16 Cheap Weekend Getaways in the USA
Affordable weekend getaways depend on a combination of dependable budget hotels, inexpensive transportation, and plenty of free things to do or low-admission tourist attractions. Many of the best cheap getaway spots in the USA are cities rich with cultural activities, like public music events, art gallery walks, and regular community events.
Other top budget destinations include areas with plentiful natural attractions, from the hiking trails of the mountainous northeast to the rocky vistas of Denver's Red Rocks Park.
The best time to find good deals for lodging is in the off-season, avoiding visiting during big events like Washington D.C.'s Cherry Blossom Festival or Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Many of these top destinations feature inexpensive public transportation, allowing tourists to avoid city driving and parking fees or costly taxi rides.
Discover the top places to visit for affordable sightseeing with our list of the best cheap weekend getaways in the USA.
- 1. St. Augustine, Florida
- 2. Kansas City, Missouri
- 3. Austin, Texas
- 4. New Orleans, Louisiana
- 5. Portland, Oregon
- 6. Denver, Colorado
- 7. Las Vegas, Nevada
- 8. Atlanta, Georgia
- 9. The White Mountains of New Hampshire
- 10. Asheville, North Carolina
- 11. Leaf Peeping in Manchester, Vermont
- 12. Washington, DC
- 13. Niagara Falls, New York
- 14. Whitefish, Montana
- 15. Gulf Shores, Alabama
- 16. Santa Claus, Indiana
- Map of Cheap Weekend Getaways in the USA
1. St. Augustine, Florida
This East Coast gem isn't the first Florida city that people think of, which makes it a far more affordable option for those looking to get away for a weekend.
As the oldest permanent European settlement in the country, this small city is especially rich with historic sites. Fort Matanzas, operated by the National Parks Service, is open to the public at no charge, and admission to the museum at Fort Mose Historic State Park is only $2.
There are numerous historic homes and museums throughout St. Augustine, and the architecture can be admired by walking through the Historic District. For an in-depth look at life in the city's early days, visit the Colonial Quarter, a living history museum that will educate and entertain all ages.
For kids who want to set sail on a historic but exciting adventure, the St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum is a top pick. If the little ones need to cool off, head to the free Splash Park at County Ocean Pier, one of the many fun attractions in St. Augustine.
For those just looking for a couple of days in the Florida sun, St. Augustine is home to 42 miles of beaches, all of which are free. Visitors will find a good variety to choose from, from quiet wildlife preserves to beaches filled with amenities and families. Visiting in December? St. Augustine is also one of the best Christmas towns in the state.
If you want to get out on the water, St. Augustine offers some good fishing opportunities.
2. Kansas City, Missouri
The unofficial barbecue capital of the U.S., Kansas City is also known for its place in the history of jazz. It is also home to a remarkable number of Missouri's best attractions, many of which are free, as well as a free streetcar that serves the Crossroads Art District, River Market, and Power & Light District areas. River Market is home to City Market, an impressive farmer's market, as well as numerous restaurants and local shops.
Tourists can find lots of things to see and do at Crown Center in downtown Kansas City, which hosts free public events, live music, and even free summer movies. Another exciting event is First Fridays, a gallery walk in the Crossroads Art District held on the first Friday of each month, featuring not only artwork but also food trucks, street performers, and local artisans.
If you're traveling with kids, you can still find free things to do, including Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead, a petting zoo that offers pony rides and a chance to see what a traditional small farm looks like. Kids can get creative at Kaleidoscope, a free arts and crafts studio run by Hallmark.
Admission-free museums include the Money Museum, located at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. Free history museums include the Frontier Army Museum; the Haskell Indian Nations University Cultural Center & Museum; and the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center, which explores the contributions that African Americans have made to the city.
There are also several free art museums, including the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art; the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art; and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, which is home to works dating from the ancient through to the modern.
You can also find several free nature programs and parks, including the Ernie Miller Park and Nature Center and the Lakeside Nature Center in Swope Park where visitors can participate in a variety of interactive activities. Tourists can also visit the Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary, as well as the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens free of charge.
3. Austin, Texas
Austin is a beautiful city that offers affordable places to stay and plenty of things to do for all ages that won't break the bank.
An excellent place to start is the Zilker Metropolitan Park, which is home to several attractions that are free or only charge a nominal fee. This park sits on the shore of Lady Bird Lake and offers a wide range of recreational facilities for all ages.
For kids, the huge Zilker Playground and the mini-train known as the Zilker Zephyr are favorites, while adults appreciate the free live music at the Zilker Hillside Theater. The park also has a lovely Botanical Garden, as well as the Austin Nature and Science Center.
Perhaps the most interesting of Austin's zero-cost attractions is the nightly flight of the largest urban bat colony in the world. One and a half million Mexican free-tailed bats have made their home under the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge, and each evening at dusk, from March through November, they take to the sky in search of insects.
Visitors can watch from most vantage points around the bridge, or from below on the water. You can learn more about the bats at the Statesman Bat Observation Center, which sits at one end of the bridge.
Visitors can also find many things to do at the University of Texas at Austin, which is home to several museums, including the Jack S. Blanton Museum of Art; the Texas Memorial Museum; the Natural Science Center; and the Harry Ransom Center, which features a large collection of rare literature.
Another excellent Austin museum that is well worth its low admission price is the Mexic-Arte Museum, home to changing exhibits and installations that focus on all aspects of Mexican and Latino culture.
4. New Orleans, Louisiana
As long as you avoid visiting during one of New Orleans' big events, like Mardi Gras or the Jazz & Heritage Festival, the Big Easy can be one of the most budget-friendly cities for a quick weekend getaway. You can find hotels in all price ranges, including a variety of pet-friendly hotels.
Getting around is inexpensive thanks to the streetcar system, and exploring the historic neighborhoods of the French Quarter by foot is half the fun of visiting this fascinating Louisiana city. Between people-watching, street performers, and live music everywhere you turn, tourists can enjoy unlimited entertainment at no cost at all.
Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in New Orleans
5. Portland, Oregon
Oregon's largest city is home to many inexpensive or free attractions, including natural wonders, cultural events, and children's activities.
Just outside of the city along the border with Washington state, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is another top natural attraction that offers scenic views and hiking trails. You can visit this area on a day trip from Portland.
Washington Park, just one of this city's best parks, is home to free attractions, including the Hoyt Arboretum; a living museum; and the International Rose Test Garden, which is in bloom from May through September. For a small fee, visitors can also enjoy the Portland Japanese Garden and the World Forestry Center.
Affordable family attractions include the Oregon Zoo and the Portland Children's Museum, while use of the park's playground is free of charge. For those who are looking for a variety of hiking trails right in Portland, check out Forest Park, which has numerous trail entrances. If it's a hot one, head to one of the Portland area beaches.
In downtown Portland, book lovers can spend hours perusing the shelves of Powell's City of Books, an independent bookseller that features not only an astounding number of titles but also daily events.
Pioneer Courthouse Square, also known as "Portland's living room," is where you will find the majority of the city's events, including festivals and free concerts; this is also the best place to people-watch.
6. Denver, Colorado
The mile-high city is an excellent option for a cheap weekend getaway thanks to its numerous free and inexpensive attractions, as well as free public transportation in the downtown area.
MallRide offers free bus service along the 16th Street Mall, a shopping and entertainment district that stretches between Union Station and Civic Center Station. At the heart of this district is Larmier Square, a historic and lively spot, where you can find dining and an assortment of local shops.
Denver is also home to several parks, each of which has a variety of attractions. City Park sits east of downtown and is home to the Denver Zoo, a top thing to do with kids in Denver; the park also hosts free jazz concerts in the summer. Washington Park sits to the south of downtown and covers over 150 acres, which include two small lakes and plenty of walking trails and picnic spots.
A bit farther from the center of town, the city-owned Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater has some of the area's best views. You can also enjoy any of the Denver area's hiking trails to get views of the surrounding landscape.
7. Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas might seem like an expensive city, and it can be, but there are plenty of things to do that are free, and thanks to an abundance of hotels, tourists can easily find lodging that is far more affordable than in most major cities, making this a popular budget spring break destination.
The best place to start sightseeing is Las Vegas Boulevard, also simply called "the Strip," which is home to iconic Vegas landmarks including the Eiffel Tower at the Paris Las Vegas, the Volcano at The Mirage Hotel, and the stunning fountain at the Bellagio. Tourists can catch free water and light shows at the fountains in the evening, then head over to Freemont Street for free outdoor shows any night of the week.
Tourists can also enjoy the stunning natural scenery of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, located just outside the city. Visitors can explore the area via a 13-mile scenic drive, and learn more at the Visitor Center, where there are exhibits and information on hiking and biking trails. Guided tours are available from several local operators.
8. Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is home to a wide variety of Georgia's top tourist attractions, including historic sites, museums, and public events. Several are completely free, and many others only charge nominal admission.
Families looking for a Georgia getaway can have fun for free at the Fernbank Science Center, where there are space travel exhibits, live animals, and more. During the summer, the whole family can enjoy a movie for free in Central Park. Another fun family attraction is the Federal Reserve Bank Money Museum, where you can step right up to one million dollars in gold bars.
Tourists can also visit several of the city's most important civil rights landmarks, and the Sweet Auburn neighborhood is a great place to start. Also open to the public at no charge is the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, located on Auburn Avenue, where you can tour his birthplace and visit his tomb.
Other historic sites include the National Archives, the Georgia State Capitol Building, and Historic Oakland Cemetery.
Art lovers can find multiple events, including the First Friday Artwalk in Marietta Square, a fun place to visit any time thanks to its small boutiques and pretty surroundings. The Castleberry Hill Art Stroll in the Warehouse District offers free guided tours, and admission to the modern art museum Atlanta Contemporary is also free of charge.
9. The White Mountains of New Hampshire
The granite state is famous for its outdoor activities throughout the Lakes Region, but the White Mountains in northern New Hampshire are its crowning jewel, among the very best places to visit in the state. The least expensive time of year to visit is springtime, known simply as "mud season" to locals, but affordable lodgings can be found during the summer, fall foliage, and ski season.
During the warmer months, one of the most popular and affordable activities is exploring New Hampshire's hiking trails, whether it be to conquer one of the peaks of the White Mountains or travel along the Appalachian Trail. In the winter, you will find several of New Hampshire's ski resorts to choose from, including good options for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Any time of year, you can check out the state's best small towns like Jackson and Franconia, and no visit to the White Mountains is complete without at least a few hours strolling around North Conway. In fact, simply taking a drive along scenic routes like the Kancamagus Highway and exploring the myriad of back roads is not only budget-friendly, but it's also one of the best ways to spend your time in this beautiful area; be sure to keep an eye out for covered bridges.
10. Asheville, North Carolina
Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville and the surrounding area offer many free and low-cost things to do thanks to plentiful natural and cultural attractions. You could fill a weekend with simply driving the scenic route and enjoying frequent pull-off spots to capture photos of the spectacular views, stopping in at quaint mountain towns along the way.
These towns, many just off the main road, are home to numerous communities within the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, including many opportunities to learn about local native American tribes. The town of Cherokee is home to a museum dedicated to the culture, and during the summer, tourists will find many Cherokee festivals throughout the area.
The city of Asheville has plenty to offer as well, including the free Urban Trail. This 1.7-mile route includes over 30 educational stations that highlight significant sites and historic events throughout the city. Downtown, tourists can find many excellent local restaurants and shops and enjoy street performances in nice weather.
History lovers can also head over to the Biltmore Estate to see the Vanderbilt Mansion and explore the grounds. Other things to see and do near Asheville include the Pisgah National Forest, Western North Carolina Nature Center, North Carolina Arboretum, and the Botanical Gardens.
11. Leaf Peeping in Manchester, Vermont
A weekend in Vermont can be pricey, especially accommodations during foliage season, but if you know where to look there is plenty to see and do for free or very low cost.
It's conveniently located in Manchester near Stratton Mountain Resort and its smaller sibling, Bromley Mountain. There are a variety of rooms available to suit couples, groups, and families, and all include a private balcony or deck area, as well as fireplaces and huge soaking tubs. This pet-friendly hotel features an outdoor pool and recreation area, and rooms include breakfast.
In and around Manchester, tourists have plenty of options for admiring foliage or simply enjoying the beauty of the Green Mountains. Even novice hikers can explore Mount Equinox and the trails of the Equinox Preservation Trust Forest, and there is no fee to use the trails for hiking, mountain bike riding, and horseback riding.
These are among the best hiking trails in Vermont and are also free to use in the winter for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Trails vary in length from a half mile to three miles, with Robin's Lookout Trail leading to excellent views over Equinox Pond and the valley.
There are endless roads to explore by car or bicycle, and for a fee, motorists can drive to the top of Mount Equinox. In and around Manchester, tourists will find antique shops, art galleries, farmers markets, and, of course, the complex of outlet malls. Manchester is also close to several other natural sites including Lye Brook Falls and Prospect Rock.
Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Vermont
12. Washington, DC
The nation's capital is packed with more free tourist attractions than any other U.S. city, thanks to the plethora of museums and historic buildings that are open to the public free of charge.
If visiting while the weather is nice, you can spend at least an entire day just exploring the sights along the National Mall, the city's best-known public park. Stretching from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol Building, this pedestrian zone is home to numerous veterans' memorials honoring soldiers who fought in various conflicts, the iconic Washington Monument, and, of course, the Reflecting Pool.
Many of the city's free museums, most of which are operated by the Smithsonian Institution, are also located along the mall, including the National Museum of American History, the National Gallery of Art, and the National Air and Space Museum, among others.
The United States Botanic Garden is located at the eastern end of the large park near the Capitol Building. Another top free tourist destination, especially popular with families, is the National Zoologic Park, which is home to a wide variety of animals, including the beloved pandas.
13. Niagara Falls, New York
Tourists will find Niagara Falls, New York an incredibly affordable destination that gives visitors the chance to admire one of North America's most iconic landmarks. There are many ways to see the falls, and if you don't want to splurge on a Maid of the Mist boat tour, you can still see plenty while exploring Niagara Falls State Park on foot.
A vintage trolley connects the main areas of the park, and for a small fee, you can get exceptional views from the Observation Tower. The visitor center also has several free exhibits, as well as special programs including a "4-D" film that makes you feel (literally) like you are being misted by the falls themselves.
There are several other notable attractions around Niagara Falls, including the Aquarium of Niagara, which features more than 200 species of aquatic life and a range of exhibits on marine science. Residents include penguins, harbor seals, and sea lions, the latter of which perform shows daily. History buffs will want to explore Old Fort Niagara, an 18th-century fort that was vital in monitoring activity on the Great Lakes.
Be sure to bring a passport, so you can see the torrents from the north side of the river in Niagara Falls, Canada. In addition to a new perspective of the stunning waterfalls from the ground, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views from the Whirlpool Aero Car, which passes over the whirlpool at the base of the falls.
Tourists will also want to go for a ride on the Niagara Skywheel for views of the falls and gorge. This ride is located in the Clifton Hill amusement park, which is free to enter, with pay-to-ride attractions. Tourists with a vehicle can also enjoy a lovely scenic drive along the Niagara Parkway, which leads to the quaint town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
14. Whitefish, Montana
A couple of days at a ski resort isn't usually the first thing that comes to mind when you are looking for a cheap weekend getaway, but Whitefish Mountain Resort is actually one of the most affordable places to ski in North America.
One of the best parts about skiing at Whitefish is that you can save a lot of money by only paying for access to the parts of the mountain you want to use, and there is a discount on the full-mountain daily rates if you ski for two or more days. This is especially helpful if you're a beginner or traveling with the kids since tickets to the easier slopes are a fraction of the price. Kids age six and under ski free, and the discounts for juniors (ages 7-12) and teens (ages 13-18) are significant.
Looking for a getaway that's not during winter? The small Montana town of Whitefish is still a great budget destination, offering affordable places to stay and plenty of budget-friendly things to do for all ages.
Downtown Whitefish is full of tourist-friendly locally owned shops and eateries in a walkable area, and Whitefish Lake is home to a state park and a city beach that provides plenty of opportunity for sunbathing, fishing, and boating. If you like hiking, there is a 40-mile network of community hiking trails to explore.
Whitefish is also a great base for exploring the area, located only 15 miles from the town of Kalispell and about 30 miles from one of Montana's most popular places to visit, Glacier National Park. Within this massive park, there are countless no-cost and low-cost things to do, from a leisurely drive on Going-to-the-Sun Road to capture stunning photos to walking on the park's 700-plus miles of hiking trails.
Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Whitefish, MT
15. Gulf Shores, Alabama
Alabama's Gulf Coast provides an affordable beach getaway for couples, families, and friends. Gulf State Park is one of the most popular spots, offering RV hookups for overnight guests and low per-vehicle rates for day use.
The park's Nature Center offers a variety of free activities, including fishing classes, guided nature hikes, animal encounters, and other educational programs.
Visitors will find a great selection of recreational amenities as well, including a pool and splash pad, tennis and volleyball courts, and more. Kayak, bicycle, and paddleboard rentals are also available for an extra fee, and the park's 25 paved miles of trails are open to pedestrians and people-powered wheels. Visitors can also enjoy the park's championship golf course for an additional fee.
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16. Santa Claus, Indiana
This adorable town is the perfect place for an inexpensive family getaway, where kids and the young at heart can feel the joy of the holidays any time of the year. The affordable Santa Claus Museum and Village offer plenty of Christmas-themed amusements and activities, including meet and greets with Santa's reindeer and elves. Kids can also leave their letters to Santa, which will be answered at Christmas time.
Around town, visitors will find plenty more holiday spirit, including nearly two dozen Santa Claus statues. During the holiday season, tourists can also enjoy a beautiful drive-through Christmas light show, as well as the huge town Christmas tree decorated with patterned lights.
Read More: Best Christmas Towns in the US
