People need to get away from their daily lives every once in a while, but they might not have weeks (or money) to spend away from home. For people looking for a quick and cheap trip, we’ve put together a list of cheap weekend getaways across the U.S., broken down by area so you can find something close by (or farther away if you’re up for the adventure).
Spend as much or as little as you like in the Pocono Mountains. Located in northeastern Pennsylvania, the region’s terrain affords a variety of free and low-cost activities amid beautiful scenery, from hiking and biking to fishing and boating. Lake Wallenpaupack, Hickory Run State Park, and Lehigh Gorge State Park offer some of the best camping for those who’d like to keep lodging costs low, though you can also find affordable vacation rentals in the area.
2. Atlantic City, New Jersey
If you stay away from or don’t spend too much time at the casinos, you can have a cheap weekend in Atlantic City. Instead, check out the beach and pier, which have been around since 1870. You can also visit Lucy the Elephant and the Absecon Lighthouse, which is the largest in New Jersey, and other cheap things to do in Atlantic City. When you come here for a romantic getaway, have dinner on the water with your partner.
3. Niagara Falls, New York
You can visit this famous site for free, and if you want to get closer, some cheap trips to Niagara Falls include boat rides that take you right up to the roaring water. You can skip the cost and trouble of getting or updating a passport when you go to Niagara Falls, New York. In Niagara Falls, you can hike in state parks and try wines along the Niagara Wine Trail for free or very little money.
4. Burlington, Vermont
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy Burlington, Vermont – especially since the best ways to experience it are low-cost or free. Rent bikes and go for a ride on the Burlington Bike Path, which later becomes the Island Line Trail – a stunning pathway over Lake Champlain. You can also stroll Church Street Marketplace, where the Burlington Farmers Market is hosted on Saturdays; sample sweets at Lake Champlain Chocolates; and enjoy a craft beer tasting or two.
5. Farm Sanctuary: Watkins Glen, New York
Farm Sanctuary is a place in the Finger Lakes area of New York that is both an animal sanctuary and a country retreat. It’s a great place to get away from New York City for the weekend. People who want to take a break can book a tiny house or cabin in Watkins Glen and spend time with more than 500 saved farm animals. For up to two people, nightly rents start at $250 per night (plus a $25 membership fee) from May to December. Each morning of your stay, you’ll get a special tour. Some of the best wineries in the Finger Lakes offer rieslings and chardonnays that are typical of the area. You can also walk to the waterfalls at Watkins Glen State Park.
6. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
The Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center are part of the Gettysburg National Military Park, which is free to visit. You can also walk around the Civil War battlefields with a national park guard for free. Gettysburg ghost tours, which are a must for anyone interested in the area’s haunted past, are also pretty cheap. There are hotels in the area that cost less than $200 or $100 per night.
7. Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari: Santa Claus, Indiana
Some of the cheapest amusement parks in the U.S. are Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari. This is because parking is free and housing costs aren’t too high. The entertainment park also gives away free things that are good for families, like sunscreen and soft drinks.
8. Black Hills National Forest and Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and the interesting caves of Wind Cave are all in this part of the United States. This makes it easy to see a lot of famous sites in one trip. The America the Beautiful National Park Pass could save you money on park fees. The price is $80, and it lets you into all U.S. national parks and publicly protected lands. This means you can probably use it for another trip in the future too.
9. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
There are a lot of water park cabins in Wisconsin Dells. Many of them offer both water park admission and overnight lodging at the same price. In Wisconsin Dells, there is also a Ripley’s Believe It Or Not museum, a busy center area, and a lot of beautiful scenery with unique rock formations. The Wisconsin Dells Tourism Bureau’s website often has deals on hotels and attractions. If you’re planning a family trip, keep in mind that the best prices are usually found when the kids are in school.
10. Cedar Point: Sandusky, Ohio
Cedar Point is one of the best entertainment parks in the U.S. and calls itself the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World.” It’s also not too expensive to visit, especially when you consider how cheap hotels are in Sandusky. For example, the Comfort Inn Sandusky starts at less than $100 per night and gives you a free breakfast. Remember that Cedar Point is only open during certain times of the year, from November to early May.
FAQ’s
Q1. What makes these weekend getaways affordable?
These vacation spots were picked because they are easy to get to and don't cost a lot of money. They all have a variety of cheap places to stay, things to do, and food to eat.
Q2. How were these affordable getaways selected?
The choice is based on things like total cost, travel costs, cheap attractions, and good reviews from travelers on a budget.
Q3. Can I find affordable accommodation options in these destinations?
Of course. Each area has a range of places to stay, from cheap hotels and hostels to luxurious vacation homes. Get ready ahead of time to get the best deals.
