There are so many wonderful places to visit across the United States, and you can find cheap places to eat and sleep while also enjoying a fun time for young and old. Here are some of the best cheap places to travel in US for families, so always remember to keep that in mind.
1. Gatlinburg, Tennessee:
Located in Tennessee, Gatlinburg offers beautiful nature walks, wildlife viewing, and free park entry. Visit the Ripley’s Aquarium or go on a Sky Lift ride to capture fun moments for the family during a vacation.
⇒ Travel Tip:
- Stay in a cabin or vacation rental to save on accommodation costs and cook meals.
- Free entry to Great Smoky Mountains National Park; $39.99 for Ripley’s Aquarium; SkyLift tickets $24.95, hiking and wildlife spotting available year-round.
2. San Antonio, Texas:
San Antonio is a combination of history, culture and a relatively cheap destination. Learn about the history of the Alamo, explore the beautifully lit pathway along the River Walk and have your kids run and play around the picnic area, playground and the zoo found at Brackenridge Park.
⇒ Travel Tip:
- Take advantage of the city’s many free cultural festivals throughout the year.
- Alamo entry free; River Walk open 24/7 with free access; Brackenridge Park offers free entry; San Antonio Zoo tickets $27.
3. Williamsburg, Virginia:
Step back in time at Colonial Williamsburg, an open air museum of colonial times that also has re-enactments. Close to Busch Gardens, thrills and entertainment add up and make it a perfect family vacation destination.
⇒ Travel Tip:
- Look for combination tickets that include multiple attractions to save money.
- Colonial Williamsburg tickets $49; Busch Gardens tickets $65, open seasonally; history tours and reenactments available daily.
Also Read: 15 Best Solo Travel Destinations for First-Time Travelers
4. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina:
Myrtle Beach has a beach, an exciting boardwalk, and affordable attractions. With cheaper or even free entry visitors can relax on the beach, take a long walk along the boardwalk or go have fun at the Family Kingdom Amusement Park.
⇒ Travel Tip:
- Many hotels offer free breakfast and family deals, so shop around for the best packages.
- Beach access free; Family Kingdom Amusement Park $35+ wristbands; boardwalk attractions open year-round.
5. St. Louis, Missouri:
Some of the free things to do in St. Louis; include the Saint Louis Zoo, Science Center, and Art Museum. Maintain your trip with the Gateway Arch and do not leave without visiting the City Museum. It’s one of the best cheap places to travel in US.
⇒ Travel Tip:
- Use public transportation to save on parking and travel expenses.
- Free attractions include the Saint Louis Zoo, Science Center, and Art Museum; Gateway Arch entry $19; City Museum tickets $20.
6. Yellowstone National Park:
⇒Travel Tip:
- Camp at one of the park’s many campsites for a cost-effective stay.
- Entry $35/vehicle for seven days; hiking, fishing, and geothermal attractions year-round; ranger programs seasonal.
7. Salt Lake City, Utah:
Salt Lake City is a great family friendly destination with free attractions such as Temple Square, scenic walks, a family friendly Natural History Museum and cheap or even free skiing during winter all against the backdrop of snow capped mountains.
⇒ Travel Tip:
- Many attractions offer discounts for families or free admission on specific days.
- Temple Square free, open daily; Natural History Museum tickets $16; nearby trails and affordable ski resorts available seasonally.
8. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:
Philadelphia is a historical city with significant traditions, the major attraction of which includes the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Go to one of its parks or take a trip to the Franklin Institute for wonder-filled holiday.
⇒ Travel Tip:
- Take advantage of the city’s extensive public transportation system to get around cheaply.
- Liberty Bell and Independence Hall free; Franklin Institute tickets $23; extensive parks open daily.
9. Branson, Missouri:
Branson has built itself as a family attraction complete with live shows and a theme park of Silver Dollar City. Boating, fishing, walking, hiking and having a picnic in Table Rock Lake can be a wonderful experience.
⇒ Travel Tip:
- Look for lodging deals that include tickets to local attractions.
- Table Rock Lake free for outdoor activities; Silver Dollar City tickets $85+; live show prices vary by venue.
Also Read: Surfside Drinks to Try at Famous Beaches Across the USA
10. San Diego, California:
San Diego presents a beautiful climate, low cost entertainment and attractions and wonderful beaches. Tour Balboa Park, the renowned zoo and get free entrance to several museums on specific days. Perfect for budget travelers looking for cheap places to travel in US!
⇒ Travel Tip:
- Pack a picnic and spend a day at one of the city’s beautiful public parks or beaches.
- Balboa Park museums $10 (some free days); San Diego Zoo tickets $69; beaches and parks free, open year-round.
Travel Smart, Save More
When planning a family trip to any of these cheap places to travel in the US, consider these additional tips to maximize your savings:
- Book Early: Find cheaper prices for flights or accommodation through early bookings.
- Use Coupons and Deals: The discounts can be found on various travel websites or in local tourist information centers.
- Pack Snacks: Do not purchase food from restaurants but pack your snacks and carry your drinking water in a reusable bottle.
- Travel Off-Peak: Plan for your travel during the off peak season due to relatively cheaper prices and fewer people around.
Want to travel cheaply? Discover these cheap places to travel in US, which gives a wonderful opportunity to create an incredible journey for the whole family with little money. Ideal if you are traveling with your family and if you are on a tight budget.
