12 Affordable US Destinations for Fall You’ll Want To Visit This Year

In the US, you don’t need to spend an arm and a leg to vacation in style. From cozy lakeside getaways to mountain resorts, you’ll find plenty of affordable adventures this fall.

If you love beautiful fall colors, gorgeous beaches, and beautiful natural scenery, then the US is the place to be. Although some destinations carry a high price tag, not all US travel destinations are meant for the super-rich.

Many world-class travel destinations in the US are less expensive and just as beautiful as their luxury counterparts. Below are the top 12 most affordable fall destinations in the US.

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Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota

Minnesota’s largest cities are a haven for fall colors, live music, and romantic lakeside drives. They’re also affordable places to travel to this year. You can explore music history, jump on a purple bike, and purify yourself in the waters of Lake Minnetonka without breaking the bank.

Short-term rentals and hotel prices drop as the harsh winter season approaches. You can catch incredible deals at the tail end of fall while enjoying autumn colors and pleasant temperatures. If you have a car, you don’t have to drive far to find yourself cruising next to beautiful small lakes in the countryside.

There are also free cultural events every week in both cities. Museums such as the Minneapolis Institute of Art offer free admission, as does the Como Park Zoo in St. Paul. Plus, if you love art and music, you’ll find free live performances, art shows, and street art to enjoy.

Fargo, North Dakota

This beautiful and historically rich city is full of affordable attractions, especially in the fall. Fargo doesn’t cost as much as other US destinations, but it has tons to offer travelers.

The city turns into a paradise of fall colors and charming festivities in autumn. Events such as Fall in Fargo are full of fun activities and cost $12 for a ten-activity pass.

The city also has free admission to popular museums such as the Plains Art Museum. If you love fall colors and nature, Fargo is a great starting point to drive near the banks of the Red River to take in beautiful fall colors and romantic countryside.

San Antonio, Texas

If you want to explore American history, eat amazing food for cheap, and get your fill of endless Texas fun, then add San Antonio to your fall travel list. The city is home to world-famous tourist destinations such as The Alamo and some of the best Tex-Mex restaurants in the country. To top it all off, it’s super affordable.

This fall, the already affordable rates for hotels and short-term rentals start to go down, making it the perfect time to look for deals. Food costs are low and the quality of restaurants and cafes is super high—we may be giving too much away. Sorry, San Antonio locals!

Besides the amazing food and affordable prices, San Antonio is full of amazing sights. You can check out the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park or walk through Market Square to get your fill of Mexican food and treats.

Buffalo, York

Most Affordable US Destinations for Fall Buffalo, New York — © Harold Stiver / Adobe Stock

The gateway to Niagra Falls and not far from the Finger Lakes, Buffalo is a worthy fall travel destination regardless of how much you can spend. Fortunately, if you’re trying to save cash this season and travel, it’s the perfect fall trip.

When you’re in the city, take a drive north to check out Niagara Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in North America. Then, drive east to the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge to enjoy unparalleled fall colors and wildlife viewing.

In the city, you’ll find all kinds of affordable activities, such as live music and walking tours. Then, head to the canal waterfront to enjoy amazing food and drinks without breaking the bank.

Rapid City, South Dakota

For unlimited nature, history, and culture, it’s hard to beat Rapid City. The city is famous for being the gateway to one of the most iconic and affordable landmarks in the country, Mt. Rushmore. The giant mountainside carvings of former presidents, and supposedly soon-to-be Chuck Norris, tower over the landscape.

Aside from its most famous sight, Rapid City is full of cultural landmarks worth experiencing. Head to the Journey Museum to learn about the Sioux Indian culture and history. Then, head to the quirky Dinosaur Park to see cement dinosaurs and other fun sculptures.

Just outside of town are the Black Hills, which have endless natural wonders and cultural landmarks such as the Indian Museum of North America. This historical museum only costs $10 to enter but has priceless artifacts and exhibits as well as the famous Crazy Horse Memorial.

St. Augustine, Florida

The oldest city in the US is also an affordable travel destination brimming with sights, activities, and beautiful beaches. Hotel and hostel term rental rates go down in fall, so you’ll find amazing deals, especially just outside town.

When you’re there, you can check out iconic landmarks such as the Oldest House Museum Complex and the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. Then, you can enjoy one of the many affordable fishing charters and try your angling luck out at sea.

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Another plus for staying in St. Augustine is the miles of beaches and dunes where you can pull up and lounge for free. Natural areas such as the Guana River Wildlife Management Area offer endless wildlife viewing that any nature lover would pay top dollar for. Fortunately, it’s all free.

Knoxville, Tennessee

If you’re looking for history, culture, and pure natural beauty at an affordable price, then Knoxville is the place to be this fall. The city played a major part in the birth of country music. For just a small admission fee, you can explore museums like the East Tennessee History Center to learn about the city’s contribution to American culture.

For nature lovers, Knoxville is the gateway to a sprawling wilderness of mountain passes, waterfalls, and tranquil creeks. Spending autumn in Knoxville’s mountains, you’ll find yourself surrounded by some of the most stunning fall colors in the country.

Room and board and food costs are lower in Knoxville compared to other US tourist destinations. In the fall, you’ll find plenty of wonderful deals if you book early.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

While Airbnb and hotel prices in nearby Santa Fe may be high, Albuquerque remains average or below. Nearby the city are some of the most striking natural and cultural landmarks in the country.

Head to Petroglyph National Monument to learn about the long history of the area. Then, check out the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.

After hitting the sights, head back to town to try traditional New Mexican cuisine. Although the restaurants are cheap, the food is world-class, and several long-running eateries such as Barelas Coffee House have been making die-hard fans for decades.

Memphis, Tennessee

Another must-see tourist destination in Tennessee that won’t cost you a fortune in Memphis. This historical and musical city has seen some of the US’s most pivotal historical moments. It also has a booming food scene just waiting to be experienced.

Check out the National Civil Rights Museum and Graceland. Then, head to Beale Street and enjoy live blues at one of the many popular bars and live music venues. Although it’ll be endlessly fun, a night on the town won’t set you back.

On top of its affordable historical sites and cultural attractions, Memphis is one of the biggest food cities in the country. If you love messy plates of BBQ and craft beer, Memphis will surely blow any other destination out of the water.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

This autumn, if you’re looking for romantic fall colors by the lake, look no further than Milwaukee. Wisconsin’s largest city is a treasure trove of cultural landmarks, museums, great beer, and of course, cheese curds — they taste far better than they sound.

Head downtown and stroll through the Public Market. Then, enjoy downtown’s riverwalk before hitting the shores of Lake Michigan. If you’re open to driving, you can drive along the shore of Lake Michigan to take in the fall colors and charming coastal views.

The city is full of affordable and popular museums, such as the Milwaukee Art Museum and Discovery World. As the sun sets, head to one of downtown’s restaurants and brewpubs to enjoy simple yet incredibly delicious local favorites.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

While nearby New York, New York, and Washington D.C. may have super high room and board costs, the City of Brotherly Love keeps it affordable. Philly is also one of the US travel hotspots for history and culture.

You can see the Love sign, Rocky Steps, the Liberty Bell Center, and other iconic landmarks, all for free. Plus, many of the city’s top museums offer free admission on certain days.

Just under an hour outside Philly, you’ll find amazing destinations such as Sesame Place Philadelphia. For fall colors, head to Ridley Creek State Park and hike through autumn foliage and discover enchanting waterfalls and relaxing creeks.

Cleveland, Ohio

Visit Cleveland for a big city with small-town vibes, affordable hotels and airbnbs, and serene lake views. You’ll get some of the best fall colors in the peaceful neighborhoods surrounding the city.

For music lovers, nothing beats a visit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. For just around $30, you can tour one of the world’s largest museums dedicated to music history. You’ll also see famous costumes, instruments, and signed memorabilia from the top recording artists of all time.

After exploring the city, head downtown to enjoy the city’s many restaurants and bars. Although the city is home to some high-end establishments, you’ll have plenty of affordable and delicious cuisine that will rock your world.