Summary

• e weekend getaway option in the US. Known as the Music City, visitors can enjoy live music performances for free in various venues across the city. The famous Grand Ole Opry even offers free backstage tours for music enthusiasts. Nashville is also home to beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, such as Centennial Park with its iconic Parthenon replica. For affordable accommodation, the Gaylord Opryland Resort offers a range of amenities and is close to many attractions.
• large
• Gaylord Opryland Resort
• Rating
• 8.6 out of 10
• Specifications
• Hotel Chain
• Marriott
• Amenities
• Indoor and outdoor pool, Fitness center, Spa, and Restaurant
• Price
• $$
• Address
• 2800 Opryland Drive, Nashville, TN 37214
• Affiliate Links
• Kayak
• Book now

There are so many beautiful and fun places to see in the US, and you might be surprised at how affordable some of them are for a weekend getaway! Although some of the bigger cities might be pricier than other places around the world, there are so many wonderful destinations across the US to suit any traveler, no matter what the budget. From colorful cities to less well-known places, including some of the underrated U.S. destinations worthy of visiting. These places offer an array of fun activities that weekend vacationers can enjoy without breaking the bank! Here are the cheap weekend getaways in the US, perfect for any budget.

The accommodations recommended in this list are based on thorough research conducted in each affordable weekend destinatination in the U.S. All the hotels boast a rating of above 8.0, and come with exceptional services and amenities that are designed to meet the needs of vacationers of all budgets.

Related: 10 Dreamy Summer Destination Alternatives That Are Right In The U.S.

UPDATE: 2023/01/22 09:45 EST BY AARON SPRAY

More Cheap USA Destinations For Those On A Budget

The USA is one of the more expensive countries in the world to tour (in fact, New York City is the most expensive city in the world). But there are also plenty of more affordable destinations in the country that are more easygoing. This list was updated and expanded with more places to consider visiting if one is on a budget.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas might not seem like a cheap weekend getaway, but the amount of money to bring to Las Vegas doesn't have to be a lot. It is actually one of the most affordable weekend getaways in the U.S., especially one make use of money-saving tips during their visit. Due to the sheer abundance of hotels, rates can be competitive, even for hotels right on the strip. To keep costs down, instead of spending time in the casinos, try catching the free water and light show at the Bellagio Fountains, or explore the many unique hotels along the strip, including the Eiffel Tower at the Paris Las Vegas or the Volcano at the Mirage Hotel. Las Vegas is also a great base to explore the spectacular Grand Canyon. The Bellagio is one of the best hotels in Las Vegas.

Related: How To Find The Best Las Vegas Vacation Package

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Another U.S. affordable weekend destination is Albuquerque, New Mexico. The city is known for its quirky old town with beautiful adobe-style buildings and a multitude of interesting museums, many of which are free. Another free highlight of the city is the Petroglyph National Monument. The National Hispanic Cultural Center also hosts lots of free events, and there are often free festivals in the summer. For alternative city views, visitors can ride up the 3-mile-long Sandia Peak Tramway, or those with a bigger budget can splurge for an iconic hot air balloon ride and be sure to attend an Albuquerque balloon festival. Baymont by Wyndham Albuquerque Airport offers affordable yet quality accommodation for any type of tourist.

San Antonio, Texas

Colorful San Antonio is another weekend break perfect for any budget, particularly between November and April, where visitors can take advantage of the low-season hotel rates. The city is a perfect blend of American history and Mexican culture, making it the perfect destination for history buffs or foodies. The highlight of the city is the River Walk, which has waterfront shops and restaurants spilling out onto the streets. There are also two incredible UNESCO World Heritage sites that are completely free to visit – the 18th century Alamo Mission which is a living history museum, and the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. Summer visitors wanting to beat the heat should visit nearby Natural Bridge Caverns or Six Flags Fiesta water park. Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk puts tourists right in the heart of San Antonio. From Alamo, the hotel is only a three-minute stroll to the Riverwalk.

Related: 14 Places That Have The Best Breakfast In Sunny San Antonio

Tupelo, Mississippi

Tupelo is a little town in the eastern part of Mississippi and among the most budget-friendly weekend getaways in the U.S. It is well-known for being the birthplace of Elvis Presley, and visitors can explore the house he was born in, along with the church he attended. But Tupelo is more than just Elvis’ birthplace; it is an affordable weekend destination with various attractions, including the Buffalo Park and Zoo and a children’s museum. For those who are really just there for Elvis, there is an Elvis Guitar Trail around the town where visitors can take photos with 25 iconic guitars Elvis once played. Tru by Hilton Tupelo places travelers near the historical downtown, giving them access to plenty of shopping and dining opportunities to choose from.

Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City is known for its barbecue and jazz, but it is also home to a remarkable number of free or affordable attractions and a free streetcar serving many of the main districts in the city. There is also an abundance of pretty fountains around the city for visitors to check out. Sports fans can visit the Arrowhead Stadium, and admission-free museums include the Haskell Indian Nations University Cultural Center and Museum and the Money Museum. Nearby Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens and Ernie Miller Park and Nature Center are free outdoor options. Only a 10-minute drive from Crown Center and the University of Missouri-Kansas City, the Fontaine is a nice accommodation option to consider for an affordable weekend getaway in Kansas City.

St Augustine, Florida

As the oldest permanent European settlement in the US, St Augustine is rich in history and architecture. As this city is often overlooked in favor of Miami or Disneyland, it is a very affordable option for those wanting a Floridian weekend getaway. It is home to the impressive Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and a beautiful Historic District filled with colorful shops and restaurants. There are also 42 miles of beaches around St. Augustine for visitors to enjoy the Florida sun! Cedar House Inn puts travelers in the downtown Historic District, giving access to some of the most impressive attractions in St. Augustine, America's oldest city.

Related: The Ultimate Travel Guide To St. Augustine & What To Do In This Historic City

Gulf Shores, Alabama

For an affordable beach vacation on the weekend, look no further than Alabama’s Gulf Coast, found right at the southernmost tip of the state. With its spectacular white sandy beaches and sparkling turquoise waters, it is a side of Alabama that many people have never imagined. One of the most popular spots is the Gulf State Park, where the park’s Nature Center offers a variety of free educational programs and activities, including guided nature hikes and fishing classes. The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton Hotel, is a portion of the Gulf State Park and comes with all the perks of a beachfront location.

Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville is another affordable destination that is perfect for a weekend getaway. Many bars offer free country music which spills out onto the streets, and there are quirky microbreweries and burger joints scattered across the city. Music fans are spoiled for choice with the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Johnny Cash Museum, and the Ryman Auditorium. Apart from music, the city is brimming with shopping opportunities, delicious restaurants, cultural attractions, and sports; waiting to be explored. A visit to Nashville is always worth it, regardless of the time of the year. Tourists will have all their travel needs satisfied when they book rooms at Sheraton Music City Nashville Airport.

Providence, Rhode Island

Providence is a hidden gem that is often overlooked by other cities up in the Northeast, making it a perfect option for a weekend getaway with no crowds. Downtown Providence is full of beautiful architecture, including the gorgeous Providence Athenaeum, and there are so many fantastic restaurants and bars to try. Fall is an incredible (but expensive) time to visit the city, with the beautiful fall colors, but Providence is a great weekend choice any time of the year. Hotel Providence, Trademark Collection by Wyndham is one of the finest Wyndham hotels in the world and guarantees an epic stay in Providence.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Sitting on the shores of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is another often overlooked city in favor of Chicago but is a wonderful destination for an affordable weekend getaway by the lake. There are many water-based activities to try out, including a sunset cruise or paddleboarding. Milwaukee's brewery scene has also exploded in recent years, with many homegrown breweries now found throughout the city. Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory, Pabst Mansion, Milwaukee Public Museum, and North Point Lighthouse. Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown is one of the best hotels to stay in downtown Milwaukee.

Road Tripping In Nevada

The reason why Nevada is included is that the state has a large number of free campsites around the state. It is far from the large population centers of California, where these state-run campgrounds may tend to fill up (especially on the weekends in the peak season). Free basic campsites are to be found across the region - Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and more. One of the great ways to enjoy a cheap getaway is to camp at basic free campsites around the country. Belvada Hotel, only a few minutes walk from Barsanti Park and Tonopah Historic Mining Park, is an excellent accommodation option for vacationers staying in Tonopah.

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Similar to Nevada and other states, Oregon has plenty of gems hidden in the state. Vast stretches of eastern Oregon are sparsely inhabited, and they are full of attractions. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon's only national park, offers an unforgettable experience for adventurous travelers. Bordered by a thick alpine forest, this stunning blue volcano has hiking trails that guarantee memorable scenic experiences. Created over 1,000 years ago, Crater Lake National Park is one of the most iconic national parks to visit in the US. For accommodation in Oregon? Opt for this Red Blanket Cabin near Crater Lake National Park.

Don't leave without exploring the best hot springs in Oregon (they sometimes form oases in the desert). Bagby Hot Springs, Breitenbush, and McCredie Springs are among the top ones to consider.

Mississippi

Mississippi cannot go without mention because it is the cheapest state to vacate in, in the United States, and has a lot to offer for travelers looking for a perfect and affordable weekend getaway. While the state is not among the top destinations people normally include on their bucket lists, it is definitely worth visiting. The runner-up to Mississippi is Kansas, while the most expensive city in the country is New York City. From visiting the State Capitol in Jackson to spending some time at the Vicksburg National Military Park to exploring the U.S.S. Cairo Museum, there are plenty of things to enjoy in Mississippi. Hotel Legends is one of the best accommodation options to consider when visiting Biloxi, Mississippi.

Austin, Texas

Austin offers plenty of things to do for vacationers of all ages and interests – and fortunately, one will not have to spend a dime to afford a perfect vacation in the city. It is a year-round playground for outdoorsy tourists with some of the most affordable U.S. summer experiences, including kayaking on Lady Bird Lake, hiking Barton Creek Greenbelt, exploring the street murals, and picnicking in Zilker Park. One of the free things to do in Austin for a weekend getaway is catching the nightly view of the world’s largest urban bat colony at the Bat Bridge. Tourists will get an incredible chance of seeing over a million Mexican-tailed bats at the Bat Bridge. Only steps from South Congress Avenue, Sonder at South Congress is one of the best hotels one can book in Austin.

Stowe, Vermont

Stowe is one of the cheapest weekend trips one can take in the U.S., especially for autumn travelers who want to enjoy the beautiful colors. The town is known for being one of the best destinations in New England for seeing the fall foliage. Hiking is one of the most popular activities in this charming town, but travelers can also enjoy zip lining, exploring the arts scene, and skiing and snowboarding during winter. Some of the low-cost activities to enjoy in Stowe for a weekend getaway include The Stowef and Butler House Stowe. Stowe is one of the most walkable and bike-friendly towns in America, and there are numerous sidewalks and bike tracks to enjoy. Want to stay within the entertainment district? Book a room at Sun & Ski Inn And Suites.

Atlantic City, New Jersey

As long as one stays away from Atlantic City’s casinos, an affordable weekend getaway is guaranteed in this charming city, and there are plenty of things to enjoy. The city is home to some of the most stunning beaches in New Jersey, an incredible art and cultural scene with multiple venues to choose from, and delicious restaurants. Atlantic City's boardwalk is also one of the top places not to miss, with Steel Pier being among its most striking attractions. Steel Pier is the historic amusement park in the city and offers more than 20 thrilling rides for vacationers of all ages. Atlantic City's Steel Pier is one of the top places to visit with kids in New Jersey. Atlantic Suite By the Boardwalk 1A offers amazing accommodation.

Related: 12 Things To Do In Atlantic City: Complete Guide Of The Coastal City From Boardwalks To Casinos

Black Hills National Forest And The Badlands, South Dakota

The Midwest is home to some of the best weekend trips that cover a range of budgets. This spot has a wonderful collection of national parks, grasslands, state parks, national forests, refuges, scenic drives, and gorgeous wilderness areas. Home to Mount Rushmore, the iconic Wind Cave, and Custer State Park, this part of South Dakota is a must-visit for a weekend getaway. This is one of the best destinations for wildlife spotting, and one can see a large herd of buffalo, burros, and wild mustangs. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Rapid City, SD, gives incredible access to main attractions in the Black Hills, including Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park.