25 Cheapest Places To Travel In The United States

Looking for an amazing vacation without breaking the bank? The United States has plenty of incredible destinations where you can have fun, see beautiful sights, and make memories without spending a fortune.

From stunning national parks to charming small towns, these 25 cheapest places to travel in the US prove you don’t need a huge budget to have an unforgettable trip.

1. Sedona, Arizona

Sedona’s famous red rock formations create one of the most beautiful landscapes in America. The best part? Many of the top activities are completely free. Popular hiking trails like Devil’s Bridge and Cathedral Rock don’t cost anything to access, and the scenic Red Rock Byway provides amazing views from your car window.

For budget camping, try dispersed sites along Loy Butte Road or book a spot at Cave Springs Campground. While restaurants can be expensive, shopping at local grocery stores and catching happy hour deals at taverns will help keep food costs down.

2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina

America’s most visited national park charges no entrance fee, making it one of the cheapest places to vacation in the US. Hundreds of hiking trails provide free access to waterfalls, mountain vistas, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Scenic drives like Clingmans Dome Road are free and provide mountain views for those who prefer driving to hiking. Campsites cost around $25 per night, and surrounding towns have numerous budget motels.

3. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

This popular beach destination along South Carolina’s Grand Strand provides classic coastal fun without the high prices of other beach towns. The 60 miles of free beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing, while the famous Myrtle Beach Boardwalk costs nothing to enjoy.

Free attractions include walking the SkyWheel area (though rides cost extra), visiting Myrtle Beach State Park for nature trails, and catching street performers along the boardwalk. The area is famous for affordable seafood buffets and casual dining that won’t break the budget.

Accommodations range from budget motels to reasonably priced beachfront hotels, with the best deals available during fall and winter months when the weather stays mild but crowds disappear. Mini golf courses and fishing piers provide cheap entertainment for families.

4. Buffalo National River, Arkansas

Hidden in Arkansas’s Ozark Mountains, the Buffalo National River area is perfect for outdoor adventures on a tight budget. The famous Hawksbill Crag (also called Whitaker Point) provides Instagram-worthy views for free, and camping costs under $20 per night at most sites.

Kayaking and canoeing on the Buffalo River are affordable ways to see the area from a different angle. Visit during off-season months when camping is often free, and stock up on supplies in nearby Jasper where local diners serve hearty meals at low prices.

5. Portland, Oregon

Portland makes urban travel affordable with its unique mix of city attractions and nearby nature. Forest Park and Washington Park provide free hiking within the city limits, and Oregon’s lack of sales tax makes shopping more budget-friendly.

The city’s famous food trucks serve delicious meals for just a few dollars, while Powell’s City of Books is a free attraction that book lovers can spend hours browsing. Take cheap public transit to nearby Multnomah Falls, or stay at budget-friendly spots like Society Hotel. Portland consistently ranks among the cheapest cities to visit in America.

6. South Padre Island, Texas

For warm weather and beautiful beaches without the high prices of other coastal destinations, South Padre Island delivers year-round fun. The beaches are free to access, and many beachfront hotels keep their rates reasonable compared to other popular beach towns.

Attractions like the Sea Turtle Art Trail and Birding Center cost under $10 to visit. Budget travelers can choose from tent camping options or affordable RV parks like South Padre Island KOA.

7. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

This former steel town has reinvented itself as a cultural destination with affordable attractions. Point State Park provides free riverside recreation and city views, while the historic Duquesne Incline costs just a few dollars for incredible panoramic views.

The Carnegie Museums have reasonable entry fees, and hotels like Hampton Inn North Shore provide budget-friendly stays near sports venues and major attractions. Pittsburgh’s compact downtown makes walking between attractions easy and free, making it one of the cheapest places to travel in the USA.

8. Helen, Georgia

This small mountain town recreated itself as a Bavarian village, complete with alpine architecture and German festivals. Many of the festivals are free to attend, and river tubing costs just a few dollars for hours of fun.

Nearby Unicoi State Park provides hiking trails and waterfall access for a small parking fee. Budget lodging like Alpine Village Inn keeps accommodation costs low, and authentic German restaurants serve generous portions at reasonable prices.

9. Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

This lakeside town in northern Idaho provides resort-town beauty without resort-town prices. The public beaches along Lake Coeur d’Alene are free to use, and hiking trails around the lake provide scenic views at no cost.

Kayak and bike rentals are reasonably priced, and budget motels like Resort City Inn provide lake access without the high rates of luxury resorts. The town’s walkable downtown has affordable restaurants and shops.

10. Asheville, North Carolina

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville combines arts culture with mountain beauty. The Blue Ridge Parkway provides free scenic driving and hiking trail access, while downtown’s riverfront parks are perfect for picnics and walking.

The city’s brewery scene includes budget-friendly options, and food trucks provide cheap eats. Stay in vintage motels or cozy Airbnbs for affordable accommodations that capture the city’s unique character.

11. Rapid City & Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Rapid City serves as an affordable home base for visiting some of America’s most famous landmarks. A $30 weekly parks pass (or the annual America the Beautiful pass) provides access to Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore, and Custer State Park.

Budget motels in Rapid City keep lodging costs low, and free roadside attractions like Wall Drug add quirky fun to the trip. The area’s wide open spaces and dramatic landscapes provide endless photo opportunities.

12. Albuquerque, New Mexico

This Southwestern city blends Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures at budget-friendly prices. Old Town Albuquerque has free admission and provides hours of walking through historic adobe buildings and art galleries.

The city’s public transportation is inexpensive, and local specialties like breakfast burritos cost just a few dollars. Free attractions include the Open Space Visitor Center and museums like the Harvey House Museum.

13. Door County, Wisconsin

This peninsula between Green Bay and Lake Michigan provides a peaceful lakeside retreat. Free beaches along Lake Michigan are perfect for swimming and relaxation, while lighthouse tours and Peninsula State Park hiking trails cost very little.

Cozy inns like Snug Harbor keep accommodation costs reasonable, and the area hosts free local festivals throughout the summer months. The scenic countryside is perfect for affordable road trips and picnicking.

14. Olympic National Park, Washington

Olympic National Park packs incredible diversity into one affordable destination. A single park pass provides access to rugged coastlines, temperate rainforests, and snow-capped mountains, making it one of the cheapest vacation destinations in the United States.

Free attractions within the park include Rialto Beach’s dramatic sea stacks, Sol Duc Falls, and Hurricane Ridge’s mountain vistas. Camping within the park costs $25-$35 per night and provides the most budget-friendly accommodation option.

15. St. Augustine, Florida

America’s oldest city combines centuries of history with beautiful Atlantic beaches. The walkable Old Town provides free entertainment just by strolling the historic streets, while Castillo de San Marcos charges only $10 for entry.

Budget-friendly beaches are just minutes from downtown, and Anastasia State Park provides camping for around $20 per night. The mild climate makes St. Augustine a great budget destination year-round.

16. San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio’s famous River Walk is completely free to enjoy, winding through downtown past restaurants, shops, and historic sites. The city’s four historic missions are also free to visit and provide insight into Spanish colonial history.

Budget-friendly Tex-Mex food is everywhere, from food trucks to family-owned restaurants. Affordable accommodations near the Pearl District or downtown hostels make San Antonio one of the cheapest places to visit in the US. The city consistently delivers incredible value for travelers watching their wallets.

17. Boise, Idaho

Idaho’s capital city combines small-town friendliness with big-city attractions. The Boise Greenbelt provides miles of free walking and biking paths along the river, while hiking Table Rock rewards visitors with panoramic city views.

The Saturday Farmers Market provides affordable local food and entertainment. Budget motels throughout the city keep lodging costs low, and Idaho’s lack of state sales tax on groceries helps stretch food budgets.

18. Hot Springs, Arkansas

This unique destination combines natural wonder with budget-friendly fun as the only national park that’s also a city. Hot Springs National Park charges no entrance fee, and visitors can collect free thermal spring water from fountains located throughout downtown.

The historic Bathhouse Row provides fascinating architecture to admire for free, while the Fordyce Bathhouse Museum costs just a few dollars to tour. Free hiking trails like Hot Springs Mountain Trail reward visitors with panoramic views of the surrounding Ouachita Mountains.

Lake Hamilton and Lake Ouachita nearby provide free beach access and affordable camping options. Downtown Hot Springs has reasonably priced historic hotels and budget motels, while local restaurants serve classic Southern comfort food at family-friendly prices. The combination of natural thermal springs, mountain scenery, and rich history makes this Arkansas gem a unique and affordable getaway.

19. Moab, Utah

This red rock desert town is headquarters for outdoor adventures and ranks among the cheapest travel destinations in America. While Arches National Park requires an entrance fee, free hiking trails like Corona Arch provide similar dramatic scenery. Dispersed camping on public lands costs nothing for those with camping gear.

For travelers who prefer amenities, KOA and OK RV Park provide affordable cabins and campsites. The town’s restaurants cater to hungry hikers with generous portions at reasonable prices.

20. Gatlinburg, Tennessee

This mountain town serves as the main gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which charges no entrance fee. Gatlinburg’s downtown strip provides free entertainment just by walking and people-watching.

Affordable moonshine tastings, cheap trolley rides, and budget motels make Gatlinburg accessible to any budget. Low-cost cabins in the surrounding mountains provide a more secluded alternative to downtown hotels.

21. Mackinac Island, Michigan

Ferry rides to this car-free island are reasonably priced, and the island itself provides hours of free entertainment. Public beaches, scenic walking trails, and historic sites can be enjoyed without spending money.

Bike rentals are affordable and provide the best way to see the island. Camping and weekday hotel rates help reduce accommodation costs on this unique Great Lakes destination.

22. Salt Lake City, Utah

Utah’s capital city sits surrounded by incredible natural beauty that’s mostly free to access. Big Cottonwood Canyon provides free hiking and scenic drives just minutes from downtown, while Temple Square provides free tours of this historic religious site.

The city’s public transit system is affordable and connects downtown to many attractions. Budget motels throughout the city keep costs low, especially outside of ski season when prices drop significantly.

23. Cleveland, Ohio

This Great Lakes city surprises visitors with its mix of culture and natural beauty. Several museums have free admission days, while Lake Erie beaches provide free summer recreation just minutes from downtown.

Affordable downtown hotels put visitors within walking distance of major attractions. West Side Market provides cheap eats and local flavor, while nearby Cuyahoga Valley National Park is free to visit.

24. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada

This crystal-clear mountain lake sits on the border of California and Nevada, giving visitors the best of both states. Free activities include hiking around Emerald Bay, relaxing on Commons Beach, and taking scenic drives around the lake’s perimeter.

The secret to affordable Lake Tahoe? Visit on weekdays and choose South Lake Tahoe for cheaper lodging options. Skip the expensive winter ski season and plan your trip for late spring or early fall when crowds are smaller and prices drop.

25. Flagstaff, Arizona

This high desert town provides affordable access to northern Arizona’s attractions. Free hiking on Humphreys Peak (Arizona’s highest point) and free stargazing programs at Lowell Observatory make for budget-friendly entertainment.

Historic Route 66 runs right through town, providing free roadside attractions and photo opportunities. Budget motels throughout Flagstaff make it an affordable base for visiting the Grand Canyon and other northern Arizona destinations.

Making Your Budget Trip Work

These destinations prove that amazing travel experiences don’t require huge budgets. The key to successful budget travel is planning ahead, being flexible with dates, and taking advantage of free activities that many destinations provide.

Whether you’re drawn to mountain adventures, beach relaxation, or cultural attractions, these 25 destinations provide incredible value for budget-conscious travelers. These cheapest places to travel in America prove you can see incredible sights without spending a fortune. Pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to create amazing memories at these cheap vacation spots in the USA without emptying your wallet.