8 Low-Cost And Beautiful US Getaways, Local Recommended

We ALL probably need a vacation right now…but low-cost options are few and far between!

Now, when we talk about “Must-See Places,” we’re not just trying to highlight luxurious vacations to far-off places. So today we’re looking for beautiful places in our country that cater to the low-cost kind of lifestyle.

But don’t think that just because we’re throwing around words like budget-friendly and cheap, it means you’re getting the short end of the stick.

We’ve scoured the US and even talked to a few locals to get you the best possible experience, just on a low-cost budget! So without further ado, click next to choose YOUR next trip!

Mississippi: Gulfport

Cost Per Week For 2 People: About $1,100
Average Hotel Price Per Night: $62
Local Transport (2 One-Way Tickets): $24
Cost Of Meals Per Day: $97

Visit this low-cost beautiful location, and you’ll get about 7 miles of perfect sandy white beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. With its relative affordability, Gulfport has ranked on many “best of” lists in the country, not just visiting but also retiring.

For families that are looking for an affordable beach trip with lots of opportunities to explore beyond the water, there are at least five kid-friendly attractions, including the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies and the Gulf Islands Water Park.

Also, as the state’s second-largest city with a year-round population of around 68,000 locals, Gulfport has no shortage of shopping and delicious dining options.

Fun Fact: Brett Favre, former NFL quarterback and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, was born in this low-cost location.

Florida: St. Augustine

Cost Per Week For 2 People: About $1,000
Average Hotel Price Per Night: $70
Local Transport (2 One-Way Tickets): $8
Cost Of Meals Per Day: $74

As the oldest city in our country, St. Augustine was established in 1565. Besides being a low-cost option, the city boasts over 42 miles of fantastic beaches fronting the Atlantic Ocean for plenty of swimming, relaxing, and sand-castle building opportunities.

And if you’re traveling with kids, it offers a plethora of family-friendly activities that bring the area’s history to life. At the Pirate & Treasure Museum, you’ll learn about the history of pirates and colonial America through educational and interactive exhibits.

At the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, a working archaeological dig on-site, visitors will learn about the city’s roots, and they’ll even get a chance to feed peacocks that roam the property.

Virginia: Williamsburg

Cost Per Week For 2 People: $1,017
Average Hotel Price Per Night: $40
Local Transport (2 One-Way Tickets): $14
Cost Of Meals Per Day: $50

Have you ever wished you could be transported back to American colonial times? Well, consider it done in the restored historic area of this gorgeous city, and all on a low-cost budget!

With people dressed in the garb of the 18th century, horses and buggies trudging by, and historical reenactments all year round, visitors get a feel of what life was like back when American colonists decided to launch an independent nation.

But that’s not all! In nearby Yorktown, you can visit the American Revolution Museum with its galleries of artifacts and interactive exhibits.

And if you get your fill of history, the 383-acre Busch Gardens theme park in Williamsburg offers a vast variety of rides, from roller coasters and water slides to a plethora of food and music.

Alabama: Huntsville

Cost Per Week For 2 People: $874
Average Hotel Price Per Night: $58
Local Transport (2 One-Way Tickets): $16
Cost Of Meals Per Day: $88

This fast-growing metro area in the northern part of the state of Alabama is best known for being home to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center.

Nicknamed “The Rocket City,” Huntsville gives visitors a perfect chance to learn about space exploration at the US Space & Rocket Center. An original Saturn V rocket and a state-of-the-art planetarium with astronomy shows are among its main attractions.

If traveling with family, a popular spot is the EarlyWorks Family of Museums, which offers a hands-on experience with history.

… This sounds like an AMAZING low-cost option!

Colorado: Colorado Springs

Cost Per Week For 2 People: $1,000
Average Hotel Price Per Night: $57
Local Transport (2 One-Way Tickets): $14
Cost Of Meals Per Day: $95

At the foot of the Rocky Mountains and yet still more than a mile above sea level, this low-cost location ranks third on US News And World Report’s 2019 list of best places to live.

With its mild temperatures and low humidity, outdoor lovers can find a huge variety of suitable attractions for the whole family.

Among them are the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, which also has an open-air chairlift ride up the mountain, and the Garden of the Gods Nature Center, but there are also many others.

Other popular low-cost attractions for families include the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center, and we also recommend the Ghost Town Museum.

Texas: San Antonio

Cost Per Week For 2 People: $800
Average Hotel Price Per Night: $40
Local Transport (2 One-Way Tickets): $22
Cost Of Meals Per Day: $20

San Antonio is one of the most colorful destinations in the US. It’s also a perfect blend of American history and Mexican culture that makes it one of the most low-cost cities in the USA to visit.

The city is famous for its 18th-century Alamo Mission, which is well preserved as a living history museum, and it doesn’t have an entry fee. Travelers on a budget can indulge in various free or cheap activities in San Antonio.

Whether you are a history buff or a foodie, San Antonio won’t be disappointing. But a San Antonio tour won’t be complete without a stroll along the river walk. The whole strip is lined up with award-winning restaurants, boutiques, and live entertainment.

Once you get here, we recommend using VIA Metropolitan Transit, the cheapest option to get around San Antonio.

North Carolina: Raleigh

Cost Per Week For 2 People: $850
Average Hotel Price Per Night: $55
Local Transport (2 One-Way Tickets): $22
Cost Of Meals Per Day: $20

Planning low-cost family vacations in the USA can be tricky, but Raleigh offers local events, activities, and entertainment options within a wide range of budgets.

Everyone can afford an inexpensive vacation to Raleigh. Raleigh’s affordable hotels, restaurants, and low taxes make it one of the best low-cost travel destinations in the US.

You can enjoy a day in Triangle Lakes, home to some small lakes and two large lakes: Jordan Lake, west of Apex, and Falls Lake. This place is equally popular among locals AND travelers alike.

Another great site is the North Carolina Museum of History, which features military history, decorative arts, and sports heroes of North Carolina. But above all, don’t miss Pullen Park, the first public park in North Carolina.

This amusement park is the epitome of playground hubs, green fields, and many rides. It’s an ideal place for families, And while you’re there, don’t miss a pedal boat ride and historic carousel that was built in 1911.

Arizona: Phoenix

Cost Per Week For 2 People: $700
Average Hotel Price Per Night: $40
Local Transport (2 One-Way Tickets): $24
Cost Of Meals Per Day: $20

People looking for some of the cheapest places to travel in our country will love Phoenix. It’s not only the state’s capital but also one of the best places to visit in Arizona. This cultural powerhouse is known for its warm, dry and harsh climate in the desert.

The many free or low-cost attractions also make Phoenix a great destination. Just be sure not to travel in the middle of summer when this city is at its hottest. Wondering what you can do here?

The Desert Botanical Garden offers one of the world’s largest collections of desert flora. Adventure seekers can hike the Camelback Mountain, the most popular hiking trails in the Phoenix region.

And if you’re an art lover, visiting the Phoenix Art Museum is highly recommended. The museum exhibits some of the most unique pieces of art and fashion. South Mountain Park is free to visit, offering magnificent views of the city and surrounding landscapes.

What did you think about all the incredible low-cost options we have for you? If you live in any of these areas, please be sure to leave us a comment and give us the inside deets on these beautiful places! And if you’re planning to visit any of them, make sure you don’t forget your camera!

But meanwhile, besides low-cost locations, you might also be interested in: 8 US Summer Destinations Begging To Be On Your Bucket List