14 Cheap Places to Travel in the US: Budget-Friendly Destinations

The United States has 50 states. So, you can visit so many cheap places in the US all year round. Those places are perfect for a cost-effective getaway without compromising on beauty, fun, and experiences. The US and its territories also offer a great vacation. The best way to make travel with low cost is to avoid pick seasons.

Great Travel Deals: 14 Cheap Places to Visit in the US

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

The Grand Canyon area has many amazing caves. Besides, it has unique rock formations along with stunning landscapes.  There are many national parks here and there in the US. However, Grand Canyon National Park is the best cheap place to travel in us.

It is stunning to view this park from the renowned Mather Point.  You can see the red rock of the canyon. You can also visit the Yavapai Museum of Geology near the park. Camping in Grand National Park begins from $9. Moreover, camping here costs $10 per night per vehicle.

The major attractions and activities at Mather Point include hiking, spotting unique geological features, and visiting the Yavapai Museum of Geology.

San Antonio, Texas

You should add San Antonio Texas to your shortlist to travel in the US. It’s less expensive than any other major cities like Dallas and Austin in Texas. Visitors are warmly welcomed to the beloved city by the warm, laid-back locals. There is something for everyone to enjoy. Foodies, outdoorsy types, and history buffs are available there. The budget-conscious travelers should purchase a discounted cost San Antonio Explorer Pass. It grants access to a wide range of popular area attractions. UNESCO World Heritage-listed Spanish missions are in San Antonio. It is also home to amusement parks, botanical gardens, and a diverse mix of museums. The iconic San Antonia Riverwalk is located here. It is a place of year-round destination. San Antonio remains lively through its gentle winters.

Regarding accommodation, it can be said that San Antonio is perhaps one of the cheap places to travel in us. The rent of hotels ranges from $41 to $60 per night.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

A visit to Yellowstone National Park will surely make you glad. Here, the towering stream of Old Faithful rises into the sky. There are so many characteristics of this park. A product of the geothermal activity beneath the ground is one of them. You may enjoy hot springs, mud pots, and springs. The park’s subalpine forests wait for the visitors to explore. Here is the massive Yellowstone Falls. There are also many hiking areas in the valleys and forests. Besides, there are plenty of amazing hikes in Yellowstone for all. But, there is an option for complete beginners. They can try any of Yellowstone’s easiest hiking trails.

Moreover, tourists should be sure to pack their tents and sleeping bags in Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone Falls can be enjoyed there.

In Yellowstone National Park, nightly camping fees range from $20 to $99. However, it depends on the campsite location.

Glacier National Park, Montana

Tourists should head to Glacier National Park to discover true ecological wonder. Glacier National Park, one of the cheap places to travel in us, is located in the bordering area of Canada.

Some of the region’s unique wildlife is available here. The Trail of the Cedars and the Highline Trail wait for you to visit. Visitors can explore the Lake McDonald area. It has over 700 miles of trails. There are many wide paths for tourists to walk. Subject to weather permission, visitors should try to camp in the park to take the full Glacier experience.

It is noted that camping in Glacier National Park costs between $10-23 per night for wilderness sites.

There are many affordable attractions and activities at Glacier National Park in Montyana. Hiking the Trail of the Cedars, the Highline Trail, hiking near Lake McDonald, and looking for local megafauna are some of them.

Lake Tahoe, California

Lake Tahoe is one of the most famous lakes in California and one of the cheap places to travel in us. You can visit it all year round and the fall is the best season. Summer watersports or the autumn salmon are run in nearby Taylor Creek. The Great Lakes is beautiful. It’s worth a trip at any time of year. There are several sites located near Lake Tahoe to explore. Sand Harbor, Emerald Bay State Park, and Van Sickle Bi-State Park are located here. There are Eagle Falls and Lower Eagle Falls in Lake Tahoe.

The 2 and 3-star hotels range from $60-$70-per-night.

Moab, Utah

The main attention of Moab, Utah is the red stone rock formations at Arches National Park. The area’s sole stonework arches stand enormously against the surroundings of the La Sal Mountains. The violet evening sky and Mars-like landscapes attack the visitors. The park is astonishingly one of the most inexpensive places in the US. The nearby town of Moab is a cheap destination and it’s known for its adventurous spirit. Arches National Park, hiking, biking the Slickrock Trail are the cheapest attractions and activities.

Vacation lovers seeking Martian scenery and stunning hikes come here. Cheap hotels in Moab can be available for $57 per night.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico, cheap places to travel in us, generally offers an affordable US vacation year-round. The place is a beautiful American territory in the Caribbean and one of the cheap places to travel in us. It is noted for budget-friendly island vacations. The brightly colored streets of San Juan are enjoyable. Old churches, sandy beaches, and historic sites are located in Puerto Rico. There is an opportunity for tourists who want to take a trip out of the city. They can visit the tropical rainforest of El Yunque National Forest. The Cueva Del Indio, a seaside cave near the town of Arecibo, might also be visited.

Puerto Rico is also known for its unbelievable cuisine. El Patio de Sam in San Juan is a restaurant with a great atmosphere.  It serves genuine Puerto Rican food.

It is noted that vacation rentals and homestays start from around $50 per night.

Savannah, Georgi

Savannah, Georgia, is also an affordable vacation destination and the best cheap place to travel. Some of the kindest people in the US reside in this charming southern city. Savannah is popular among the friendliest cities in the United States. It was recently ranked number one in terms of friendliest cities. The cost of accommodation, dining, and attractions in Savannah are in favor of the tourists. You can enjoy simply strolling around the historic downtown. You can also see Forsyth Park, and River Street and admire the picturesque surroundings. You can find traditional Southern comfort food at affordable prices.

In Savannah, budget-friendly hotels range from $50 to $75.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Cool sights and attractions are available in the City of Brotherly Love. It is the best place for the budget-friendly travelers. There are many things to do freely in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Pass gives discount offers to access to over 30 other attractions.

It’s a city steeped in American history. Travelers can step foot in the actual room. In 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed from here. Philly is also popularly known for its public art. The iconic LOVE sculpture is here. There are tons of exciting murals to wonder at around the city. Philadelphia is gaining fame for its food scene. It now spans far beyond the infamous Philly cheese steak. Philly lets foodies take pleasure in diverse culinary offerings and a wide range of different ethnic cuisines. It is one of the best food markets in America. Food trucks and diners can do at bargain prices.

If you don’t mind a shared space, you can hire a dorm available for $45 per night. However, centrally-located, budget hotels start from $121.

In a word, Franklin Square, Reading Terminal Market, Elfreth’s Alley, Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, ghost tours, and public art are some of the affordable attractions and activities here.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe, one the best cheap places to travel, is termed an artistic and cultured city in the US. Museums, galleries, and cultural centers are set up here for visitors to explore. Architectural wonders are available in New Mexico’s capital.

You can also explore the New Mexico Museum of Art as one of the cheap places to travel in USA. You can learn about Native cultures at the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture. There is a scope for walking around the famous Santa Fe Farmers Market. Santa Fe promises, a wonderful and cultured experience, and is also known for its famous artist, Georgia O’Keeffe. It has a museum dedicated to her work in the city.

Santa Fe is famous for its museums. Among noted museums, Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, and New Mexico Museum of Art are citable.

3-star hotels start at less than $44 per night in Santa Fe.

The Poconos Mountains, Pennsylvania

Poconos Mountains in Pennsylvania are home to adorable small towns and wooded eastern mountainscapes. Visitors noted it as one of the top travel destinations in the US. You can enjoy hiking, camping, and canoeing. Some best trails and rivers are located here.

You can be enchanted by waterfalls such as Dingmans Falls, Fulmer Falls, and Deer Leap Falls. You can also explore Lehigh Gorge State Park.

The budget hotel starts from $90 in the town of Jim Thorpe.

Sedona, Arizona

Sedona is widely named as a spiritual place in the United States and a cheap place to travel in USA. It’s popular with all one of the most spiritual places. Tourists come from far and wide, regardless of their religious connection. They want to see the sacred rock formations in Sedona.

Two parks- Slide Rock State Park and Red Rock State Park – are excellent places to see the unique red rock.

Montezuma Castle, an impressive archeological ruin, is located here. The city is popular with a great shopping center at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village.

Relaxed and convenient lodging options start around $75 per night.

Washington DC

Budget travelers should not overlook the amazing city of Washington DC. Here is the sheer volume of free things to do in Washington DC. Accommodation and dining in Washington DC may indeed cost more than some of the other cheap year-round destinations in the US. However, it balances out with all the incredible attractions visitors can fill their days with at little or no cost. There are some free attractions here. The world-renowned Smithsonian Museums is established in Washington DC. It costs $0 to enter. The Capitol and White House often have free access with a bit of planning. You can also explore the beautiful national parks in and around Washington DC. In this case, some of these do come with entry fees. It is mentionable that Washington DC boasts of having the Lincoln Memorial, Library of Congress, the US National Arboretum, Meridian Hill Park, and the Tidal Basin.

The safe and efficient metro system also enables visitors to get around easily. It saves the expense of taxis or ride-shares. A 7-day regional bus pass for under $20 allows unlimited travel.

Cheap hotel rent begins from the range of $72 while centrally-located hotels need $100 per night.

St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine, famous for being the oldest city in the United States and the best cheap place to travel, can be visited the place around the year. Its historic offerings are amazing. Founded in 1565, this city is famed for its towering striped lighthouse. Its historic cathedral and its warm weather attract tourists. St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park is a worthy place to visit. It’s one of Florida’s most important animals, the American alligator. You can check out the Lightner Museum. It has plenty of art and artifacts, and an impressive garden to see.

At least $71 per night is needed for a budget hotel in St. Augustine.

Final Words

Apart from the mentioned above, many places to visit at low cost in the US include Grand Teton National Park, Sequoia National Park, The Finger Lakes, Colorado Springs, and Williamsburg.