USA TODAY 10Best
Travel more, spend less: Discover 10 affordable destinations across the US
Best U.S. Destination on a Budget (2023)
Traveling around the United States doesn't have to be expensive. In fact, there are plenty of affordable destinations to choose from, offering a wealth of attractions, places to stay and places to eat. These 10 destinations across the country, chosen by a panel of travel experts and voted as the best by readers, may help you skimp on the budget, but they certainly don't skimp on things to do.
Photo courtesy of step2626 // Getty Images
No. 10: Black Hills of South Dakota - Custer and Rapid City, South Dakota
The Black Hills of South Dakota is a great place for travelers on any budget, with so much to see and do at a low cost. Spots to see include two national parks, Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore, called Tȟuŋkášila Šákpe, or Six Grandfathers, by the Lakota.
Photo courtesy of Explore Asheville
No. 9: Asheville, North Carolina
Situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Asheville is an exciting, art-forward city. It’s also an affordable place to visit with stellar restaurants, historic architecture and an eclectic downtown area. Some free things to do around the city include going for a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway or strolling through a multitude art galleries.
Photo courtesy of courtesy of washington.org
No. 8: Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. is an amazing place to visit for museum lovers, with its one-of-a-kind Smithsonian museums that offer a wide variety of experiences at no cost. Expert Kyle McCarthy suggests that visitors "plan an African American history week in a town filled with Black history and neighborhoods, tour government buildings and picnic on the Mall."
Photo courtesy of Jade Broadus, courtesy of Visit Knoxville
No. 7: Knoxville, Tennessee
Situated on the Tennessee River, Knoxville is a fun, affordable city for a vacation, with an easily walkable downtown and lots of low-cost places to wine and dine. The city’s Urban Wilderness Gateway Park offers plenty of trails and historical spots to explore. Other places to visit include the East Tennessee Historical Society and Museum and James White’s Fort.
Photo courtesy of Visit Tulsa
No. 6: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Situated on the Arkansas River in Oklahoma, affordable Tulsa is beloved for its art deco architecture that’s featured best in its aptly named Deco District. It’s relatively easy to stretch money in this city for hotels, food and entertainment without missing out on any of the fun. Some low-cost or free things to do in Tulsa include visiting the Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area, The Cave House, the Woody Guthrie Center and Woodward Park.
Photo courtesy of WanderDrone // Getty Images
No. 5: Destin, Florida
Located in Florida’s Panhandle, Destin is beloved for its breathtaking white sand beaches and emerald water, offering abundant nature trails and wildlife. Low-cost or free things to do in Destin include visiting the Village of Baytowne Wharf, strolling along Crystal Sands Beach and biking along Scenic Highway 98.
Photo courtesy of New Mexico Tourism Department
No. 4: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque is the biggest city in New Mexico, and it's an affordable place for a getaway at any time of year. Some places and things to see include the Petroglyph National Monument, downtown murals and the South Broadway Cultural Center. Visitors shouldn’t miss the city’s Old Town with a lot of inexpensive things to do, like visiting the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and other museums.
Photo courtesy of Photo by Rob Rabena for Visit Philadelphia
No. 3: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is the biggest city in Pennsylvania with a variety of inexpensive things to see and do. Budget-conscious visitors will especially enjoy that everything at Independence National Historic Park is free. Other free places to visit in the city include the Institute of Contemporary Art and the Rocky Statue that commemorates the film’s iconic scene on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Photo courtesy of Visit San Antonio
No. 2: San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio is perhaps best known for its beautiful River Walk and The Alamo, the old Spanish mission that’s been preserved as a museum. Visitors can spend a low-cost, fun-filled day along the River Walk with its promenade that has distinctive cafes and shops. Other must-see spots include the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and the San Antonio Museum of Art.
Photo courtesy of Justin Fox Burks
No. 1: Memphis, Tennessee
Set along the Mississippi River in southwest Tennessee, Memphis is a historic city that’s perhaps best known for its music scene and connection to iconic musicians like B.B. King and Elvis Presley. Although it’s a popular vacation spot, the cost of living here is lower than it is in many American cities. Some fun places to visit include Graceland, the Rock 'n' Soul Museum and the legendary Sun Studio.
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Allison Tibaldi
Allison Tibaldi is a travel and food writer based... Read More
Allison Tibaldi is a travel and food writer based in New York City. She has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne Australia, Toronto and Los Angeles. She studied early childhood development in graduate school and firmly believes that travel is the best education. She writes for numerous publications including CNN, Travel Channel, HGTV, am New York, Emirates Open Skies, Family Traveller and Travel Weekly.
Allison Tibaldi
Allison Tibaldi is a travel and food writer based in New York City. She has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne Australia, Toronto and Los Angeles. She studied early childhood development in graduate school and firmly believes that travel is the best education. She writes for numerous publications including CNN, Travel Channel, HGTV, am New York, Emirates Open Skies, Family Traveller and Travel Weekly.
Catherine Parker
Catherine Parker has a passion for travel that’s... Read More
Catherine Parker has a passion for travel that’s driven her across North America, visiting all 50 U.S. states, seven Canadian provinces, six Mexican states along with top destinations in the Caribbean, Europe and Asia. Logging close to 100,000 miles behind the wheel, Catherine has explored 43 of the 63 U.S. national parks, 10 Canadian national parks in addition to national parks across the world. She is always willing to stop the vehicle for a great hike and has even been chased by a protective mamma bear. As an awarding-winning journalist, she contributes to U.S. News and World Report, Trip Advisor, Popular Science, Chron.com and Meredith Media’s Family Fun and Chicago’s Suburban Family. Her writing was featured in the onboard Alaskan travel guides: Compass–The Onboard Magazine of Holland America Line and Disney Cruise Line Wonder Onboard Guide. Catherine also contributes to several Texas magazines as a monthly contributor well as online travel publications. Catherine publishes a family travel website, CarfulOfKids.com. She lives in Central Texas in a 100-year-old house with a menagerie of animals and adult-sized kids.
Catherine Parker
Catherine Parker has a passion for travel that’s driven her across North America, visiting all 50 U.S. states, seven Canadian provinces, six Mexican states along with top destinations in the Caribbean, Europe and Asia. Logging close to 100,000 miles behind the wheel, Catherine has explored 43 of the 63 U.S. national parks, 10 Canadian national parks in addition to national parks across the world. She is always willing to stop the vehicle for a great hike and has even been chased by a protective mamma bear. As an awarding-winning journalist, she contributes to U.S. News and World Report, Trip Advisor, Popular Science, Chron.com and Meredith Media’s Family Fun and Chicago’s Suburban Family. Her writing was featured in the onboard Alaskan travel guides: Compass–The Onboard Magazine of Holland America Line and Disney Cruise Line Wonder Onboard Guide. Catherine also contributes to several Texas magazines as a monthly contributor well as online travel publications. Catherine publishes a family travel website, CarfulOfKids.com. She lives in Central Texas in a 100-year-old house with a menagerie of animals and adult-sized kids.
Cheryl Rodewig
Cheryl Rodewig is an award-winning journalist... Read More
Cheryl Rodewig is an award-winning journalist specializing in travel. When she’s not planning her next trip – preferably to a waterfall or garden – she’s putting her MBA to use crafting marketing stories for brands. You can read her words in Thrillist, AARP, USA Today, Insider, The Guardian, and all over cherylrodewig.com. She loves it when people reach out on Twitter and sometimes Instagram.
Cheryl Rodewig
Cheryl Rodewig is an award-winning journalist specializing in travel. When she’s not planning her next trip – preferably to a waterfall or garden – she’s putting her MBA to use crafting marketing stories for brands. You can read her words in Thrillist, AARP, USA Today, Insider, The Guardian, and all over cherylrodewig.com. She loves it when people reach out on Twitter and sometimes Instagram.
Dave Stamboulis
Dave Stamboulis is a travel writer/photographer... Read More
Dave Stamboulis is a travel writer/photographer based in Bangkok. Born in Athens, Greece and growing up in the U.S., Dave first discovered Bangkok while on a 45,000-kilometer bicycle trip and moved there for good in 2005. Dave's photos have appeared in publications around the world. He's the author of Odysseus' Last Stand, which received the Silver Medal for Travel Book of the Year from the Society of American Travel Writers. In addition to working for Fodor's Guidebook to Thailand, he is the author of 500 Hidden Secrets to Bangkok, and his travel stories and photography appear in publications around the globe.
Dave Stamboulis
Dave Stamboulis is a travel writer/photographer based in Bangkok. Born in Athens, Greece and growing up in the U.S., Dave first discovered Bangkok while on a 45,000-kilometer bicycle trip and moved there for good in 2005. Dave's photos have appeared in publications around the world. He's the author of Odysseus' Last Stand, which received the Silver Medal for Travel Book of the Year from the Society of American Travel Writers. In addition to working for Fodor's Guidebook to Thailand, he is the author of 500 Hidden Secrets to Bangkok, and his travel stories and photography appear in publications around the globe.
Jamie Davis Smith
Jamie is an attorney, writer and photographer. She... Read More
Jamie is an attorney, writer and photographer. She was born with deeply ingrained wanderlust and has visited 45 countries and counting. She often brings her children along for the adventure and is passing her love of travel on to the next generation. Jamie has written for Insider, Fodor's Travel, Yahoo, the Huffington Post, the Washington Post, Viator and Reviewed among many other publications. Jamie is from Philadelphia and now lives in Washington, DC, where she takes advantage of everything the region has to offer. Jamie can be reached at jamiesmithwrites@gmail.com and can be found on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.
Jamie Davis Smith
Jamie is an attorney, writer and photographer. She was born with deeply ingrained wanderlust and has visited 45 countries and counting. She often brings her children along for the adventure and is passing her love of travel on to the next generation. Jamie has written for Insider, Fodor's Travel, Yahoo, the Huffington Post, the Washington Post, Viator and Reviewed among many other publications. Jamie is from Philadelphia and now lives in Washington, DC, where she takes advantage of everything the region has to offer. Jamie can be reached at jamiesmithwrites@gmail.com and can be found on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.
Lauren Mack
Lauren Mack is a freelance travel and food... Read More
Lauren Mack is a freelance travel and food journalist whose work has appeared in 150+ publications, including The Daily Meal, Culture Trip, Cheapflights.com, TripSavvy, Booking.com, Newsweek International, ThoughtCo, and more. She currently writes for INSIDER, Thrillist, Time Out USA, Seeker, Goldbelly, Savory Traveler, and BestColleges. A journalist for 23 years, Lauren has edited and written travel guidebooks on Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taipei, Miami, and New York for Zagat, Time Out, GuidePal, and Explorer Publishing. Lauren has a master's degree in journalism from Columbia Journalism School. She has traveled to 54 countries on five continents and counts Beijing and Taipei, two cities where she lived for many years, as favorites. Lauren is a 2023 recipient of Columbia Scholastic Press Association's Gold Key award. Facebook: laurenmackny | Twitter: @lmack | Instagram @mack_lauren | Website: www.laurenmack.com.
Lauren Mack
Lauren Mack is a freelance travel and food journalist whose work has appeared in 150+ publications, including The Daily Meal, Culture Trip, Cheapflights.com, TripSavvy, Booking.com, Newsweek International, ThoughtCo, and more. She currently writes for INSIDER, Thrillist, Time Out USA, Seeker, Goldbelly, Savory Traveler, and BestColleges. A journalist for 23 years, Lauren has edited and written travel guidebooks on Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taipei, Miami, and New York for Zagat, Time Out, GuidePal, and Explorer Publishing. Lauren has a master's degree in journalism from Columbia Journalism School. She has traveled to 54 countries on five continents and counts Beijing and Taipei, two cities where she lived for many years, as favorites. Lauren is a 2023 recipient of Columbia Scholastic Press Association's Gold Key award. Facebook: laurenmackny | Twitter: @lmack | Instagram @mack_lauren | Website: www.laurenmack.com.
Melissa Curtin
Melisa Curtin is a travel and food writer who has... Read More
Melisa Curtin is a travel and food writer who has documented her globetrotting adventures for over a decade. A Connecticut girl madly in love with California, her work has appeared in Lonely Planet, LA Weekly, Canadian Traveler, AAA, Roadtrippers, JohnnyJet, Travel Awaits, and many southern California print publications. Melissa is always on the hunt for the best local bites and destinations with few tourists, splitting her non-travel time between Malibu and Palm Springs with her husband and ever-growing collection of plants. Traveling around the world at age 20 on Semester at Sea sparked Melissa's desire for learning about other cultures. As a 20+ year educator and new travel advisor with Fora, she inspires others to reach their goals and pursue their travel dreams. Some of her recent favorite jaunts include a Viking river cruise from Paris to Normandy with her mom, truffle hunting in Tuscany, and eating her way through Florence. Get to know the Best of L.A. and California by checking out her website LaLaScoop.com or following the @lalascoop on Instagram.
Melissa Curtin
Melisa Curtin is a travel and food writer who has documented her globetrotting adventures for over a decade. A Connecticut girl madly in love with California, her work has appeared in Lonely Planet, LA Weekly, Canadian Traveler, AAA, Roadtrippers, JohnnyJet, Travel Awaits, and many southern California print publications. Melissa is always on the hunt for the best local bites and destinations with few tourists, splitting her non-travel time between Malibu and Palm Springs with her husband and ever-growing collection of plants. Traveling around the world at age 20 on Semester at Sea sparked Melissa's desire for learning about other cultures. As a 20+ year educator and new travel advisor with Fora, she inspires others to reach their goals and pursue their travel dreams. Some of her recent favorite jaunts include a Viking river cruise from Paris to Normandy with her mom, truffle hunting in Tuscany, and eating her way through Florence. Get to know the Best of L.A. and California by checking out her website LaLaScoop.com or following the @lalascoop on Instagram.
Melissa Locker
Melissa Locker is a freelance travel, lifestyle,... Read More
Melissa Locker is a freelance travel, lifestyle, and culture writer and world-renowned fish telepathist. You can learn more about Melissa at melissalocker.com and connect on Instagram and Twitter via @woolyknickers.
Melissa Locker
Melissa Locker is a freelance travel, lifestyle, and culture writer and world-renowned fish telepathist. You can learn more about Melissa at melissalocker.com and connect on Instagram and Twitter via @woolyknickers.
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production... Read More
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.