Where to stay:The Hilton New Orleans Riverside has a great location out of the fray of the French Quarter, but close enough to take advantage of all the city has to offer. Where to stay: A visit to a national park is the perfect time to fire up an RV (either your own or a rented one) for a cheap family vacation. Find cities within a 6 hours radius of me in Oklahoma City and look for places to visit within a 6 hours drive. Why youll love it: Its a city with a sandy beach right downtown! Little Rock, Ark. Budget tip:Dont miss the live music at the surprisingly family-friendly (during the day, that is) Honky Tonks up and down Broadway. Grab a baguette, some cheese, pastries for the kids and a bottle of wine for the grown-ups, and toast to the affordable tropical beach vacay. Why youll love it:Summer and fall in the Rocky Mountains bring gorgeous blue skies, temperate weather and plenty of opportunities to get outside and enjoy the fresh mountain air. Well, Cincinnati is another one of the great culinary vacation sports. Located on the Indiana state line, you can see an entire fossil bed on the bluff overlooking the Ohio River. Why youll love it:Naples-area beaches are regularly ranked among the best in the world. This 6,500-acre serene park features 35 miles of hiking trails, nature education programs, horse trails, fishing, and outdoor recreation activities such as camping, canoeing, orienteering, and climbing a 52-foot Alpine Tower. Or opt for a quieter getaway with time at the luxe spa, the zero-entry lagoon pool (where you can also order a cocktail and snack to your lounge chair) or in a private cabana with everything from HDTVs to lounge chairs and refrigerators within steps of the pool. 1. If actual horsepower is more your thing, enjoy a horseback ride instead. Having a pleasant getaway with kids means keeping them busy and entertained. Or explore Delmar Loop, a buzzing entertainment and dining hub with an eclectic mix of noodle bars, BBQ restaurants, Korean and Mexican eateries, cocktail lounges, and pubs. Detroit, Michigan, is a paradox, a big city with small city prices. Heading out on the lake in a boat, breaking out the fishing rods or just putting on a bathing suit and jumping in the water are all great ways to enjoy a summer in Texas. Why youll love it:Ruminate on the Revolution on Beantowns historic streets while following the (free)Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile, red-lined route that winds past 16 historically significant sites dating back to the American Revolution. There are also free beaches downtown to catch some summer rays. Visitors can step back in time at The Farmers Museum, where American history comes to life through hands-on experience on a working Farmstead. Find out even more reasons Maui is the best island in Hawaii. Why youll love it: Bowling Green, located just an hour north of Nashville, is tucked in among the rolling green hills of South Central Kentuckys Cave Country. Kids will love exploring the Gray Fossil Site, dating back 5 million years. Budget tip:The U.S. dollar is strong against Canadian currency, so it will feel like the whole city is on sale. Budget tip: Hike at Ridges Sanctuary to gain a new appreciation for nature at Wisconsins oldest private nature preserve. Budget tip:The Lincoln Park Zoo, which features waddling penguins among its highlights, is one of the few free zoos in the country. Before you go, brush up on these unspoken etiquette rules of RV camping. Distance: 6 hours 30 minutes. Pigeon Forge is home to the award-winning Dollywood Amusement park, which is visited more than Disneyland, not to mention a lot more affordable. With private access to a 12-mile swath of pristine beaches and an array of outdoor resort pools and amenities, the hotel feels like a tropical island vacation, but one you can drive to! And foodies will want to taste their way through more than 40 specialty food products at the Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard, including cider thats been made for over 150 years in a water-powered mill. The Poe Museum, with the most extensive collection of Poe artifacts, is celebrating its 100th Anniversary in 2022 with a year-long schedule of special events. Why youll love it:The gushing waters of Old Faithful, the swirling colors of prismatic springs, the steam of Mammoth Springs, the wildlife of Lamar Valley and the soaring views and waterfalls of Canyon Villagethis is the trip you will still be talking about for years to come. Extra bonus: Since Belize is a former British colony, this is an English-speaking destination. Where to stay: Fairfield Inn & Suites has free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and fitness facilities that include a pool and exercise room. Located halfway between New York City and Miami, Florida, on Interstate 95, Fayetteville, North Carolina, is within one days drive for 75% of the United States population. They have miniature golf, an aqua park with a lazy river, boats and water sports to enjoy on the lake. Do you have a fashionista in your life but cant make it to New York City? Sarasota is a lively coastal beach town on the sandy shores of the Gulf coast just one hour south of Tampa. Orange Beach, Alabama. Then learn about the power of water at the freeNiagara Power Vista Center. Why youll love it: Say Aloha to the beautiful (free) beaches of Maui. The property has multi-room suites and villas, so you can plan a multi-generational getaway. Adventures might be interested in the Class II and IV rapids in Richmond, one of the only cities to have rapids of this size in an urban setting. Budget tip:The summer months are filled with free outdoor movies and music at spots such as Land-Grant Brewing and Easton. Budget tip:A visit to Fort McHenry, where Francis Scott Key penned The Star-Spangled Banner, is free for everyone. Montreal, Canada is a chance to experience a different culture and it is within driving distance for a weekend away with your family. We Went To The #1 Indoor Water Park. If youre looking for an Ohio destination outside of a city, take a look at Butler County between Cincinnati and Dayton, within one days drive for 60% of the U.S. population. Looking to save some cash? Or roll out a blanket and enjoy a leisurely meal at Three Rivers Parks, where the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers meet. Why youll love it: Located along North Carolinas central shore, the Crystal Coast has been a favorite beach destination for generations and represents one of the few remaining natural barrier island systems in the world, with 85 miles of sparkling beaches. If youve caught the road trip bug and can stay places longer and work remotely, there are a lot of fantastic vacation spots across America to explore. Budget tip: Theres plenty to do for free in Rapid City: Visitors can participate in a free, interactive walking tour of the City of Presidents, a series of life-size bronze statues of our nations past presidents along the citys streets and sidewalks. Heres the best time to book a flight. Kids will love the free Friday drum circles in Pritchard Park, where they can bang a drum and dance along (the festivities get rolling around 6 p.m.). So whether youre looking for new vacation spots in your area or to go on a longer road trip, I hope this list of places to visit in the U.S. gives you a new idea! 7 hour drive from Saint Louis. She writes about smart timeshare ownership, vacation tips and tricks, NYC Metro Area trips and activities, and frugal, yet rich, living at PlannerAtHeart.com. Hikers and bikers have almost 200 . 1401 Olive Rd. Budget tip: Summerfestis a series of free community events featuring live music, childrens activities, climbing walls, a craft beer garden, food trucks and vendors selling local, handcrafted goods. Why youll love it: Head to the scenic North Shore of Lake Superior to make some amazing memories this summer. Where to stay:The boutique Kimpton Aertson Hotel makes a great staycation spot in the city with a pool that spans the entire rooftop upstairs; Henley, a swanky restaurant with great cocktails downstairs; free bikes to explore neighboring Vanderbilt University; and Caviar & Bananas, a great spot for quick eats, attached to the artsy hotel. Or, take a ride on the oldest operating Mississippi-style steamboat, the 100-year-old, The Belle of Louisville. Where to stay: Book your stay at Cascade Lodge on Lake Superior. We recommend our users to update the browser. The Lehigh Valley area consists of Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, and other charming small towns with tons to see and explore. The city also has some great hidden gems youll appreciate. There are so many things to do in Helen Ga, and it ranks among our favorite North Georgia Mountain Towns because of the number of outdoor adventures. 2K views, 27 likes, 7 loves, 18 comments, 0 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Dbstvstlucia: DBS MORNING SHOW & OBITUARIES 25TH APRIL 2023 APRIL 2023 No. Spend a day exploring the largest municipal urban forest in the country, Jefferson Memorial Forest. The grove is easily accessible on State Highway 1 at the south boundary of the city limits of Pismo Beach. Then, attend a free WaterFire event this summer, where as many as 80 small bonfires are set ablaze along Providences three rivers for the annual summer events, creating a one-of-a-kind light show that lasts from just after sunset until about 12:30 a.m. Budget tip: Theres no need to travel overseas to get a taste of Basque culture; Boise has the largest Basque population in the United States. Set in the Pennsylvania countryside, Lehigh Valley, is an affordable and family-friendly destination is within a days drive of 73% of the US population. Its a great time to visit and enjoy swimming, sunning and playing on the wide stretches of amazing sand and sea (rent some inexpensive snorkel gear for a tropical rainbow view too). Where to stay: The Caravelle Resort offers a beachfront location, multiple pools, a water playground, a game room and kids clubs for plenty of entertainment. This is the largest commercial cave in the state and open year-around. And Sirenian Bay has an impressive mini-golf course, pickleball courts, kayaking and SUP, plus dive-in movies, included in the rate. Why youll love it:The City of Trees is a perfect destination when youre looking for a quick trip where you can enjoy the outdoors. Where to stay: The Riverside Hotel is nestled right on the Greenbelt, so you can lace up your shoes and be on your way in a flash. Van Buren State Park. Explore each citys distinct personalities and a long list of outdoor activities. Claremont Village is home to more than 150 shops and restaurants, and its where youll want to spend your evening. Budget tip:Take a drive outside the citys perimeter to hike up to the rushing waters of Multnomah Falls. As a city where diversity is celebrated and new Americans are warmly welcomed, foodies will love the citys culinary offerings. Home of former president Bill Clinton, Little Rock is one of the best weekend trips from St. Louis for families, as well as the surrounding states of Oklahoma, Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana. Budget tip:For great free souvenirs, go shelling along the pristine barrier island sands of Tigertail Beach Park on Marco Island. It is no surprise that Alpine Helen/White County has been designated by the State House and Senate as Georgia's . Where to stay: The rustic-meets-luxe retreatMontage Deer Valley may make you want to skip the mountain entirely so you have time to enjoy the five restaurants, a bowling alley and the largest spa in Utahthe perfect spot to unwind with a massage. Sarah Jessica Parker got her start in The Arts in the city and continues to praise it. Why youll love it: The entry point to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a funky mix of breweries (the most per capita in the United States), great food, arts (the River Arts District is a fun and free way to spend a day), history (the Biltmore Estate), free-spirited hippie culture and spectacular nature. This destination welcomes approximately 9 million visitors annually, partly due to its plethora of attractions and activities and its location in middle America. Dont pass up its oversized gondola Ferris wheel 200 feet tall and WonderWorks filled with 100 hands-on exhibits perfect for those beach-break days. . She writes about smart timeshare ownership, vacation tips and tricks, NYC Metro Area trips and activities, and frugal, yet rich, living! Reserve a day in your itinerary for Forest Park, home to many free attractions. within 20 miles of me in Saint Louis. Monica Fish helps her fellow adventurers live a financially savvy life so they can travel and explore our beautiful world no matter their budget. Where to stay:The Coronado Beach Resort is located directly across the street from the iconic Del Coronado Hotel (whereSome Like It Hot was filmed) and offers condo-style units with kitchenettes (youll also have complimentary access to all the amenities at the Loews Resort too.) Make sure you also read up on these new hotel trends before booking your next place to stay. Weve gathered places to visit in the U.S. within one days drive for more than a majority of people. Why youll love it: A perfect getaway from Los Angeles, its just 35 miles east, but completely without all the traffic that plagues the city. Duluth, Minnesota. Illustrating its historical significance as the Crossroads of America, Indianapolis is second only to Washington D.C. for a total number of monuments and memorials. Check out these budget airlines when booking your ticket. We are trying to find a place to go that is around 5 hours away. Monica Fish helps her fellow adventurers live a financially savvy life so they can travel and explore our beautiful world no matter their budget. Budget tip: Pack a picnic and visit the gorgeous Falls Park on the Reedy, which boasts some seriously beautiful trails and gardens. But its still affordable, with activities such as horseback riding and miniature golf within easy budget reach. Check deals for Montreal hotels! Plan a vacation amid the best of American culture, entertainment and historic experiences located within 500 miles of Ohio. Coors Field is right downtown, which makes it easy to catch a family-fun Rockies baseball game. You can hike, bike, or run on their extensive trail network, including the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor and the bucket-list Appalachian Trail. In the fall, hop on The Nickel Plate Express for scenic train excursions. It is also home to Great Lakes Aquarium, the only freshwater aquarium in the US. The Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology and the Folk Music Center are local favorites to visit, so keep an eye on the schedule for the latter to find out about live concerts that will hopefully be back soon. Founded in 1931, its a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places featuring an American sculpture collection and a Lowcountry Zoo. Cedar Creek is a family-friendly resort close to St. Louis that offers a perfect escape into the natural beauty of the region. Budget tip:Free summer activities include exploring the national park on your own and Chaneys Ice Cream and a Moovie outdoor movie series. Budget tip: Visitors can go on a free self-guided walking tour of historic downtown Providence, which dives into the making of the now Creative Capital. Stop by the Free Play Bar & Arcade that includes more than 130 classic video games plus pinball, skeeball and air hockey, all for only $7 admission (you have to be 21+ to enter, though). 5 hour drive from Saint Louis. Stop for a picnic brought from town, and enjoy it with great views of the Sierra Nevadas and the Lake. Be sure to indulge in some home cooking at a meat-and-three, Nashville fried chicken joint or Southern soul food spot. Perfectly located on a mile-long cove on Lake of the Ozarks, 2 miles from Bagwell Dam, the Point Randall Resort is perfect for a weekend getaway. Washington Auto Road in New Hampshire, the oldest man-made attraction in America. In addition, Columbus has an incredible park system with outstanding hiking and green spaces, including 175 acres of green space in the heart of the city, hundreds of miles of bike/hike and running trails, and one of the worlds only Audubon Centers in the middle of downtown. No wonder Myrtle Beach has long been a go-to destination for generations of Americans. Find cities within a 6 hours radius of me in Columbus and look for places to visit within a 6 hours drive. Why youll love it: Known for its natural beauty, sustainability and outdoor activities, Portland is a favorite option for affordable family vacations. AUtah road trip to see its national parks is another option for a mini-vacation in the Beehive State. In addition, the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia tells the stories of African American history in Virginia. Where to stay: Lodging includes DuPont Lodge, the Cottages and Woodland Rooms, which have free access to the indoor pool and also include free meals for kids 5 and under at the restaurant. The parks grand, ninth-century cast-iron fountain, which was modeled after the fountains at the Place de la Concorde in Paris, is the perfect spot for a memory-filled selfie. Where to stay: The Marram Montauk offers guests an oceanfront, barefoot luxury experience just a few feet from the sand. While you might only know Pittsburgh for one of its sports teams or Three Rivers Stadium, The Purg is one of those under-the-radar vacation spots despite being a driveable destination for 57% of Americans. Check out these cheap places to travel for more vacay inspo. Kids under 2 ride for free, by the way. Pismo Beach Pier is the place to go to throw a line in the water and wait for a tug, while Pismo Beachs award-winning boardwalk is rife with delicious treats and colorful boutique shops. Poppys Pointe Family Resort. Pack up the family and head to sunny Anaheim to meet Mickey and his pals. Foodies will be impressed by the number of locally owned and run restaurants, featuring a range of global flavors and nationally renowned chefs. Dont miss these fun facts about the worlds most beautiful waterfalls. In fact, these mini-breaks pack lots of vacation vibes into just a few days and allow you to travel on a budget. Where to stay: HALCYON, located in the charming walking-friendly neighborhood of Cherry Creek, has a rooftop pool, a free gear garage with bikes and longboards, and complimentary muffins and scones in the morning, plus snacks, coffee drinks and even wine and beer for mom and dad from 4 to 9 p.m. at its kitchen counter check-in desk. The Sex and the City star once said that Cincinnati, and I really mean this, is a great city.. Thinking of flying to Montauk? Its a great destination for teens, who will enjoy biking around the city like a local or taking in the sites on the great public transportation system, including a cool funicular. The downtown features an entire city block dedicated to the Basque culture, the perfect spot to try out small tastes, or tapas, an inexpensive option for dinner. Why youll love it:Conroe is a perfect escape from the crowds and fast pace of Houston, located about an hour away. Where to stay: The Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel has a prime location right on the Willamette River for easy kayaking access. Why youll love it: Start your Music City visit with a stop at the Ryman Auditorium to explore the origins of country music and even step on the stage where The Grand Ole Opry started. Why youll love it:The largest alpine lake meets the biggest little city in the world in Reno Tahoe. For a peaceful beach scene, head to Tigertail Beach Park on Marco Island. Equally located from Dallas, Denver, and Washington DC, St. Louis is within 12 hours of over half the US population. Some options: hiking in the national park, booking a mountain bike ride, fly-fishing or river rafting experiencesjust to name a few. Depending on your budget, you can book one of 14,500 overnight accommodations from rental homes, hotels, timeshare condos, and even RV campgrounds like the brand-new Margaritaville RV Resort and Lodge. Why youll love it: Its the Big Apple! These are the best cheap family vacations near Ohio. The citys art scene is unparalleled for a city its size. There are also some unexpected things to do, like visiting Brookgreen Gardens. Distance: 116 miles, 2 hours 30 minutes What to Do: The city of Sandusky boasts 22 miles of shoreline within its city limits, and is known for its perfectly manicured parks and architecture. The hotel also offers myriad complimentary activities for hotel guestseverything from pineapple cutting to hula lessons. Kids and adults of all ages will love to splash year-round at Wilderness at the Smokies indoor/outdoor waterpark resort and the new 50-acre Soaky Mountain Waterpark.