If you’ve been looking for inexpensive weekend getaways in the USA, stick with us as we run through our absolute favorites!
When money’s tight, it’s always a good idea to look for cheaper getaways for your vacations. Saving a bit of money can really take the pressure off.
Luckily for you, the USA is full of budget-friendly locations!
I’ve rounded up a killer list of the absolute best inexpensive weekend getaways in the USA, to give you a headstart finding your perfect affordable vacation.
From gorgeous beauty spots, to city-based getaways, our list includes something for everyone on my list of affordable weekend getaways in the US.
So, let’s get into it!
Here are the best inexpensive weekend getaways in the US…
Stowe
To kick off our list of the best inexpensive getaways in the USA, we have Stowe in Vermont!
This spot is well-known as a panacea for hikers which is entirely free (hooray!) and lets you catch the best of the fall foliage.
If you’d rather take things easy and relax and recharge, you can head to one of the many cute B&Bs for some TLC.
Whatever you decide to do here, you’re bound to agree it’s one of the best inexpensive weekend getaways in the USA!
Niagara Falls State Park
Our next pick for the best affordable weekend breaks in the US is Niagara Falls State Park!
Although you might think this is just a waterfall and nothing else, there are tons of free (and cheap!) things to do.
From riding the iconic Maid of the Mist through the waterfall to tons of gorgeous hikes, you’ll have plenty to explore.
Plus, visiting off-season lets you benefit from off-peak hotel rates which are typically super-affordable.
Read more about Niagara Falls: 55 fun things to do in Niagara Falls
San Luis Obispo
If you’re on the hunt for inexpensive weekend getaways in the USA, you can’t beat San Luis Obispo.
This California spot is lesser-known compared to other areas on this list, but it’s a worthy hidden gem.
It’s just shy of 200 miles northwest of LA and offers everything from nature hikes to ziplining and surfing.
Oh, and did we mention that the Concerts in the Plaza event runs each year that offers FREE musical performances?
Read more weekend getaway ideas: 18 romantic getaways in New Jersey
San Antonio
San Antonio, Texas is absolutely one of the best inexpensive weekend getaways in the USA.
Not only is it awesome for culture buffs (you can explore the Alamo!), but you can visit several spots for free.
That includes Missions National Historical Park and the gorgeous River Walk (which also houses restaurants and bars!).
If you have a bit of cash to spare, you can visit Six Flags to blow off some steam!
Read more about San Antonio: 28 fun things to do for couples in San Antonio
Gatlinburg
Next on our list of the best cheap weekend breaks, it’s Gatlinburg, Texas!
There are several free things to do here, including walking along Little Pigeon River and heading along the Gatlinburg Parkway.
If you’re heading down by car, you can also tackle the beautiful 6-mile Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
Without paying a penny!
To make things even sweeter, accommodation here tends to be incredibly affordable.
So, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the most inexpensive weekend getaways in the USA!
Read more abut Gatlinburg: Top 15 things to do in Gatlinburg for any budget
Finger Lakes
If you’re planning to visit New York on a budget, why not head to the Finger Lakes?
It’s the perfect way to escape New York City’s hustle and bustle, and you can easily go to wine tastings for small fees.
Oh, and did we mention that walking around the lakes themselves won’t set you back cash-wise?
That means you can enjoy a picnic and appreciate nature on one of the best inexpensive weekend getaways in the USA!
You can read our ultimate guide to the Finger Lakes by clicking here!
St. Augustine
St. Augustine in Florida is next on our list of inexpensive getaways in the USA, and it’s a good one.
Not only is this one of Florida’s oldest settlements, but you can head to Fort Matanaz (a historic site!) for just $2.
If you’re saving money, you can also visit the Historic District and Colonial Quarter (which are entirely free, BTW!).
Another thing that makes this one of the best affordable locations on this list, is the sheer number of beaches.
42 miles of them, to be exact – and none of them will set you back much cash if you bring a picnic!
Read more weekend getaway ideas: 20 romantic getaways in Colorado!
Kansas City
If you’re looking for next-level inexpensive weekend getaways in the USA, you’ll want to check out Kansas City.
This Missouri gem is known for its incredible jazz, but it also boasts tons of free attractions.
From the Crossroads Art District (accessible by free streetcar!) to the River Market and City Market – you can’t go wrong!
If you’re visiting during the right time of year, you’ll even come across free summer movies and live music.
Read more travel inspiration: 15 most walkable cities in the USA
Austin
Austin is another stellar option if you’re on the lookout for cheap weekend getaways in the USA.
Lady Bird Lake is just beautiful, and you can access Zilker Metropolitan Park for next to nothing (it’s home to some great attractions!).
If you want to keep your attraction list cheap, why not head to the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail?
It’ll take you along Lady Bird Lake and is a great way to boost your cardio without spending a dime!
Portland, Oregon
Portland is one of our all-time favorite inexpensive weekend getaways in the USA as there’s tons of free stuff here.
From walks along the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area to the enormous Washington Park, there’s no shortage of natural beauty!
If you’re on the hunt for free attractions, why not head to the Hoyt Arboretum or the International Rose Test Garden?
And if you’re traveling with kiddos? The Portland Children’s Museum is affordable and makes this one of the top affordable options for city breaks!
Seriously, just check out the free playground and you’ll get what we’re talking about.
Atlanta
Next on our list of the best inexpensive getaways in the USA, we have Atlanta, Georgia!
Atlanta is one of Georgia’s finest cities and is home to a whole host of free (and nominal fee!) activities and attractions.
We recommend heading to Central Park for free summertime movies or exploring the Fernbank Science Center.
Read more travel ideas: 15 best places to travel in your 20s, in the USA
Las Vegas
Okay, so you may not believe that Las Vegas could be one of the most inexpensive weekend getaways in the USA.
But we’re here to prove that it’s perfectly possible to do Vegas on a budget!
Although we don’t recommend gambling (if you’re keeping your budgeton the cheaper side), you can catch landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Venetian Canals, and the Volcano 100% free!
Plus, nothing is stopping you from heading into the various lavish hotels to explore without even staying there. Walking around doesn’t cost a thing!
Also, there are plenty of affordable mid-level hotels in Vegas, which makes it one of the best cheap getaways in the USA. Hotels like the New York New York, and MGM Grand can be booked for as little as $100 a night on weekdays.
If you’d like to take a break from the hustle and bustle, why not check out Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area? It’s just a short drive away!
Read all my Las Vegas tips by clicking here!
Tupelo
If you’ve been on the hunt for lesser-known inexpensive weekend getaways in the USA, try Tupelo!
It’s best known for being the birthplace of Elvis, but there are also several attractions here that are worth seeing.
We suggest starting at the beautiful Ballard Park and trying your hand at fishing and hiking.
Then, you can explore the Elvis Presley Center (which is packed with memorabilia!) and the Tupelo Automobile Museum!
If you still have some gas in the tank, the Tupelo National Battlefield is an interesting spot for exploring the area’s Civil War history.
Read more about weekend getaways: 18 romantic getaways in Kentucky
Gulf Shores
Next up on our rundown of the best inexpensive weekend getaways in the USA – it’s the Gulf Shores.
Now, this is THE place to go for white sandy beaches (there are 30 miles of them here!) if you don’t want to shell out for Cali.
Plus, it’s super pleasant around here during the springtime if you’re looking to benefit from off-peak hotel prices.
Talk about awesome and affordable weekend getaways in the USA that’ll turn you into a total beach bum.
El Paso
You might be noticing a bit of a trend here.
And it’s that Texas is home to several of the best inexpensive weekend getaways in the USA!
El Paso is another underrated gem for a cheap weekend away as it’s home to Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
It’s home to tons of great hikes, but the town center also offers streetcar rides and a next-level brewery (DeadBeach!).
If you have room in your budget, it’s worth exploring the Fort Bliss Museum and the El Paso Museum of Art.
Read more travel ideas: 14 cheapest places to travel in December, in the USA
Washington, DC
You might be surprised, but the iconic Washington, DC is one of the cheapest weekend getaways in the USA!
Not only can you see both the Washington Monument and the Reflecting Pool free, but there’s so much more.
The city offers several free museums to the public that are operated by the Smithsonian Institution.
These included the National Gallery of Art and the National Museum of American History (among others!).
When you throw in the beautiful cherry blossoms in March and April?
Well, it’s easy to see why this is one of the best budget-friendly weekends away! Just be sure to visit during off-season months so that you can grab cheaper hotel fares too.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is another great option if you’re looking for inexpensive weekend getaways in the USA!
Although you’ll need to shell out for a camping spot, it’s typically way cheaper than booking a nearby lodge.
Plus, you can head on hikes around the Sierra Nevada Mountains and spot amazing waterfalls for free!
But it’s an amazing pick if you appreciate fresh air, nature, and beautiful rock formations!
Asheville
If you’re heading to North Carolina, Asheville is one of the best inexpensive weekend getaways in the USA.
You can spend hours bopping around local coffee shops, but we recommend booking a cheap log cabin and enjoying Mother Nature.
There are several hikes available to explore in Pisgah National Forest.
But artistic types (and food lovers!) will want to stick to the central town and the River Arts District.
Read more about weekend escapes: 22 romantic getaways in Georgia
Hudson Valley
Another great pick for the best inexpensive weekend getaways in the USA is the Hudson Valley, New York!
It’s a dreamy spot to escape from the Big Apple for a start.
And you can drive around Minnewaska State Park for as little as $10 for the day while trekking along its awesome trails!
If you head into the main town, you’ll find cheap and cheerful eateries, hopping bars, and the gorgeous Kingston Waterfront.
Big Sur
To round off our list of inexpensive getaways in the USA, we have Big Sur.
Not only is this considered one of California’s most gorgeous gems, but it’s right on the Pacific Coast Highway!
Spend your time marveling at McWay Falls, head to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, or check out Bixby Creek Bridge.
They’re all affordable attractions – so, don’t stress!
To keep this super cheap and affordable, you could can actually camp along the Big Sur too, meaning your accommodation options stay pretty inexpensive.
