Photo by Paul Brady Photography at Shutterstock
With inflation forcing the cost of gas, entertainment, and food way up, travelers looking to hit the road this fall may feel a bit overwhelmed trying to stay on budget.
But road-tripping the US doesn’t have to be expensive – there are plenty of affordable road trip destinations that travelers can visit that are shorter and more reasonable. For those without the time or budget to drive across the country, these routes are ideal.
Consider planning an affordable road trip through America on one of these 6 exciting journeys for an adventure rich in memories and light on your bank account.
California’s capital city is often disregarded in favor of more popular spots like LA or San Francisco, but make sure to visit. The affordable road trip destination is teeming with distinct charm and character.
Located along the water, Old Sacramento, considered a National Historic Landmark District and State Historic Park, pays tribute to the 1849 Gold Rush era with many restored and recreated buildings, horse-drawn carriages, and wooden sidewalks.
History buffs will also love visiting the state capital. Furthermore, it’s worth noting that the city offers 230-plus days of sunshine each year, making it a haven for outdoor lovers this fall with activities like hiking, biking, and al fresco concerts.
The affordable road trip destination is also home to more than 650 murals, making it a fun stop for art lovers looking to escape Sacramento for a day or two.
While driving, consider taking a trip to San Francisco or Lake Tahoe, which are two hours and 90 minutes away, respectively.
This northern city in the Sunshine State, which also happens to be the largest city in the continental US, offers outdoor adventure, 22 miles of stunning beaches, and the nation’s most extensive urban park system, making it a “Must See Place.”
Once you arrive in the area, we recommend making a beeline straight for Jacksonville Beach or put on some comfy shoes and explore part of the 14.5-mile Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail, which features spectacular forest scenery best explored on foot or bike.
Art enthusiasts can check out the expansive Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, with a collection of 5,000 pieces and counting across several centuries.
Meanwhile, families will especially love the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, home to more than 2,000 glorious animals, including flamingos, elephants, and tigers.
Pro Tip: Plan to take this affordable road trip over a weekend to experience the Riverside Arts Market, which sells art, produce, handmade jewelry, and much more from over 100 local vendors.
Ready for the next stop on your affordable road trip? Wait to leave the state! Head south to Orlando. While many come for Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, this central Florida city and its surroundings offer much more than the fantastic theme parks.
Nature lovers can get out on the water and experience a guided kayak tour through Wekiwa Springs State Park, known for its incredible swimming and hiking, as well as emerald springs. You can also paddle through the canals in the nearby city of Winter Park.
Foodies will also be pleased to find that this city was recently voted our nation’s best food city.
And it’s home to Michelin-ranked spots across a variety of price points and cuisines, including The Strand for seasonal New American fare, Otto’s High Dive for fantastic Cuban food and cocktails, and Camille for tasty Vietnamese.
There are plenty of free things to do in Orlando as well, like classic car shows in nostalgia-inducing Old Town, a picturesque stroll through Lake Eola Park, or self-guided mural tours through the Mills 50 District.
The Dallas-Fort Worth region covers over 9,000 square miles, so driving through here is a no-brainer.
In this affordable road trip destination, visitors can enjoy a much-needed break from the heat by cooling off inside one of the city’s many museums, including at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealy Plaza, and the Dallas Museum of Art.
The 68-square-mile Dallas Arts District is the city’s leading arts and culture hub, while the Uptown neighborhood boasts a fun dining scene. The Bishops Arts District, famous for its top-notch entertainment, shopping, and street art, is also a “Must See Place.”
Meanwhile, in Fort Worth, which is about 45 minutes from Dallas by car, visiting the Stockyards feels like a step back in time to the Wild West with rodeos and cattle drives. The city is also home to the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame.
Houston is the perfect place for a long weekend getaway, and embarking on a road trip here makes it easy to explore the destination’s multiple distinct neighborhoods, especially when you consider that this city is so huge.
Stops at the Space Center and The Galleria are a must, but having a car allows you to explore some off-the-beaten-path locations like the National Museum of Funeral History and The Beer Can House.
Travelers can also get in tune with Mother Nature at Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park or Buffalo Bayou Park. Alternatively, you may want to drive a half-hour away to Lake Houston Wilderness Park in nearby New Caney.
We promise you won’t regret this affordable road trip destination!
It’s no secret that our nation’s capital is popular with history buffs for its many landmarks, monuments, and free museums, but there’s so much more to see, do, and explore both in the city and around it.
Georgetown and The Wharf are this affordable road trip destination’s trendiest neighborhoods, overflowing with eclectic shopping, drinking, and dining outlets.
Also, travelers can…and should venture outside the city limits to explore nearby places like Old Town Alexandria, which is roughly eight miles away and offers 18th-century townhouses and and charming cobblestone streets.
A bit further away is Loudoun County, which is famous for its vineyards, wineries, and storybook towns like Leesburg and Middleburg, both perfect for leaf-peeping this fall. So be sure to pack your camera for this trip!
We’ll admit that there are many factors which can determine how much you’ll be spending on your fall adventures, but we’ve created a list of a few ways you can stretch your budget. They include:
-Be realistic about your costs. As with any trip, there will be some costs you can control and others that you can’t foresee. So, do your best to budget for managed expenses like meals, gas, admission, and hotel rates.
-We recommend staying longer at each affordable road trip destination rather than jumping from place to place to ensure you get the best lodging fees.
-Travel during the shoulder seasons. Even if you’re restricted on the times when you can travel, you can visit a summer hotspot during winter or find a long weekend to enjoy a quick getaway to a more expensive location.-You should consider destinations closer to home to reduce fuel expenditures and maximize your vacation time.
If you’ve ever been to any of these locations, be sure to share your thoughts with our readers in the comments section below. And if not, which of these affordable road trips will you go on first?
For more fantastic ideas on where to go for your next adventure, Must See Places highly recommends you also read: 11 Fun 1960s Travel Destinations That’ll Take You Back in Time
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This information is interesting if you live on the East Coast! The only place close to the PNW is Old Sacramento and we used to live about 40 minutes from there. Granted it is a great place to visit along with the Capital building. But a bit of a drive from here to there. Thank you for the information = maybe next time you can include some places closer to the PNW - there are lots of nice areas in Idaho!!