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Traveling the U.S. in 2025 doesn't have to cost a fortune. Whether you're planning a romantic escape or a family trip with kids in tow, there are plenty of wallet-friendly destinations packed with fun, culture, nature, and sunshine. We've rounded up 10 of the best budget-friendly vacation spots across the country—from sandy beaches to mountain towns—with updated tips for lodging, food, free activities, and travel hacks.

So, if you're looking for budget-friendly family trips or couples' getaways that won't break the bank, here's your ultimate list. Let's dive in!

1. Gulf Shores, Alabama

Why Go: Soft white sands, warm Gulf waters, and affordable seafood joints—Alabama Gulf Shores is a dream for laid-back beach lovers. It’s less commercialized than Florida but just as gorgeous.

Budget Tips:

• Public beach access is free and plentiful

• Cook fresh seafood from local markets in your rental

• Visit Gulf State Park for free hiking, biking, or even camping

Average Costs in 2025:

• Hotels: Around $110/night off-season, up to $230 peak (check Booking.com for deals on Gulf Shores hotels)

• Food: $10-$15 for seafood platters at local shacks

Don’t Miss:

• Dolphin watching from the shore

• Gulf State Park Pier

• Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge

Getting Around: Fly into Pensacola or Mobile, then grab a rental car or book a Kiwitaxi airport transfer to your hotel.

2. New Orleans, Louisiana

Why Go: Jazz on every corner, beignets for breakfast, and history you can walk through. NOLA is rich in culture and surprisingly budget-friendly.

Budget Tips:

• Frenchmen Street for free live music

• $3 day passes for streetcars

• Stay in Mid-City or Bywater for cheaper rooms

Average Costs in 2025:

• Hotels: $100–$150/night for good mid-range rooms

• Food: Po'boys and gumbo for $8-$12

Don’t Miss:

• Strolling Jackson Square

• Free concerts in City Park

• Browsing the French Market

Getting Around: Use the $3 Jazzy Pass for all-day streetcar rides. Kiwitaxi is great for airport pickups.

3. Salt Lake City, Utah

Why Go: Mountains, museums, and Mormon history—vacation in Salt Lake City is great for outdoorsy families and curious couples alike.

Budget Tips:

• Temple Square is free to explore

• Hike Ensign Peak at sunset

• Take advantage of the Free Fare Zone downtown

Average Costs in 2025:

• Hotels: $100–$150/night (search "vacation Salt Lake City Utah" deals)

• Food: Local eats like Crown Burger average $10/meal

Top Sights in Salt Lake City:

• Natural History Museum (free days monthly)

• Great Salt Lake & Antelope Island

• Liberty Park & Tracy Aviary

Getting Around: TRAX light rail is $2.50/trip or free downtown. Use Kiwitaxi or public transport from the airport.

4. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Why Go: Think arcades, oceanfront strolls, and mini golf—vacation Myrtle Beach is a classic for affordable family fun.

Budget Tips:

• Free fireworks and concerts all summer

• Stay one block off the beach for big savings

• Use coupon books for cheap vacation Myrtle Beach SC attractions

Average Costs in 2025:

• Hotels: $100–$150/night; even less inland

• Food: Buffets and beach bars $12-$20

Places to Visit Myrtle Beach:

• Boardwalk & Pier

• Broadway at the Beach

• Myrtle Beach State Park

Getting Around: Walk, bike, or take the local bus ($1.50 fare). For airport transfers, Kiwitaxi is handy and affordable.

5. Flagstaff, Arizona

Why Go: This cool mountain town is your perfect base for the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and Route 66. It’s ideal for outdoorsy couples and adventurous families.

Budget Tips:

• Use Flagstaff as a base to explore the Grand Canyon (1.5 hr drive)

• Free hikes in Coconino National Forest

• Visit Lowell Observatory on a public telescope night

Average Costs in 2025:

• Hotels: $80–$130/night for budget and mid-range motels

• Food: $10 meals at taco joints, diners, and breweries

Don’t Miss:

• Walnut Canyon & Sunset Crater

• Downtown Flagstaff on Route 66

• Stargazing in this Dark Sky City

Getting Around: A car is helpful, but local buses are just $1.25 per ride. Parking is easy and often free.

6. Branson, Missouri

Why Go: Live music, comedy shows, and lakeside fun—Branson is like a family-friendly Vegas without the price tag.

Budget Tips:

• Bundle shows for discounts (3 shows for $99 deals)

• Take the free downtown trolley

• Look for cabins or condos with kitchens

Average Costs in 2025:

• Hotels: $60–$100/night for motels or $150 for larger cabins

• Food: Many restaurants offer early bird specials, and kids eat free

Don’t Miss:

• Table Rock Lake

• Branson Landing fountain shows

• Silver Dollar City (splurge-worthy for families)

Getting Around: Most attractions are close together. A car is helpful, but the downtown trolley is a fun, free option.

7. San Antonio, Texas

Why Go: Culture-rich and full of charm, San Antonio mixes history, Tex-Mex, and riverfront fun—all without the big-city price tag.

Budget Tips:

• Visit the Alamo and all 4 Missions for free

• Use VIA bus day passes ($2.75 unlimited rides)

• Dine in local markets for cheap and tasty eats

Average Costs in 2025:

• Hotels: $80–$120/night outside downtown

• Food: Tacos and lunch specials around $8–$12

Don’t Miss:

• River Walk strolls

• San Antonio Missions Trail

• Japanese Tea Garden

Getting Around: VIA buses are reliable and cheap. Kiwitaxi is a great option from the airport.

8. Outer Banks, North Carolina

Why Go: Wild beaches, lighthouses, and quiet beauty make OBX a top pick for couples or families looking to relax.

Budget Tips:

• Split a beach house with friends or family

• Free beach access and cheap or free parking

• Visit lighthouses (grounds often free)

Average Costs in 2025:

• Hotels/Rentals: ~$150–$200/night for 2–3 bedroom cottage

• Food: Cook your own meals or enjoy $10–$15 seafood baskets

Don’t Miss:

• Jockey’s Ridge State Park

• Wright Brothers Memorial (free on NPS days)

• Watching wild horses in Corolla

Getting Around: A car is necessary here. Parking is easy, and the scenery is worth the drive.

9. Albuquerque, New Mexico

Why Go: Desert sunsets, Native American culture, and green chile everything make ABQ an underrated gem.

Budget Tips:

• Ride the city buses ($2 day pass)

• Free Petroglyph hikes and Route 66 photo ops

• Check out Old Town's free cultural events

Average Costs in 2025:

• Hotels: $60–$100/night

• Food: Tacos and New Mexican plates $7–$12

Don’t Miss:

• Sandia Peak (drive or take tram)

• BioPark Zoo & Aquarium combo pass

• Hot air balloons (view for free or splurge on a ride)

Getting Around: Public transport covers major sites. Rent a car for day trips to Santa Fe or Taos.

10. Daytona Beach, Florida

Why Go: Wide sandy beaches, boardwalk vibes, and a splash of motorsports—Daytona is as affordable as it is fun.

Budget Tips:

• Drive on the beach for a small fee or park nearby for free

• Look for hotels that include free breakfast

• Use coupon books for mini golf and attractions

Average Costs in 2025:

• Hotels: $80–$120/night oceanfront

• Food: Diners and seafood shacks $10–$15

Don’t Miss:

• Daytona Beach Pier

• Daytona International Speedway tour

• Ponce Inlet Lighthouse

Getting Around: You’ll need a car to explore. Parking is easy and often included with stays.

Quick Cost Comparison

• Gulf Shores, AL

  • Avg. Daily Cost: ~$153

  • Hotel Range: $110–$230/night

  • Freebies: Beach, hiking, wildlife

• New Orleans, LA

  • Avg. Daily Cost: ~$120

  • Hotel Range: $100–150/night

  • Freebies: Music, parks, streetcars

• Salt Lake City, UT

  • Avg. Daily Cost: ~$122

  • Hotel Range: $100–150/night

  • Freebies: Temple Square, free transit zone

• Myrtle Beach, SC

  • Avg. Daily Cost: ~$94

  • Hotel Range: $100–150/night

  • Freebies: Beach, fireworks, concerts

• Flagstaff, AZ

  • Avg. Daily Cost: ~$90

  • Hotel Range: $80–130/night

  • Freebies: Hiking, stargazing

• Branson, MO

  • Avg. Daily Cost: ~$100

  • Hotel Range: $60–150/night

  • Freebies: Trolley, lake views, live shows

• San Antonio, TX

  • Avg. Daily Cost: ~$65

  • Hotel Range: $80–120/night

  • Freebies: Missions, parks, bus rides

• Outer Banks, NC

  • Avg. Daily Cost: ~$177

  • Hotel Range: $150–200/night

  • Freebies: Beaches, dunes, wild horses

• Albuquerque, NM

  • Avg. Daily Cost: ~$70

  • Hotel Range: $60–100/night

  • Freebies: Old Town events, hiking, museums

• Daytona Beach, FL

  • Avg. Daily Cost: ~$119

  • Hotel Range: $80–120/night

  • Freebies: Beach access, boardwalk, concerts

Final Tips for Traveling Smart in 2025

• Compare hotel prices on Booking.com or Hotellook

• Use Kiwitaxi for affordable, fixed-rate airport transfers

• Cook your meals a few nights to stretch your budget

• Travel off-season (late spring or early fall) to avoid crowds and high prices

• Get travel insurance (World Nomads is a great option for budget trips)

• Pick places where the main attraction is free — beaches, hikes, or historic sites

Whether you're dreaming of dunes in North Carolina or tacos in Texas, there's a budget-friendly vacation waiting for you in 2025. Happy travels!

Table of Contents

• Gulf Shores, Alabama

• New Orleans, Louisiana

• Salt Lake City, Utah

• Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

• Flagstaff, Arizona

• Branson, Missouri

• San Antonio, Texas

• Outer Banks, North Carolina

• Albuquerque, New Mexico

• Daytona Beach, Florida

• Quick Cost Comparison

• Final Tips for Traveling Smart in 2025