10 Affordable USA Vacation Destination Ideas

Travel is typically on everyone’s summer to-do list, even if you are already on the road often for business, getting out with the family to see the sights and explore the food and culture of different regions is a totally different experience. These USA vacation destinations are budget-friendly and may be close enough for you to just drive instead of fly. Share your favorite USA vacation spots with us on Twitter @SmartCars1 using hashtag #summertravel. Enjoy the summer break and get out and see the country differently than you when relegated to those stuffy conference centers.  You deserve it!

1. Yellowstone National Park (California) – You can camp, you can hike, you can explore and relax for very little of the green stuff in your wallet. Yellowstone is home to breathtaking natural attractions for visitors of all ages. With miles of hiking and skiing paths, erupting hot springs and belching mud pools, adventure-seekers agree that the entrance fee is a small price to pay for a visit to America’s oldest national park.
2. Yosemite National Park (California) – With plenty of natural attractions and low-price camping areas, Yosemite offers refuge for those looking to escape their hectic urban lives. Like Yellowstone, Yosemite offers access to extensive hiking trails for a small entrance fee, and travelers can avoid high hotel rates by simply packing a tent.
3. Savannah (Georgia) – Low prices are just one of the many perks of planning a trip to this southern city, not to mention picturesque architecture and restaurants dishing out hearty portions of Southern fare. With budget-friendly room rates, there’s no excuse not to stay a few extra nights.
4. Washington D.C. – Not only is this an historic destination where your kids will learn a ton about our American history, but its budget friendly too. Although hotel prices can be budget-breaking, planning and booking well in advance can generally find a room to suit both taste and budget. And with a wide variety of things to do, visitors can spend a couple of guilt-free days perusing the dozens of free Smithsonian museums along the National Mall.
5. Adirondacks (New York) – You don’t have to worry about overstepping your price limit on a visit to the Adirondacks. In fact, if you’re devoted to staying in the great outdoors, the cost will come in well under budget. Campgrounds are extremely affordable and the hiking trails are completely free to explore.
6. Myrtle Beach (South Carolina) – Home to numerous golf courses and family-friendly attractions, Myrtle Beach’s affordable hotels and restaurants make a trip here even more enjoyable. Take advantage of the stay-and-golf deals offered by many Myrtle Beach hotels, or spend time on the city’s public beaches.
7. Key West (Florida) – The southernmost island in the Florida Keys offers relaxation, quirky attractions and a lively restaurant and bar scene — all within a 7-mile stretch, making a car unnecessary. Book early if you want to visit in the popular winter and spring seasons.
8. Austin (Texas) – Sitting at the heart of the Lone Star State, Austin’s outdoor attractions and notorious nightlife draw crowds from all over the country. A wide variety of lodging and dining options make the quirky “Live Music Capital of the World” a great year-round vacation spot.
9. Chicago (Illinois) – The Windy City is home to plenty of free attractions that cater to the bargain hunter, including Millennium Park and Navy Pier. And don’t worry about spending a fortune on food: a slice of Chicago’s famous deep dish pizza won’t break the bank.
10. Charlottesville (Virginia) – The East Coast doesn’t have a Napa Valley equivalent, but Charlottesville is hoping to come close. You’ll find plenty of wineries and historical attractions, like Thomas Jefferson’s stunning Monticello. The best part: The hotels here cost a fraction of Napa’s exorbitant accommodation prices.