5 Magnificent and Low-Cost Summer Destinations in the US

Have you started planning your low-cost summer destination yet?

There’s nothing quite like a summer vacation. But the warm season can also be one of the most expensive times to take a trip. Depending on where you want to go, hotels are at a premium, and don’t even get us started on airfares.

Luckily for us, though, our country is home to a wide range of low-cost summer destination options that offer ample activities and incredible views.

So whether you’re seeking an adventurous national park adventure, a beach getaway, or a charming small-town experience, you’ll discover plenty of budget-friendly vacation options on our list.

From city escapes to mountain hideaways, these are spots that offer all the joys of the season without leaving you broke.

Click “Next” to see our top 5 picks for low-cost summer destination favorites!

Williamsburg, Virginia

Average hotel price per night: $59
The average cost of meals per day: $204
Local transport (2 one-way tickets): $14

If you’re a history lover, this is the perfect low-cost summer destination for you and your family. Visitors will feel transported back in time to colonial America in the restored historic area of this city.

With people dressed in the attire of the 18th century, horses and buggies stomping by, and historical reenactments happening all year round, visitors can get a taste of what life was like when the colonists established an independent nation.

And since you’re already in the area, you should also check out nearby Yorktown, where you can visit the American Revolution Museum, which includes galleries of artifacts and interactive exhibits. Are you bringing the kids and grandkids n this trip?

Then the family will love Busch Gardens theme park, which offers various rides, from roller coasters and water slides, along with a plethora of delicious food and live music.

San Antonio, Texas

Average hotel price per night: $55
The average cost of meals per day: $192
Local transport (2 one-way tickets): $6

This city is home to the Alamo, the famously historic battleground and a popular interest for visitors from all over the world.

But beyond San Antonio’s historic significance, this low-cost summer destination also offers a gorgeous river walk, a wide variety of food and drink possibilities, and lots to see and do. Everything’s accessible on a bike share bicycle, too.

San Antonio boasts affordable yet delicious Tex-Mex and a great selection of free attractions, including access to the National Historical Park and the Alamo. There are even many things to see if you just take a leisurely stroll along the river.

So this is the perfect low-cost summer destination for those who are looking to simply unwind. The city has a super strong public transportation system, meaning you can avoid all those expensive Uber trips.

Plus, you can find a great variety of budget-friendly accommodations, including Airbnb.

Bar Harbor, Maine

Average hotel price per night: $77
The average cost of meals per day: $166
Local transport (2 one-way tickets): $35

Very well known as the gateway to Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor has a centuries-long reputation as a picturesque place that combines all the state’s best qualities.

Its placement along Frenchman Bay means that travelers are spoiled with soothing water views all around them, as well as ragged coastlines that look straight out of a painting.

Also, it’s the perfect jumping-off point for some of the best whale-watching tours in this low-cost summer destination. Plus, this adorable town has a unique charm about it that makes you feel as though you’ve walked right into the pages of a storybook.

But don’t worry… the abundance of all that delicious local lobster will snap you right back to reality in the best way possible!

All in all, this is the kind of low-cost summer destination you visit to reset and get back to the basics. So if you enjoy taking a long stroll by the water and trying out tasty local grub, Bar Harbor is perfect for that.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Average hotel price per night: $49
The average cost of meals per day: $196
Local transport (2 one-way tickets): $8

New Mexico’s largest city is chock full of fascinating history, culture, and kid-friendly sites, making it a fantastic low-cost summer destination for those traveling with their families.

Its historic neighborhood, which dates back to 1709, boasts adobe structures in Pueblo-Spanish style and a wide variety of boutiques, restaurants, art galleries, and museums. If you’ve got the kiddos with you, be sure to take them to Explora.

It’s a science center for kids of all ages, and it offers 20,000ft of over 250 interactive exhibits. Another great option is the Albuquerque Biological Park, which has a zoo, an aquarium, a botanic garden, and a beach.

And to top off your trip, how about an eagle-eye view of the city? Hot-air balloon rides are available all year round in this low-cost summer destination, weather permitting, of course.

St. Augustine, Florida

Average hotel price per night: $70
The average cost of meals per day: $148
Local transport (2 one-way tickets): $8

St. Augustine, the oldest city in our country, was established in 1565. And nowadays, this low-cost summer destination offers a variety of activities for the entire family that brings the area’s history to life.

At the Pirate & Treasure Museum, you can learn about the history of colonial America and pirates through fascinating interactive and educational exhibits.

And at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, which has a real archaeological dig on site, travelers can learn all about the city’s roots. You can even feed the peacocks that roam freely on the property.

But don’t worry: you won’t always be on the move. The city also boasts 42 miles of stunning beaches fronting the Atlantic Ocean for plenty of swimming and lounging around, so don’t forget to pack your swimsuit!

Be sure to leave us a comment below to let us know which of these low-cost summer destinations was your favorite!

And if you’re looking for some more fantastic options for your next vacation, we also recommend you check out: 5 Best Summer Camps for Adults in the US