12 Cheap Weekend Getaways in the US That Are Surprisingly Affordable

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You don’t have to pay top dollar to have a great time. From tropical islands to entertainment hubs, these cheap weekend getaways in the US will impress any traveler.

No matter what your budget is, there’s a US destination waiting for you. No matter if you’re looking for a tropical retreat or trying your luck in a flashy casino, there’s something for everyone.

Although you can spend a fortune in places such as Aspen or Maui, you can find cheaper destinations with almost as much to offer. Below are 12 cheap weekend getaways in the US.

Asheville, North Carolina

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Asheville is one of the most exciting small cities in the US for a cheap weekend getaway. You’ll find historical places, breweries, museums, and plenty of southern charm.

The city is also a hub for live music. Catch a show at one of downtown’s bars and music venues, or grab a craft beer at Wedge Brewing Company.

During the day, head to the River Arts District to shop for artisanal products and art. Then, hit the trails in the nearby mountains or drive the world-famous Blue Ridge Parkway for some of the most beautiful natural sights in the country.

San Juan Island, Washington

San Juan Island is the perfect weekend getaway for any nature lover in the Pacific Northwest. It takes around three hours by car from Seattle, with an extra half hour by ferry to reach San Juan Island. Once you arrive, you’ll be in for endless natural beauty and relaxation.

The island sits off the coast of Victoria, Canada. You’ll see charming fishing towns, dense temperate rainforests, and stunning waterfront views where you can see marine life like orcas and whales.

Besides nature, you can rent a kayak and explore the coast or head out on a deep-sea fishing trip or whale-watching cruise. On land, visit the island’s wineries and end the night cuddled up in an outdoor glamping site surrounded by nature. Ron Swanson approved.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Oklahoma City is the perfect weekend getaway for exciting and affordable cultural attractions and nightlife. The city is just a few hours from destinations like Dallas, Texas.

During the day, head to the Boathouse District to explore the Oklahoma River by kayak. Then, check out the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum or the First Americans Museum to learn about US history.

At night, head to Bricktown to experience the city’s nightlife. For live music and theater, head to the Civic Center Music Hall to catch a thrilling performance.

Detroit, Michigan

Detroit may have had a bad reputation in the past, but this city is back in business. Come to Detroit to experience world-famous museums, theaters, cultural sights, and natural beauty along the Detroit River.

Try to catch a professional sports game or live musical performance at The Majestic Theatre. During the day, take a tour through downtown’s historical monuments and check out a museum such as the Detroit Institute of Arts.

When you get tired of the fun cultural attractions and need to fuel up, you can pop into one of the city’s award-winning restaurants. Detroit is one of the US’s top cities for fine dining and comfort-food classics, so grab a Detroit-style pizza or coney dog and get ready for a trip down Gourmand Lane.

Richmond, Virginia

Richmond is a small city that offers a culturally rich weekend getaway that won’t break the bank. For a historical journey, head to the American Civil War Museum—Historic Tredegar. Then, learn about one of the country’s greatest writers at the Poe Museum.

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After seeing the cultural sights in town, hit the road to visit local wineries and explore the natural wonders nearby. If you love golf, you can experience some of the country’s most beautiful golf courses without spending an arm or a leg.

At night, Richmond transforms into a late-night entertainment zone with craft breweries, live music venues, and exciting bars. For an experience to remember, hit the town and try one of the city’s award-winning restaurants.

Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix is one of the Southwest’s best and cheapest weekend getaways. The city has a whole slew of incredible sights and experiences just waiting to be enjoyed. Before the hot sun rises, check out the city’s Desert Botanical Garden to experience the local plant life.

During the day, escape the heat at one of its shopping centers. Afterward, visit the famous Heard Museum to see priceless art.

Phoenix is a hub for affordable nightlife and has a booming restaurant scene. Check out Old Town Scottsdale’s historic district or downtown for endless bars, eateries, and entertainment before heading back to your hotel and lounging in the pool under the desert stars.

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans may be a world-famous destination for culture and cuisine, but it won’t set you back financially. The Big Easy is where artists, musicians, and people who love to party in historical places come to enjoy themselves.

You’ll find famous museums, such as the New Orleans Jazz Museum. Don’t miss the historical French Quarter, where you can find jazz bars and historical clubs along Frenchman Street.

Like every destination on our list, New Orleans is a hub for cuisine. No matter if you’re looking for Cajun classics or modern treats, you’ll find something delicious and affordable to sink your teeth into.

Boise, Idaho

Boise is the gateway to Idaho’s vast natural spaces and a weekend getaway to remember. You’ll find exciting attractions, restaurants, and plenty of cultural highlights.

Start your day downtown and visit the Idaho State Museum to learn about the state’s incredible history. Then, head outside of town to check out the Warhawk Air Museum. Here, you’ll see one of the country’s best collections of historical aircraft.

After seeing the beautiful city, head into the countryside to explore the Boise National Forest. You can find endless hiking trails that take you to hidden waterfalls and some of the best wildlife viewing in the country.

Blue Ridge, Georgia

Blue Ridge is one of the country’s best weekend getaways for nature, culture, and relaxing spaces. It’s also very affordable.

During the weekend, you can take a dip in Lake Blue Ridge or head out on a fishing adventure. Then, hit the Ocoee River for a whitewater rafting adventure. On land, don’t miss hiking to one of the town’s stunning waterfalls or viewpoints.

One of the highlights of Blue Ridge is the famous Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. During the fall, this railway becomes one of the best places in the country to view fall colors.

West Virginia

West Virginia doesn’t make it in many tourism articles lately, but that doesn’t mean it should be overlooked as a great vacation spot. The state is by far one of the best and cheapest places to visit in the US.

You can drive through some of the most beautiful mountains in the country. In fall, the mountains become full of bright red, yellow, and orange colors. Hikers and mountain bikers can find untouched waterfalls and incredible scenery.

Towns such as Shepherdstown and Berkeley Springs offer small-town charm and attractions like hot springs, breweries, and historical monuments. If you rent a car in Washington D.C., you can explore some of West Virginia’s top sights over the weekend.

Fort Myers, Florida

Fort Myers is an affordable beachside destination that makes the ultimate weekend getaway. You can lounge around white sand beaches or hit the open seas for a deep fishing adventure.

The city is full of delicious restaurants and nightlife where party-seekers can have nonstop fun. During the day, explore the city’s cultural sights, such as the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center.

Nearby, you can see beautiful Fort Myers beach or take a drive along Estero Island. For a wildlife adventure of a lifetime, check out Lovers Key State Park to see manatees in the wild.

Fort Collins, Colorado

Fort Collins is an incredible weekend destination, no matter what season you travel. It’s also very affordable. If you want the natural beauty of Aspen without breaking the bank, this Colorado destination should be on your list.

If you love nature, head to the Horsetooth Mountain Open Space for endless hiking trails and views. During the summer, you can go whitewater rafting or kayaking down Poudre River Whitewater Park.

You can visit craft breweries downtown, such as New Belgium Brewing Company. If beer isn’t your thing, you can enjoy cozy shops, restaurants, and art galleries downtown.