Affordable Weekend Getaways: Your Budget-Friendly Escape Awaits
Before diving into our list, let's define "affordable." For these destinations, we're aiming for weekend trips where accommodation, food, and activities can be enjoyed without breaking the bank. Think less five-star resorts and more cozy Airbnbs, local eateries, and free or low-cost attractions.
Here are 15 incredible and affordable weekend getaways around the U.S., perfect for a quick recharge:
Destination Region Why It's Affordable Must-Do Activities Asheville, North Carolina Southeast Free outdoor activities, affordable breweries, diverse food scene with budget-friendly options. Explore the Blue Ridge Parkway, visit local breweries, hike to waterfalls, wander through the River Arts District. Austin, Texas Southwest Live music venues with free shows, abundant food trucks, access to natural swimming holes. See live music on 6th Street, swim in Barton Springs Pool, explore Zilker Park, try various food trucks. Savannah, Georgia Southeast Walkable city, free historic squares, affordable ghost tours, delicious Southern cuisine at reasonable prices. Stroll through historic squares, take a ghost tour, visit Forsyth Park, sample Southern dishes. New Orleans, Louisiana South Many free events, street performers, beignets are a must-try, and plenty of affordable hotels and hostels. Listen to jazz music on Frenchmen Street, explore the French Quarter, try beignets at Cafe Du Monde. San Antonio, Texas Southwest The River Walk is free to stroll, affordable Tex-Mex food, historical missions are either free or have very low entry costs. Walk the River Walk, visit the Alamo, explore the historic missions. Kansas City, Missouri Midwest Delicious and affordable BBQ, free museums (Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art), vibrant arts and culture scene. Eat BBQ, visit the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, explore the 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Northeast Walkable historic district, affordable cheesesteaks, free historical sites (Independence Hall). Visit Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, try a cheesesteak, explore Reading Terminal Market. Portland, Oregon Pacific Northwest Numerous food carts, free parks and gardens, walkable city, access to outdoor recreation. Explore food cart pods, visit the International Rose Test Garden, hike in Forest Park. Salt Lake City, Utah Mountain West Access to hiking and outdoor activities, many free events, affordable lodging compared to other mountain destinations. Hike in the Wasatch Mountains, visit Temple Square, explore the Natural History Museum of Utah. Charleston, South Carolina Southeast Beautiful architecture, free walking tours, delicious and affordable seafood options. Take a walking tour of the historic district, visit Rainbow Row, explore Waterfront Park. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Northeast Affordable accommodations, numerous museums with reasonable admission fees, beautiful parks. Ride the Duquesne Incline, visit the Andy Warhol Museum, explore Point State Park. Columbus, Ohio Midwest Affordable dining and entertainment, free attractions like the Columbus Museum of Art. Visit the Columbus Museum of Art, explore the Short North Arts District, stroll through the Scioto Mile. Richmond, Virginia Southeast Craft breweries with affordable tasting flights, historical sites, diverse culinary scene. Visit historical sites, sample craft beers, explore the Canal Walk. Boise, Idaho Northwest Outdoor recreation is easily accessible and free, a great variety of local restaurants with cheap eats. Visit the Idaho State Capital Building, bike or walk the Boise River Greenbelt, explore the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Milwaukee, Wisconsin Midwest Brewery tours can be inexpensive, lakefront paths are free, and you can find food spots that do not hurt your wallet. Take a brewery tour, visit the Milwaukee Art Museum, explore the lakefront.
