10 Cheap Places to Travel in the U.S.

Traveling around the U.S. on a budget is totally doable, and it can be a lot of fun. There are plenty of affordable places to visit, and finding them is easier than you might think.

In this guide, we’ve put together a list of great, low-cost places to visit that aren’t always on the typical tourist radar. You’ll also find tips on the best times to go to avoid crowds and save money, plus insider advice to help stretch your budget even further.

 

Budget-Friendly U.S. Travel Spots + Expert Tips to Save Even More

The trick to budget travel is finding those special places that give you great experiences without costing a lot. Below are ten places that show you can have an amazing trip without spending too much. Remember that some of the best adventures happen in the places most people overlook!

 

Asheville, North Carolina

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville offers breathtaking natural beauty and a uniquely creative vibe. A must-do is driving a portion of the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, stopping at overlooks like the Mount Mitchell lookout (the highest peak east of the Mississippi) for stunning photos, especially during the fall foliage season. The city itself buzzes with a vibrant arts scene; explore the River Arts District, where former industrial buildings now house hundreds of artist studios (like the Wedge Studios or Curve Studios), you can often wander through. Numerous hiking trails surround the area, catering to all skill levels, from the accessible walk to Catawba Falls to challenging climbs in Pisgah National Forest.

For maximum savings, plan your visit midweek during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall). You’ll find better deals on lodging and fewer crowds on the trails. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, while fall offers that famous fiery foliage. Asheville is also known for its craft breweries, many offering affordable tasting flights, making it one of the cheapest places to travel in the U.S.

Photo by Parker Ward on Unsplash

 

San Antonio, Texas

History and culture blend beautifully in San Antonio. No visit is complete without exploring The Alamo, a symbol of Texan independence. Afterwards, stroll or take a budget-friendly river barge cruise along the picturesque River Walk, lined with restaurants and shops, it’s lovely day or night. Beyond the Alamo, explore other historic sites part of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park (a UNESCO World Heritage site), like the beautifully restored Mission San José, often called the “Queen of the Missions.”

Indulge in delicious and affordable Tex-Mex cuisine, try puffy tacos or breakfast tacos from local favorites. To get acquainted with the city’s past without spending a dime, join one of the free walking tours available for the historic district. For a taste of modern San Antonio, check out the Pearl District, a trendy area with unique shops and eateries, often hosting free weekend markets. The best weather for exploring is typically during the spring (March–May) and fall (September–November).

 

Portland, Oregon

Portland is a haven for quirky culture, green spaces, and amazing food, making it one of the more interesting cheap places to travel in the US, especially on the West Coast. Get lost in the expansive Forest Park, one of the largest urban forests in the country, offering miles of trails like the Wildwood Trail right within the city limits. Portland’s food truck culture is legendary, Explore pods like the Hawthorne Asylum or Cartopia for diverse and affordable eats from around the world.

Don’t skip the International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park, especially when the thousands of roses are in full bloom (usually June). For book lovers, spending hours browsing Powell’s City of Books (the world’s largest independent bookstore) is a must-do free activity. An excellent insider tip is that many museums, like the Portland Art Museum, offer free admission on select days or evenings each month. The ideal time to visit is from late spring through early fall.

Photo by Brandon DesJarlais on Unsplash

 

Savannah, Georgia

Step into a fairytale in Savannah, with its streets draped in Spanish moss, stunning historic architecture, and 22 charming squares perfect for relaxing. Simply wandering through the Historic District, maybe down Jones Street (often called one of America’s most beautiful streets), is an activity in itself. Relax or have a picnic in the beautiful Forsyth Park, famous for its large fountain. While tours of historic homes like the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quartershave a fee, admiring the architecture from the outside is free. Savannah is also a foodie destination known for Southern cuisine, seek out affordable spots for shrimp and grits or fried green tomatoes.

Explore the shops and eateries along River Street, watching the large container ships glide by. Getting around the downtown area is easy and free thanks to the DOT shuttle system. For a uniquely atmospheric (and free) walk, consider wandering through Bonaventure Cemetery, featured in “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” The best times to visit are typically March through May and September through November.

 

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Experience the unique culture and landscapes of the Southwest in Albuquerque. The city is world-famous for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta held every October, book lodging far in advance if you plan to attend this spectacular event. Year-round, explore the historic Old Town Plaza with its adobe buildings, artisan shops (look for authentic turquoise jewelry), and New Mexican restaurants serving dishes like green chile stew.

For ancient history, visit Petroglyph National Monument just outside the city to see thousands of designs carved into volcanic rocks. For incredible views, take a ride up the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway; bundle tram tickets with museum passes (like the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science) for potential discounts. The surrounding area offers fantastic desert hiking trails in the Sandia Mountains. Besides the fall for the Balloon Fiesta, spring offers pleasant temperatures. So if you’re looking for some of the best cheap places to travel in the U.S., Albuquerque definitely shouldn’t be missing from your list.

Photo by Ethan Wright-Magoon on Unsplash

 

Nashville, Tennessee

Music City lives up to its name, offering endless entertainment. The heart of the action is Lower Broadway, where iconic honky-tonks like Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge and The Stage blast live music from morning till late night. Many offer free live shows all day, just be sure to tip the talented bands! Explore Music Row (look for Owen Bradley Park’s statue) to see the historic studios that built Nashville’s sound. While tickets for the Grand Ole Opry show or a Ryman Auditorium tour can be pricey, soaking in the atmosphere outside these legendary venues is free.

Beyond music, Nashville boasts a growing foodie scene; don’t leave without trying Nashville hot chicken from famous spots like Prince’s or Hattie B’s (expect a line!). For the best weather and lively vibe, plan your trip between April and June or in September and October. Look for free concerts and events, often held in Centennial Park.

 

St. Augustine, Florida

Discover America’s oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in St. Augustine. The imposing Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century Spanish stone fortress, dominates the waterfront and is a must-visit (consider the modest entry fee worthwhile). Wander through the narrow, pedestrian-only St. George Street in the historic downtown, filled with unique shops, galleries, ice cream parlors, and eateries. Beautiful beaches like St. Augustine Beach or those in Anastasia State Park (which also offers camping and nature trails) are just a short drive away.

Some attractions like the Lightner Museum have fees, but simply admiring the historic Flagler College architecture is free. To save money and avoid the biggest crowds, try booking tours and activities on weekdays. The most pleasant times to visit this cheap place to travel in the U.S. in terms of weather are spring (March-May) and fall (September-November).

Photo by Maddie DiFilippo on Unsplash

 

Kansas City, Missouri

Often overlooked, Kansas City offers surprising culture, history, and fantastic food without a high price tag. Dive into the city’s rich jazz heritage in the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District, home to the American Jazz Museum and Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (check for combo tickets). Kansas City is famous for its unique barbecue, Seek out legendary spots like Joe’s Kansas City Gas Station (yes, it’s in a gas station!) or Arthur Bryant’s for an authentic, relatively affordable taste.

A major perk is the number of free world-class museums, including the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (general admission is free) and the Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank. Getting around downtown, including the River Market, the vibrant Crossroads Arts District (especially lively during First Fridays gallery walks), and Union Station, is free and easy via the KC Streetcar. Aim for a visit between April and June or September and October.

 

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston charms visitors with its pastel-colored historic homes along Rainbow Row, cobblestone streets like Chalmers Street, and waterfront vistas. Spend time exploring the beautiful homes South of Broad Street, strolling along the Battery promenade with views of Fort Sumter (consider a boat tour to the fort for history buffs, though it has a cost), or relaxing in Waterfront Park by the iconic Pineapple Fountain. Browse the stalls at the historic Charleston City Market, focusing on the open-air sheds for local crafts like sweetgrass baskets.

Like Savannah, Charleston is a foodie hotspot for Lowcountry cuisine. Look for lunch specials or casual spots for she-crab soup or shrimp and grits. An insider tip for saving on accommodation is to visit early in the week. Spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather for wandering this picturesque city, considered one of the prettiest, yet still potentially cheap places to travel in the us if you plan wisely.

Photo by Srini Somanchi on Unsplash

 

Tucson, Arizona

Lastly, on this list of cheap places to travel in the U.S., immerse yourself in the stunning Sonoran Desert landscape in Tucson. The city is flanked by Saguaro National Park (split into East and West districts), home to the iconic giant saguaro cacti. Explore the park via scenic drives like the Bajada Loop Drive (West) or Cactus Forest Drive (East) and hike trails like the easy Valley View Overlook Trail for classic sunset views.

Visiting the beautiful Mission San Xavier del Bac, a historic Spanish mission known as the “White Dove of the Desert,” is a must-do free activity just south of the city. Tucson also has a thriving local art scene and delicious, authentic Sonoran-style Mexican food (try a Sonoran hot dog!). Thanks to the clear desert skies, check for free stargazing events hosted by the University of Arizona or local clubs. The best times to visit are February through April and October through November, avoiding the intense summer heat while enjoying perfect weather for hiking and exploring outdoor attractions.

 

Bonus Tips: How to Travel Cheap Without Sacrificing Fun

Knowing where to go is half the battle; knowing how to travel smart saves you even more. Here are some extra tips:

Don’t assume hotels are your only option. Use apps like HotelTonight or Hopper to find last-minute deals on motels, guesthouses, or even discounted hotel rooms. Also, consider camping in state or national parks for a very low-cost option, especially near outdoor destinations like Glacier National Park or Grand Teton National Park.

Food can be a major expense, but it doesn’t have to be. Make food trucks your friend! Cities like Portland and Austin are famous for them, offering amazing, affordable meals. Explore ethnic eateries often found just outside tourist centers for authentic, budget-friendly food. If possible, stay somewhere with a kitchen (like an Airbnb, hostel, or extended-stay motel). Shopping at local farmers’ markets or grocery stores and cooking some of your own meals can save a significant amount of money.

Transportation can get expensive fast, especially in big cities. To save money, try using public transit—it’s often cheap, and many places offer day or week passes. Bike share programs are also a fun and affordable way to get around.

Walking tours (some are free and tip-based) are a great way to learn about the city and get some exercise. If you’re planning to visit several attractions, check out tourist passes like CityPASS to save you money. Just make sure to do the math to see if the pass is worth it for your plans.

Free & Low-Cost Activities

Entertainment doesn’t need to cost a fortune. Start by checking the city’s official tourism website for free events, like outdoor concerts, festivals, or farmers’ markets. Some of the most memorable experiences are completely free or super affordable. And don’t forget about nature! Beautiful views, parks, and hiking trails can offer some of the best (and free) entertainment out there.

 

Your Next Affordable U.S. Adventure Awaits

You don’t need a lot of money to travel around the U.S, as you’ve seen in this post. There are plenty of great places to visit that won’t cost much, like Asheville’s mountains, St. Augustine’s old streets, Kansas City’s fun city vibe, and Tucson’s desert views. Check out our travel guides for money-saving tips, places to go, and what to pack.

Once you’re on the road, staying connected is just as important for getting around, finding good deals, and staying in touch. Yoho Mobile eSIM gives you low-cost data across the U.S. with no need for a SIM card or big roaming charges.

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