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Have you been holding off on taking a vacation because you’re worried about your bank account? In today’s economy, many people don’t get away because they fear for their wallets!
But for those seeking a short weekend escape, we’ve found some top ideas for inexpensive weekend trips to help you unwind and take a break from it all without draining your savings or requiring you to go too far from home.
There are plenty of relaxing and budget-friendly options if you feel the need to get away. You can travel affordably, but you can also save money by picking reasonable destinations where you can have fun at a much better price.
Grab your camera and your weekend bag, and set out on one of these 6 low-cost weekend escapes across the US today.
You’re in for a real treat with this one because the city is the oldest European settlement in our country. St Augustine is a place that’s rich in architecture and history.
Sadly, this city in the sunshine state is usually overlooked because most folks want to visit Disneyland or Miami. But it’s a very budget-friendly option for those who want a Floridian weekend escape.
It’s home to the remarkable Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and a lovely Historic District chock full of colorful boutiques and restaurants. You’ll also find over 42 miles of beaches around St. Augustine, where visitors flock each year to enjoy the Florida sun!
Another ideal budget-friendly weekend escape is Albuquerque, New Mexico. The city is already well-known for its charming old town with the stunning adobe-style structures and numerous fascinating museums, many of which you can visit for free.
And another complimentary highlight of this place is the Petroglyph National Monument, which you can stroll around and enjoy the views. The National Hispanic Cultural Center also hosts many events you can enjoy, and there are often free festivals in the summertime.
We recommend riding up the 3-mile-long Sandia Peak Tramway for some incredible views of the city. Or, if your budget allows it, you can splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime experience in a hot-air balloon ride.
Look no further than Alabama’s Gulf Coast if you want an inexpensive beach vacation. You’ll find it right in the southernmost part of the state.
With its dazzling white sandy beaches and sparkling turquoise waters, it’s a side of Alabama that many folks couldn’t have ever imagined.
One of the most sought-after spots here is the Gulf State Park, where the area’s Nature Center provides a variety of free educational programs and activities.
You’ll be greeted with some fantastic guided nature hikes. And if you’ve always been a fishing fan but never knew how the park offers classes for those interested.
Multicolored San Antonio is another weekend escape that’s perfect for any budget, especially between the months of November and April, where visitors can take advantage of the low-season hotel prices.
The city perfectly blends American history and Mexican culture, making it the perfect destination for foodies and history buffs. The city’s biggest highlight is the River Walk, which has waterfront boutiques and restaurants lining the beautiful streets.
Two great UNESCO World Heritage sites are also free to visit: the 18th-century Alamo Mission, a living history museum, and the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.
Summer visitors who want to beat the heat should visit Natural Bridge Caverns or Six Flags Fiesta water park.
This upstate village in New York has hosted the Olympic games twice, in 1932 and 1980, and it was in the 1980 version that the Miracle on Ice team made hockey history.
You can take a stroll around the village to soak up the culture of the Adirondacks and see the 7,700-seat Herb Brooks Arena, the charming building where Brooks coached the hockey team to the gold medal.
The arena is currently undergoing renovations, but artifacts from the Olympic Museum are available for free.
Hiking is also a great option here at Mt. Van Hoevenberg, which hosted the cross-country competition back in 1980, and biking or walking around the beautiful 3-mile Mirror Lake.
Kansas City is already very well-known for its fantastic barbecue and jazz. But it’s also home to a tremendous number of either complimentary or affordable attractions. And there is a free streetcar which will take you to many of the central districts in the city.
There’s also a surplus of lovely fountains around the city for visitors to visit.
Those who are sports fans can check out the Arrowhead Stadium, and there are many admission-free museums, including the Money Museum and the Haskell Indian Nations University Cultural Center and Museum.
As for the outdoor options, you’ll love the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens and Ernie Miller Park and Nature Center. The best part? They’re also complimentary to visit!
We hope you enjoyed reading about all the fantastic weekend escapes on our list. Be sure to leave us a comment and let us know which one was your favorite!
And if you liked this article, we also recommend reading: 10 Hidden Gems in Florida if You Want to Avoid the Crowds
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