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Where to find Cheap US Vacation Destinations

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When thinking of cheap US vacation destinations, you may be surprised to know that you do not need to sleep in a van to make the most of your vacation. Some of the best cheap places are knowing when to visit and what to do.

Many cheap places that are vacation destinations have a lower cost of living which makes visiting them cheaper due to lower food, gas, and transportation costs.

Road trips are another way to have a cheap U.S. vacation. One of the best ways for budget travelers to see the United States is by packing up a car, seeking affordable accommodations, and visiting some of the most affordable places, even if that means staying outside the city.

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Where is the cheapest to vacation United States?

New Orleans is one of the cheapest places to vacation due to the inexpensive gas, hotel accommodations, food, and activities. Many of the cheapest places to vacation in the United States involve the outdoors, small towns, and camping. But there are many ways to make some popular cities some of the most affordable destinations when avoiding the high season.

Mystic, Connecticut

Kim from LAFamilyTravel.com 

A weekend trip to Mystic, Connecticut, never disappoints! There is so much to do in this beautiful seaside town that everyone will find something they will enjoy.

You will find so many great museums, shops, and restaurants within a short distance. Mystic’s best-known attraction is the Mystic Aquarium, where you can view African penguins, beluga whales, and hundreds of beautiful fish at the fantastic indoor and outdoor exhibits.

History enthusiasts will want to check out the Mystic Seaport Museum, a spectacular recreation of a 19th-century maritime village featuring hands-on exhibits, period demonstrations, and an excellent planetarium.  

In addition, there is no shortage of great restaurants in downtown Mystic. If you are feeling nostalgic or just looking for some delicious pizza, visit Mystic Pizza, the restaurant that inspired the 80s movie of the same name.

You can watch the film while sitting back and enjoying your own “slice of heaven.” Other fantastic eats include The Bank and Bridge Brewing, a pub set in a former bank building, and The Mariner, a great local place for fresh seafood. 

For some great shopping, head to Old Mistick Village, a popular outdoor shopping venue with over fifty specialty shops selling unique items such as magical wands, Christmas decorations, and products from around the world.  

The Whaler’s Inn is a beautiful place to stay while visiting Mystic. You can’t beat the incredible downtown location of this historic hotel, which offers deluxe accommodations and on-site dining. 

Photo By Kim from LAFamilyTravel.com 

New York City

Anwar from Beyond my Door

While New York does not conjure up images of being cheap or affordable, many of the best things in New York City are cheap or free.

World-class parks in the city are worth wandering about and exploring. Central Park has incredible places to research, from the mall, Bethesda Terrace, ice rinks, beautiful fields, and more. There’s always some activity, from free concerts to the amazing Shakespeare in the park occurring in Central Park.

The Highline, built along an old elevated track, is a great way to walk and explore the west side of Manhattan. Be sure to stop at the Vessel in Hudson Yards or Chelsea Market at each end of the park.

There are ways to save for those looking to do an iconic Broadway show. From TKTS half-price tickets or in-person or online day-of rush tickets.

Many of the Museums from the MET, MoMA, Natural History, Whitney, and others, have free days. Other museums even pay what-you-wish prices (in particular for residents).

Prices can be steep for those looking to see the Statue of Liberty, and reservations take a lot of work to come by. However, free views can be had from the Staten Island Ferry. Or, if you want, you can even take a cheap ferry to Governor’s Islands for great city views and a great day away from the city’s hustle.

Where to Stay: The La Quinta on West 71st Street is a good option in price and location. It’s close to the Subway, Central Park, and many great restaurants. 

Photo By Anwar from Beyond my Door

Washington DC

Sam from Find Love and Travel

Washington, DC, is an incredible place to visit – especially if you are on a budget! For free, you can spend a long weekend in DC and see many main attractions. There are many things to do in the Nation’s Capitol, from museums to landmarks and monuments! 

There are many excellent free things to do in Washington DC. This includes over ten excellent Smithsonian Museums. You should visit the Renwick Gallery, the Museum of Natural History, and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. 

Another must-do thing in Washington, DC, that is entirely free to do is walking the National Mall. Here you will explore dozens of gardens, monuments, and sculptures, all of which are important to American history.

Some of the most noteworthy stops on the National Mile include The Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, The Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the Washington Monument. 

If you visit DC during the spring, you can even experience the Cherry blossoms blooming all around the National Mall! 

If that’s not enough, you can even tour the White House for free, although you have to get these free tickets well in advance.

A great place to stay when visiting Washington, DC, is the Omni Shoreham Hotel. This historic hotel has hosted presidents and even held inaugural balls.

Photo by Sam from Find Love and Travel

Outer Banks, North Carolina

Aimee from Babies and Beaches

If you’re looking for relaxation and some southern hospitality, the Outer Banks is a great place to visit for a cheap vacation. Located on the northeastern coast of North Carolina, you will find stunning ocean views and miles of pristine beaches to explore.

The Outer Banks consists of several small cities, each offering something different. Check out Rodanthe or Corolla for a more secluded vacation. Other towns like Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, and Duck are slightly busier.

The natural beauty of the Outer Banks is accessible to everyone and sure to keep you busy! Home to Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the country’s first National Seashore, you’ll find seashells, seasonal sea turtle nesting, and several lighthouses to visit.

If you’re looking for a little more adventure, there are plenty of opportunities to get out on the water. Kayaking, paddle boarding, and windsurfing are popular ways to see the coastline.

The best deal on local seafood is at Austin’s South Island Seafood in Rodanthe. They offer fully cooked carry-out meals with shrimp, crab, lobster, and calm. These larger meals are perfect for a group to share.

Remember to stop and enjoy the sunset each night. With some of the most beautiful colors, they are a true part of the Outer Banks experience.

For a unique lodging experience, Nicholas Sparks fans will want to check out the Inn at Rodanthe – the home featured in the film Nights in Rodanthe.

Photo by Aimee from Babies and Beaches

St. Augustine

Victoria from Florida Trippers

Looking for cheap US vacation destinations in the US? If so, then you can’t beat St. Augustine, Florida. 

After all, it’s a stunning place brimming over with a wealth of Spanish Colonial architecture that reminds visitors it is the oldest city in the country since it was founded in 1565. 

However, if you need more cash, you will have amazing things to do since you can start your visit with a stroll down St. George Street. 

It’s a fantastic, pedestrian-only street with quaint shops and restaurants to enjoy. In particular, Burrito Works Taco Shop has some great pork, Baja-style tacos that are well-priced, especially if you stop by on Taco Tuesday. 

Next, explore some of the exquisite, white sandy beaches this city is known for, like St. Augustine Beach. It’s easily one of the best beaches in Saint Augustine, with its chill vibes and epic fishing pier. 

Afterward, catch the free ferry to Rattlesnake Island and explore historic Fort Matanzas from 1740 since a visit to this national monument is also free. 

Then, when you’re completely exhausted, spend the night in Budget Inn St. Augustine. It’s a surprisingly lovely place to stay since rooms are under $100 per night and include a warm welcome from the owners.

Photo by Victoria from Florida Trippers

New Orleans, Louisiana

Mallory from Plaid Shirt Yoga Pans

New Orleans is the best cheap travel destination in America. Known for its food, drinks, and overall great place to be, New Orleans is the perfect vacation spot for almost any budget.

Some activities are totally free, and other attractions that are quite inexpensive. But Many people travel to New Orleans for the amazing food.

You can eat your way through NOLA without spending too much money. From Poboys to pralines, many of the dishes in New Orleans are easily under $15, and the portions down here are quite large.

Exploring New Orleans is easy, it can be done on foot, car or by streetcar. Walking around the French Quarter is a top bucket list item for many travelers, but the Streetcar’s Jazzy pass only costs a few dollars and can help you get around town.

When it comes to hotels, New Orleans has everything from expensive hotels to inexpensive hostels. Staying during the week can allow you to stay in a hotel room for around 100-128 per night.

My favorite hotel to stay in is the Holiday Inn Vacation New Orleans Resort because you are close to the historic French Quarter and still have a full kitchen to stash all of your delicious leftovers.

If you are looking for a cheap time to visit New Orleans, make sure to Check out this entire blog post about the Cheapest time to Visit New Orleans!

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San Antonio, Texas

Trijit from Budget Travel Buff

San Antonio, Texas is full of culture, happy things to do, beautiful hotels, rivers, parks, and many other things. People come here because the way of life is healthy and cheap. It is one of the most affordable places in Texas.

You should check out the San Antonio Museum, art galleries, the river walk, the Alamo, and the Missions. These well-known places in this city will tell you about its history. You can escape San Antonio by visiting caves describing this old city’s history.

It would help if you remembered to try some of the city’s famous delicious foods in San Antonio. Some of the best foods you must try are puffy tacos, chilaquiles Verdes, escabeches, and pozole.

Do you want to spend a night or more in San Antonio at a reasonable price? Then the answer is Crockett Hotel. A perfect, neat, clean hotel to enjoy your day in San Antonio. Their gestures and hospitality will make you love the city and its culture. This hotel is right by the river walk and has the best view of the city at an affordable price.

Photo by Trijit from Budget Travel Buff

Kansas City

Brandon from Zimmin Around the World

Kansas City is one of the most underrated cities in the United States because it has everything from history and culture to sports and food. Kansas City is unique as it is located in both Kansas and Missouri but most of the attractions and things to do are on the Missouri side.

Kansas City is a relatively large city, and the attractions are scattered throughout. It’s easiest to travel by car, but it’s possible to take the new street car free of charge. 

The city is known as the “City of Fountains” and has more than 200  registered fountains. Several free attractions around the city include walking around the Country Club Plaza.

The Country Club Plaza is modeled after the city of Seville in Spain. Other free attractions include the Nelson Atkins Museum, walking around the Liberty Memorial, exploring the River Market, seeing the Crown Center and going inside the famous Union Station.

No trip to Kansas City is complete without trying BBQ. There are over 100 BBQ restaurants in Kansas City, so selecting which one to try can be overwhelming. Always start with some of the big named restaurants like Arthur Bryant’s, Gates, or Jack Stack, but there are so many holes in the wall BBQ restaurants that are worth trying.

A recommended hotel option is The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center. This hotel is near many of the major attractions in the heart of Kansas City and is within walking distance of several outstanding restaurants.

Brandon from Zimmin Around the World

Hocking Hills, Ohio

Linda from Midwest Explored

Without a doubt, Hocking Hills, Ohio, is one of the cheapest US vacation destinations. 

That’s because this incredible park in southeastern Ohio is home to 25+ miles of trails for hiking in Hocking Hills. Along the way, enjoy immortal local attractions like Old Man’s Cave and Cedar Falls.

But, the best part? Like all other state parks in Ohio, Hocking Hills is free to visit. 

And try and time your visit for the last week of October so you can free drive along part of the 452-mile-long Hocking Hills Scenic Byway. 

Be sure to take it slow, though, so that you can enjoy some of the incredible fall foliage that inundates the area. 

Then, book an affordable room at the Holiday Inn Express in Logan. After all, rooms are well-priced, give you access to an indoor pool/whirlpool, and include breakfast. 

Plus, this hotel is situated only 0.5 miles away from Lake Logan and the stunning caves that the area is known for. 

You can also enjoy a delicious yet reasonably-priced meal at local hot spots like Millstone BBQ. Just try and swing by on a Saturday if you want to experience some free live music too.

Photo by Linda from Midwest Explored

Chicago, Illinois

Matilda from The Travel Sisters

Chicago is a great city to visit for a cheap vacation. The city’s top attractions are free, including The Bean in Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Buckingham Fountain, the Chicago Cultural Center, Garfield Park Conservatory, and Lincoln Park Zoo.

Several excellent museums, such as the National Museum of Mexican Art and Contemporary Photography, offer free entry.

The Chicago Riverwalk, a pedestrian walkway along the Chicago River with fantastic city and river views, is a must-see attraction. Other free things in Chicago include enjoying the many beaches, parks, and green spaces and walking or biking the Lakefront Trail.

There are more free activities and events in the summer, like street festivals, concerts and movies in the parks, and firework shows twice a week at Navy Pier.

Most attractions are close enough to visit on walking. For longer distances, visitors can explore cheaply by using public transportation (buses and trains), Divvy bike sharing, and even water taxis.

Chicago is full of many affordable places to eat, especially for visitors that want to try a Chicago-style hot dog and deep-dish pizza – the two dishes Chicago is most known for.

The Acme Hotel is a great place to stay for visitors on a budget. This unique hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of many tourist attractions, restaurants, and shopping.

Photo by Matilda from The Travel Sisters

Mesa Verde, Colorado

Caitlin from Twin Family Travels

Mesa Verde is a great and inexpensive long weekend destination. Staying for a few days lets you fully explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and the surrounding area without feeling rushed.

The primary activity in the park is to take a guided cliff-dwelling tour. The most popular tour is the Cliff Palace Tour. Long House and Balcony House are other great options. These are inexpensive but do require advanced reservations.

Drive the Mesa Top Loop Road to learn all about the evolution of the cliff dwellings and the history of the Ancient Puebloans that called this place home.

There are plenty of hiking trails to explore throughout the park. The Chapin Mesa area has some strenuous trails. Wetherill Mesa allows you to see Step House without a tour and provides views of less visited sites.

Eat dinner with a view at the Metate Room or grab a quick bite at the Spruce Tree Terrace Cafe.

Other things to do in the area include the Canyons Of The Ancients Visitor Center & Museum, Chimney Rock National Monument, Durango Silverton Railroad, and the San Juan Scenic Byway.

To fully experience the park, stay at the Far View Lodge. It offers fantastic views and gives you a head start to all the sights in Mesa Verde.

Photo By Caitlin from Twin Family Travels

Estes State Park

Meg from Fox in the Forest

If you’re looking for one of the cheapest US vacation destinations, you can’t beat a trip to Estes Park, Colorado. 

Not only is this one of the best mountain towns in Colorado that is a gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, but it is also home to a wealth of budget-friendly accommodations like Murphy’s River Lodge. 

So, book a river-view room here in the center of town or reserve a campsite at Estes Park KOA campground to save yourself even more money. 

Then, enjoy a wealth of budget-friendly outdoor activities like exploring the Estes Park Visitor Center, where you can get free maps and helpful info about some of the incredible hikes in the area. 

Afterward, go for a scenic walk along the Estes Riverwalk before enjoying a picturesque bike ride around Lake Estes. 

If you can, time your visit for the fall to check out the area’s stunning fall foliage along the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway. 

You can also get a well-priced, homecooked meal at Estes Park Pie Shop & Diner. This low-key eatery is famous for its pies, and the peanut butter pie is not to be missed.

Photo By Meg from Fox in the Forest

Glacier National Park

Giorgy from G-Extreme Travel

Looking for a fantastic US vacation destination that won’t break the bank? Look no further than Glacier National Park! This stunning park in Montana offers visitors various activities, from hiking and fishing to sightseeing and camping.

With so much to see and do, Glacier National Park is perfect for budget-minded travelers who want to experience America’s natural beauty at its finest.

This place is a great place to relax and unwind from daily life’s stress and offers visitors a wealth of history and natural beauty to discover.

Glacier National Park is home to the world’s first international peace park, established in 1910. This park spans over 1 million acres and includes Glacier National Park in the United States and Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada.

Glacier National Park is known for its pristine ecosystem and is home to various wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and mountain goats.

The park is also home to over 700 hiking trails, making it the perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. With so much to see and do, Glacier National Park will create memories that will last a lifetime.

If you’re looking for the perfect spot to hide away from the world, look no further than The Lodge at Whitefish Lake in Montana.

This stunning resort offers comfortable rooms and suites with waterfront views, a spa, high-end dining, and a tiki bar. Whether you’re looking to relax and unwind or explore all the area offers, The Lodge at Whitefish Lake is the perfect spot.

Glacier National Park is the perfect cheap vacation destination for those who want to experience America’s natural beauty for a weekend getaway at its finest. So what are you waiting for?

Photo by Giorgy from G-Extreme Travel

Salt Lake City, Utah

Stephanie from The Unkown Enthusiast

Salt Lake City is a great long weekend destination with many excellent outdoor activities.

In the city, go downtown and stop by the Natural History Museum or the Hogle Zoo. Also, visit Temple Square and admire the temple and tabernacle of the LDS church. If you come in December, the Christmas lights at Temple Square are phenomenal. If you come during spring, walk by the cherry blossoms at the capitol. 

However, some of the best things to do in Salt Lake are in the mountains! 

If you come during the winter, there are many ski resorts with some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world (I mean, the 2002 winter Olympics were held in SLC for a reason!). 

If you come in the summer, do some hiking! Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons have some gorgeous hikes (Donut Falls and Lake Blanche are favorites), or Ensign Peak is short and easy and has excellent views over the Salt Lake Valley. 

The Bonneville Salt Flats are about 1.5 hours from Salt Lake and have an otherworldly location. Or Park City is just half an hour away, is a super cute little mountain ski town, and has the Utah Olympic Park, where you can take a tour or even do the alpine slide.

 And, of course, if you have a little bit longer, epic national parks like Arches, Bryce, or Zion are just a few hours away. 

Stay at Hyatt Place Salt Lake City Downtown / The Gateway – it’s centrally located, nicely decorated, and reasonably priced. 

Photo by Stephanie from The Unkown Enthusiast

Arches National Park

Jessica from Unearth the Voyage

Arches National Park is one of the cheapest places to travel in the United States. Arches National Park is a great place to go for someone on a budget because most of what you are going to do are free, minus the entrance fee to the park. 

There are so many things to do in the park, but people love to wake up early to catch an incredible sunrise in Arches. The sun illuminates the rocks, turning them a vibrant red and orange, making for gorgeous pictures & amazing hikes. 

Once you’re up early, you’ll have the whole day to explore the park & check out all the incredible viewpoints and different hikes. The Windows area is one of the best areas in the park, as you can see many other arches in one little area.

Check out Devil’s Garden if you’re up for more of a challenge. This 8-mile loop is a fantastic hike and will take you to 7 different arches and some incredible viewpoints. 

When visiting Arches, make sure you pack and lunch as there are only a few places to stop and eat inside the park. One of the best places to sit and eat lunch is at the Park Avenue viewpoint or the La Sal viewpoint. Both have incredible views and make for a pretty awesome lunch spot!

If you’re going to stay anywhere, check out Under Canvas Moab, one of the area’s most relaxed upscale glamping options. Most glamping tents have a private bathroom, and the property is gorgeous. 

Photo by Jessica from Unearth the Voyage

New Mexico

Amber from Amber Everywhere

New Mexico will be a fabulous place to vacation if you’re traveling on a budget in the US. The capital of New Mexico is Santa Fe, a beautiful city where you’ll find plenty of Puebloan and Spanish influences in the artwork and architecture. In 2005, UNESCO named Santa Fe the first-ever Creative City, a fitting title for a vibrant and artistic place. 

Perfect for nature lovers, New Mexico has plenty of options for hiking and exploring the wilderness. If you’d enjoy wild hot springs, head to Taos, where you can sit in a natural spring next to the mighty Rio Grande. You can save money by car camping while you’re in Taos, which has the bonus of allowing you to be under the stars on clear evenings. 

If you have the time and inclination, you could even go for a hot air balloon ride or a guided rafting trip down the Rio Grande. Both activities will thrill adventure seekers while offering incredible views of the New Mexican landscape. 

New Mexico’s cuisine resembles traditional Mexican food but uses rich sauces to slather burritos, enchiladas, and other classic dishes. Try ordering a breakfast burrito or plate of enchiladas’ Christmas style’ or smothered with half green and half red chilis.

There’s also a market on Saturday mornings in Taos where you can find local staples like maize, roasted chilis, and beautiful handmade gifts. 

Photo by Amber from Amber Everywhere

Las Vegas, Nevada

Ella from Many more Maps

You can visit on a budget if you’re looking for an incredible US city. Las Vegas might not be the first place that springs to mind. Despite what you may expect, Las Vegas is the perfect cheap vacation destination!

There are countless fun things to do in Vegas that don’t involve drinking or gambling, so even if you’re looking for a relaxed Las Vegas experience, you won’t have to look far. The number one attraction to visit on your first trip to Las Vegas is the Vegas sign. Remember to take a photo! After all, did you even visit Vegas if you didn’t get a shot at the sign?

Aside from the Las Vegas sign, there are plenty of other iconic attractions for you to check out, like the Bellagio Fountains, the mall at Caesar’s Palace, the Eiffel Tower at the Paris Hotel, and course, the gondolas at The Venetian!

It’s not all about the glitzy hotels, though! Museum buffs will be fascinated by the Mob Museum, and science enthusiasts won’t want to miss the National Atomic Testing Museum. If you’re into excellent BBQ food and craft beer, head straight to Las Vegas’ arts district, where you’ll find too many microbreweries to count!

If you’re looking for an affordable yet high-quality place to stay close to all the action but away from the hectic center of the strip, stay at the Hilton Grand Vacations Club on the Vegas Strip.

Photo By Ella from Many more Maps

Los Angeles, California

Paula from Paula Pins the Planet

If you are looking for cheap US vacation destinations, you should add the Los Angeles itinerary to your bucket list. But if LA is your bucket list, and the costs scare you away, I have some great advice. Yes, it is possible to visit Los Angeles without breaking the bank! 

You will find plenty of fantastic places to visit in California, but they have a different impact than Los Angeles! Known for its glitz and glamor, fiery sunsets, and iconic beaches – LA has so much to offer. 

There are many fantastic things to do in LA, and the good news is that some of the best things to do in Los Angeles are free, such as the Griffiths Observatory, the Hollywood Sign, and the Walk of Fame. It would help if you visited some of the city’s bustling neighborhoods during your time here. This includes Beverly Hills, Malibu, Santa Monica, and Venice Beach. 

If you are looking to save money, make sure you purchase the Los Angeles city pass! It includes all the top attractions like Universal Studios, LA Zoo, and the Hollywood Museum, and it can save you up to 55% on ticket prices. The city pass comes in two options; the all-inclusive pass and the explorer pass. 

For first-time visitors to the city, staying in downtown LA is often the best option as it’s got fantastic transport links, and there are plenty of things to do nearby. Check out the Freehand Los Angeles for a great location, fun rooftop bar, and pool. 

Photo By Paula from Paula Pins the Planet

Death Valley

Alyssa from An Apple a Plane

Death Valley National Park is located in California, just 2 hours by car from Las Vegas and 3.5 hours from Los Angeles. This prime location makes it an ideal long weekend trip on its own or to combine with neighboring cities and parks for a road trip.  

Death Valley may be best known for its dramatic views. Badwater Basin Salt Flats make visitors feel like they are walking on the moon. Crystal, hexagonal salt formations make up this vast, flat terrain. Artists Palette Viewpoint along Artists Drive is an iconic stop to marvel at pastel-colored rock formations.

Another top thing to do is visit Zabriskie Point at sunset- the pink sky making way for a maze of rugged Badlands is unforgettable. Even better, all three of these viewpoints are either flat, have a ramp, or have a pull-up viewpoint making them accessible.

Death Valley’s desert location away from light pollution also makes it prime for stargazing. 

For an actual budget experience, consider camping at one of the three campgrounds within the national park for $22 per vehicle a night. These are basic campgrounds with no electric hookup so plan accordingly. Visitors should plan to make a reservation online in advance.  

Photo by Alyssa from An Apple a Plane

Olympic National Park

Jessica from Uprooted Traveler

Olympic National Park in Washington state is incredibly diverse, as the only national park with temperate rainforests, craggy beaches, and snow-capped mountains within its borders. And best of all, besides your park entrance fee and accommodations, you could keep yourself entertained in the park for free!

Additionally, while you could spend weeks exploring Olympic’s enormous 1,442 square mile footprint, you can hit most of its main highlights in a long weekend. For example, head to the Hoh Rainforest, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, to hit some of the best hikes in Olympic National Park, like the Hall of Mosses Trail, as you stroll beneath a canopy of ancient trees soaring overhead. 

Less than an hour’s drive away, you can head to Ruby Beach, a spectacular beach with pebbly shores, rugged sea stacks jutting out of the Pacific, and some of the most stunning sunsets in the United States. 

Round out your trip by heading to Hurricane Ridge, which offers a visitor center on the very top of Mount Angeles. Once you drive up the curving mountain roads, you can leave the visitor center and follow the Hurricane Hill trail along the spine of the mountain, with panoramic views of the Olympic Mountain range around you.

Olympic Lodge in Port Angeles is a great home base for your Olympic National Park explorations due to its proximity to many of the popular attractions in the park and its outdoor hot tub and heated pool to relax those aching muscles after all that hiking.

Photos by Jessica from Uprooted Traveler

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Candice from CS Ginger 

Puerto Rico is a beautiful island with beaches, rainforests, and a rich culture. It is a great place to go for a cheap vacation because it is affordable, there are many things to do in Puerto Rico, and the food is fantastic. If you don’t mind camping, you can take a tent and camp on one of the top beaches in the world, Flamenco beach. The beach and the sand are very beautiful.

Not only does Puerto Rico have beautiful beaches they have one of the only rainforests in the United States. The forest is impressive and has multiple hikes you can go on. All of this can be done with little to no cost making it a great activity that everyone loves, and it does not cost much at all.

If you love seafood, you will be in heaven in Puerto Rico, and it won’t break the bank. There are also many traditional dishes like mofongo. There are many great options in San Juan or the surrounding area but if you want to try a variety, make sure you take a food tour from Spoons.

A great place to stay is at Caribe Hilton. The rooms and views are gorgeous.

Puerto Rico is an affordable, beautiful island with something for everyone. Whether you want to relax on the beach or explore the rainforest, Puerto Rico is the perfect destination for your next vacation. The seafood is incredible, and rum lovers will be in heaven.

St. Thomas, Us Virgin Islands

Brodi from Our Offbeat Life 

Looking to get away for a long weekend but don’t want to spend a fortune? St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands is the perfect spot. This charming island is teeming with activities, breathtaking scenery, and delicious places to eat. Plus, it’s incredibly affordable.

There’s no shortage of things to do on your long weekend trip to St. Thomas. Soak up the sun on one of the island’s many beaches, snorkel or scuba dive in the crystal clear waters, or explore the local botanical garden.

If you’re looking for a little more action, head into Charlotte Amalie, the island’s capital city, where you can shop until you drop at one of the many duty-free stores or explore Fort Christian, a 1672 Danish fort now houses a museum.

One of the best parts about vacationing in St. Thomas is the food. The island is home to hundreds of excellent restaurants with unique styles and flavors.

Sample traditional Caribbean dishes like conch fritters or mofongo at roadside stands, or treat yourself to a fine dining experience at one of Charlotte Amalie’s upscale restaurants. No matter your budget, you’ll find plenty of delicious options on your long weekend trip to St. Thomas.

For those seeking a budget-friendly experience, stay at the Galleon House Hotel in Charlotte Amalie. This hotel offers stunning views of the harbor from its deck and a swimming pool and is centrally located.

Photo by Brodi from Our Offbeat Life 

Where to find Cheap US Vacation Destinations

As you can see, you can make many popular destinations a cheap US vacation if you know when to travel, what to do, and where to stay. Travel in the United States can be affordable. One of my favorite Cheap US vacations is staying at a National Park with a National Park Pass.

Let us know in the comments below your favorite cheap vacation.

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