Looking for cheap places to travel in the US that don’t feel cheap? I’ve rounded up the top 10 travel destinations in 2026, that your wallet will approve of.
If you’re hunting for cheap places to travel in the US that don’t feel cheap, you’re in the right place. I’m talking about passport-free adventures, gorgeous views, and trips that don’t require selling a kidney on Facebook Marketplace.
Yup, believe it or not, CHEAP places to travel in the USA do exist. Crazy……I know!?!
And here they are my dear! A simple, beginner-friendly list of the cheapest US destinations worth visiting in 2026 — written by a girl who has absolutely Googled “can you use coupons on flights” more than once.
TL; DR: The Cheapest Places to Travel in the US (2026)
If you want the fast answer:
- Grand Canyon
- St. Augustine, Florida
- Destin, Florida
- Olympic National Park
- Bar Harbor, Maine
- Sequoia National Park
- Cannon Beach, Oregon
- Glacier National Park
- Moab, Utah
- Grand Teton National Park
These spots are beautiful and affordable—even when your budget is constantly reminding you:
“You go girl, have fun on that trip!! But just remember, you’ll be eating granola bars for breakfast, lunch and dinner while you’re there”.
Why??? BECAUSE THAT’S ALL YOU’LL BE ABLE TO AFFORD! ☹
Top 10 Cheap Places to Travel in the US (Beginner-Friendly Guide)
I finally rounded up the cheapest places to travel in the US—and honestly? They’re GOOD. So, let’s go! Oh, and pack snacks. Because with this list, you can finally afford something more than a granola-bar based diet on your trip. Lol.
I’m going to share with you:
➜ Where to Go.
➜ What to Do.
➜ How to Avoid Overspending.
1. Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
The Grand Canyon is basically the Beyoncé of budget travel — iconic, dramatic, and surprisingly affordable. I still can’t believe the Grand Canyon is basically nature’s IMAX… for pocket change.
You show up, stare into a giant glowing masterpiece carved by time itself, and your bank account whispers, “Wow, I didn’t even feel that.”
It’s one of the few places where the views go hard but the price tag stays soft.
Why it’s cheap:
– Campsites from ~$30/night
– Budget lodges around $40–$70
– Free viewpoints everywhere
Best cheap activities:
✔ Walk the South Rim Trail
✔ Stargaze in one of the darkest skies in the US
✔ Watch the sunrise for free (and cry a little because nature is pretty)
Budget tip:
The Navajo taco is the local must-try meal — filling, cheap, and delicious.
Photo credit: www.jasonweissphotography.com
2. St. Augustine, Florida
The oldest city in America is also one of the most affordable beach-and-history destinations.
St. Augustine is like stepping into a charming, sun-soaked history book that somehow didn’t get the memo to charge museum prices. Gorgeous beaches, old-world streets, and budget-friendly everything. Honestly, it feels like cheating.
Why it’s cheap:
– Budget inns + hostels
– Walkable historic district
– Inexpensive cafes + food trucks
Best cheap activities:
✔ Explore Castillo de San Marcos (fort + cannons!)
✔ Wander St. George Street
✔ Watch Street performers, instead of paying $29.99 for a ghost tour!
Budget tip:
Visit in April, May, September, or October to avoid crowds and high prices.
Photo credit: https://icihomesinpontevedra.com/
3. Destin, Florida
White sand. Emerald water. And enough free entertainment to keep your wallet calm.
Destin looks like you should be paying “celebrity yacht” prices, but nope — it’s shockingly doable. Turquoise water, soft white sand, and seafood that’s actually delicious AND affordable!
What else is there left to say? It’s Florida magic on a sensible budget.
Why it’s cheap:
– Affordable condos + hotels in shoulder season
– Walkable beach areas
– Grocery stores for DIY meals
Best cheap activities:
✔ Henderson Beach State Park
✔ Destin Harbor Boardwalk (free musicians + ocean views)
✔ Jetty fishing ($10 fishing license)
Budget tip:
Come in April or September for festival vibes without peak-season prices.
Photo credit: www.sunsetresortrentals.com
4. Olympic National Park (Washington)
Olympic is three vacations in one — beaches, rainforests, and mountains — for the cost of a couple coffees and a park pass. You get full fantasy-novel scenery without the fantasy-novel prices.
Truly a bargain disguised as a national treasure.
Why it’s cheap:
– $15–$24 campsites
– Free hiking trails
– Affordable nearby seafood
Best cheap activities:
✔ Hike Hurricane Ridge
✔ See Olympic Coast sunsets
✔ Explore Hoh Rainforest (magical, mossy, very “where is the fairy queen”)
Budget tip:
Pack lunches so you’re not spending $20 on a sandwich made by someone wearing hiking boots.
5. Bar Harbor, Maine
Cute coastal town + Acadia National Park = elite budget getaway energy.
Bar Harbor gives you coastal charm, epic hikes, and lobster everything… all without New England “you must be rich” energy.
It’s serenely cozy, beautiful, and surprisingly affordable. It’s basically like a Hallmark movie town that respects your budget.
Why it’s cheap:
– Inns from $80–$120
– Lobster rolls under $30
– $30 entrance to Acadia for a whole vehicle
Best cheap activities:
✔ Acadia National Park hiking
✔ Whale watching (splurge but worth it)
✔ Explore the waterfront shops
Budget tip:
Buy fresh seafood and cook it yourself — it’s cheaper and fun if you pretend you’re on Food Network.
Photo credit: https://myflyingleap.com/
6. Sequoia National Park (California)
Home to the largest trees on Earth, and thankfully not the largest prices.
Standing under a sequoia should cost, like, Beyoncé-tour ticket prices. But Sequoia National Park is wildly affordable for the level of jaw-dropping wonder you get. It’s humbling, magical, and somehow budget-friendly enough for a regular weekend getaway.
Why it’s cheap:
– Campgrounds from $15/night
– Affordable meals in Three Rivers
– Free shuttle in peak season
Best cheap activities:
✔ See the General Sherman Tree
✔ Hike Grizzly Giant Loop
✔ Explore Grant Grove
Budget tip:
Go in spring or fall for low crowds and lower costs.
Photo credit: www.aarp.org
7. Cannon Beach, Oregon
This is the place from all those Pinterest photos with the giant rock sticking out of the water. Cannon Beach, Oregon is one of those places that looks like it should cost a kidney plus your firstborn to visit, yet somehow… it doesn’t.
The whole coastline feels like it wandered out of a fairytale, plopped down Haystack Rock for dramatic effect, and then whispered, “Surprise, I’m actually super affordable.”
Honestly, I still can’t believe a trip that gorgeous comes with a price tag that doesn’t require a second job or a secret offshore account.
Why it’s cheap:
– Motel rooms from ~$49/night
– Free beaches
– Cheap cafes + bakery breakfast options
Best cheap activities:
✔ Tide-pooling at Haystack Rock
✔ Hiking Ecola State Park
✔ Browsing local art galleries
Budget tip:
Pack snacks and hit restaurants during lunch specials — dinner costs double.
Photo credit: https://oregoncoastweekend.com/
8. Glacier National Park (Montana)
Gorgeous, dramatic, and surprisingly affordable for a national park with views like this.
Glacier gives you crystal lakes, wildflower meadows, and mountains that look painted — all for the price of a simple park pass. I swear, this place is running a permanent Buy-One-View-Get-Eleven-Free special.
Why it’s cheap:
– Campsites $15–$30
– Simple motels from $50–$100
– Massive hiking trails (free exercise!)
Best cheap activities:
✔ Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road
✔ Hike Hidden Lake Trail
✔ Visit Avalanche Lake
Budget tip:
Travel in late May, early June, September, or October for fewer crowds and cheaper rooms.
Photo credit: https://www.jasonweissphotography.com/
9. Moab, Utah
Like walking into a real-life Mars —
Moab looks like Mars but with tacos, hostels and with better snacks! Not to mention an absolute fraction of the price (obviously). The red rock arches, canyon trails, and endless desert glow make you feel like you’re on an epic adventure without paying epic-adventure money. Budget travel gold.
Why it’s cheap:
– Camping from $10/night
– Hostels from $40
– Food trucks everywhere
Best cheap activities:
✔ Arches National Park
✔ Canyonlands National Park
✔ Dead Horse Point State Park
Budget tip:
The $80 America the Beautiful Pass covers all national parks for a year. Huge win.
Photo credit: https://thedyrt.com/
10. Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)
Jaw-dropping mountain views without Aspen prices.
The Tetons are dramatic enough to make you feel like you’re in a luxury outdoor catalog, but the cost is basically “vibes + a park pass.” Snowy peaks, wildlife sightings, peaceful lakes… all blissfully affordable.
It’s bougie scenery on a “broke-girl” budget 😉
Why it’s cheap:
– Camping from $15–$30
– Budget motels outside the town center
– Tons of free hikes + scenic drives
Best cheap activities:
✔ Jenny Lake
✔ Teton Park Road
✔ Hidden Falls Trail
Budget tip:
Make your own meals — Jackson Hole café breakfasts are priced like rent.
Photo credit: Pictorem
The Bottom Line
If you want cheap places to travel in the US that still feel magical and Instagram-worthy, this list is your new travel BFF.
National parks = the BEST bang for your travel buck! Small coastal towns = vibe-heavy, budget-friendly, and great for long weekends.
Off-season trips = your wallet’s love language.
FAQ: Cheap Places to Travel in the US (2026)
What is the cheapest state to travel in the US?
Typically: Oklahoma, New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona have some of the lowest travel costs.
What is the cheapest national park to visit?
Many! But Sequoia, Olympic, and Grand Canyon offer big experiences at low cost — especially if you camp.
How can I travel the US on a tight budget?
– Travel in shoulder seasons
– Camp instead of booking hotels
– Pack snacks + breakfasts
– Look for free attractions (beaches, hikes, museums)
What is the best time to travel cheaply in the US?
April–May and September–October offer low prices and great weather.
Where can I travel in the US without a car?
St. Augustine, Destin, Cannon Beach, and most major cities are walkable or have public transit.
