Cheapest Places to Visit in the USA

Last updated June 15, 2025

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The changing seasons always lead to pricey rates at various places and tourist centers in the US, and for many, it’s tough to steer clear of traveling.

In this article, I’ll show you the cheapest places in the USA to visit and guide you on the best locations that will suit your budget!

Waterville Valley

Location: New Hampshire

Waterville Valley is one of the most affordable places to visit in the USA.

It is a budget-friendly getaway that provides winter and skiing activities in their White Mountains, along with numerous attractions for you to savor.

It features 12 lifts and 52 ski trails, while their Nordic Center provides 75 km groomed skiing trails.

Also, at the Curious George Cottage, you can journey into their White Mountain National Forest in order to discover and learn.

With their Freedom Pass, you can reduce expenses on dining and activities in Waterville Valley.

Biloxi

Location: Mississippi

Biloxi, located on the Gulf Coast, provide families with an enjoyable getaway.

Featuring 371 suites and coastal rooms priced below $200, it serves as a budget-friendly choice for you.

The Margaritaville Resort offers 200 attractions and games like the 48′ rock climbing wall and sky coaster.

Also, Biloxi and the surrounding towns are packed with other family-friendly activities like the Infinity Science Center and Lynn Meadows Discovery Center.

North Lake Tahoe

Location: California

This is another cheap place to visit in the USA. It is reachable by car via their Bay Area and covers two states.

Located on the stunning Lake Tahoe, you’ll discover 12 ski resorts, 24 beaches, and countless biking trails miles.

You can also have an ice skating fun day, then relax on couches around the rink and their fire pits while enjoying s’mores and hot cocoa.

You can enjoy a sleigh ride through the Sand Harbor snow or experience dog sledding inside the Squaw Creek Resort.

Or explore the SnoVentures Fun Zone located at the Alpine Meadows/Squaw Valley for snow tubing and mini-snowmobiling.

Additionally, the Franciscan Lodge provides budget-friendly lodging options and a studio that includes a well-furnished kitchen.

Jacksonville

Location: Florida

Jacksonville is an affordable and ideal location for you, featuring hotel prices generally 40 to 50 percent lower than many other Florida destinations.

They also offer numerous free holiday and outdoor events that won't strain your finances.

Additionally, this city is served by low-cost airlines such as Breeze and Southwest,

Milder seasons in Florida allow families to enjoy outdoor activities—discovering the biggest urban park in the nation.

This includes more than 300 city parks, double National Parks, and 7 state parks, earning it an excellent spot for people with young kids.

In Jacksonville, you can have fun kayaking over 1100 waterways miles on guided tours or unwinding at the city’s beaches, which span more than 22 miles along Florida's East Coast.

For a treat, you might explore entertaining experiences such as indoor skydiving, Adventure Landing, and indoor go-kart racing, which features mini golf, laser tag, a large arcade, and additional attractions.

Colorado Springs

Location: Colorado

Situated in the heart of the nation and reachable via low-cost airlines, Colorado Springs is an ideal, affordable option for your getaway.

Surrounded by beautiful attractions and the majestic Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs remains ideal for people who enjoy outdoor activities.

It boasts over 60 attractions, such as the USA Air Force Academy and Olympic Training Center, with more than 20 of them available at no cost.

You can delight in exceptional activities such as hand-feeding elephants and giraffes at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and meeting Santa at their North Pole amusement park which is Christmas-themed.

Also, explore a variety of interactive museums such as the Money Museum and Colorado Springs Museum.

Accommodation options vary from delightful indoor water park hotels to fun bed and breakfasts, with some costing under $100 per night.

Tempe and Mesa

Location: Arizona

Tempe in Arizona is a budget-friendly option for you, situated only ten minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, together with a downtown ideal for your car-free getaway.

It offers numerous attractions and outdoor activities that render it an excellent destination. You can even explore activities to enjoy in the nearby Phoenix area.

Then, Mesa in Arizona also offers numerous budget-friendly choices for travelers, including the Sheraton Mesa at Wrigleyville, which is situated near Marriott's Delta in the downtown area.

Situated between Phoenix and Scottsdale in their "Valley of the Sun", you can experience the Sonoran Desert there without extreme heat.

You can trek, bike, and even ride horses in the state parks or Superstition Mountain Wilderness.

Also, you can enjoy a day excursion to Apache Trail, the picturesque route featuring various attractions such as a historic stagecoach station and a genuine gold mining town.

Lake Geneva

Location: Wisconsin

Just a little distance from Milwaukee, this four-season vacation area in Lake Geneva, located on Geneva Lake shores, is an excellent destination for a getaway.

There, you will discover a small-town appeal without the high prices of a big city.

Winter Fest, held there from the end of January to early February, showcases the U.S. Snow Sculpting Championship alongside magic performances, helicopter rides, their human-dog race, and a hot cook-off.

Then, exploring Winter Realms is another enjoyable activity inside Lake Geneva.

The artificial castles feature slides, tunnels, thrones, lights that sparkle to music, and archways - they are ideal for every Frozen enthusiast.

In February, at their Lake Lawn Resort, you can experience Sky Circus.

Lake Geneva provides ziplining, ice skating, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling along with an abundance of indoor activities and shopping options.

You have the choice of a one-room suite at their Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark.

Alternatively, The Cove located in Lake Geneva downtown provides two-room suites with access to an arcade and the indoor pool.

Beech Mountain

Location: North Carolina

Beech Mountain offers stunning vistas of snow-covered peaks, making it the perfect place for winter excitement.

When the annual snowfall covers the untouched mountain retreat, this enchanting spot transforms into an affordable paradise for visitors of all ages and abilities.

The region is conveniently located within driving reach of many major Southern cities and is more budget-friendly compared to other towns with ski resorts.

It offers guests memorable sports experiences together with less congestion and lower costs.

At the resort, visitors have an ideal home base to relish thrilling winter activities and sports without steep costs.

You can also partake in ice skating, snow tubing, sledding, and snowshoeing along the 30-mile pathways in Beech Mountain, utilizing free snowshoes given by the Buckeye Recreation Center.

Accommodation choices are available for visitors of any size, ranging from condos and chalets to private homes, as well as charming inns and lodges.

Many of these house rentals, condos, and chalets include kitchens that are equipped, which significantly aids in reducing the expenses of dining out.

Niagara Falls

Location: New York

Niagara Falls in New York offers a unique experience, filled with outdoor activities.

A short drive from NYC, Boston, or Cleveland allows you to experience the frosty Falls while discovering comfy spots to warm yourself.

Walk among snow-laden trees and enjoy sweeping vistas of the Falls from their Observation Tower situated in Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest in America.

You can experience a shortened Cave of the Winds Trip, allowing you to get close to Bridal Veil Falls via either of the fixed observation decks.

Outside lovers can additionally discover the state park with free snowshoe rentals, then if temperatures are low enough, see the renowned “Frozen Falls”.

You can stay cozy at their numerous affordable attractions, such as their Aquarium of Niagara, here you will see penguins, seals, sharks, and various fish.

Alternatively, warm up with hot chocolate while observing the chocolate production from various vantage points.

For your accommodation, the Falls rooms are reasonably priced and provide numerous child-friendly features.

These include their Rainforest Café, family suites, their Reef Beach Pool & Club, and an arcade.

Their hotel is ideally situated just a short walk from the State Park in Niagara Falls.

Togwotee Mountain Lodge

Location: Wyoming

This is conveniently situated close to 3 national parks, just a brief drive from Jackson Hole in Wyoming.

There, you can enjoy the delightful, rustic cabins featuring complete kitchens and inviting fireplaces, along with affordable prices.

The Togwotee Mountain is regarded as one of "America's finest" for winter sports, featuring snow-filled excitement along their Continental Divide.

Its fine powder likewise creates opportunities for skiing, snowshoeing, and dog sledding in the Tetons.

If you are a snowmobiler, you are advised to pack your bathing suit for a dip at the Granite Hot Springs.

The hot springs sit above Granite Creek Falls, surrounded by towering spruce, pine trees, and fir next to steep granite cliffs rising many feet above.

In the winter season, these hot springs will be reached solely by dog sled, snowmobile, skiing, or snow bike.

While there, you can observe wildlife like bald eagles, bighorn sheep, gray wolves, pronghorn antelope, and moose.

Silver Mountain

Location: Idaho

This is situated a little more than an hour away from Spokane in Washington, close to the famous mining town of Kellogg in Idaho.

Here, you will have a lot to explore and enjoy, whether on the mountain or elsewhere.

With double mountains offering an annual snowfall of 300 inches and 73 trails, snowboarders and skiers will appreciate the varied terrain, extensive groomed zones, and ample fresh powder.

Scenic snow tubing, gondola rides, and the biggest indoor waterpark in Idaho are also available.

In Kellogg, you have the opportunity to visit historic silver and gold mines, enjoy snowshoeing, or participate in cross-country skiing.

You can rest inside a one-room unit featuring a fireplace, a sleeper sofa, and a complete kitchen, with waterpark access.

Lift tickets begin at $68 for adults, though there are discounts available.

Additionally, the Passport Program permits children in 5th and 6th grades to ski with just $29 for three or two days.

Silver Mountain allows you ample time to unwind and ski while providing flexibility in your budget for meals and additional events.