12 Cheap Weekend Getaways in the US Where Adventure Doesn’t Cost a Fortune
Between work deadlines, family, and trying to have some sort of social life, we all know taking some time off can be just the thing to recharge our batteries. Most of us think we need to splash out big bucks for a getaway to NYC or Hawaii when the reality is, you don’t have to.
A nice weekend getaway can be the perfect solution. Take in a change of scenery, relax and recharge, and maybe even visit somewhere you’ve never been before.
If you’re wondering where you should go to have an amazing time while keeping the costs down, here are 12 cheap weekend getaways in the US you should take right now.
1. Burlington, Vermont
Sitting on Lake Champlain, Burlington, Vermont, is a perfect northeast, small city with amazing views of the Adirondacks across the lake. The fall foliage scenery is especially gorgeous, and there are plenty of free or affordable things to do.
Take a walk through Church Street Marketplace and sample the wares at the Burlington Farmers Market. Take a detour to see the world’s tallest filing cabinet, and go antiquing at the Vintage Inspired Marketplace. If you’re into beer, you’ll love that Burlington has one of the highest breweries per capita in the US.
2. Whitefish, Montana
Whitefish, Montana, is a four-season mountain town that is considered a gateway to Glacier National Park. Outdoor activities are the highlight here, and they don’t cost much to enjoy.
Hike through Glacier National Park, go for a stroll on City Beach, or walk down Whitefish Trail. Inside the Dick Idol Signature Gallery, you’ll find paintings and sculptures from artists around the world.
In winter, skiing at Whitefish Mountain Resort is a steal compared to pricier spots like Aspen. In summer, you can camp out at nearby state parks for a fraction of the cost of staying in town.
3. Branson, Missouri
Branson is like a mini Las Vegas, but way more family-friendly and way cheaper. Over 40 theaters offer live shows, from country music to magic tricks, and many have tickets under $30. I’ve cried over DiCaprio’s Titanic over a dozen times, so of course I had to visit the Titanic Museum.
Watch any baseball games going on at Ballparks of America and ride the downtown trolley. Don’t miss the Horse Walk at Dolly Parton’s Stampede and the fantastic fountain shows at Branson Landing.
If you’re looking for free stuff, the Ozarks are just a short drive away for hiking and lake views. Table Rock Lake State Park is perfect for a picnic, kayaking, hiking, and biking.
4. Washington, D.C.
D.C. might sound pricey, but it’s actually full of free activities. The National Mall alone is packed with enough museums to keep you busy for days, and they’re all free!
More than 20 Smithsonian Museums and the National Zoo are free to visitors. Take a walk on the National Mall and see the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Memorial.
After you’ve worked up an appetite, head over to Union Market, with more than 60 food vendors onsite. You are sure to find something amazing.
5. Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque doesn’t get enough credit, but you can have a fun-filled weekend here without worrying about busting the bank. The Sandia Mountains are your backdrop, and if you time your visit right, you can catch the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta—the largest in the world.
But if you miss that, take a self-guided walking tour of downtown Albuquerque’s amazing and colorful murals, or join a downtown walking tour to learn more about the history of the buildings. Drive down historic Route 66 and go window shopping in Nobb Hill and Old Town.
Several University of New Mexico Museums are free, including the Meteorite Museum and the Museum of Southwestern Biology.
6. Indianapolis, Indiana
Indy might be known for the Indy 500, but there’s more to it than car racing. Budget a trip to this city with ease by renting a bike and head down the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, an 8-mile linear park through downtown Indianapolis.
Explore the many war memorials, check out vintage cars in the Stutz Museum, and see the daily light show in Monument Circle. With the exception of a bike rental, all of these Indianapolis activities are free.
7. Gulf Shores, Alabama
A weekend getaway to the beach, and it’s inexpensive too? With 32 miles of white-sand beaches, that’s what you’ll get with a visit to Gulf Shores, Alabama. You don’t even have to visit in the summer to enjoy the beach because spring and fall temperatures are mild here on the Gulf.
You can even find affordable rentals right on the water. Explore the Wharf, go fishing off of the Gulf State Park Fishing Pier, and don’t miss the Gulf State Park’s Nature Center with live plants and animals native to the region.
8. Niagara Falls, New York
Niagara Falls may sound touristy, but it’s surprisingly affordable if you know where to look. First off, the views are free, as there’s no need to pay for an expensive boat tour unless you really want to get soaked. The Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest in the U.S., and it’s free to walk around and take in the falls. Don’t forget to stop back by at night and see them illuminated with a spectacular light show.
The nearby town of Niagara Falls has some quirky, affordable attractions too, like the Aquarium of Niagara and the Cave of the Winds.
9. San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio, Texas, is a great affordable weekend destination. There is plenty of culture, history, and activities that won’t cost you a dime. The Alamo and all four San Antonio Missions are free to visit and explore, as is the Contemporary at Blue Star, which has four galleries full of art.
The 15-mile Riverwalk is the heart of the city. Stroll along the river, grab some tacos at a cheap spot, or just people-watch. Visit the El Mercado in Historic Market Square for the largest Mexican market in the USA.
10. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
We all remember learning about Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in our middle school history book. These days, this historic tourist town has plenty of inexpensive activities to learn more about one of the most important battles in American history.
You can visit the Gettysburg Battlefield and the Gettysburg Museum of History for free. A cheap ticket to the Shriver House Museum shows what life was like in Pennsylvania in the mid-1800s. If you love Christmas, you must stop by the nearby Christmas Haus in Oxford, Pennsylvania.
11. Chicago, Illinois
You probably don’t think of visiting a major city like Chicago, Illinois, as being an inexpensive weekend getaway, but the metropolis can be affordable if you know where to go.
Millennium Park is home to the famous Cloud Gate sculpture (aka “The Bean”), and it’s free to check out. Lincoln Park Zoo, home to over 230 animals, is free to enter, as is the Lincoln Park Conservatory, with its stunning tropical flowers and numerous city museums. Navy Pier, while touristy, has plenty of budget-friendly things to do, like people-watching, public art, and free outdoor movies in the summer.
12. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans doesn’t have to be expensive to be fun. Wander around the French Quarter for free street music and live performances. Head to the Garden District for a free walking tour of historic mansions and oak-lined streets. There are lots of museums about everything from voodoo to pharmaceutical history, and admission to most is only a few dollars per person.
Grab a po’ boy or beignets from one of the many local eateries for a cheap bite. If you’re there during Mardi Gras, the parades are totally free and unforgettable!
Allison Manning
Allison Manning is the creative mind behind Simply Stunning Content. With more than 20 years of writing experience under her belt, she is a master of creating captivating content that connects with audiences of all types. When she’s not working on new content you can find her cooking, reading, or listening to a very eclectic library of music.
When she’s not working, she prioritizes her family above everything else. Whether it’s spending quality time with her loving husband, three amazing kids, or her faithful dog, family is where she finds her joy and inspiration. She strives to make every piece of content she creates simply stunning.
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