Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice adventure! There are plenty of affordable places to travel in the US that offer stunning scenery, rich culture, and exciting activities without breaking the bank. From vibrant cities to quiet towns, here’s a guide to the top 10 cheap places to travel in the US that are perfect for your next vacation.
1. New Orleans, Louisiana
Location: Southeastern Louisiana, near the Gulf of Mexico
New Orleans is one of the most iconic and cheap places to travel in the US. Known for its vibrant culture, live jazz music, and mouthwatering cuisine, New Orleans offers plenty to see and do without spending a lot of money. Visit the historic French Quarter, where you can enjoy street performers and take in the stunning architecture. Explore the National WWII Museum, one of the most popular attractions, or stroll along the Riverwalk for beautiful views of the Mississippi River. And don’t miss out on cheap Creole street food like beignets and po’boys!
Highlights:
- Free live street performances
- Affordable museums like the National WWII Museum
- Budget-friendly local dishes like gumbo and beignets
- Explore the stunning St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square, both free to visit
- Wander through the Garden District for beautiful architecture
- Visit the French Market, an affordable open-air market perfect for souvenirs and local goods
- Enjoy free events like Mardi Gras parades (if visiting during the season)
2. San Antonio, Texas
Location: South-central Texas, along the San Antonio River
San Antonio is a city rich in history and culture, making it one of the cheap places to travel in the US. The famous River Walk offers picturesque views, great dining options, and is easy to explore without spending much. Don’t miss out on visiting The Alamo, a historical site with no entry fee. You can also take a self-guided tour of the Mission Trail and enjoy free outdoor spaces like the San Antonio Botanical Garden.
Highlights:
- Free entry to The Alamo and Mission Trail
- Budget-friendly Tex-Mex food
- Affordable stays near the River Walk
- Relax by the San Antonio River Walk, with free public events and festivals throughout the year
- Visit the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, for free
- Explore the free-to-enter San Fernando Cathedral and enjoy the light show at night
- Take a scenic boat ride along the River Walk at an affordable price
3. Asheville, North Carolina
Location: Western North Carolina, in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and art lovers. The city offers some of the most cheap places to travel in the US with free hiking trails, budget-friendly farm-to-table restaurants, and local craft breweries. Explore the River Arts District, where you can check out free art galleries, or hike the many scenic trails that surround the city. Asheville is perfect for a relaxed, low-cost getaway.
Highlights:
- Free hiking trails with mountain views
- Affordable craft beer and local dining
- Unique street performances and local shops
- Visit the Asheville Pinball Museum, where you can play vintage pinball machines for a low entry fee
- Check out the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center for maps and free outdoor experiences
- Enjoy free art shows at the Downtown Asheville Art District
- Explore the Biltmore Estate’s extensive grounds (at a discounted entry compared to the house tour)
4. Memphis, Tennessee
Location: Southwestern Tennessee, along the Mississippi River
Known for its rich musical history, Memphis is another cheap place to travel in the US. You can stroll down Beale Street to enjoy free live blues performances and explore iconic landmarks like Graceland, which offers an affordable entry fee. Savor some of the best barbecue in the country at low-cost joints, or visit the Stax Museum, which is perfect for music fans on a budget.
Highlights:
- Free live music on Beale Street
- Budget-friendly barbecue
- Low-cost entry to museums like Stax and Sun Studio
- Take a free stroll along the Mississippi Riverfront and enjoy the views
- Visit the National Civil Rights Museum, which offers discounted entry on certain days
- Check out the Mud Island River Park for free access to the riverwalk and pedal boats
- Enjoy outdoor festivals, like the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest (free to observe)
5. Denver, Colorado
Location: North-central Colorado, at the base of the Rocky Mountains
Denver is an excellent destination for both outdoor lovers and city explorers. With its proximity to the Rocky Mountains, Denver offers a mix of nature and culture that makes it one of the most cheap places to travel in the US. Enjoy free visits to iconic spots like Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre or explore the city’s many museums for a small entry fee. Denver also has affordable transportation options, including bike rentals and public transit.
Highlights:
- Free access to Red Rocks Park
- Affordable craft breweries and museums
- Budget-friendly transportation and bike-sharing
- Explore the free Denver Botanic Gardens, especially during off-peak hours
- Visit the Colorado State Capitol and take a free tour of the dome
- Check out Denver’s vibrant street art scene in the RiNo (River North) Art District
- Experience the Denver Art Museum, which offers free admission on the first Saturday of each month
6. Savannah, Georgia
Location: Eastern Georgia, near the Atlantic Ocean
Savannah is a charming and cheap place to travel in the US with its historic squares and cobblestone streets. Take a free walking tour of the historic district or visit Forsyth Park, a beautiful green space perfect for a picnic. Enjoy budget-friendly seafood and Southern cuisine at local eateries. Savannah also offers free seasonal festivals, ghost tours, and plenty of scenic spots to explore on foot.
Highlights:
- Free walking tours of historic districts
- Affordable Southern cuisine
- Budget-friendly ghost tours and festivals
- Visit the historic Bonaventure Cemetery, which offers a unique and free glimpse into Savannah’s past
- Explore the Savannah History Museum, offering affordable entry and rich local history
- Take a relaxing stroll along the scenic River Street for free and check out the shops and galleries
- Attend free outdoor concerts and festivals in the summer months
7. Portland, Oregon
Location: Northwestern Oregon, along the Columbia and Willamette Rivers
Portland is known for its eco-friendly vibe, and it also happens to be one of the cheap places to travel in the US. Take a stroll through Forest Park, one of the largest urban forests in the US, or visit Mount Tabor Park for scenic views of the city. You can also sample food from one of Portland’s famous food carts, which offer delicious international cuisine at an affordable price. For a unique experience, check out Powell’s City of Books, one of the largest independent bookstores in the world.
Highlights:
- Free access to Forest Park and Mount Tabor
- Budget-friendly food carts serving global cuisines
- Affordable hostels and eco-friendly accommodations
- Visit the Portland Japanese Garden, which offers a discount for Portland residents and low-cost entry
- Explore the Portland Saturday Market, where you can enjoy free live music and shop for affordable local crafts
- Take a walk or bike ride along the scenic Willamette River waterfront
- Enjoy the Portland Art Museum’s free admission days and outdoor exhibitions
8. Nashville, Tennessee
Location: North-central Tennessee, along the Cumberland River
As the home of country music, Nashville offers a vibrant music scene that is perfect for budget-conscious travelers. The city is full of free live performances in bars and cafes, making it a perfect place for music lovers. You can explore the Country Music Hall of Fame for a small fee or take in the views along the Cumberland River Pedestrian Bridge. Nashville is also famous for its hot chicken and Southern comfort food, all at affordable prices.
Highlights:
- Free live music at local venues
- Budget-friendly hot chicken and Southern eats
- Low-cost attractions like the Country Music Hall of Fame
- Visit Centennial Park, home to the Parthenon, and explore the park’s walking trails and gardens
- Take in free music performances at places like The Bluebird Café, a Nashville icon
- Walk through the free-to-enter Nashville Public Library’s architecture and gallery spaces
- Experience Nashville’s street art scene, including murals and public installations around the city
9. Albuquerque, New Mexico
Location: Central New Mexico, along the Rio Grande River
Albuquerque offers a unique blend of cultural and natural attractions, making it one of the cheap places to travel in the US. Visit the historic Old Town, where you can explore local markets and galleries for free, or hike the Sandia Mountains for incredible desert views. The city is also home to affordable Southwest-inspired cuisine, and you can enjoy the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta for free, an event that brings in stunning views of hundreds of hot air balloons in the sky.
Highlights:
- Free visits to Old Town and local markets
- Affordable art galleries and cultural centers
- Budget-friendly hiking trails
- Visit the Albuquerque Museum for affordable entry and free outdoor art exhibits
- Take a scenic drive along the Turquoise Trail for picturesque views without the price tag
- Explore the Petroglyph National Monument, with free access to hiking trails and ancient rock carvings
- Visit the Albuquerque Museum of Art & History for an affordable cultural experience
10. Kansas City, Missouri
Location: Western Missouri, near the Kansas-Missouri state border
Kansas City, known for its jazz music and world-class barbecue, is another great cheap place to travel in the US. You can catch free jazz concerts in the historic 18th & Vine District or visit the National WWI Museum for an affordable entry. Kansas City also has several free cultural attractions, like the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, where you can enjoy impressive exhibits without spending much.
Highlights:
- Free jazz concerts in the 18th & Vine District
- Budget-friendly barbecue
- Affordable visits to museums like the Nelson-Atkins
- Explore the free-to-visit Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, which is known for its extensive collection of art
- Stroll through the Kauffman Memorial Garden, a peaceful and beautiful spot to visit for free
- Enjoy the free-admission Kansas City Sculpture Park and check out outdoor art installations
- Visit the historic Union Station for a mix of free exhibits and affordable dining options
Conclusion:
Traveling on a budget is easier than you think! These cheap places to travel in the US offer a wide range of activities, history, culture, and scenic beauty, all without draining your wallet. Whether you’re interested in hiking, exploring vibrant cities, or enjoying delicious local food, these destinations prove that you don’t need to spend a fortune to have a great time. So pack your bags and start planning your next affordable adventure!
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