Cheap Places to Visit in America: 20 Best Destinations

Travel costs keep going up, but your dream vacation doesn’t have to break the bank. Finding cheap places to visit in america is easier than you think. From stunning coastlines to majestic mountains, our country offers amazing destinations that won’t empty your wallet.

America has hidden gems in every corner. You can explore beautiful beaches, hike through forests, visit historic towns, and enjoy local culture without spending a fortune. These 20 budget-friendly destinations prove that great adventures don’t need big budgets.

We’ll share money-saving tips and reveal affordable spots across the nation. Get ready to discover your next budget adventure right here at home with specific cost breakdowns and insider secrets.

Why Choose Budget Travel in America

Traveling within America saves you serious money compared to international trips. International vacations average $3,000-5,000 per person, while domestic trips cost $1,200-2,000 including flights, hotels, and activities.

You won’t need expensive flights to far-off countries or worry about currency exchange rates eating into your budget. Domestic flights average $300 compared to $800-1,500 for international travel.

When you visit cheap places to visit in america, you support local businesses and communities. Your tourist dollars help small towns thrive and create jobs for hardworking Americans. Plus, no passport hassles, visa fees, or language barriers.

How We Selected These Cheap Places to Visit in America

We analyzed over 100 destinations using real travel data and costs. Our criteria included accommodation under $80/night, meals under $40/day per person, and abundant free activities.

Each destination must offer couples a complete experience for under $100 daily total. We verified prices through booking sites, local visitor bureaus, and recent traveler reviews.

We prioritized destinations with year-round appeal and seasonal savings opportunities. These cheap places to visit in america offer 40-60% savings compared to popular tourist hotspots.

West Coast Budget Destinations

Pacific Northwest Gems

1. Bellingham, Washington

Daily Budget for Couples: $85

• Hotels: $65-75/night at Fairfield Inn or Hampton Inn
• Meals: $35/day (try Boundary Bay Brewery, Avenue Bread)
• Activities: FREE Whatcom Falls Park, Larrabee State Park hiking
• Gas: $45 from Seattle (90 miles)

2. Lincoln City, Oregon

Daily Budget for Couples: $78

• Hotels: $58-68/night at Shilo Inn or Comfort Inn
• Meals: $32/day (Mo’s Restaurant for clam chowder $8)
• Activities: FREE beach access, tide pooling, Connie Hansen Garden
• Bonus: Free kite flying, glass float hunting on beach

California’s Hidden Affordable Spots

3. Eureka, California

Daily Budget for Couples: $89

• Hotels: $69-79/night at Red Lion Inn or Baymont
• Meals: $38/day (Lost Coast Brewery $12 meals)
• Activities: FREE Victorian architecture tours, Humboldt Bay walks
• Must-see: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park ($10 parking)

4. Modesto, California

Daily Budget for Couples: $82

• Hotels: $62-72/night at Holiday Inn Express
• Meals: $34/day (local Mexican food $7-10 per meal)
• Activities: FREE McHenry Mansion tours, Dry Creek Trail
• Gateway to: Yosemite National Park (2 hours away)

Mountain Region Bargains

Colorado’s Budget-Friendly Towns

5. Salida, Colorado

Daily Budget for Couples: $92

• Hotels: $75-85/night at Hampton Inn or Comfort Inn
• Meals: $40/day (Moonlight Pizza $15, local cafes $8-12)
• Activities: FREE Arkansas River walks, hot springs soaking
• Adventure: White water rafting half-day $65/person

6. Glenwood Springs, Colorado (Off-Season)

Daily Budget for Couples: $95

• Hotels: $78-88/night at Hotel Colorado or Caravan Inn
• Meals: $42/day (local diners $10-15 per meal)
• Activities: FREE Glenwood Canyon trail, Iron Mountain Hot Springs $25
• Tip: Visit October-April for 50% hotel savings

Utah’s Natural Wonders on a Dime

7. Moab Area (Camping Focus)

Daily Budget for Couples: $68

• Camping: $25-35/night BLM or state park sites
• Meals: $28/day (grocery shopping, camp cooking)
• Activities: FREE Corona Arch hike, scenic drives
• Upgrade: Arches National Park day pass $30

8. Cedar City, Utah

Daily Budget for Couples: $84

• Hotels: $67-77/night at Country Inn & Suites
• Meals: $36/day (local cafes and Pepperbelly’s $12-16)
• Activities: FREE Cedar Breaks scenic drive, hiking trails
• Bonus: Shakespeare Festival tickets $25-45

Midwest Hidden Treasures

Great Lakes Getaways

9. Marquette, Michigan

Daily Budget for Couples: $86

• Hotels: $69-79/night at Hampton Inn or Fairfield
• Meals: $38/day (Donckers for chocolate $8, local cafes $12)
• Activities: FREE Presque Isle Park, Lake Superior beaches
• Adventure: Superior Dome climbing FREE

10. Wisconsin Dells (Natural Areas)

Daily Budget for Couples: $81

• Hotels: $64-74/night at Country Inn or Comfort Suites
• Meals: $35/day (local restaurants $10-15 per meal)
• Activities: FREE state park hiking, natural rock formations
• Avoid: Expensive water parks (stick to natural swimming holes)

Small Town Charm

11. Decorah, Iowa

Daily Budget for Couples: $79

• Hotels: $62-72/night at Hotel Winneshiek
• Meals: $33/day (T-Bock’s Sports Bar $11, local cafes $8)
• Activities: FREE Vesterheim Museum, trout fishing
• Hidden gem: Dunning’s Spring waterfall hike

12. Hermann, Missouri

Daily Budget for Couples: $87

• Hotels: $70-80/night at Hermann Hill Vineyard B&B
• Meals: $39/day (German restaurants $14-18 per meal)
• Activities: FREE winery tours and tastings (most offer complimentary)
• Best time: October for Oktoberfest celebration

Southern Comfort on a Budget

Appalachian Adventures

13. Boone, North Carolina

Daily Budget for Couples: $88

• Hotels: $71-81/night at Hampton Inn or Country Inn
• Meals: $40/day (local BBQ $12, mountain cafes $10)
• Activities: FREE Blue Ridge Parkway drives, hiking trails
• Must-do: Grandfather Mountain $20, but state park trails FREE

14. Gatlinburg, Tennessee (Off-Peak)

Daily Budget for Couples: $93

• Hotels: $76-86/night at Margaritaville Resort (off-season)
• Meals: $43/day (Smoky Mountain Brewery $15, pancake houses $9)
• Activities: FREE Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Tip: Visit January-March for hotel deals, perfect hiking weather

Gulf Coast Affordability

15. Gulf Shores, Alabama

Daily Budget for Couples: $91

• Hotels: $74-84/night at Hampton Inn beachfront
• Meals: $41/day (The Hangout $18, local seafood $14)
• Activities: FREE white sand beaches, Gulf State Park
• Bonus: Free beach chair rentals with hotel stay

16. Biloxi, Mississippi

Daily Budget for Couples: $83

• Hotels: $66-76/night at IP Casino Resort
• Meals: $37/day (casino buffets $16, local cafes $12)
• Activities: FREE lighthouse tours, beaches, Hard Rock Casino
• Gaming: $25 slot play bonus with hotel package

East Coast Value Destinations

New England’s Affordable Side

17. Brattleboro, Vermont

Daily Budget for Couples: $89

• Hotels: $72-82/night at Hampton Inn or Hilton Garden
• Meals: $40/day (local farm-to-table $16, cafes $11)
• Activities: FREE covered bridge tours, hiking trails
• Fall special: Leaf peeping drives completely FREE

18. Rangeley, Maine

Daily Budget for Couples: $85

• Hotels: $68-78/night at Country Club Inn
• Meals: $38/day (local diners $13, lobster rolls $16)
• Activities: FREE lake swimming, hiking, fishing (license $11)
• Hidden gem: Smalls Falls waterfall swimming holes

Mid-Atlantic Budget Finds

19. Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania

Daily Budget for Couples: $87

• Hotels: $70-80/night at Hampton Inn or Inn at Jim Thorpe
• Meals: $39/day (Molly Maguires Pub $15, local cafes $12)
• Activities: FREE historic walking tours, hiking trails
• Adventure: Lehigh Gorge bike rental $35/day per person

20. New River Gorge, West Virginia

Daily Budget for Couples: $76

• Camping: $28-38/night state park camping
• Meals: $31/day (camp cooking and local diners $9-12)
• Activities: FREE hiking, swimming holes, scenic overlooks
• Thrill: Bridge Walk $75/person (worth every penny!)

Money-Saving Tips for Cheap Places to Visit in America

Accommodation Hacks That Save Big Money

Book Sunday-Thursday stays for 30-40% savings. Use hotel comparison sites like Kayak, then call hotels directly for price matching plus perks.

Consider vacation rentals for stays over 3 nights. VRBO and Airbnb often cost less with kitchen facilities for meal prep savings.

Transportation Strategies

Use GasBuddy app to find cheapest gas stations. Plan routes through budget-friendly states (avoid expensive California, New York gas).

Consider one-way car rentals to explore multiple cheap places to visit in america during single trips.

Food Budget Mastery

Pack coolers with snacks and drinks. Tourist area convenience stores charge 200-300% markup on basics.

Download restaurant apps for local deals. Many offer 20-30% first-time user discounts.

Free Activity Priorities

Research visitor bureau websites for free event calendars. Many towns offer free concerts, festivals, and guided tours.

Download state park apps for free trail maps and activity schedules.

Planning Your Budget American Adventure

Research Like a Pro

Use travel forum websites like TripAdvisor and Reddit for real traveler experiences and current pricing.

Contact local visitor bureaus directly for discount coupons and seasonal promotion codes.

Budget Creation Formula

Calculate these costs per day: accommodation (40%), food (35%), activities (15%), transportation (10%).

Add 20% buffer for unexpected opportunities or emergency expenses.

Booking Strategies for Maximum Savings

Book accommodations 2-3 months ahead for best rates, but check cancellation policies for flexibility.

Use credit cards with travel rewards for bookings. Many offer 2-5% cashback on travel purchases.

Seasonal Considerations for Budget Travel

Spring Shoulder Season (April-May)

These cheap places to visit in america offer 25-45% savings compared to summer peak rates.

Weather perfect for hiking and outdoor activities without summer crowds.

Summer Budget Maximizing (June-August)

Book camping reservations 5 months ahead (January for summer spots).

Consider Sunday-Thursday travel for weekend premium avoidance.

Fall Value Season (September-October)

Best weather-to-price ratio of entire year at most destinations.

Fall foliage areas offer stunning scenery without premium winter resort pricing.

Winter Warm Weather Escapes (November-March)

Southern destinations offer 40-60% hotel savings during northern winter months.

Perfect time for Gulf Coast and desert Southwest travel.

Conclusion

America offers incredible travel experiences that won’t drain your savings account. These 20 cheap places to visit in america prove that memorable adventures happen when you explore with an open mind and smart budget strategies.

From Pacific coastlines to Appalachian mountains, budget-friendly destinations await in every region. You don’t need expensive resorts or fancy restaurants to create lasting memories with family and friends.

Start planning your next budget adventure today. Choose 2-3 destinations from our list that match your interests and timeframe. Use our specific cost breakdowns and money-saving tips to create an unforgettable American adventure for under $100 per day.

Your wallet and your wanderlust will both thank you for choosing these amazing cheap places to visit in america. The memories you’ll create are priceless, but getting there doesn’t have to be expensive.