15 Fun and Cheap Places to Travel in the US

Dreaming of an escape that won’t drain your bank account?
You’re not alone. Traveling across the US doesn’t have to be expensive to be amazing. I’ve road-tripped, budget-hopped, and camped my way through dozens of destinations — and trust me, the most fun places don’t always come with a high price tag.

In this guide, I’ll share 15 fun and cheap places to travel in the US that offer incredible experiences on a budget. Whether you’re into nature, culture, beaches, or small-town charm, you’ll find something here that fits your travel vibe and your wallet.

Let’s dive right in with three budget-friendly gems you’ll love.

1. Asheville, North Carolina

For lovers of artsy streets, Blue Ridge views, and free music.

Asheville is a creative mountain town that blends quirky art culture with stunning natural beauty. What makes it one of the best fun and cheap places to travel in the US? The experiences here feel luxurious but cost little or nothing.

• What to do for free/cheap:
  
  • Hike parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway — breathtaking views at no cost.
    
  • Explore downtown galleries and street performers.
    
  • Stroll the River Arts District and watch artists at work.
    
• Where to stay on a budget:
  Look for cozy Airbnbs outside the main downtown, or even affordable hostels.
  
• What’s great:
  Live music spills from bars and parks almost every night, especially in summer.
  
• What to keep in mind:
  It can get busy during fall leaf season, so book early or aim for spring.
  

2. San Antonio, Texas

Where history, tacos, and riverside charm meet affordability.

San Antonio surprised me. It’s rich in culture and history, but also super wallet-friendly. Whether you’re solo or with friends, this city is easy to explore on foot and full of cheap eats.

• What to do for free/cheap:
  
  • Stroll the San Antonio River Walk — no ticket needed!
    
  • Visit The Alamo — historic and free.
    
  • Enjoy free festivals like Fiesta San Antonio (if you time it right).
    
• Cheap eats:
  Tacos for $2? Absolutely. Try Taqueria Datapoint or El Milagrito Café.
  
• Where to stay:
  Mid-range hotels near downtown often drop prices in the off-season, or opt for a budget chain a few blocks out and use local buses.
  
• What’s great:
  The blend of Tex-Mex culture, colonial history, and laid-back vibes is unforgettable.
  
• What to keep in mind:
  Summers can get HOT. Go in spring or fall for better walking weather.
  

3. Sedona, Arizona

Red rock magic without the luxury price tag.

Sedona is often associated with high-end spas and spiritual retreats, but it’s 100% possible to experience its beauty on a budget. The landscape is the real luxury — and nature is free.

• What to do for free/cheap:
  
  • Hike scenic trails like Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, or Devil’s Bridge.
    
  • Visit Chapel of the Holy Cross — a stunning church built into the rocks.
    
  • Sunset at Airport Mesa is an unforgettable (and free) show.
    
• Budget tip:
  Buy a Red Rock Pass for $5/day to park at most trailheads.
  
• Where to stay:
  Avoid expensive resorts — nearby Cottonwood has motels and Airbnbs at lower rates.
  
• What’s great:
  The red rocks change colors throughout the day — it’s like watching art in motion.
  
• What to keep in mind:
  Food can get pricey in Sedona proper. Pack snacks or eat in nearby towns.
  

4. Savannah, Georgia

Charming streets, mossy oaks, and Southern flavor on a dime.

Savannah is like stepping into a vintage postcard — cobblestone streets, historic homes, and those dreamy Spanish moss trees everywhere. But the best part? A lot of the magic is completely free.

• What to do for free/cheap:
  
  • Walk through the Historic District and explore Forsyth Park.
    
  • Take a DIY ghost tour — Savannah is one of the most haunted cities in the US.
    
  • Visit Bonaventure Cemetery (beautiful and eerie).
    
• Cheap eats:
  Grab a picnic lunch from a local deli and eat under the oaks in a public square.
  
• Where to stay:
  Look for guesthouses or motels just outside the historic area — easy access without the premium price.
  
• What’s great:
  You can sip a cocktail while walking around downtown (open container laws allow it).
  
• What to keep in mind:
  Summers can be hot and humid — late spring or early fall is ideal.
  

5. Boulder, Colorado

Nature-loving, eco-friendly, and surprisingly affordable.

Boulder is an outdoor lover’s dream, with mountain views and a cool college-town feel. It’s not the cheapest town overall, but you can easily plan a low-cost trip with the right moves.

• What to do for free/cheap:
  
  • Hike the Flatirons — right at the edge of town.
    
  • Visit the University of Colorado Boulder campus and its museums (often free).
    
  • Check out Pearl Street Mall for street performers and window shopping.
    
• Where to stay:
  Try nearby campgrounds if you love the outdoors, or use a budget motel in the outskirts.
  
• Budget bonus:
  Many local buses are free, and it’s super walkable if you stay near downtown.
  
• What’s great:
  Locals are super active and friendly — it’s easy to join a yoga class in the park or a group hike.
  
• What to keep in mind:
  It’s a good idea to rent a bike — Boulder is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the US.
  

6. New Orleans, Louisiana

Live jazz, beignets, and color-soaked streets that won’t empty your wallet.

Yes, New Orleans can be pricey during Mardi Gras — but outside of that, it’s one of the most fun and cheap places to travel in the US. You’ll find culture, music, and flavor on every corner.

• What to do for free/cheap:
  
  • Catch live music in the French Quarter or Frenchmen Street (often no cover charge).
    
  • Wander through Jackson Square, watch street artists, and explore local markets.
    
  • Visit historic cemeteries like St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 (some require a small fee).
    
• Cheap eats:
  Beignets at Café du Monde, po’ boys from small shops, and gumbo from street vendors — all affordable and authentic.
  
• Where to stay:
  Look for guesthouses in Bywater or Mid-City — you’ll get local charm and lower rates.
  
• What’s great:
  The city feels alive 24/7 — and so many of its best experiences are free or low-cost.
  
• What to keep in mind:
  Stay alert and travel smart at night, especially in crowded areas.
  

4. Savannah, Georgia

Charming streets, mossy oaks, and Southern flavor on a dime.

Savannah is like stepping into a vintage postcard — cobblestone streets, historic homes, and those dreamy Spanish moss trees everywhere. But the best part? A lot of the magic is completely free.

• What to do for free/cheap:
  
  • Walk through the Historic District and explore Forsyth Park.
    
  • Take a DIY ghost tour — Savannah is one of the most haunted cities in the US.
    
  • Visit Bonaventure Cemetery (beautiful and eerie).
    
• Cheap eats:
  Grab a picnic lunch from a local deli and eat under the oaks in a public square.
  
• Where to stay:
  Look for guesthouses or motels just outside the historic area — easy access without the premium price.
  
• What’s great:
  You can sip a cocktail while walking around downtown (open container laws allow it).
  
• What to keep in mind:
  Summers can be hot and humid — late spring or early fall is ideal.
  

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5. Boulder, Colorado

Nature-loving, eco-friendly, and surprisingly affordable.

Boulder is an outdoor lover’s dream, with mountain views and a cool college-town feel. It’s not the cheapest town overall, but you can easily plan a low-cost trip with the right moves.

• What to do for free/cheap:
  
  • Hike the Flatirons — right at the edge of town.
    
  • Visit the University of Colorado Boulder campus and its museums (often free).
    
  • Check out Pearl Street Mall for street performers and window shopping.
    
• Where to stay:
  Try nearby campgrounds if you love the outdoors, or use a budget motel in the outskirts.
  
• Budget bonus:
  Many local buses are free, and it’s super walkable if you stay near downtown.
  
• What’s great:
  Locals are super active and friendly — it’s easy to join a yoga class in the park or a group hike.
  
• What to keep in mind:
  It’s a good idea to rent a bike — Boulder is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the US.
  

6. New Orleans, Louisiana

Live jazz, beignets, and color-soaked streets that won’t empty your wallet.

Yes, New Orleans can be pricey during Mardi Gras — but outside of that, it’s one of the most fun and cheap places to travel in the US. You’ll find culture, music, and flavor on every corner.

• What to do for free/cheap:
  
  • Catch live music in the French Quarter or Frenchmen Street (often no cover charge).
    
  • Wander through Jackson Square, watch street artists, and explore local markets.
    
  • Visit historic cemeteries like St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 (some require a small fee).
    
• Cheap eats:
  Beignets at Café du Monde, po’ boys from small shops, and gumbo from street vendors — all affordable and authentic.
  
• Where to stay:
  Look for guesthouses in Bywater or Mid-City — you’ll get local charm and lower rates.
  
• What’s great:
  The city feels alive 24/7 — and so many of its best experiences are free or low-cost.
  
• What to keep in mind:
  Stay alert and travel smart at night, especially in crowded areas.
  

4. Savannah, Georgia

Charming streets, mossy oaks, and Southern flavor on a dime.

Savannah is like stepping into a vintage postcard — cobblestone streets, historic homes, and those dreamy Spanish moss trees everywhere. But the best part? A lot of the magic is completely free.

• What to do for free/cheap:
  
  • Walk through the Historic District and explore Forsyth Park.
    
  • Take a DIY ghost tour — Savannah is one of the most haunted cities in the US.
    
  • Visit Bonaventure Cemetery (beautiful and eerie).
    
• Cheap eats:
  Grab a picnic lunch from a local deli and eat under the oaks in a public square.
  
• Where to stay:
  Look for guesthouses or motels just outside the historic area — easy access without the premium price.
  
• What’s great:
  You can sip a cocktail while walking around downtown (open container laws allow it).
  
• What to keep in mind:
  Summers can be hot and humid — late spring or early fall is ideal.
  

5. Boulder, Colorado

Nature-loving, eco-friendly, and surprisingly affordable.

Boulder is an outdoor lover’s dream, with mountain views and a cool college-town feel. It’s not the cheapest town overall, but you can easily plan a low-cost trip with the right moves.

• What to do for free/cheap:
  
  • Hike the Flatirons — right at the edge of town.
    
  • Visit the University of Colorado Boulder campus and its museums (often free).
    
  • Check out Pearl Street Mall for street performers and window shopping.
    
• Where to stay:
  Try nearby campgrounds if you love the outdoors, or use a budget motel in the outskirts.
  
• Budget bonus:
  Many local buses are free, and it’s super walkable if you stay near downtown.
  
• What’s great:
  Locals are super active and friendly — it’s easy to join a yoga class in the park or a group hike.
  
• What to keep in mind:
  It’s a good idea to rent a bike — Boulder is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the US.
  

6. New Orleans, Louisiana

Live jazz, beignets, and color-soaked streets that won’t empty your wallet.

Yes, New Orleans can be pricey during Mardi Gras — but outside of that, it’s one of the most fun and cheap places to travel in the US. You’ll find culture, music, and flavor on every corner.

• What to do for free/cheap:
  
  • Catch live music in the French Quarter or Frenchmen Street (often no cover charge).
    
  • Wander through Jackson Square, watch street artists, and explore local markets.
    
  • Visit historic cemeteries like St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 (some require a small fee).
    
• Cheap eats:
  Beignets at Café du Monde, po’ boys from small shops, and gumbo from street vendors — all affordable and authentic.
  
• Where to stay:
  Look for guesthouses in Bywater or Mid-City — you’ll get local charm and lower rates.
  
• What’s great:
  The city feels alive 24/7 — and so many of its best experiences are free or low-cost.
  
• What to keep in mind:
  Stay alert and travel smart at night, especially in crowded areas.
  

13. Albuquerque, New Mexico

Desert skies, colorful culture, and cheap Southwestern charm.

Albuquerque has one of the lowest costs of living among U.S. cities — and that extends to travel too. With its mix of Native, Hispanic, and Western heritage, it’s a vibrant place to explore on a tight budget.

• What to do for free/cheap:
  
  • Walk through Old Town Albuquerque for adobe architecture and local crafts.
    
  • Ride the Sandia Peak Tramway — a splurge at around $30, but the views are unforgettable.
    
  • Visit Petroglyph National Monument for ancient rock carvings and desert hikes (entry is free or very low-cost).
    
• Cheap eats:
  Try a classic New Mexican breakfast burrito — cheap, spicy, and filling. Locals love Frontier Restaurant near the university.
  
• Where to stay:
  Hotels and motels here are consistently cheaper than most cities — even closer to downtown.
  
• What’s great:
  The annual Balloon Fiesta (in October) is a unique, colorful event. Even watching from the outside is magical.
  
• What to keep in mind:
  It’s dry, so stay hydrated, especially if you’re hiking.
  

14. Charleston, South Carolina

Historic beauty meets beachy bliss — without a hefty price tag.

Charleston’s cobbled streets, colorful houses, and laid-back beaches make it a dream spot. And while it has luxury elements, it’s very doable on a budget if you plan right.

• What to do for free/cheap:
  
  • Walk along The Battery for harbor views and grand old homes.
    
  • Visit Waterfront Park and its famous pineapple fountain.
    
  • Spend the day at Folly Beach or Sullivan’s Island — just pay for parking.
    
• Cheap eats:
  Seafood can be pricey, but you can still find budget-friendly spots like Bertha’s Kitchen or grab picnic supplies from a local market.
  
• Where to stay:
  Skip the historic center and check out budget inns in West Ashley or North Charleston.
  
• What’s great:
  Southern hospitality is real here — people smile, wave, and help with directions.
  
• What to keep in mind:
  It’s walkable but humid in summer. Spring and fall are the best times to go.
  

15. Boise, Idaho

An underrated western escape with small-city vibes and big outdoor rewards.

Boise is one of the best-kept secrets in U.S. travel. It’s clean, affordable, full of nature, and just the right amount of weird. Perfect for a laid-back, inexpensive getaway.

• What to do for free/cheap:
  
  • Stroll the Boise River Greenbelt — 25 miles of scenic trails.
    
  • Explore the Boise Art Museum on First Thursdays when admission is free.
    
  • Tour Freak Alley Gallery, a vibrant outdoor mural space.
    
• Cheap eats:
  Try Boise Fry Company (yes, fries are the main dish!) or grab a local beer and burger for under $15 downtown.
  
• Where to stay:
  Motels and boutique hotels are generally cheaper than in other western cities. Campgrounds are also a great option nearby.
  
• What’s great:
  You’ll feel like a local in minutes — it’s friendly, safe, and low-key in all the best ways.
  
• What to keep in mind:
  Summer is festival season, and many events are free or low-cost.
  

Final Thoughts

So there you have it — 15 fun and cheap places to travel in the US that offer unforgettable experiences without draining your savings. Whether you’re into hiking red rocks in Sedona, soaking up jazz in New Orleans, or wandering ghost-filled alleys in Savannah, there’s a perfect budget adventure waiting for you.

Quick Budget Travel Tips:

• Travel off-season for lower rates and fewer crowds.
  
• Pack snacks and refillable water bottles to save on food.
  
• Use free attractions first — hikes, museums, markets, and live music.
  
• Stay just outside major areas to cut lodging costs.
  

The US is full of hidden gems — and with a little planning, you can explore them all without breaking the bank.