A good getaway in the United States doesn’t have to involve high prices or crowded attractions. The truth is, there are many places you can visit that still feel like a full vacation, simply without the huge expenses or swarming groups of people. You might be surprised at how relaxing these places can be. Here are eight affordable US trips that still feel like a true vacation.
Washington Island, Wisconsin
Getting to Washington Island feels like a different trip entirely because you have to board a car ferry from the end of Door County. But it’s pretty nice seeing the shoreline disappear behind you. One of the things that makes Schoolhouse Beach such a great place to visit is the fact that it has smooth limestone rocks instead of sand, although you’re not allowed to remove these.
Don’t forget to visit the Washington Island Stavkirke. It’s a church that’s built in a Norwegian style tucked among the trees, and it makes for a really great photo stop. You can then take another passenger ferry to Rock Island State Park. There, you can check out some really great hiking trails & views of the shoreline.
Lone Pine, California, and the Alabama Hills
You’ll find Lone Pine along Highway 395, while the Alabama Hills are slightly west of town. They include rounded rock arches & dusty roads that wind towards some incredible views of Mount Whitney. As for Movie Road, that runs through the area, too. You might recognize it because a lot of old Western films used it for long, straight shots.
However, it’s not the kind of place that’s full of action, and that’s why many visitors love going on slow loops through the area. They’ll also stop for short walks. Best of all, there aren’t any big visitor centers or fences everywhere, so you’ll be able to truly enjoy the open desert space & wide sky.
Ocracoke, North Carolina
What makes Ocracoke different from most beach towns is that the passenger ferry drops you right off in the harbor, rather than a huge parking lot. You can then take the Hyde County shuttle loop around the village completely for free. This way, you’ll get to visit restaurants & shops, and even get access to the beach, without needing to drive a car.
Try stopping over at the lighthouse for a bit of town history. In Ocracoke, even simple things like walking between seafood spots or watching the sunset near the docks feel like a completely different experience. You’re on island time over here.
Great Basin National Park, Nevada
Great Basin National Park is near Baker, Nevada, and it’s one of those places that’s genuinely quiet. You don’t have to pay an entrance fee at the gate either. As such, many people drive straight in toward Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, or go along the trailheads that lead to the bristlecone pine forests. You may want to visit Lehman Caves, although tours run separately.
However, the rest of the park is relatively easy to explore at your own pace, giving you the chance to breathe in that fresh air & explore the mountain roads. Try visiting at night to experience a classic national park feeling of watching the night skies, but without the crowds.
Hot Springs, Arkansas
You really can’t beat Hot Springs National Park. After all, where else can you walk down Bathhouse Row and still get lunch on the same street? The plastic jug fountains allow you to fill your bottles for free, while the Hot Water Cascade allows you to see the steaming water moving over the rocky channels.
You may want to take a look at the historic bathhouses along the promenade, too. Some of these still work as spas, while others have museums or shops, but either way, they’re a great place to visit. The whole area feels old-fashioned with a bit of liveliness to it.
Gila Cliff Dwellings, New Mexico
You’ll travel along some incredible, long curves through forest roads while you’re on the way to the Gila Cliff Dwelling. The trail will then take you up to some preserved cliff structures. These are built into the rock face, and while you’re not allowed to camp inside the monument itself, there are plenty of U.S. Forest Service campgrounds nearby.
These are within easy driving distance. As such, it’s relatively simple to stay overnight, should you choose to do so. By far the nicest parts of being here are the views of the canyon & the quietness of the forest. It really feels so removed from the busyness of modern life.
Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona
Speaking of rocks, Chiricahua National Monument’s rock formations essentially look like tall columns stacked on top of each other. There are no entrance or parking fees for visitors here. This means that you can pull into the overlooks & start a trail, even go on a picnic, without having to worry about a lengthy and expensive check-in process.
For those who want to spend the night, you can try reserving a spot at Bonita Canyon Campground. The Echo Canyon trail is also worth a go because it moves through narrow rock passages and open viewpoints that change with the light throughout the day.
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, Kansas
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve stretches right across the Flint Hills, and it’s a place where the tall grasses keep moving with the wind. It’s completely free to enter, too. Most of the people who visit Tallgrass stroll along the simple walking trails, as these go past historic ranch buildings & open fields. There are no crowded attractions here.
You may also see bison roaming across parts of the reserve, although that does depend on where the herd moves throughout the day. Everything here seems so peaceful. Whether it’s because of the quiet setting or big sky views, you can’t help but feel as though you’ve earned a sense of calm.
Top Romantic Spots in the U.S. to Pop the Question
First things first: find the perfect backdrop. The USA has dreamy scenes, from sun-kissed shores in Hawaii (think heart-shaped coral) to classy, neon-soaked streets in Las Vegas. Need some inspiration? Take a look at the most romantic places to propose in the U.S. and get planning with this.
Top Romantic Spots in the U.S. to Pop the Question