These budget-friendly road trips offer the adventure of a lifetime!
Road tripping around the United States doesn’t have to be expensive. The truth is that there are plenty of shorter and more affordable routes that travelers can take. And things like annual passes to national parks and picnicking can be a big help in making any road trip affordable. Yet picking which routes you want to explore is the real challenge. So that’s where I come in! These stunning stretches offer ample opportunities for free or low-cost sightseeing and camping. These 12 budget-friendly road trips are ideal for those without the time or budget to drive across the nation. So what are we waiting for? Start planning a road trip through America on one of these exciting journeys for an adventure rich in memories and light on your wallet!
Budget-friendly road trip: Route 66
Taking a budget-friendly road trip by traveling the iconic Route 66 is a dream for many people all over the world, and the good news is that driving this route is also super reasonable. There will be many free stops along your way to keep things interesting without you having to pay expensive admission fees. Originally, the route ran about 2,445 miles from Chicago, through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, ending in Santa Monica, California. Nowadays, though, it isn’t necessary to drive the entire length of the journey to experience its charm. Just choose your favorite stops and begin your adventure!
Budget-friendly road trip: Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area
It’s no secret that our country’s capital is cherished among history lovers for its many landmarks, monuments, and (free) museums, but there’s so many other things to see, do, and explore both in the city and around it. The Wharf and Georgetown are D.C.’s trendiest neighborhoods, overflowing with eclectic drinking, shopping, and dining venues. Also, travelers can… and should venture outside the city limits on this budget-friendly road trip to explore nearby destinations like Old Town Alexandria, which offers charming cobblestone streets and 18th-century townhomes. A little further away is Loudoun County, which is famous for its vineyards, wineries, and storybook-worthy towns like Middleburg and Leesburg.
Budget-friendly road trip: Orlando, Florida
While there’s a lot to love about Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando, this central Florida city and its surroundings offer much more than the fantastic theme parks that call Orlando home. Nature lovers can get out on the water on a guided kayak tour through Wekiwa Springs State Park, renowned for its emerald springs and excellent swimming and hiking, or paddle through the canals in Winter Park. Culinary aficionados will also be pleased to find that Orlando was recently voted the nation’s best food city, and it’s home to Michelin-ranked locations across a combination of cuisines and price points, including Otto’s High Dive for amazing Cuban food and cocktails, The Strand for seasonal New American fare, and Camille for delicious Vietnamese. There are plenty of free things to do on this budget-friendly road trip, too, like a picturesque stroll through Lake Eola Park, classic car shows in nostalgia-inducing Old Town, or self-guided mural tours through the Mills 50 District.
Budget-friendly road trip: Jacksonville, Florida
This northern city in the Sunshine State, the largest city in the continental United States, offers 22 miles of outdoor adventure, stunning beaches, and the nation’s most extensive urban park system, making it a must-see place. After picking up your rental car, make a beeline straight for Jacksonville Beach, or tie up those laces and explore part of the 14-and-a-half-mile Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail, which features gorgeous forest scenery best explored on foot or by bike. Art lovers shouldn’t miss the expansive Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens on this budget-friendly road trip, with a collection that spans roughly 5,000 pieces and counting across several centuries. Meanwhile, families will especially love the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. It’s home to more than 2,000 majestic animals, including flamingos, elephants, and tigers. Pro tip: Plan your trip to be there on a weekend to experience the Riverside Arts Market, which is open every Saturday, rain or shine. It sells art, produce, handmade jewelry, and more from more than 100 local vendors.
Budget-friendly road trip: Tampa, Florida
Wanna add even more to your Florida itinerary? Considered the Sunshine State’s new “It” city, Tampa has become increasingly trendy in recent years due to the 2022 opening of The Tampa EDITION and a host of haute restaurants like Casa Cami, Ash, and Predalina. You might be tempted to spend your entire budget-friendly road trip posted up in the hip and highly walkable Water Street Tampa district, which is nearly always buzzing thanks to its abundance of restaurants, green space, and hotels, but don’t be shy to neighborhood-hop, which is extremely easy to do with a car. While it spans a mere six blocks, Hyde Park Village is an upscale neighborhood well-known for its dining and shopping, and Seminole Heights boasts tree-lined streets and charming homes. Ybor City, meanwhile, overflows with vintage shops, historic charm, and Cuban and Latin American restaurants. For the best city views, venture off to Davis Islands, which also offer Instagram-worthy, pastel-hued structures that look like they’ve been yanked straight from the Mediterranean.
Budget-friendly road trip: Palm Beach, Florida
Your Florida road trip isn’t over yet! Roughly 70 miles north of Miami lies beautiful Palm Beach. Also known as “The Hamptons of the South,” this luxurious seaside enclave is home to many swanky restaurants, bars, and designer shops. The good news is that summer marks this destination’s off-season, which means you can enjoy many of the charming town’s top hotels on this budget-friendly road trip, including the Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, Brazilian Court Hotel, or The Colony Hotel, all for a fraction of the cost compared to winter prices. The area itself is home to more than 45 miles of magnificent beaches, which are, by far, the biggest attraction here. But, don’t sleep on the picturesque 5.5-mile Lake Trail or Worth Avenue, which is lined with chic boutiques. After shopping or breaking a sweat, hit up the local hot spots like Green’s Pharmacy and Luncheonette and Sprinkles Ice Cream. And after a long day, for some downtime, check out the idyllic Mounts Botanical Garden in nearby West Palm Beach, which is an easy drive from Palm Beach proper.
Budget-friendly road trip: Sacramento, California
California’s capital city is usually overlooked in favor of more popular hotspots like San Francisco or the City of Angels, but don’t let that deter you from checking this place out. The destination is chock-full of distinct charm and character. Situated along the water, Old Sacramento, which has been deemed a National Historic Landmark District and State Historic Park, pays homage to the 1849 Gold Rush era with dozens of restored and recreated buildings, wooden sidewalks, and even horse-drawn carriages. History fans will also appreciate a visit to the state capital on this budget-friendly road trip. Also, it’s worth mentioning that the city offers 230-plus days of sunshine each year, making it a sanctuary for outdoor enthusiasts with activities like biking, hiking, and al fresco concerts. The city is also home to more than 650 murals, making it a fun stop for art fans and those looking to escape Sacramento for a day or so. And you should also consider a trip to Lake Tahoe or San Francisco, which are 90 minutes and two hours away, respectively.
Budget-friendly road trip: Houston, Texas
This budget-friendly road trip makes for an excellent long weekend getaway, and renting a car makes it easier to explore the destination’s many distinctive neighborhoods, especially when you consider the fact that this city is so huge: 640 square miles, to be exact! Stops at The Galleria and the Space Center are a must, but having a car allows you to explore some off-the-beaten-path spots along the way, as well, including The Beer Can House, which, yes, is exactly what it sounds like. Then, you also have the National Museum of Funeral History. Travelers can also get in tune with Mother Nature at Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park or Buffalo Bayou Park. And alternatively, you can drive a half-hour to Lake Houston Wilderness Park in nearby New Caney.
Budget-friendly road trip: Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
Don’t leave the great state of Texas yet, though! The Dallas-Fort Worth region spans more than 9,000 square miles, so renting a car here is a no-brainer, too! In the city itself, you can enjoy a much-needed break from the summer heat by cooling off inside one of the city’s many museums, including the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, the 6th Floor Museum located at Dealey Plaza, and of course, the Dallas Museum of Art. The 68-square-mile Dallas Arts District serves as the city’s culture and arts hub, while the Uptown neighborhood boasts a lively drinking and dining scene. The Bishop’s Arts District, which is known for its top-notch shopping, entertainment, and street art, is also a must-visit. Meanwhile, in Fort Worth, which is approximately 45 minutes from Dallas by car, a visit to the Stockyards feels like a step back in time to the Wild West with rodeos and cattle drives. This budget-friendly road trip is also home to the National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame.
Budget-friendly road trip: San Antonio, Texas
Between its 15-mile River Walk, history with The Alamo, and abundance of eclectic drinking and dining choices (it’s one of the very few cities in the US to be named a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy), this budget-friendly road trip is well worthy of a spot on your next travel bucket list. Once you arrive, hop in your vehicle and head straight to the trendy-but-historic Pearl District, where you can check out the public art along the one and a half-mile Museum Reach, which also happens to be a sanctuary for foodies with an abundance of top-notch eateries like Best Quality Daughter, which dishes out delicious Asian-American fare. While there’s so much to see and do within the city limits, including the Alamo and the beautiful San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, you can also hop in your car to visit charming Fredericksburg (approx. 90 minutes away by car), which is teeming with wineries and scenic hiking, including the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area.
Budget-friendly road trip: San Diego, California
This cheerful SoCal city is famous for its warm weather, gorgeous stretches of sand, and dense parks, making it an ideal choice for a long weekend getaway. A trip to the beach here is one you’ll always remember. Options for this budget-friendly road trip run the gamut from Cardiff State Beach to the lively Moonlight State Beach around Encinitas, which is a very popular spot for surfing, swimming, and volleyball, to bustling Coronado Beach. Be sure also to carve out enough time to explore the city’s other equally impressive sights, including Belmont Park, an oceanfront amusement park that practically oozes nostalgia; the expansive Balboa Park, which is home to the San Diego Zoo; and the historic Gaslamp Quarter that’s teeming with nightlife. La Jolla, a quick 20-minute drive from downtown, is renowned for its rugged coastline, abundance of seals and sea lions, picturesque trails (don’t miss Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve), excellent golf, and charming downtown area.
Budget-friendly road trip: Gilmore Girls Trip Through Connecticut
Before Emily was ever in Paris, there were our Gilmore Girls, and the TV show still inspires people to travel to Connecticut nowadays. This state doesn’t exactly scream “epic budget-friendly road trip” in the traditional sense of traversing coastal landscapes and hiking in National Parks, but that can be a good thing for your budget. It’s the ideal place for Gilmore Girls fans to explore, making stops in Washington Depot, Kent, and the Mayflower Inn (aka the Dragonfly Inn).
Bonus: Practical money-saving tips for budget-friendly road trips
Travel outside of peak season
I highly suggest taking advantage of shoulder season deals! The time of year significantly affects how much travel to a specific location will cost you. Not only are car rentals, flights, and accommodations much more affordable when traveling in the off-season, but you’ll also be fighting fewer crowds for experiences. Whether this means having a scenic hike all to yourself or catching a campsite with spectacular views with ease, it’s worth it to travel off-peak. Also, certain types of experiences alter their pricing for off-peak visitation. This may include weekday versus weekend pricing. Mid-week means fewer visitors, so you might find yourself a bargain even when traveling in-season.
Rent a camper van
This will save money when traveling in several ways. If you can combine the accommodation costs with the rental car fee, your overall travel budget will drop, and you’ll find yourself spending less time overall booking for your trip. When you travel in a camper, you can pretty much sleep anywhere. Paid and free camping places are almost always more affordable than other accommodations, like hotels and Airbnb. Also, you can easily sleep in rest areas while traveling from one place to another!
Avoid toll roads
The extra cost of toll fees for cross-country road trips can add up. Use Google Maps to plan a route that will avoid toll roads. For obvious reasons, this will save you lots of extra cash. Even though tolls are necessary for road maintenance, they can be a pain. So staying off toll roads means that money won’t add up. And the added bonus is that avoiding toll roads usually leads you to the more scenic route, sweetening your road trip experience. You’ll find yourself stopping in smaller, charming towns, which often leads to the discovery of many hidden gems and wallet-friendly pricing.
Cook your own food
Try to cut down on food costs by making meals yourself. Pack a two-burner camp stove, one pan, one pot, and a few utensils, and now you’re cooking with fire! There are so many delicious, simple, and cost-effective meals you can make when you travel and make your own food. Find local grocery stores and grab the best road trip snacks and the goodies you need to cook your meals. The total cost of snacks and groceries will be the lowest at a grocery store compared to a gas station. Remember about foods that don’t require a stovetop. Sandwiches, yogurt, fruit, and salads are all fantastic ways to fuel your body on a trip while saving money and time! Likewise, a reusable water bottle will help you save money and the environment. This system not only helps with your travel budget, but it will also allow you to eat healthier on your journey.
So what do you think about all these budget-friendly road trips? Be sure to leave a comment to share your thoughts with me!
Meanwhile, if you liked this article and are looking for some more ideas on where to take your next trip, you’ll definitely want to check out: 9 Low-Cost Places to Visit in Spring Around the US