19 Surprisingly Cheap U.S. Destinations You Can Visit Anytime

Do you know someone who saves up for years just to go on vacation? Interstate travel doesn’t have to be expensive if you know the right spots.

Many people go the mainstream route, aiming for destinations like the Las Vegas Strip and New York City. While those places are indeed exciting, several areas in the U.S. are often overlooked (and are much cheaper to visit, too).

This list focuses on low-cost destinations that promise equally memorable experiences. Let’s look at affordable U.S. destinations for your next trip.

1. Boston, Massachusetts

View of Boston, MA
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Want to soak up some history without breaking the bank? Boston, Massachusettes, is the place to be.

Start by exploring the Boston Common, a historic park where you can relax, people-watch, and admire the Frog Pond. A short walk away, the Boston Public Garden invites you with its beautiful flowers, swan boats, and the famous Make Way for Ducklings statues. History buffs will love the Freedom Trail, a self-guided tour of the city’s most important landmarks.

2. Salt Lake City, Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah
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Travelers on a budget love Salt Lake City, Utah. Explore the Temple Square, a Mormon complex offering free tours, concerts, and cultural events.

For those who like nature sanctuaries, the Red Butte Garden is a window into Utah’s native species. Check its website for free admission days. Don’t miss the chance to chow down on fries with Utah-style sauce, sample dishes prepared in a Dutch oven, and order herbal Mormon tea to wash it all down.

3. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA
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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has plenty of free and low-cost things to see and do. Visit Independence National Historical Park to see the Independence Hall and Liberty Bell. The Philadelphia Museum of Art, one of the largest art museums in America, offers pay-what-you-want admission every first Sunday of the month.

The Reading Terminal Market is another spot with no entrance fee, while a self-guided tour of the Betsy Ross House costs $10 (for a regular adult ticket). If your trip falls on July 4th or the week leading up to it, join the Wawa Welcome America event for live music, historical reenactments, and fireworks.

4. New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans Louisiana
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New Orleans, Louisiana, with its Creole culture, vibrant music scene, and one-of-a-kind buildings, is a good match for budget-conscious travelers.

If free attractions are your thing, you’re in luck: Jackson Square is a public hub featuring street performers and local artists, while the New Orleans African World Initiative provides walking tours that educate you about the city’s African American heritage. You can also browse the French Market to try beignets and gumbo.

5. Daytona Beach, Florida

Daytona Beach Florida
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Daytona Beach is a great, affordable destination with beautiful beaches that make you want to extend your stay.

Its most popular attraction is the Daytona Beach Boardwalk, with several shops, restaurants, and a lively atmosphere. In summer, the Boardwalk hosts free fireworks shows on Saturday nights. The Museum of Arts and Sciences (MOAS) has a large collection of decorative arts and offers free admission on the first Tuesday of the month.

6. Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas
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Austin, Texas, won’t disappoint if you want a memorable trip without a hefty price tag.

The city is renowned for its country, rock, and blues musicians. In addition to its music scene, Austin is full of galleries showcasing everything from contemporary to street art. Austin’s sprawling urban parks, such as Zilker Park and Butler Metropolitan Park, attract people year-round. You won’t have to pay to experience the scenic trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas.

7. Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina
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The Waterfront Park in Charleston, South Carolina, is a frugal traveler’s dream. The 12-acre park is free to enter. It showcases unique landmarks like a pineapple-shaped fountain and walkways with the best views of the Charleston Harbor and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.

Aside from the park, you can check out the Charleston City Market. It was first built in the 1790s and stands strong to this day. You’ll find over 300 vendors selling local crafts, jewelry, artisanal foods, and Gullah-Geechee sweetgrass baskets.

8. Savannah, Georgia

Savannah, GA
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A trip to Savannah, Georgia, gives you a big bang for your buck. Visit Forsyth Park, a free tourist destination. Its most photographed landmark is the Forsyth Fountain, which dates back to 1858 and is modeled after Paris’ Place de la Concorde.

On the other hand, the Savannah Historic District defines Southern charm with its slow-paced vibe and traditional architecture. Here, you won’t see any high-rise buildings or apartment complexes, just restored homes full of character. People are also delighted to see the district’s oak trees with Spanish moss.

9. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Oklahoma City, OK
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Do you go crazy for classic cars and vintage memorabilia? If so, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is a must-visit.

For $7, you get to tour the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum. It guides you through interactive exhibits that chronicle the rise and fall of America’s Mother Road, all set to a nostalgic soundtrack. Another interesting place is The Old Round Barn, a 43-foot-tall wooden structure that allows people in for free.

10. Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque New Mexico Old Town
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You can roam Albuquerque’s Old Town and Petroglyph National Monument without spending a dime.

Old Town gets you acquainted with Native American culture and the San Felipe Church. Petroglyph Monument allows you to discover ancient rock carvings on a desert trail. If you’re willing to pay a small fee, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center costs $10 to enter. The place offers rotating exhibits, pottery, murals, and artifacts. Go on a Sunday to witness a cultural dance.

11. Detroit, Michigan

Detroit, MI
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Detroit, Michigan, offers a surprisingly affordable travel experience. The 3-mile Detroit RiverWalk, a space for outdoor activities, features attractions like a carousel, fishing spots, family-friendly amenities, and summer events at Hart Plaza.

It’s the perfect place to go on a serene bike ride or simply take a breather. You can also visit the Detroit Institute of Arts, which houses 65,000 works spanning 5,000 years of artistic achievement. Entrance is free on Thursdays. Moreover, you can attend a free concert in Belle Isle Park — just browse their webpage to find out when the next one is.

12. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe New Mexico
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Did you know that Santa Fe, New Mexico, is the oldest continuously inhabited state capital in the United States?

Its history and culture demonstrate that you can have a meaningful trip while sticking to a tight budget. The Loretto Chapel features a spiral staircase that has long been the subject of mystery. The chapel costs $5 to enter. Meanwhile, the Santa Fe Fiesta (held in September), Canyon Road, and Santa Fe Plaza are all free to enjoy.

13. Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville North Carolina
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You might recognize Asheville, North Carolina, for the Biltmore Estate, the largest privately owned house in the U.S. Still, its natural beauty and rich African American culture are also big draws.

You’ve probably never experienced anything like the Goombay Festival, a free event highlighting Black musicians, dance troupes, and craft vendors. You’ll also be amazed at the Botanical Gardens, a walkable space with beautiful blooms, and the River Arts District, an industrial area turned into a creative hub.

14. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

Great Smoky Mountains
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There are many reasons to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park — enjoy breathtaking views, discover tranquil waterfalls, and see wildlife up close.

What’s even better is that these activities cost nothing. Clingmans Dome is the park’s highest point at 6,643 feet. The Laurel Falls Trail leads to an 80-foot waterfall, while the Grotto Falls Trail allows you to walk behind the cascading water. For those fond of furry pals, Cades Cove is a picturesque valley where you can spot black bears and white-tailed deer.

15. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park
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Behold the world’s first national park: Wyoming’s Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872. You will know you’re in for an unforgettable trip once you see its active volcanoes, hot springs, and colorful mineral deposits.

You can check out Old Faithful Geyser, which erupts every 90 minutes. Another spectacle is the Mammoth Hot Springs, which features terraces formed by hot water flowing through limestone. For even more awesome scenery, visit the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, which spans 20 miles and measures up to 1,200 feet in depth.

16. San Diego, California

things to do in San Diego, CA
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San Diego, Califonia, has the perfect balance of sunny beaches and urban cityscapes.

It welcomes visitors with a warm climate all year, so it’s a great place to escape the cold. You can’t go wrong with Balboa Park. It’s free and offers 1,200 acres of Spanish Colonial architecture surrounded by lush gardens. For the ultimate beach experience, let the soft, sparkling sands of Coronado Beach soothe you.

17. Portland, Oregon

things to do in Portland, Oregon

Characterized by its waterfront views and dense forests, Portland, Oregon (a.k.a. the City of Roses) attracts visitors who chase simple joys.

If you’re a bookworm, you’ll be thrilled to know that Powell’s City of Books is the world’s largest bookstore with used and new stock. Additionally, Forest Park is free to enter, offering over 80 miles of hiking trails. Plus, it’s recognized as one of the most biker-friendly cities in the country. Follow along the bike paths connecting the Willamette and Columbia Rivers to explore at your own pace.

18. San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio TX
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Want to bring your family to a charming destination that won’t cost an arm and a leg?

San Antonio, Texas, is an excellent choice. Get your steps in at the San Antonio River Walk, lined with cypress trees, Tex-Mex restaurants, and souvenir shops. A helpful tip is to go out at night to avoid the heat. Don’t miss the Alamo Church, Long Barrack, and historic grounds where the Battle of the Alamo occurred.

19. Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City, Missouri
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Kansas City is where Southern charm meets Midwestern hospitality.

It is special because of its expansive collection of fountains, over 200 scattered throughout the city. Kansas City is home to several free attractions, such as the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Crown Center, and the National World War I Museum and Memorial (free on the first Monday of each month). In addition, you can dine at the City Market for international food options at reasonable prices.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Marjolein Dilven headshot

Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.