old and new architecture, with many revitalized historic buildings.

There are plenty of street art and murals, restaurants with everything from local favorites to international cuisine, urban wineries, and breweries, all at affordable prices.

You can find waterfalls, beaches, and kayaking opportunities nearby. The 96-foot-tall urban waterfall, High Falls, is located right in the center of Downtown Rochester, offering spectacular city views.

History buffs will love visiting the George Eastman Museum, the world’s oldest photography museum, and Susan B. Anthony House, the historic home of the suffragist leader.

Over on our podcast, Road Trip Ready, we explore how Susan B. Anthony fought for equity and played an important role in securing women’s right to vote in the United States.

Read Next: Impact of the Women’s Rights Movement at Susan B. Anthony Museum and House

Beyond the city limits, a road trip through the Finger Lakes region is studded with charming wineries and scenic small towns.

Foodies, plan your trip to Rochester with the best best places to eat in Rochester, New York. 

Read Next: How Much Does a Trip To Rochester Cost?

6. The Northshore of Louisiana 

From guided alligator swamp tours to green spaces with playgrounds for the little ones and access to Lake Pontchartrain for fishing, sailing, kayaking, and tubing, The Northshore of Louisiana, just 45 minutes from New Orleans, offers an unforgettable family getaway that’s as diverse as it is laid-back. 

For food-loving families, The Northshore of Louisiana is a dream come true. This foodie hotspot offers a range of top-notch dining experiences, from fancy restaurants overlooking a bayou to small mom-and-pop shops serving delicious Creole specialties and sweet treats, all at budget-friendly prices. 

For a fun day of biking and sightseeing, I recommend the 31-mile Tammany Trace, which connects several Northshore communities like Slidell and Anita Springs. Get off the trail for unique finds like floats and sundaes at Old Town Slidell Soda Shop or 18-hole mini golf. 

Read Next: Best Things To Do in Louisiana Northshore

Listen to this podcast episode for my Northshore of Louisiana restaurant recommendations and soft adventure ideas.

Listen to the podcast episode here.

Where to Stay: Step back in time at the Southern Hotel, a charming historic boutique hotel in Covington, Louisiana. Built-in 1907, this revitalized gem perfectly blends Southern hospitality and modern comfort.

Start your day with a complimentary cup of joe and end it with a handcrafted cocktail at The Cypress Bar. Relax amidst beautifully landscaped grounds and unwind in your clean and comfortable room.

Beyond the hotel, explore the vibrant town of Covington on foot. With restaurants, bars, shops, and galleries just a short stroll away, the Southern Hotel offers a memorable and convenient stay.

7. Cayuga County, New York 

A four-hour road trip from New York City, Cayuga County in Upstate New York is the perfect destination for families who enjoy American history and the outdoors. It’s one of the best cheap vacation destinations in New York state.

Visit stops on the Underground Railroad, like Seward House Museum, to learn about the women’s suffrage movement and retrace the footsteps of the famous abolitionist Harriet Tubman. 

Read Next: Things To Do in Cayuga County, New York

Discover lesser-known stories about Harriet Tubman and places in Cayuga County where her presence is still felt. 

Listen to the podcast episode here.

With complimentary admissions to museums like the Howland Stone Store Museum, where you can see a rare Underground Railroad ticket, Cayuga County offers a budget-friendly experience with plenty of things the entire family will enjoy.

Its proximity to state parks, lakes for fishing and kayaking, golf courses, and multi-use trails for horseback riders and snowmobilers ensures that nature-loving families can enjoy the outdoors year-round.

Where to Stay: Located in Downtown Auburn, Hilton Garden Inn Auburn offers comfortable rooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, free parking, and an on-site bar to relax and unwind after a long day of sightseeing. It’s also centrally located within walking distance of restaurants and a few minutes’ drive from cultural attractions and things to do. 

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What are your favorite affordable vacation spots in the U.S.? Which ones on this list have you visited?