31 cheap but still fun places to travel in the USA in 2024 (according to a travel expert). (2024)

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There are plenty of cheap places to travel in the US and they may be closer than you think.

I’m an expert traveler who’s road-tripped to some of the top tourist destinations in the USA. I’ve learned which locations are most affordable for people on a budget and which to skip. I’ll overview the best cities, towns, and beach destinations for cheap vacations in this article.

Don’t forget to bring along my epic ebook budget travel guide: Budget Travel 101. This way, you’ll have no problem saving money while exploring these diverse and beautiful American destinations. Here are the best cheap places to travel in the USA!

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Cheap Places to Visit in the USA in 2024

San Antonio, Texas

One of the biggest cities in Texas also houses top historical Southwestern landmarks.

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San Antonio is located in south-central Texas, and it’s one of the most population-dense cities in the Southwestern state.

The Alamo is one of Texas’s major historical landmarks and a top tourist attraction. It’s located in the heart of San Antonio. The 18th-century mission-turned-museum, which marks the 1836 battle, is completely free to visit.

Another notable and budget-friendly San Antonio attraction is the San Antonio River Walk. Take a stroll along this famous cafe and shop-lined street. Later, scale up the Tower of the Americas in Hemisfair Park for an unmatched view of the city.

Olympia, Washington

Washington’s capital is within driving distance of one of the top national parks in the state.

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Olympia is the capital city of Washington, and it’s the perfect place for outdoor lovers and hiking enthusiasts. After all, it’s only an hour from the Olympic National Park, one of the state’s stunning national parks.

Admire views of the Capitol Building and the 14,000-foot Mount Rainier from West Bay Park. Find an eclectic street art and music scene in downtown Olympia.

There are plenty of fun things to do in Olympia. The Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually Nature Refuge is the perfect place to take the whole family. The Historic District is where you’ll find the bulk of Olympia bars. Olympia Coffee Roasters is my favorite place to spend a rainy day in Washington.

Moab, Utah

This small western town bordered by Navajo sandstone is an outdoor recreation oasis.

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Moab is one of the most scenic budget destinations in the Southwest. This eastern Utah town is an outdoor playground for explorers of all ages.

Three of Utah’s top national parks are accessible from Moab. Visit Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef National Park if you stay in Moab. I recommend buying an America the Beautiful National Parks pass to access an unlimited amount of national parks for a full year.

Many of the fun things to do in Moab center around outdoor activities. I personally can’t visit Moab without taking a dip in the Colorado River via Potash Road. This stretch of interstate is buried between towering red sandstone cliffs and also has a collection of campsites.

Mount Shasta, California

This is the best town for winter sports on this budget travel list.

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Mount Shasta is one of the best towns in Northern California for hiking to high elevations. It’s home to Mount Shasta, one of the highest mountains in the state. This mountain stands at an impressive 14,180 feet above sea level.

Climbing to this peak above the clouds is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Mount Shasta. Luckily, it’s also completely free if you don’t hire a mountain guide.

Late spring and the early summer months are the best seasons to climb Shasta…but you’ll still need to bring the winter hiking gear essentials.

New Orleans, Louisiana

This incredible Southern city is known for mouthwatering bites and music-filled streets.

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New Orleans is one of the most visited cities in the South. The originality of this French-influenced Louisiana city is unmatched. Wander around Royal or Bourbon Street to shop and hear buskers filling the streets with incredible tunes.

New Orleans is also a culinary clutch of the South. The Big Easy is known for its Cajun-Creole cuisine. Foodies flock from all over the U.S. to try famous New Orleans jambalaya, gumbo, and beignets.

Take a look at Meg’s guide on the best New Orleans restaurants to find the best spots for cheap eats.

Phoenix, Arizona

This Southwestern city is famous for its year-round sunshine.

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Phoenix is both the capital of Arizona and the largest city in the desert state. Phoenix is a prime U.S. winter destination thanks to its year-round sunshine and seemingly unfaltering hot weather.

There are many ways to travel to Phoenix cheaply. Start by booking a stay in Mesa, one of the best places to stay in Phoenix with cheap hotels. Or book an affordable rental close to free attractions and cook all your meals at your accommodation.

Looking for some affordable and free things to do in Phoenix? Take a dip in the Salt River, visit the Goldfield Ghost Town, or go for a bike ride in South Mountain Park to save money.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

New Mexico’s biggest city is the perfect place to catch seasonal events like the hot air balloon festival.

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Albuquerque is the largest city in New Mexico with several budget-friendly activities. Come to the city in October for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, one of the coolest things to do in New Mexico.

Albuquerque sunsets are particularly spectacular. Watching them is an easy and free date night activity. You can catch the sunset all around town, though a hike up Sandia Crest offers the best viewpoint.

There are many affordable places to stay in Albuquerque like Sandia Peak Inn at Old Town Albuquerque. Sandia Peak Inn is both the best budget hotel in Albuquerque as well as an ideal place to stay away from tourist crowds.

Redwood City, California

This Northern California town has some of the most affordable accommodations in the state.

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Redwood City is located on the San Francisco Peninsula, just 30 minutes from San Francisco. Redwood City’s affordable lodging options make it a good alternative to SF. The Northern California City also has great free things to do for budget-conscious travelers.

Edgewood Park & Natural Preserve is one of the top places to hike in Redwood City with views of the entire Bay Area. Animal lovers can check out the Bair Island Wildlife Refuge & Trail to do some bird watching around the wetlands.

Las Vegas, Nevada

The Southwestern city that never sleeps has fun entertainment for visitors of all ages.

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Las Vegas is one of the best places to travel in the United States. A trip to Nevada’s biggest city can be as tame or wild and as affordable or expensive as you want.

There are hundreds of fun things to do in Las Vegas, including a surprising amount of free and cheap activities. Spending time in downtown Las Vegas is one of my favorite free things to do in “Sin City.”

Wander the Strip and people watch the crazy Vegas characters. Watch the exciting Viva Vision Light Shows at the Fremont Street Experience. The fountain shows at the Bellagio Hotel are also free, making them another budget-friendly Vegas attraction.

Memphis, Tennessee

Don’t miss the perfect budget destination for music-loving travelers.

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Memphis sits right on the Mississippi River and stakes its fame in the music scene. Famous artists like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and B.B. King all recorded legendary hits in this famous Tennessee city.

Memphis is also one of the cheapest places to visit in the United States. Check out the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame, and Sun Studio, the “Birthplace of Rock and Roll.” These are some of the best affordable things to do in Memphis for a taste of its music culture.

Foodies can find plenty of cheap eats. Indulge in Memphis-style barbecue at places like Central BBQ, or get some of the best sandwiches in town from Kwik Chek.

11 Cheap Cities in the USA

Atlanta, Georgia

Georgia’s capital city is home to the best nightlife east of the Mississippi.

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Atlanta is the capital of Georgia, one of the best Southern cities for nightlife. Check out the Buckhead District for top Atlanta bars and clubs.

Atlanta is also one of the best cities in the U.S. for art, music, and culture. Visit Krog Street Tunnel to see the creations of local artists. Fernbank Museum and 3D Forest is an interactive exhibit the whole family is sure to love.

No Atlanta visit is complete without a trip to the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center and Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. These are two always free museums.

Ithaca, New York

This is the best city in New York to chase waterfalls.

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Ithaca is situated on Cayuga Lake and has long been considered one of the most cherished places to visit in New York state. This college town is home to waterfalls galore.

Explore the waterfall and over 800 acres of wilderness at Buttermilk Falls State Park in upstate New York. Hiking trails are the best way to experience Ithaca on the cheap.

There are also reliably cheap accommodations in the area, including rental homes in Ithaca. These are great options for people traveling with a group of friends.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Check out the ideal budget destination for Midwestern beer and sports fans.

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Milwaukee is the perfect Midwestern town for people searching for an affordable destination. Wisconsin’s largest city is ideal for sports fans, craft beer drinkers, and family-friendly activities.

Check out the Brewery District between Interstate 43 and the Deer District to try some local Milwaukee brews. Or snag some super cheap tickets to a ballgame at American Family Field to cheer on the Brewers.

Milwaukee also has excellent museums and other fun city attractions. I recommend visiting the Milwaukee County Zoo with the whole family before heading to the Milwaukee Public Market for lunch.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

One of the biggest cities on the East Coast with fascinating museums and cheap local eats.

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Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is one of the most budget-friendly locations on the East Coast. There are cheap flights to Pittsburgh from just about anywhere in the US.

The Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is an affordable downtown attraction. It’s one of the prettiest places in the city. And the gritty Strip District is another fun Pittsburgh site that’s bursting with shopping deals and cheap eats.

Are museums more your thing? Check out the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and Heinz History Center. Both museums are some of the best in the city and arguably two of the best in the state.

Indianapolis, Indiana

Explore an urban park and cultural attractions in one of the cheapest places to travel in the Midwest.

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Indianapolis is the capital city of Indiana, and it’s one of the cheapest cities to visit in America. Along with inexpensive attractions, dining, and accommodations, there are also dozens of free things to do in Indy.

Hang out at White River State Park, an urban park along the eastern banks of White River. It’s home to the Indianapolis Zoo and the White River Gardens, the latter of which is free to visit.

You’ll find plenty of entertainment in the Mile Square, particularly around Georgia Street. Rent a bike to explore the 8-mile Cultural Trail and get some exercise while exploring the city’s cultural districts.

Kansas City, Missouri

You’ll find all the major big city amenities in this state border town.

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Kansas City, Missouri is one of the best places to visit in the U.S. for compacted big city amenities. Love barbecue and the blues? Kansas City is a hub for a mouthwatering culinary scene, live music, and affordability across the board.

Foodies should visit Midtown. It is home to incredible Kansas City restaurants like Chingu and Room 39. Live music fans should take a trip to the Power and Light District to be serenaded by local musicians at various bars and performance venues.

Washington D.C.

America’s capital is the ideal vacation spot for history buffs.

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Washington D.C. is the capital of the United States. It’s not necessarily the cheapest place to travel in the United States. But there are plenty of free DC attractions, particularly for history buffs.

The city’s incredible architecture and iconic museums draw the bulk of first-time visitors to Washington DC. Many of them have free admission.

Top landmarks you don’t want to miss include the Capitol Building, White House, Washington Monument, and Supreme Court. Spend time visiting all of the free Smithsonian museums. Check out Alexandria’s guide on where to stay in Washington D.C. to find a range of accommodation options.

Fort Collins, Colorado

This midsize college town has plenty of fun activities centered around the outdoors.

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Head to Northern Colorado to visit Fort Collins, one of the oldest districts in the Centennial State. Fort Collins has incredible architecture and homes dating back to the 1800s. It’s one of the best places to save money in Colorado.

The bulk of Fort Collins attractions are centered around outdoor recreation. Go hiking and biking around Horsetooth Reservoir or rent paddleboats to explore Sheldon Lake in City Park.

Fun town-centered activities include shopping in Old Town and going on a Fort Collins brewery tour to sample some of the best beer in town.

Savannah, Georgia

Monumental Southern architecture is what this coastal city is known for.

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Savannah is a coastal city in Georgia with some of the most recognizable architecture in the deep south. Antebellum buildings and horse-drawn carriages give Savannah its southern charm.

The picturesque cobblestoned Historic District is a fun Savannah site. The Historic District is where you’ll find Savannah’s best museums, restaurants, and 22 park squares. Take a cruise down the riverwalk or grab a bite to eat at City Market.

Buffalo, New York

This city is the best place to stay in NY to get away from the crowds.

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Buffalo is the gateway city to Niagara Falls, New York. It may be a bit off the beaten path for the average New York traveler. But the tranquility of this western NY town makes the long drive from New York City worth it.

Take a Niagara Falls tour from Buffalo and cruise to the base of America’s most iconic waterfall. Tours are available year-round, but I recommend going in the summer to avoid freezing temperatures.

Salt Lake City, Utah

Utah’s capital city has some of the coolest places to camp in the state.

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Salt Lake City, or SLC for short, is the most populous city in Utah. The scenic capital city is surrounded by Great Salt Lake and the Wasatch Mountains, making it perfect for outdoor excursions.

Antelope Island State Park, one of the best places to camp in Utah, is a fun SLC attraction. Photograph native island bison or bike around the perimeter for a trip to remember.

Salt Lake City contains a bulk of the fun things to do in Utah. The Utah Fine Arts Museum is free every third Saturday of the month and is well worth checking out.

6 Cheap Towns in the USA

Glacier National Park, Montana

One of the densest national parks in the U.S. sits on the Canadian border and offers visitors affordable camping rates.

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Glacier National Park is one of the top U.S. national parks that’s surprisingly cheap.

Aside from the $35 entrance fee, it’s entirely possible to visit this national park on a budget. Camping fees in the park are only $10-23 per night, making it one of the most affordable spots in the state for cheap vacations.

Glacier is located in northern Montana on the Canadian border and it’s riddled with hiking trails. I recommend the hike to Grinnell Lake. It’s a 10-mile roundtrip adventure to a mirrored glaciated lake in Montana’s Rocky Mountains. It’s easily one of the prettiest hikes in the park.

Grand Junction, Colorado

This city is the perfect mountain town to stop at on a Southwestern road trip.

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Grand Junction is located near Colorado’s western border, a little over half an hour from Utah. Grand Junction is a stomping ground for truckers and road-trippers alike.

James M. Robb Colorado River State Park offers lake access and biking trails. It’s also one of the top Grand Junction spots for outdoor adventures.

Catching local performances at the Avalon Theater is another one of the fun things to do in Grand Junction. Or go watch wild horses roam at Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Area for a one-of-a-kind activity.

Lone Pine, California

This is the gateway town to numerous high-altitude Sierra Mountain hiking trails.

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Lone Pine is one of the coolest California mountain towns. It’s home to Mount Whitney, the highest mountain in the contiguous United States. Lone Pine is also one of the cheapest destinations in the U.S.

Most of the attractions in Lone Pine include hiking. The Mount Whitney trail is one of the top California hikes with over 6,000 feet of elevation gain in 22 miles roundtrip. Save money in Lone Pine with other free activities like floating down the Owens River and rock climbing in the Alabama Hills.

Chester, Illinois

It’s incredibly easy to find affordable accommodation in this small Illinois town.

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Chester is a small town in Illinois situated on a bluff above the Mississippi River. It’s most famously known as “The Home of Popeye” because Chester is the birthplace of the cartoon’s creator. Get some Popeye souvenirs from Spinach Can Collectibles, a shop and museum dedicated to the cartoon.

Most hotels in the area are under $100 a night, making Chester one of the most affordable places to travel in Illinois.

Escalante, Utah

This less-traveled town in Utah is known for its fantastic slot canyons.

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Escalante is off the beaten path in southeastern Utah. It’s located 3 hours east of St. George, and Escalante is home to some of Utah’s best slot canyons.

Buckskin Gulch is one of my favorite attractions in the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. It’s one of the top hikes in Utah and the longest slot canyon in North America at an impressive 16 miles long.

Lower Calf Creek Falls is another popular hike in the national monument. A gigantic waterfall greets hikers at the end of a deep canyon with a cascade pool deep enough to swim in during the hot desert months.

Three Rivers, California

The gateway town to Sequoia National Park is affordable and adorable.

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Three Rivers is one of the best cheap vacations in California. Expect forest-covered accommodations, campgrounds, and lots of free public land in Three Rivers.

Three Rivers is also the gateway town to Sequoia National Park, one of the most popular national parks in California. It’s a prime spot for hikers and backpackers looking for excellent outdoor adventures.

Other free attractions in the Three Rivers area include the Slick Rock Recreation Area and the Foothills Visitor Center. Grab a drink at Three Rivers Brewing Co. after a day spent outdoors.

4 Cheap Beach Destinations in the USA

Key West, Florida

Florida’s most popular beach town also boasts a palm-lined downtown shopping area.

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Key West is one of the best places to visit in Florida. It has quite a variety of affordable and luxurious places to stay. Cheap vacations to Key West are possible if you do your best to save a few dollars by booking modest accommodations.

Smathers Beach is one of the top beaches in Key West. It’s the perfect spot to spend an idle afternoon fishing, snorkeling, and sunbathing.

Head over to Duval Street after your morning at the beach. It’s one of the best things to do in Florida for shopping and dining, with plenty of cheap Caribbean and American eats.

Seaside, Oregon

One of the most popular stops along Oregon’s famous coastline is also the perfect place to spend the Fourth of July.

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Seaside, Oregon is one of the most photogenic stops along Highway 1 on the coast. This seaside village has a sleepy fishing town charm, and it’s home to one of the longest stretches of beach in the state.

The Seaside carnival games also add to this historic village’s small-town allure. Visit the Seaside Aquarium to see tons of seals or spend hours at the Funland Arcade.

One of the best times to visit Seaside is on the Fourth of July. I always have a blast shooting off fireworks from the beach beside all of the Seaside locals.

Wilmington, North Carolina

This cozy beach town has fewer tourists than other popular North Carolina beach destinations.

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Wilmington is a quiet North Carolina beach town that also happens to be one of the top cheap places to travel in the US. Wilmington is slightly more affordable than Asheville. This makes it a fun North Carolina destination for solo or young travelers.

Watch free outdoor concerts in the historic waterfront downtown area in the summer. The Battleship North Carolina and Jungle Rapids Family Fun Waterpark are two of the best attractions in Wilmington. Exploring the shops and restaurants of the Historic District is another can’t-miss activity.

Orlando, Florida

This Florida town is home to theme parks galore, as well as free attractions downtown.

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It may surprise you that Orlando can be one of the best cheap vacations for the whole family. This top Florida destination is home to a conglomerate of fun amusem*nt parks, beaches, sports arenas, and public parks.

Free things to do in Orlando include the Universal CityWalk and the Walt Disney World Monorail. Plant lovers won’t want to miss the University of Florida Arboretum. I recommend checking out affordable hostels to save a few dollars on places to stay in Orlando.

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FAQs About Cheap Places to Travel in America

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There are so many cheap places to travel in the US that make it easy to plan a budget-friendly vacation in this beautiful country. Which place are you most interested in? Leave a comment to let me know!