If you’re dreaming of a getaway but don’t want to empty your savings, my list of the 15 cheapest places to travel in the United States is for you.
Whether you’re a solo traveler, planning a girls’ trip, or escaping with your partner, these destinations will let you explore more and spend less.
These are the 15 cheapest places to travel to in the U.S.:
What Makes These the Best Cheap Travel Destinations in the United States?
These spots check all the budget travel boxes.
They’re easy on the wallet thanks to cheap flights, affordable accommodations, and plenty of free or low-cost things to do. Some offer amazing public transit, walkable city centers, or incredible natural beauty.
Whether you’re craving culture, food, beaches, or mountains, these budget travel spots bring big value with minimal spending.
New Orleans, Louisiana
This is my favorite city in the U.S., and I try to visit it at least twice a year!
So I’m forreal when I say that New Orleans delivers soul, spice, and a new outlook on life, without draining your bank account.
Flights here are affordable from major U.S. cities, and once you arrive, walking the French Quarter is free and amazing.
Book a cute budget hotel in the Marigny or Bywater neighborhoods for style and savings. Plan your visit during off-season months like August or early December for cheaper rates.
What to do on a budget:
- Walk the French Quarter and enjoy free live music on Frenchmen Street
- Ride the historic St. Charles streetcar for a few dollars (cash only)
- Visit the New Orleans Museum of Art for free on Wednesdays
- Explore City Park and the Besthoff Sculpture Garden
- Take my self-guided tour of the French Quarter, written for NOLA Tour Guy
Read More:
Guide to New Orleans French Quarter
5 New Orleans Cemeteries to Visit
13 Iconic Things To Do in NOLA’s Garden District
11 Haunted Places to Visit in New Orleans
Understanding the Streets of New Orleans
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque is an affordable Southwestern gem.
Flights and lodging are budget-friendly year-round. For a fun road trip, take the scenic drive to Santa Fe, but don’t stay overnight, as Santa Fe is gorgeous but pricey.
What to do on a budget:
- Walk through Abluquerque’s charming Old Town and browse local artisan shops (this is my fav thing to do in ABQ; I see something new every time!)
- Take a scenic hike in the Sandia Mountains
- Ride the Sandia Peak Tramway at sunset for $10 less between 4-8 PM.
- Visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and get free admission to the museum and courtyard on Sundays
- Catch a sunset at Petroglyph National Monument
Read More:
4 Day New Mexico Road Trip Itinerary
The Turquoise Trail between ABQ and Santa Fee
All about Canyon Road in Santa Fe
Top Souvenirs to Buy from New Mexico
The Grand Canyon, Arizona
Who would guess that one of the cheapest places to travel in the United States is also one of the country’s biggest bucket list items?
The Grand Canyon is breathtaking and surprisingly doable on a budget, and I know that because I’ve done it.
Fly into Phoenix or Las Vegas, rent a car, and drive yourself to the park. Invest in an America the Beautiful Pass to access not just the Grand Canyon but all U.S. national parks for a year. Stay in nearby towns like Williams or Flagstaff instead of pricey park lodges.
What to do on a budget:
- Hike the Rim Trail for panoramic canyon views
- Watch the sunrise or sunset from Hopi or Yaki Point
- Attend a free ranger-led talk or program
- Picnic at Desert View with views of the Watchtower
- Drive along Desert View Drive for scenic overlooks
Read More:
Full Guide to the Grand Canyon
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Colorado Springs = high-altitude + low prices.
It’s almost always cheaper to fly into than Denver, but if not, the two cities are only about 70 miles/1 hourish drive apart, traffic pending.
What to do on a budget:
- Explore Garden of the Gods park and check its iconic rocks off your bucket list.
- Hike Red Rock Canyon Open Space trails
- Browse shops and galleries in Manitou Springs
- Stroll through Old Colorado City’s historic district
- Drive up to Pike’s Peak (Note that there’s a small entrance fee per vehicle)
Miami, Florida
Miami may sound pricey, but it doesn’t have to be. This is one of the cheapest places to travel in the United States to check off major bucket list items, from the Everglades to epic beaches.
I would say Miami is a pick what you pay destination because, sure, you can spend big $$$ on luxury rooms and high-end shopping, but you can also save by staying at hostels and spending time looking at art and beaching.
I’ve stayed at several hostels in Miami over the years, but last year, I booked Bikini Hostel in South Beach and loved it—clean, safe, and only a short walk to the beach.
I was only there one night before I left on a cruise, but I’d definitely return!
What to do on a budget:
- Relax on South Beach, completely free and always vibrant
- Walk through Wynwood Walls and take photos of street art
- Visit the Pérez Art Museum on free Saturdays
- Catch a free outdoor concert or movie night at SoundScape Park
- Walk the beachfront boardwalk from South Pointe Park
Read More:
How to Visit Miami on a Budget
What to do for a Weekend in Miami
Weekend Cruise from Miami
You probably weren’t expecting a cruise to be on my list of cheapest places to visit in the United States.
If you’re already in Miami, a weekend cruise can be a shockingly cheap way to escape.
Look for last-minute sailings to Bimini or other Bahamian islands. I’ve seen three-day cruises for less than $200 with meals included. Just be sure to factor in your travel cost to Miami itself—if you’re flying from far away, the whole thing might get pricey.
But if you’re local or combining it with a longer Florida trip, consider a weekend cruise.
Tips for getting cheap cruises from Miami:
- Book last-minute deals by checking cruise websites regularly for sailings departing within 30 to 60 days
- Travel during off-peak times like late January, early May, or September when prices drop due to lower demand
- Look for short weekend cruises to places like Bimini or Nassau, which often include meals and entertainment at a low price
Read More:
Full Review: Bahamas Cruise from Miami
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is the ultimate walkable city packed with free fun and a historic, Europe-esque feel. Affordable flights and hostels make Philly a win. Visit in spring or fall for perfect weather and great deals.
What to do on a budget:
- See the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall with no entry fee!
- Check out Edgar Allan Poe’s Philidelphia house for free. Poe wrote The Tell-Tale Heart and The Black Cat here!
- Explore Fairmount Park’s gardens and trails
- Wander Old City and Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest residential street in America
- Tour the Philadelphia Mint (where they make money!) for free on a self-guided tour.
Read More:
Best Downtown Philly Hotels on a Budget
Pensacola, Florida
Pensacola gives you sugar-sand beaches without the Miami price. Located in the Florida Panhandle, it’s an easy drive from many Southern cities. About an hour away, Destin, Florida, has more of a party/ spring break vibe if that’s your thing.
What to do on a budget:
- Relax at one of Pensacola’s beautiful beaches
- Visit the National Naval Aviation Museum (no admission)
- Watch the Blue Angels practice over the beach from March through November
- Tour historic Fort Pickens inside Gulf Islands National Seashore for about $15 per person
- Browse local art galleries in downtown Pensacola
Read More:
Where to Eat in Downtown Pensacola
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
As a native Texan, I know that Oklahoma City is a low-key gem that’s finally getting the attention it deserves.
It’s one of the cheapest places to travel in the United States, thanks to affordable lodging, dining, and activities. There’s room to breathe here, and tourists don’t crowd every corner.
What to do on a budget:
- Visit the Oklahoma City Museum of Art for free on the second Sunday of each month
- Explore the Myriad Botanical Gardens and splash fountains for under $11 per person
- Walk or paddle along the Bricktown Canal
- Visit Scissortail Park for free concerts and events, plus great views of the skyline
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is warm, romantic, and totally budget friendly. You’ll find great flight deals, especially in shoulder seasons like April or October. Stay in a guesthouse just outside the historic district to save.
What to do on a budget:
- Walk the Battery and Rainbow Row for beautiful historic views
- Enjoy Waterfront Park and swing benches overlooking the harbor
- Ride the free DASH trolley to get around downtown
- Visit the Gibbes Museum of Art during free Wednesday hours
- Explore Charleston City Market and local artisan stalls
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is a busy, wild city that’s big on culture and low on cost.
With tons of cheap flight options and affordable hotels outside the downtown core, you can see the city on a budget. Visit in spring for blooming gardens or fall for festival season.
What to do on a budget:
- Visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site for free
- Walk or bike the Atlanta BeltLine and stop for art and food
- Tour the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center with free admission any day of the week
- Visit Piedmont Park for a picnic and skyline view
- Atlanta Monetary Museum explains the history of money in the U.S., free of charge
Denver, Colorado
Denver is a mountain lover’s dream and full of free outdoor fun. This is one of the cheapest places to travel in the United States for die hard nature lover (🙋♀️).
Yes, food can be pricey, but if you love hiking, biking, and fresh air, the rest is practically free. I’ve stayed at Ember Hostel over the years, and absolutely loved the cozy vibe and great location.
What to do on a budget:
- Walk around Red Rocks Amphitheatre and explore the park
- Visit the Denver Botanic Gardens on their monthly free day
- Walk the 16th Street Mall to see free street performances
- Explore Cherry Creek Trail by bike or on foot
- Walk around downtown and check out shops and murals
The Ozarks
The Ozarks are stunning, serene, and super affordable. From southern Missouri to northern Arkansas and even parts of eastern Oklahoma, you’ll find breathtaking landscapes and charming little towns.
What to do on a budget:
- Hike scenic trails like Whitaker Point in Arkansas
- Swim or kayak in Table Rock Lake, also Arkansas
- Drive scenic routes through the hills during fall
- Explore free local festivals in Branson or Eureka Springs
- (My fav thing to do in all the Ozarks) Visit the beautiful and criminally underrated Ha Ha Tonka State Park
Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville surprises visitors with its artsy, funky vibe and small-town charm. Flights here are often under $200, and accommodations are way cheaper than bigger cities!
What to do on a budget:
- Walk across the Big Four Bridge, which crosses the Ohio River, connecting Kentucky and Indiana
- Visit the Speed Art Museum on free Sundays
- Explore the NuLu neighborhood’s murals and markets
- Enjoy live music in local parks and bars with no cover
Waco, Texas
Waco is one of the cheapest places to travel in the United States for a casual, cozy escape.
Flights to Dallas are often inexpensive thanks to the massive DFW Airport, and Waco is an easy 2-3 hour drive from there (note: When staying anywhere in Texas, you’ll need a rental car).
What to do on a budget:
- Visit Cameron Park for hiking and river views
- Explore the Waco Suspension Bridge and Riverwalk
- Check out the Magnolia Market grounds and free garden area
- Visit Waco Mammoth National Monument with a park pass or $6 per person
Read My Full Guide to Waco, Texas
One Last Tip
You don’t have to spend big to travel big. These destinations are proof!
Have you visited any of these spots? Got your own favorite cheap travel destination? Share it in the comments below—we’d love to hear your tips and stories.
More Budget Tips:
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