21 Cheap Weekend Getaways in the United States

From charming small towns to breathtaking natural wonders, the United States has affordable destinations perfect for a rejuvenating weekend adventure. These best weekend getaways in the US offer a glimpse into the authentic American spirit, with local eateries serving up mouthwatering regional cuisine and cozy inns providing warm hospitality. Immerse yourself in the best weekend getaway in the USA that captures the essence of a bygone era without the hefty price tag. Nature enthusiasts, rejoice! The places offer extend far beyond urban landscapes. Explore the great outdoors with affordable camping trips or cozy cabin stays in breathtaking state parks.

From majestic mountains to serene lakes, these natural wonders provide the perfect backdrop for hiking, fishing, or simply disconnecting from the hustle and bustle of city life. For those seeking a blend of cultural enrichment and affordable indulgence, certain cities across the country offer cheap getaways in the United States that cater to every interest. Immerse yourself in vibrant art scenes, savor delectable cuisine from diverse culinary traditions, and explore historic landmarks – all without breaking the bank. These urban oases strike the perfect balance between affordability and cultural richness. Craving a beach escape? Look no further than the coastal regions of the United States, where cheap getaways in the USA abound. From charming seaside towns to stunning shorelines, these destinations offer the opportunity to bask in the sun, enjoy water activities, and savor the laid-back coastal vibe – without the exorbitant costs of many beach resorts.

Embrace the spirit of adventure and exploration by embarking on a road trip through the diverse landscapes of the United States. From winding mountain roads to scenic coastal highways, the open road beckons with endless best weekend getaways in the US for affordable detours and unexpected discoveries. Pack your bags, hit the road, and create lasting memories on a budget-friendly journey that celebrates the beauty and diversity of this vast nation. This country offers an abundance of top weekend getaways in the USA that cater to every taste and budget. Embrace the opportunity to explore the hidden gems and natural wonders that lie just a short drive away, creating unforgettable memories without breaking the bank.

1. New Orleans, Louisiana:

New Orleans, Louisiana, is an ideal destination for a cheap weekend getaway, offering a unique blend of history, culture, entertainment, affordable properties, and budget-friendly activities. Whether you’re a foodie, a music lover, or a nature enthusiast, New Orleans has something for everyone, making it one of the best weekend getaways in the USA. One of the most attractive aspects of New Orleans for budget-conscious travelers is the availability of affordable properties and a plethora of budget-friendly activities to enjoy. The city’s walkability and public transportation system make exploring without needing a car easy, reducing travel costs. Visitors can indulge in the city’s famous food scene, with abundant seafood, gumbo, and jambalaya.

2. Glacier National Park, Montana:

Glacier National Park in Montana is a top weekend getaway in the USA, offering a perfect escape for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The park is home to over 700 miles of hiking trails, stunning natural beauty, and various wildlife, including grizzly bears, mountain goats, and moose. Visitors can explore the park’s many glaciers, lakes, and waterfalls and participate in hiking, fishing, and camping. The park’s scenic drives, including the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, offer breathtaking views and opportunities for wildlife spotting. With its affordable accommodations and activities, Glacier National Park is an excellent choice for a budget-friendly weekend getaway. Experience the serenity of Glacier National Park’s pristine wilderness and reconnect with nature on an unforgettable adventure.

3. Miami, Florida:

Miami, Florida, is a vibrant and exciting city that offers a perfect weekend getaway for those looking for a warm and sunny destination with a rich cultural and culinary scene. Miami is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a mix of Latin American and Caribbean influences, making it a unique and diverse destination for travelers. There are many things to do and see for a weekend getaway in Miami. Visitors can explore the Wynwood Murals, the world’s largest outdoor art museum, known as the world’s graffiti mecca. The Frost Science Museum is also a must-visit, with interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and an aquarium that showcases the marine life of the Atlantic Ocean.

4. Niagara Falls, New York:

Niagara Falls, New York, is a city in Niagara County, New York, United States, home to the famous Niagara Falls. The city has a population of approximately 48,671 as of the 2020 census and is known for its tourism industry, which is driven primarily by the waterfalls. The town offers a range of attractions for visitors, including the Niagara Falls State Park, which has several attractions, such as the Cave of the Winds behind the Bridal Veil Falls. The Niagara Falls tours and activities provide hours of added fun for visitors who come to see the spectacular beauty of Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls State Park has 400 acres of lush terrain and offers protected wildlife.

5. Orlando, Florida:

Orlando is a city located in Orange County. It is known for its tourism industry, driven primarily by the city’s numerous theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld of Florida. The town is in a region dotted by lakes, about 60 miles (95 km) northwest of Melbourne and 85 miles (135 km) northeast of Tampa. Orlando has a rich history, with settlement beginning in 1843 around Fort Gatlin, a U.S. Army post. The town was renamed in 1857 to honor Orlando Reeves, an army sentry killed during the Seminole Wars. Before the American Civil War, the area was a cotton and cattle center. After the war, citrus became a leading industry.

6. Portland, Maine:

Portland, Maine, is a popular destination for a cheap weekend getaway in the U.S., known for its unique hipster culture, delicious food scene, and scenic hikes. The city is home to various affordable properties, including charming bed and breakfasts and cozy vacation rentals, making it an ideal destination for budget-conscious travelers. Visitors can explore the city’s famous food truck scene, indulge in the vibrant craft brewery scene, and take scenic hikes that showcase the city’s natural beauty. Portland is also home to various affordable activities, including visiting unique art galleries and engaging in creative workshops. With its rich history, warm Southern hospitality, and charming atmosphere, Portland offers an unforgettable weekend getaway without breaking the bank.

7. Burlington, Vermont:

Burlington, Vermont, is a vibrant city in the heart of the Green Mountains, known for its thriving arts scene, educational opportunities, and various outdoor pursuits. The town offers a harmonious blend of adventure and local charm, with multiple attractions and activities to explore. It is an ideal destination for visitors seeking a memorable experience in a picturesque setting. Burlington is home to a thriving arts scene, museums, and educational institutions, including three colleges and a university, providing a rich cultural environment for residents and visitors alike. The city’s downtown area, characterized by fountains, a brick-paved pedestrian mall, and historic buildings, offers a vibrant atmosphere with a mix of specialty shops, national retailers, restaurants, and cultural venues.

8. Catskills, New York:

The Catskills region is a popular destination for a weekend getaway, offering a range of activities and attractions for all interests and ages. Located approximately 100 miles north-northwest of New York City and 40 miles southwest of Albany, the Catskills are easily accessible by car or train. The region is known for its natural beauty, with lush forests, crystal-clear lakes, and breathtaking waterfalls. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, swimming in the summer, skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating in the winter. The Catskill Mountains are also home to various wildlife, including deer, bears, and eagles, making it a popular destination for bird watching and wildlife photography. The Catskills offer a rich cultural scene for art lovers, with numerous galleries, museums, and studios.

9. Austin, Texas:

Austin, Texas, is the capital of the state of Texas and the county seat of Travis County, with a population of 961,855 as of 2020. It is the 11th-largest city in the United States and the fourth-largest in Texas. Austin is known for its vibrant arts scene, educational opportunities, and various outdoor pursuits. The city is home to the University of Texas at Austin, one of the country’s top universities, and offers more than 170 fields of study. Austin is also known for its live music scene, with numerous clubs, coffeehouses, bars, and concert halls featuring local and international musicians. The city is home to the largest urban bat colony in North America.

10. Key West, Florida:

Key West is a vibrant island located at the southern tip of the Florida Keys, making it one of the best weekend getaways in the US. With its tropical sunshine, fantastic water activities, and a lively downtown known for its haunting history and world-famous sunsets, Key West offers a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. To get around Key West, you can drive or fly in, but if you fly, you’ll need some help navigating the island. The trolley serves as public transportation to many Key West attractions, making it easy to get around. There are many incredible things to explore in Key West. If you’re looking for a beachfront hotel, the Casa Marina, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, is a great option.

11. Cincinnati, Ohio:

Cincinnati, Ohio, is a city in Hamilton County, with a population of 309,317 in 2020, making it the third-most populous city in Ohio and the 65th in the United States. Cincinnati is situated at the confluence of the Licking and Ohio rivers, with the latter marking the state line with Kentucky. The city has a rich history, having developed as a river town for cargo shipping by steamboats and later transitioning to an industrialized economy in manufacturing. Cincinnati is known for its architectural projects, such as the Cincinnatian Hotel and Roebling Bridge, which led to its nickname, “Paris of America,” in the late 1800s. Cincinnati is a hub for arts and entertainment, with a symphony orchestra, ballet, and theatre ensembles.

12. Chicago, Illinois:

Chicago, Illinois, is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois and the Midwestern United States. With a population of 2,746,388 in the 2020 census, it is the third-most populous city in the United States after New York City and Los Angeles. Chicago is the center of the Chicago metropolitan area, often colloquially called “Chicagoland.” It is located on the shore of Lake Michigan and was incorporated as a city in 1837 near a portage between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River watershed. Chicago grew rapidly in the mid-19th century and made noted contributions to urban planning and architecture, such as the Chicago School, the development of the City Beautiful Movement, and the steel-framed skyscraper.

13. Portland, Oregon:

Portland is a popular destination for cheap getaways in the United States. The city offers a range of budget-friendly accommodations, from affordable hotels to unique glamping experiences just outside the city. For instance, Glamping Hub offers budget-friendly getaways from Portland, including cabins in Silverton, OR, tipis in Marcola, OR, and cabins in Grass Valley, OR, all of which provide access to the natural wonders of the region, such as Mount Hood National Forest, the Pacific Coastline of Oregon, and Umpqua National Forest. In addition to budget-friendly accommodations, Portland offers a variety of affordable activities and attractions. For example, visitors can explore the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene, renowned music and theater scene, and many art galleries and museums.

14. Charleston, South Carolina:

Charleston, South Carolina, is a historic port city located on the Atlantic coast of the United States. The city was founded in 1670 and had a rich history, with many old colonial homes and churches, picturesque streets and courtyards, and notable parks and gardens that recall its days as the chief city of the royal province of Carolina. The city is also known for its cultural institutions, including the Charleston Library Society, the Carolina Art Association, and the South Carolina Historical Society. Charleston is a major port city and a hub of commerce and finance in coastal South Carolina, with a diversified economy includes paper and pulp mills, metalworking, and manufacturing molded rubber products, auto parts, chemicals, and electrical equipment.

15. Asheville, North Carolina:

Asheville, North Carolina, is a city in Buncombe County in the western part of the state. It is situated at the confluence of the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers and is widely known for its mild climate and uneven plateau at an elevation of about 2,200 feet (670 meters). Asheville is the eastern gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Qualla Boundary, which is the home of the Eastern Band of Cherokee people, and it is the headquarters of Croatan, Nantahala, Pisgah, and Uwharrie national forests. The city has a rich history and was originally within a Cherokee hunting ground, settled in 1794 by John Burton and renamed in 1797 to honor Governor Samuel Ashe.

16. Savannah, Georgia:

Savannah is a quintessential Southern city on Georgia’s coast, known for its breathtaking architecture, world-renowned art, and rich history. This historic city, founded on Enlightenment principles, has captivated visitors for generations with its charming atmosphere, haunted tales, and romantic allure. Savannah offers a pedestrian-friendly environment where visitors can explore nearly 300 years of history, enjoy a variety of dining options, partake in award-winning tours, and choose from unique accommodations like hotels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals. Savannah’s Tybee Island beach provides a relaxing escape with attractions and entertainment options. The city is also known for its cultural programming, arts initiatives, and community engagement efforts, making it a vibrant and welcoming destination for tourists and residents alike.

17. San Diego, California:

San Diego is located on the Pacific Ocean coast in Southern California, directly adjacent to the Mexico-United States border. It is the second-most populous city in California and the eighth-most populous city in the United States, with over 1.3 million residents. The city is the county seat of San Diego County, which has a population of nearly 3.3 million people as of 2021. San Diego is known for its mild year-round Mediterranean climate, extensive beaches and parks, long association with the United States Navy, and recent emergence as a healthcare and biotechnology development center. The city is the economic center of the San Diego-Tijuana conurbation, the second-most populous transborder metropolitan area.

18. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a vibrant city with a rich history. While it may not be mentioned explicitly in the provided sources, Philadelphia is a fantastic destination for the best weekend getaway in the USA. Known for its iconic landmarks like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, thriving food scene, museums, and vibrant neighborhoods, Philadelphia offers a mix of history, culture, and modern attractions that make it an ideal weekend destination. Whether exploring the historic district or strolling through charming neighborhoods like Old City, Philadelphia has something to offer every traveler. Philadelphia’s proximity to other major cities on the East Coast, such as New York City and Washington, D.C., makes it a convenient and accessible choice for a weekend getaway.

19. New York City, New York:

New York City is located at the southern tip of New York State on one of the world’s largest natural harbors. The city comprises five boroughs, each coextensive with a respective county. It is a global city and a cultural, financial, high-tech, and entertainment center with a significant influence on commerce, health care, scientific output, life sciences, research, technology, education, politics, tourism, dining, and art. Home to the headquarters of the United Nations, New York is an important center for international diplomacy. It is sometimes described as the world’s most important city and the capital of the world. With more than 20.1 million people in its metropolitan statistical area, New York City is one of the world’s most populous megacities.

20. Seattle, Washington:

Seattle is a city in the state of Washington and is the seat of King County. With a population of 749,256 as of 2022, it is the most populous city in the state of Washington and the Pacific Northwest region and the 18th-most populous city in the United States. The town is situated on an isthmus between Puget Sound and is the northernmost major city in the contiguous United States. Seattle is a significant gateway for trade with East Asia, with the Port of Seattle being the fourth-largest port in North America in terms of container handling as of 2021. The city has a rich history, with Native American tribes such as the Duwamish and Suquamish inhabiting the area.

21. Washington D.C.:

Washington, D.C., is a top weekend getaway destination in the USA, offering a mix of history, culture, and attractions. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks like the White House, the U.S. Capitol, and the National Mall, home to several museums and monuments. The city also boasts vibrant neighborhoods, excellent dining options, and a lively arts and entertainment scene. Additionally, Washington, D.C., is known for its cherry blossoms in the spring, adding a touch of natural beauty to the urban landscape. Whether interested in history, politics, or simply enjoying a weekend in a dynamic city, Washington, D.C., has something for everyone. Remember to stroll along the picturesque Potomac River for stunning views and outdoor recreation opportunities!