8 Magical AND Affordable Winter Destinations in the US

Just because money may be tight doesn’t mean you can’t travel… Check out these affordable winter destinations!

Traveling during winter has a sort of magical appeal, from the snow-covered landscapes to the crisp air and festive vibes. But when you think about all the travel costs involved, it can seem a bit overwhelming.

Yet budget-friendly winter travel is not just possible but also incredibly rewarding. And we get that jetting off to a ski vacation in the Alps or Fiji may be out of the cards if you’re on a tighter budget.

But you don’t have to sit on your couch wishing to be somewhere else all season. There’s a wide range of more affordable winter destinations that you can enjoy a lot closer than you think.

So whether you want to hit the slopes, explore the wine country, or our nation’s history, check out these 8 ideas for affordable winter destinations that are sure to inspire while coming in at a better price than most.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

This affordable winter destination is a legendary hot spot for the cold season.

Not only is it always ranked a top ski destination in the US, but it has long attracted a long list of celebs, due to the charming town of Jackson and the celestial beauty of Grand Teton National Park, a mere 5 miles away.

The area is also home to the National Elk Refuge, where visitors can take advantage of horse-drawn sleigh rides. Now, we’ll admit that finding a winter vacation deal here isn’t exactly easy for all these reasons and more.

But Rendezvous Mountain Rentals, which is just 4 miles from Jackson Hole Resort, offers a great deal on condo rentals.

For instance, you can find something to rent in this affordable winter destination for four nights, and you’ll get the fifth night free. Other, fully furnished condos that sleep four people begin at $149 a night.

Catalina Island, California

Suppose you want to go snorkeling or diving this winter.

In that case, you don’t have to fly out to the Caribbean or try to find your passport because this affordable winter destination will offers you some of the most incredible underwater life to explore in the continental United States.

It’s only 20 miles off the Southern California coast. This means you can be swimming through the bright, clear blue waters with diverse marine life with just an hour’s boat ride from Long Beach.

You should also head to the highly-rated Lover’s Cove, and you’ll likely spot everything from octopi and eels to Garibaldi fish and sea stars.

And even though there are many hotels to choose from, you can still save a ton of extra cash by camping at Two Harbors. Due to the fact that the area enjoys a milder climate, it rarely gets too cold, even in the winter months.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Even though Las Vegas is now associated with costly vacations where you pay hundreds of dollars for your dinner at a celebrity chef restaurant and high rollers drop loads of cash at blackjack tables, there are many ways to visit Sin City at a more budget-friendly price.

The city offers lots of cheap or free things to do, and there are regular deals on hotel rooms that might not have floor-to-ceiling windows or private Jacuzzis but provide a comfortable and clean stay.

Strolling along the Strip at this affordable winter destination can be a great place to people-watch. At the same time, Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, the Flamingo Wildfire Habitat, and the Bellagio water fountains are free for the entire family to enjoy.

And remember that Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a mere 17 miles from the Strip and offers over 30 miles of beautiful hiking trails.

Silver Mountain Resort, Idaho

Snowboarding, snowshoeing, skiing, and snow tubing are among the biggest offerings at this 1,600-acre resort positioned at the foot of two mountains, and it’s just outside the historical mining city of Kellogg.

This affordable winter destination is also home to Idaho’s largest indoor water park, roughly the size of a football field. The temperature at the indoor waterpark is 84 degrees, which is perfect for warming your bones after a day in the snow.

Weekend prices for the Ski & Stay package begin at approximately $95 a person, which includes lift tickets, accommodations, and unlimited access to the water park for a family of four people.

But if you decide to go during the weekdays, rates start at $69 per person, a night.

San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio has recently been called the nation’s most inexpensive city in the US for a family vacation based on its kids-friendly attractions and the cost of meals and hotels.

This affordable winter destination is fantastic for an educational and fun trip with incredible historic sites like the Alamo and other missions, which don’t cost anything to visit.

There are also theme parks to enjoy, quite a few museums to explore, many offering either discounted or free days, and pro sports teams to watch if you want to catch a game.

Then, taking in the sights while taking a stroll on the River Walk always makes for a good time, and there are many lovely parks where you can have a picnic.

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

A winter holiday to the many themes and waterparks of Wisconsin Dells can easily be done on a budget with the proper planning. There are plenty of small family-owned motels offering inexpensive accommodation in close proximity to all the most prominent attractions.

Even the bigger hotels with waterparks can be affordable by providing free passes to their waterparks. If you avoid booking during the period around the holidays, you can also avoid the most elevated prices when visiting this affordable winter destination.

So, for those who haven’t been, what can you expect when visiting this affordable winter destination?

Well, Noah’s Ark Waterpark and Mt. Olympus Water Plus Theme Park offer an overwhelming collection of aquatic rides, including a surfing simulator, two wave pools, and 51 slides, ensuring lots of family fun.

Estes Park, Colorado

This affordable winter destination in northern Colorado serves as a scenic base for exploring Rocky Mountain National Park.

On top of sledding and skiing, other popular activities include wildlife viewing (spotting elk and bears is normal around here), snowshoeing on fresh trails, and hopping on the Estes Park Aerial Tramway to arrive at the summit of Prospect Mountain.

And if you’re feeling especially adventurous, you can also try your hand at ice climbing. Among the winter deals you can find around this time of year there is $20 off the nightly accommodation fee at River Stone Resort if you stay at least two nights.

And another option allows four people to stay in a two-bedroom/two-bathroom condo for roughly $169 per night.

Seaside, Oregon

Winter is the perfect time to experience this affordable winter destination, which happens to be one of Oregon’s most popular family vacations with fun to enjoy all throughout the year, including a downtown with arcade games, skee ball, bumper cars, and many other carnival-type delights.

The aquarium is inexpensive to enter. And you can even feed their famous seals. Walking or taking a bike ride, the three-mile stretch of sandy beach along the promenade is free and will provide breathtaking ocean views.

Sandcastle building, searching for silver dollar shells at low tide, and other beach activities can also be enjoyed while here.

Have you ever been to any of these affordable winter destinations? If so, be sure to let us know about them in the comments section. And if you wish to see more, Must See Places has many more fun ideas for winter escapes!

For instance, we highly recommend you also check out: 6 Cozy Winter Getaways with Sleigh Rides