Looking for a thrilling vacation spot in the United States is thrilling, but in most cases, it comes with exorbitant spending, which sometimes makes it difficult for some people. However, it’s also important to remember that the US is a very diverse and large country, so there are plenty of locations that offer thrilling yet reasonably priced vacations.
Regarding your budget, some fascinating places in the United States are budget-friendly. These places offer thrilling fun that will captivate visitors without breaking the bank.
It’s totally up to you how much you spend when you visit these exciting yet affordable US places. These are some of the greatest destinations in America to visit on a tight budget for those who don’t want to break the bank.
top 10 cheap vacation spots in the United States
1. San Antonio, Texas
There is much more to see in this charming city in south central Texas, even though the Alamo is its most well-known feature. You can hire a bike and ride the 15-mile Mission Reach Trail, which showcases San Antonio’s Missions, which together make up a national historic site and UNESCO World Heritage Site, for an extra dose of history. Programs led by rangers and visitor activities are free.
You can visit the free Japanese Tea Garden or San Pedro Springs Park, which are free. Also, you can pay a visit to the San Antonio Botanical Garden for $12 and the Government Canyon State Natural Area for $6
The River Walk is another option, with its Tex-Mex-inspired boutiques and riverfront eateries. Make a stop along the road for an affordable margarita to enjoy while observing people. Another fantastic place to have a margarita or coffee is the Yanaguana Garden, an art-filled playground and park that welcomes people of all ages.
SeaWorld and Six Flags are mega-parks that can occupy families for hours on end if you’re ready to pay a little bit extra. Alternatively, you can embark on a 1718 ghost tour throughout this historic city.
2. Glacier National Park, Montana
One of the greatest affordable vacation destinations in the US is Glacier National Park. Situated close to the Canadian border, it boasts breathtaking lakes and glaciated peaks. This is your passport to the numerous amazing events here; admission is $35.
Glacier National Park features alpine meadows, deep forests, waterfalls, about 25 glistening glaciers and 200 sparkling lakes.
For more immersive enjoyment, visitors can swim, camp, and hike around the lakes. Any traveler who hops lakes and waterfalls will make priceless memories that cannot be replaced. Furthermore, one of the most thrilling activities in this magnificent national park is a free drive down the picturesque Going-to-the-Sun route.
3. Colorado Springs, Colorado
The largest city in El Paso County, Colorado Springs, is situated along Fountain Creek, a region rich in natural beauty. Luckily, seeing and taking in the natural beauty of this place doesn’t cost much, making it one of the most affordable yet thrilling places to vacation in the US.
Several free green areas in the city are open for exploring. One of these is the Garden of the Gods, which has a ton of fascinating activities both inside and outside of its boundaries. Visitors can trek, ride a bike, ride a horse, and climb rocks in the Garden of the Gods for a modest price. Make sure to bring your camera as you get to capture the prolific nature of this captivating place.
Driving through North Cheyenne Canon Park and exploring downtown Colorado Springs to view stunning street art are among the free things to do in Colorado Springs.
4. Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe’s history has led to the blending of American, Spanish, Mexican, and Indigenous cultures. It is therefore among the most fascinating cities in the nation. Santa Fe, the state capital of New Mexico, is among the most affordable destinations in the United States for a vacation while having several must-see sites. Encircled by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this breathtaking natural site boasts even more amazing attributes. The city is distinguished by numerous artworks, Pueblo Revival and Territorial architecture, and Gothic cathedrals.
Free street exploration of the city’s Santa Fe Plaza allows visitors to take in the views as well as an immersion in art, music, and cuisine. Visit the Canyon Road art galleries for free, then pay $20 to sample some history at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum.
5. Little Rock, Arkansas
Budget tourists can enjoy a plethora of thrilling adventures in Little Rock, the capital city of Arkansas. There are many of free activities to do in the Pinnacle Mountain State Park, which is open for free entrance.
The Big and Little Maumelle Rivers can be explored for free by hikers who reach the summit of the mountain. For just $12, science enthusiasts can study scientific achievements and learn more about the direction of science at the Museum of History.
With or without money, Little Rock is a destination that every tourist has to pay a visit to once in a lifetime.
Also, Read 21 CHEAP PLACES TO VACATION IN THE UNITED STATES
6. Flagstaff, Arizona
Flagstaff has something to offer its visitors, unlike some tiny places that are inexpensive because they don’t have anything to offer. This fascinating location is located in a desert, yet adventure seekers will find it appealing due to its closeness to mountains and pine trees.
Due to the city’s proximity to the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Walnut Canyon National Monument, most visitors come here for the scenery. Activities include fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing. Flagstaff was the first official International Dark Sky City and is home to one of the top observatories in the nation, Lowell Observatory, for those who enjoy learning about worlds beyond our planet.
When you’re done admiring Earth’s beauty, you may stroll through the charming downtown district of the city, which is home to several eateries, boutiques, and art galleries.
7. Finger Lakes, New York
In Central New York, the Finger Lakes region consists of eleven lakes. Among the obvious choices for vacation activities are boating, fishing, and water sports. However, the Seneca Lake Wine Trail boasts 35 wineries, cideries, and breweries where vacationers can also enjoy alcoholic beverages. Most just charge a little fee of $2-5, which is eliminated when you buy a bottle.
Make reservations for a motorless glider plane on Harris Hill with the money you’ve saved to see the area from a different angle. You’ll ascend to 4,000 feet in a tow plane and then soar over the Chemung Valley.
The Finger Lakes are home to several state parks, including Watkins Glen, which boasts 19 waterfalls, and Taughannock Falls.
8. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
The main reason for Gatlinburg’s fame is its proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Explore the Appalachian Trail, go waterfall hiking, and keep an eye out for black bears at the nation’s most visited national park. The admission price to the park is totally free.
However, failing to explore Gatlinburg itself would be a mistake if you spent your whole stay at Great Smoky. Enjoy genuine Gatlinburg moonshine, handcrafted beers and ciders, or regional wines in this quaint little town. You can also dance to live country music at Ole Red Gatlinburg or see a hilarious musical comedy play at Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre & Music Hall.
9. Greenville, South Carolina
Beautiful Greenville is a lovely, sunny town with many outdoor adventure options all around it. The small town is surrounded by hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the mountains, such as those found at Caesars Head State Park. It is situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Chattooga River offers thrilling white-water rafting for thrill-seekers, while the nearby Paris Mountain State Park has excellent camping amenities.
As you explore the town, you’ll come across over 70 public sculptures and a wide variety of locally-owned eateries serving cuisine from around the world. Situated at the center of the city, Falls Park on the Reedy provides views of the river and waterfall from an unusual suspension bridge that curves.$12.
10. Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic National Park is located in western Washington and is not very accessible, but its main attraction is how remote it is.
Drive for at least two hours from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, and you’ll be rewarded with vistas of breathtaking mountain ranges, the state’s renowned Evergreen trees, and several bodies of water oceans, lakes, and rivers are all present. For even more stunning vistas, you might choose to drive your rental car over the Puget Sound on a ferry.
Numerous activities await you at the park, such as boating, fishing, and tidepool exploration. While serious hikers can organize overnight excursions, hikers have a wide variety of pathways to select from. The park offers a variety of night-sky programs in part because of its large area and isolation from the city.
Situated inside the park is the Hoh Rain Forest, one of the most visited sights. Being one of the biggest temperate rainforests in the country, it welcomes visitors with a verdant canopy of plants and is the calmest site in the continental United States, making it the perfect destination for a digital detox. The park entrance fee is $30 per vehicle.