Adventure in America presents: budget-friendly US destinations you can visit all year round!
The United States has plenty of amazing destinations that won’t break the bank; you just have to look for them. From bustling cities to quaint small towns, there are lots of surprisingly budget-friendly US destinations for tourists to enjoy all year.
If you thought that you had to break the bank to enjoy a fabulous vacation, you’re wrong. Of course, there are incredible, luxurious places where you’ll spend a big buck, but that’s not the case.
Whether someone wants to soak up culture, relax on beaches, appreciate nature, or visit renowned American landmarks, you don’t have to settle for subpar sites just to save money.
If you want to discover some amazing, budget-friendly US destinations where you’ll have the time of your life, keep reading to discover some wonderful things. We’ll talk about sights, activities, dining, and hotel options to entertain you all year! Let’s begin!
1. St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine, Florida isn’t only one of the best budget-friendly US destinations, but it’s also the country’s oldest city. St. Augustine is known for its colorful streets, amazing beach views, historic buildings, and gorgeous weather. It has something for everyone’s budget, so don’t miss it.
One of the best things to do in St. Augustine is to visit the old fort, Castillo de San Marcos, which gives you a wonderful insight into the city’s history for only $15.
After that, you can walk down St. George Street to see the Spanish architecture and small artisan boutiques, and make sure you go into the cafes because the desserts are to die for.
If you want to get a tan or enjoy a relaxing and romantic walk, St. Augustine Beach is free of charge. Since we’re talking about budget-friendly US destinations, here’s what you can expect to pay for a trip to this gorgeous city:
- affordable hotels you could book: St. Augustine Island Inn, Days Inn by Wyndham, and Travelodge;
- hotel price per night: approximately $75;
- places you can visit without paying a fee: St. George Street, St. Augustine Beach, and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine.
Do you know any other budget-friendly US destinations?
2. Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque has a lot to offer visitors, including a unique blend of history and entertainment set against a spectacular desert landscape. If you decide to give this budget-friendly US destination a try, you’ll experience centuries-old adobe architecture in Albuquerque’s Old Town, see petroglyphs at Petroglyph National Monument, and enjoy miles of magnificent free hiking and biking trails. What else can you wish for?
The city also has some incredible museums you have to check out, such as the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History. Albuquerque is a great value all year thanks to its modest accommodations, delicious and affordable places where you can eat, like Frontier Restaurant and Flying Star Cafe, and free activities you can engage in too, such as a visit to the Albuquerque Museum.
This is a place that will recharge your batteries and make you feel incredible all day long, so make sure you add it to your travel bucket list. As for how much you’ll pay for a trip to this New Mexico city, here’s an estimation:
- budget-friendly hotels: Route 66 Hotel and Motel 6;
- hotel price for the night: approximately $60;
- motel price for the night: approximately $40;
- great places to visit: Albuquerque Museum, Petroglyph National Monument, and you can also go shopping in the lovely Old Town.
3. Austin, Texas
With its legendary barbecue joints, fabulous live music venues, and the unofficial motto “Keep Austin Weird,” Texas’ capital has long been a popular destination for budget-conscious travelers.
There are several free activities you can try, such as taking a stroll at the Congress Bridge and swimming at Barton Springs, as well as looking at the murals and street art across the city.
Food trucks are known for their affordable and delicious food, serving anything from tacos to banh mi. Travelers can also enjoy live music for free or almost for free thanks to the low prices on tickets at well-known places such as The Continental Club on South Congress Avenue, which keeps Austin rocking day and night all year.
If you want to wake up the party beast inside of you, Austin is one of the best budget-friendly US destinations for you. Let’s take a look at the financial aspects of this trip:
- affordable hotels you could stay in: Hotel Indigo, Firehouse Hostel, and Austin Motel;
- accommodation price for the night: at the hotel, you’ll have to pay around $75 for a night, while at a hostel will be around $30;
- free things to do: visiting Zilker Park, bat watching at Congress Bridge, visiting Barton Springs Pool.
Have you ever visited any of these lovely budget-friendly US destinations?
4. Charleston, South Carolina
We continue with the list of budget-friendly US destinations, and this time we’ll talk about Charleston. This city’s charm will impress everyone and is just as pretty all year long, thanks to its pastel-hued historic mansions, beautiful cobblestone walkways, and panoramic harbor views.
Visitors can appreciate the architecture and gardens of homes such as the Calhoun Mansion for just $20, so we can say it stays within the budget.
If you decide to visit Charleston, you should know that plenty of carriage tour firms provide special discounted prices during the off-season, so you can stay in a fabulous hotel for a good price. And for those who want to save even more money, no problem, because there are also many good hostels in Charleston.
Downtown Charleston Culinary Tours and Bulldog Tours food and walking tours will give you lots of enjoyable and educational experiences at a reasonable cost. If you want to indulge in some fresh and tasty seafood, make sure you give 167 Raw and The Wreck a try because they’re affordable and you’ll love it there. I don’t know about you, but to me, everything about this lovely Southern city seems like a bargain, and I love it.
Here’s what you can expect from traveling to this budget-friendly US destination:
- affordable hotels: West Ashley Inn;
- hotel price per night: from $75;
- places you can visit for free: Charleston Historic District ambiance, Rainbow Row, and Waterfront Park.
5. Savannah, Georgia
These budget-friendly US destinations are becoming more and more affordable, but they don’t lack any of the beauty and romanticism we need during a vacation.
Speaking of lovely things, I can assure you that Savannah is going to become one of your favorite places in the country, thanks to its verdant public squares, historic cobblestone streets, and laid-back atmosphere.
You can enjoy the beautiful fountains and monuments of Forsyth Park, stroll through the exquisite historic homes and museums of Savannah’s downtown historic district, and peruse the treasures of City Market merchants all for free.
Swimming, fishing charters, and dolphin excursions are among the low-cost activities available at nearby Tybee Beach, and I can guarantee you’ll have the time of your life there.
Savannah’s attractiveness and hospitality make it feel like a travel windfall rather than a vacation expense, so it’s a place you shouldn’t neglect.
Since our main topic is budget-friendly US destinations, here’s an estimation of how much you have to take out of your pocket to travel to this lovely city in Georgia:
- affordable hotel: Thunderbird Inn;
- hotel price per night: if you want to stay in a historic district hotel, you’ll be charged around $140 for a night, while for a mid-range hotel, you’ll pay around $60-80 per night, depending on the place you choose;
- places to visit for free: Tybee Island beaches, Forsyth Park, and Savannah Historic District.
Whether you want to travel to these gorgeous budget-friendly US destinations by plane or by car, you’ll need a tiny but roomy suitcase to fit all of your belongings. Here’s an amazing and high-quality carry-on suggestion for you. I have one, and I take it with me every time I travel.
Which one of these budget-friendly US destinations is your favorite? Do you plan on visiting any of these places? Let us know in the comments below! If you want to read something else from Adventure in America, here’s a fantastic article for you: This Woman Lived in Florida for 20 Years; Here Are Her Top 7 Tips for Tourists
