I’ve spent the past eight years exploring nearly every corner of the United States, visiting 45 states and 30 national parks, often spending three to six months each year on the road. After hundreds of trips, I’ve learned that you don’t need to spend a fortune to see jaw-dropping scenery or have amazing adventures.
These are the once-in-a-lifetime U.S. destinations that consistently deliver the best views, outdoor experiences, and local culture without breaking the bank. From epic mountain trails to coastal gems, each one proves that world-class travel is possible right here at home. And for a lot less than you’d think!
#1 tip for finding cheap places to travel in the US
For the ultimate budget-friendly trip in the US, I recommend Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights). It’s free, easy to use, and will help you find cheap places to travel in the US.
I’ve been using Scott’s for years, and it’s one of the best services I’ve found for affordable airfare. To get started, simply pop in your preferred airport, and they will send you free email alerts filled with low-cost flights to over 90 destinations across the world.
If your goal is to travel a lot more often, they also have a premium version that will get you more deals. For just $49/year, you’ll be among the first to know about amazing flight deals. Dreaming of finally making it to the west coast? With Scott’s, you can find roundtrip flights to San Francisco for under $200! I recommend trying the free trial and then using my code JON25 to save 25% on any premium subscription.
Best Budget Destinations to Visit in the US
Looking for the coolest budget-friendly spots in the US? Explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, relax on the scenic shores of the Outer Banks, North Carolina, and marvel at the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Experience the vibrant culture and live music scene in Austin, Texas. Here are my absolute favorite destinations where I’ve saved lots of money over the years.
1. Great Smoky Mountains
- 📍 Location: Eastern Tennessee, straddling the border with North Carolina
- 🏆 Best For: Hikers 🥾, wildlife watchers 🦌, fall foliage enthusiasts 🍂
- 📸 Top Experiences: Driving Cades Cove Loop, hiking to Clingmans Dome, exploring historic buildings in Cataloochee Valley
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October for fall colors, April-May for wildflowers, June for synchronous fireflies ✨
- 🏨 Where to Stay: LeConte Lodge – The only lodging inside the park, accessible only by hiking trail
Escape the daily grind where nature still rules and cell service thankfully disappears in America’s most visited national park. I love the Smoky Mountains for its unspoiled nature and sheer accessibility, particularly from many East Coast cities. The misty peaks create that dreamy, smoky appearance, while over 800 miles of trails beckon exploration.
Cades Cove offers an 11-mile loop through a valley with preserved pioneer buildings and frequent black bear sightings. I’ve never felt more accomplished than after reaching the observation tower at Clingmans Dome, Tennessee’s highest point. History buffs shouldn’t miss the 19th-century buildings in Cataloochee Valley, where elk now roam freely among echoes of the past.
- Read Next: Best Cabins to Rent in Townsend, TN
2. Outer Banks
- 📍 Location: Barrier islands off North Carolina’s coast, approximately 3 hours from Norfolk, Virginia
- 🏆 Best For: Beach lovers 🏖️, history buffs 🏛️, lighthouse photographers 🔆
- 📸 Top Experiences: Climbing Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, exploring Jockey’s Ridge sand dunes, visiting Wright Brothers National Memorial
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Late spring and early fall for perfect weather and fewer crowds, summer for full beach season 🌊
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Cape Hatteras Motel – Oceanfront rooms within walking distance of the iconic lighthouse
Craving a beach getaway that’s equal parts adventure and relaxation? These narrow barrier islands offers pristine beaches, massive sand dunes, and maritime forests without the tourist traps. The Outer Banks have witnessed centuries of seafaring drama, from Blackbeard’s pirate adventures to countless shipwrecks.
At Jockey’s Ridge State Park, climb the tallest natural sand dunes in the eastern United States. I still remember my first sunset there, with colors that made my Instagram followers genuinely jealous. History took flight here when the Wright Brothers conducted their first successful airplane flights at Kill Devil Hills. Don’t miss climbing the 257 steps of the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse for panoramic coastal views that justify every step.
3. Yellowstone National Park
- 📍 Location: Northwestern Wyoming, extending slightly into Montana and Idaho
- 🏆 Best For: Geyser enthusiasts 💦, wildlife watchers 🦬, landscape photographers 📸
- 📸 Top Experiences: Watching Old Faithful erupt, exploring Grand Prismatic Spring, wildlife spotting in Lamar Valley
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June-September for full park access, May and October for fewer crowds and wildlife activity 🐺
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Old Faithful Inn – Historic log hotel within view of the famous geyser
Want natural wonders so surreal your friends will think your photos are filtered? This massive volcano’s caldera contains otherworldly geothermal features and abundant wildlife that remind you how small humans really are. Yellowstone contains about 60% of the world’s geysers, headlined by Old Faithful shooting water up to 185 feet high every 90 minutes.
The rainbow-colored Grand Prismatic Spring looks like something from another planet. I once spent an entire morning just watching its colors shift with the changing light. For wildlife watching, head to Lamar Valley at dawn or dusk to spot bison, wolves, and grizzlies. Give yourself at least 3-4 days to explore, as the park’s 2.2 million acres require significant driving time between highlights.
4. Austin
- 📍 Location: Central Texas, situated on the Colorado River
- 🏆 Best For: Live music lovers 🎸, foodies 🌮, outdoor enthusiasts 🛶
- 📸 Top Experiences: Catching a show on 6th Street, swimming at Barton Springs Pool, watching Congress Avenue Bridge bats
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March-May and September-November for ideal temperatures and major festivals 🎭
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel San José – Hip boutique hotel on South Congress Avenue in the heart of Austin’s coolest district
Burned out in big cities that all feel the same? Austin has that perfect mix of urban energy and laid-back vibe that makes weekend getaways actually refreshing. This self-proclaimed “Live Music Capital of the World” boasts over 250 music venues with historic spots like The Continental Club and Antone’s hosting nightly performances.
Beat the Texas heat at Barton Springs Pool, a three-acre natural limestone pool fed by underground springs. The first time I floated in its refreshing 68-degree waters after a spicy food truck lunch was pure bliss. At dusk, join crowds at Congress Avenue Bridge to witness 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerging against the sunset. Between adventures, sample Austin’s legendary food scene, from mouth watering brisket at Franklin Barbecue to innovative food trucks.
5. Savannah
- 📍 Location: Coastal Georgia, near the South Carolina border, about 4 hours southeast of Atlanta
- 🏆 Best For: History enthusiasts 🏛️, architecture admirers 🏠, culinary explorers 🍽️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Strolling Forsyth Park, exploring historic squares, ghost tours of haunted sites
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March-June for blooming azaleas and pleasant temperatures, October-November for fall colors and fewer tourists 🌸
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The Marshall House – Historic hotel in the heart of the downtown district with period furnishings
Need a weekend that feels like time travel but with craft cocktails? Savannah has Southern charm with 22 meticulously preserved town squares shaded by live oaks draped in Spanish moss. The historic district showcases stunning architecture from the Federal to Victorian periods alongside cobblestone streets. The food in Savannah is also unreal…it’s among the best I’ve had in any city across the US.
✈️ My #1 Tip for Cheap Flights:
If you’re not using Going, you’re probably overpaying for flights. I’ve scored roundtrips to Europe for under $300 - and I never would’ve found them on Google Flights.
Their free version is great, but Premium is where the real magic happens. I recommend doing the 14-day free trial. And right now, you can get 25% off Premium or Elite with my code: JON25.
Seriously, it’s the best travel decision I’ve ever made (in 8+ years).
Begin at Forsyth Park, home to the city’s most photographed fountain and 30 acres of greenspace. Wander through the historic squares, each with its own character and monuments. The cocktail scene here blew my mind, with rooftop bars offering sunset views and speakeasies hidden behind unassuming facades. As night begins in Savannah, join one of the city’s famous ghost tours for spine-tingling stories of unsolved murders and paranormal encounters in eerily beautiful settings.
- Read next: My Savannah Guide for Young Adults
6. Albuquerque
- 📍 Location: Central New Mexico, bisected by the Rio Grande River
- 🏆 Best For: Hot air balloon enthusiasts 🎈, culture seekers 🏺, Breaking Bad fans 🧪
- 📸 Top Experiences: Attending the International Balloon Fiesta, riding the Sandia Peak Tramway, exploring Old Town
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Early October for the Balloon Fiesta, April-May and September-October for ideal desert temperatures 🌵
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Chaco – Contemporary hotel inspired by ancestral Puebloan culture with rooftop dining
Looking for that perfect blend of outdoor adventure, cultural immersion, and epic Instagram backdrops? Albuquerque has its mix of Native American, Spanish, and Western influences against stunning mountain scenery. The city transforms during the annual International Balloon Fiesta when over 500 hot air balloons fill the sky.
For spectacular views, ride the Sandia Peak Tramway as it climbs nearly 3,000 feet. I still remember holding my breath as we floated above the rugged terrain, rewarded with 11,000 square miles of desert vistas. Wander the narrow streets of Old Town, the original Spanish settlement founded in 1706. Fans of Breaking Bad can take specialized tours of filming locations throughout the city, including the infamous car wash and Los Pollos Hermanos restaurant.
- Read also: My Restaurant Guide to Albuquerque
7. Lake Tahoe
- 📍 Location: Sierra Nevada Mountains, straddling the California-Nevada border
- 🏆 Best For: Outdoor adventurers 🏂, water sports enthusiasts 🚤, scenic photographers 📸
- 📸 Top Experiences: Skiing world-class resorts, hiking the Tahoe Rim Trail, cruising the crystal-clear waters
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June-September for beach activities and hiking, December-March for snow sports ❄️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The Landing Resort & Spa – Luxury lakefront resort on the South Shore with stunning mountain views
Imagine waters so clear and blue you’ll question reality while your Instagram followers question your editing skills. Lake Tahoe is a dazzling alpine jewel with water so pristine you can see to depths of 70 feet. This massive freshwater lake offers the perfect balance of natural beauty and world-class recreation year-round.
Winter brings skiers to renowned resorts like Palisades Tahoe and Heavenly, which straddles the California-Nevada state line. The views from my first black diamond run here literally took my breath away. Summer transforms the region into a paradise for hiking and water sports. The 72-mile Tahoe Rim Trail offers incredible vistas, while the crystal waters welcome kayakers and paddleboarders. Visit Emerald Bay State Park to see the lake’s only island and the Scandinavian-style Vikingsholm Castle.
- Read also: My Winter Guide to Lake Tahoe
