8 Budget-Friendly Weekend Getaways Throughout U.S.

Best Weekend Getaways!

Around this time of the year, it is only natural that you feel the need to get out of town with your family for a couple of days, even if you don’t have much money.

With a little bit of planning, you can plan the perfect weekend getaway without breaking the bank! We all need a change of scenery from time to time. Studies have proved that a short vacation and a bit of quality time spent outdoors can be really beneficial to our health.

The good news is, you don’t have to venture too far if you want to experience the benefits of a change in scenery. Here are 8 cheap weekend getaways that you will definitely love!

Los Angeles to Hermosa Beach, California

If you drive a few miles along the coast, you might stumble on the town of Hermosa Beach. This is the ideal place for budget-conscious travelers! There are so many places to stay, and even more dining options to choose from, depending on your tastes and desires.

You can grab a coffee and some pancakes to go if you want to enjoy a picnic breakfast on the beach. You can do the same for lunch if you want.

You’ll easily find pizza, burgers, and tacos that are just a few steps away from the beach. You can also rent a bike to cruise the Strand or stroll along to check out the homes that are bordering the path.

New York City to Montauk, New York

If you’re a New Yorker, you already know that the towns in Long Island are the perfect place for a getaway! But if you want a wallet-friendly weekend, all you have to do is to pass by the Hamptons and continue your way on the east, on Montauk Highway.

Then, head to the South Fork town of Montauk, the easternmost point on Long Island and New York state. There are many lodging places and restaurants here, but also beaches, wineries, and historic sites.

You can also walk along the rocky shoreline, and you’ll bump into Montauk Point State Park, where you can enjoy the ocean view or, if you like, go hiking on one of the nature trails.

Washington, D.C. to West Virginia

You will find West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle after a scenic two-hour drive from Washington, D.C. It might seem really close, but when you get there, you’ll feel like you’re in a different world!

You can spend your weekends there on tiny budgets, and enjoy the small-town atmosphere. Even if you go shopping in places like Shepherdstown, which is a picturesque college community, you won’t spend much!

You can also visit the National Historical Park, and if you love hiking, rock climbing, or zip-lining, that’s the place for you! You can relax and rejuvenate in Berkeley Springs, where natural hot springs have been the major attraction for hundreds of years.

Seattle to San Juan Island, Washington

For a proper island getaway, visit San Juan Island. It’s a few hours away by car and a ferry ride from Anacortes. When you arrive there, turn off your phone and reconnect with nature by going on a hike, bike ride, or even a beachfront walk.

You can go fishing, boating, and kayaking with your family! And for a nice night out with your friends, visit a winery, brewery or cidery in the neighborhood and enjoy the refreshing tastes!

There are many accommodations on the island that will suit your budget. For example, if you go to Lakedale Resort, you can choose between a log cabin, lakehouse, yurt, or an RV spot!

San Francisco to Paso Robles, California

For the best chance of picturesque scenery, you need to try a road trip from San Francisco to Paso Robles! It’s about 200 miles south, but don’t worry, the drive will be extremely enjoyable!

Connect with nature and try the outdoor activities, in the relaxed surroundings of Lake Nacimiento. You will grasp at miles of beautiful shoreline, forests, and mountains.

Not to mention the waterfalls! If you’re passionate about fishing and hiking, that’s the perfect place for you! If you’re worried about accommodations, you can look for bed-and-breakfast, vacation rental, or even The Piccolo, a new downtown hotel.

You can visit Denner Vineyards’ tasting rooms and taste the amazing wines at Alta Colina. If you’re with your family, try stopping at Thacher Winery, a family-owned vineyard.

Portland to Sherwood, Oregon

If you’re living in Portland, you don’t have to go too far to enjoy a nice getaway! Try to visit the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, which is less than 20 miles south in Sherwood.

You can go there by car, and enjoy the area’s rolling hills and wild nature, as the place is the home to birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and many plants.

If you want a fun and budget-friendly getaway, you can stay at “My Tiny House Village”, a micro-resort set built on an old Christmas tree farm. There is a collection of tiny homes, and each one is uniquely decorated.

Dallas, Texas to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Oklahoma City can be a nice weekend getaway if you know where to go and how to organize your trip. First, it’s a great place to enjoy the outdoors.

There’s the city’s Boathouse District, along with the Oklahoma River, where you can go canoeing, kayaking, or even stand-up paddleboarding.

Yes, you guessed right. It’s all for the adventurer in you! When all your energy is consumed, head to Bricktown, a former warehouse district that’s now home to many restaurants, nightlife, and entertainment centers.

If you have your furry friend with you, don’t worry! There are many dog-friendly parks, including Myriad Botanical Gardens.

Denver to Fort Collins, Colorado

As it’s only a one-hour drive away from Denver, you might end up spending all your weekend getaways in Fort Collins! Begin by stopping at one of the many breweries, where there are several local distilleries.

Also, you can spend your day outside hiking, biking, bird watching, or even horseback riding. There are lots of nearby rivers, lakes, and reservoirs where you can try many water activities, from whitewater to paddleboarding.

If you want to find an authentic and comfortable stay, try one of the recently renovated hotels, such as Armstrong Hotel set in Old Town Fort Collins. You’ll definitely love it and come back!

There are tons of things you can do during the weekends and if it’s been a long time since your last amusement park visit, maybe you should give it a try!