Make sure you add some of these low-cost places to your travel bucket list!
Spring is the perfect time to explore our beautiful nation without breaking the bank. The weather is finally warming up, crowds are smaller than in the busy summer season, and travel deals are much easier to find.
Spring is when you can find off-season discounts, and blooming landscapes, making for an unforgettable adventure without burning a hole in your back pocket. But looking for low-cost places to explore as the weather warms up, isn’t as easy as it sounds.
Don’t worry, though! I’ve got your back! I did some digging, and found some affordable getaways perfect for all types of travelers.
Whether you’re craving a scenic national park road trip, a charming city escape, or a cultural hotspot with wallet-friendly activities, these 9 low-cost places offer the perfect mix of adventure AND affordability!
Low-cost place: New Orleans, Louisiana
Affordable activities:
-Enjoy the free music at Frenchmen Street
-Take a self-guided tour of City Park
-Take a walk through the French Quarter
-Visit the Garden District and its stunning historic homes
-Explore the New Orleans Museum of Art
New Orleans is a city that TRULY knows how to celebrate, and spring is a terrific time to visit. The temperatures are mild, and the famous Mardi Gras crowds have dwindled down.
You can enjoy the live jazz on Bourbon Street, take a stroll through the French Quarter, and take in the historic architecture of the Garden District. Whether you’re into food, culture, or history, this low-cost place has a variety of free or inexpensive activities for travelers.
Low-cost place: San Antonio, Texas
Affordable activities:
-Visit the San Antonio Museum of Art
-Visit the Alamo
-Visit the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
-Take a walk along the San Antonio River Walk
-Spend the afternoon at Brackenridge Park
San Antonio blends a vibrant modern culture with a very rich history. Well-known for its famous River Walk, this Texas gem is jam-packed with budget-friendly adventures.
You can take a boat ride along the River Walk, enjoy the historical architecture of the Alamo, or relax in one of the city’s many gorgeous parks. This low-cost place is easy to explore on foot, which will also save you transportation costs while immersing you in the city’s unique culture and history.
Low-cost place: Asheville, North Carolina
Affordable activities:
-Enjoy local craft beer at one of Asheville’s many affordable breweries
-Take a stroll through the Western North Carolina Nature Center
-Hike in the Blue Ridge Parkway or Pisgah National Forest
-Explore the Asheville Art District and visit the River Arts District
-Visit the Biltmore Estate gardens
Cradled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a sanctuary for art lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and craft beer fans. The city has a small-town charm vibe about it, but with an eclectic mix of coffee shops, galleries, and breweries.
While here, you can spend your spring days enjoying the cool weather, exploring the surrounding mountains, and taking in the local arts scene. This Low-cost place is well-known for being affordable, offering many outdoor activities and budget-friendly appeals.
Low-cost place: Savannah, Georgia
Budget-Friendly Activities:
-Explore the Bonaventure Cemetery
-Walk along River Street
-Take a stroll through Forsyth Park
-Take a walking tour of the famous Historic District
-Visit the Savannah History Museum
Savannah is known for its stunning oak-lined streets, historical charm, and gorgeous parks. With its mild spring weather, you can easily stroll through this walkable city, admiring the architecture and taking a break for some Southern comfort food.
While here, remember to visit the iconic Forsyth Park, take a riverfront walk, or explore one of the many free museums in the region. You WON’T be disappointed!
Low-cost place: Salt Lake City, Utah
Affordable activities:
-Explore the Great Salt Lake
-Relax in Liberty Park
-Take a hike in the Wasatch Mountains
-Check out Temple Square and its spectacular gardens
-Stroll through the Utah Museum of Fine Arts
Enveloped by the towering Wasatch Mountains, Salt Lake City is the ideal spot for those who enjoy outdoor adventures like skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. Spring brings favorable temperatures, making it perfect for picturesque walks and visits to local parks.
This low-cost place is also home to a vibrant downtown, exquisite Mormon architecture, and an affordable food scene, which keeps expenses low for budget travelers.
Low-cost place: Portland, Oregon
Affordable activities:
-Spend some time at the Portland Art Museum
-Unwind at Washington Park
-Check out Powell’s City of Books
-Take a hike in Forest Park
-Check out the Portland Japanese Garden
Portland offers a unique mix of natural beauty and urban attractions, with an easy-going vibe and many budget-friendly activities.
From exploring Powell’s City of Books, which is the world’s largest independent bookstore, to hiking in Forest Park, Portland’s artsy and quirky vibe makes it an excellent destination. Spring brings gentle weather, making it the perfect time for outdoor exploration and enjoying the area’s free parks and museums.
Low-cost place: Nashville, Tennessee
Affordable activities:
-Spend the day at the Country Music Hall of Fame
-Take a self-guided tour of the Ryman Auditorium
-Check out Centennial Park and see the Parthenon
-Take a stroll down Broadway Street to catch a few free live performances
-Explore the Nashville Farmers Market
Nashville is known as “Music City” and offers plenty of opportunities to explore the vibrant downtown area and enjoy live music without spending an arm and a leg.
The spring months bring mild weather, perfect for visiting free attractions like Centennial Park, wandering the streets, and enjoying affordable Southern cuisine at local eateries. Nashville has a strong sense of community, and there’s always something free or inexpensive to do.
Low-cost place: Denver, Colorado
Affordable activities:
-Spend the day at City Park
-Take a hike at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
-Visit the Denver Botanic Gardens
-Stroll around Union Station and the LoDo District
-Explore the Denver Art Museum
With spring temperatures on the rise, which is perfect for outdoor activities, Denver offers a great combination of natural beauty and urban attractions.
The city’s outdoor parks, craft beer scene, and hiking trails make it an attractive place for anyone looking for a budget-friendly trip. Also, this city is home to many free outdoor festivals and museums in the spring.
Low-cost place: Charleston, South Carolina
Affordable activities:
-Stroll through Waterfront Park
-Spend the day at Folly Beach
-Visit the Battery and White Point Garden
-Check out the Charleston City Market
-Take a self-guided tour of Charleston’s historic district (Just don’t forget your sunscreen!)
Charleston’s coastal views, historic charm, and mild springtime weather make it an affordable getaway. You can stroll through the enchanting cobblestone streets of the French Quarter, visit the lovely Battery promenade, and take in some history at Fort Sumter.
And that’s all without a weighty price tag. Charleston is one of the most scenic cities in the nation., making it a can’t miss for any budget traveler.
So what do you think? Which of these low-cost places will you be visiting first? Be sure to share your thoughts with me in the comments section below.
Meanwhile, if you liked this post, Must Have Adventures has many more like it. For instance, I highly recommend also checking out: 9 Affordable Family Vacation Destinations in the US