12 Best Affordable Family Vacations, Plus Tips to Save on Travel Costs

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville offers the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and artistic charm. The city is famous for its vibrant arts scene and the stunning Biltmore Estate, America’s largest privately owned house. Families can explore miles of hiking trails, visit the beautiful North Carolina Arboretum, or take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. With a wide range of family-friendly attractions and the lively downtown area, Asheville is a great spot for a laid-back vacation with plenty to do.

Known as the nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine is rich in history and offers a blend of European-like charm and coastal beauty. Families can explore the iconic Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, stroll down cobblestone streets, or relax on the sandy shores of St. Augustine Beach. Don’t forget to check out the St. Augustine Alligator Farm or take a boat tour to see the city from the water!

For families who love the great outdoors, Lake Tahoe is a year-round destination that offers breathtaking mountain views and a wide variety of activities. During the summer, you can hike, bike, or take a boat out on the crystal-clear waters, while in the winter, it’s a perfect spot for skiing and snowboarding. The area also boasts family-friendly casinos (like Harrah’s Lake Tahoe or Harveys Lake Tahoe), scenic hikes, and numerous parks to explore.

The Outer Banks are a series of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, between the Pamlico Sound and Atlantic Ocean. Here, you’ll find a series of seaside villages, state parks, and ample swimming areas in the warm ocean waters. Apart from beachside vacation homes and small bed & breakfasts, there are also plenty of campgrounds and RV parks available to rent.

The Grand Canyon offers so much opportunity for exploration, especially as a family. Bike the rim of the canyon, hike the Bright Angel Trail, or even get the kids to earn their Junior Ranger Certification Badge. You can also tour the Geology Museum, go stargazing, and go on a rafting adventure through the Colorado River. Lots of activities will be free or almost free, with a bunch of affordable places to stay in and around the canyon, too.

For those hoping to escape the hustle and bustle and head to the mountainside, look no further than the Catskill Mountains. This mountain belt through the Appalachian Mountain Range is known for its beautiful wildlife and hiking trails, large waterfalls, and nature preserves. Apart from the gorgeous natural areas, there are also plenty of outdoor art parks and history museums. The Catskill towns are chock-full of adventures, most of which are also entirely free.

Ocean City is a playful vacay spot that’s perfect for a family getaway. Not only can you explore the boardwalk for hours on end, but the town itself is also filled with fun. After a day catching rays at the beach, get some street tacos on the boardwalk and ride the ferris wheel just as the sun is setting. There’s a ton of mini golf, arcades, and parks to check out, too. It also has a Ripley’s Believe It or Not! museum, which is sure to be a fun exhibit for the kids.

Gatlinburg has a seemingly endless supply of family attractions right in its town center. From water parks to mountaintop adventures, a sky park, ropes courses, as well as aquariums, you’re sure to find something new to do every day. And because it’s a mountain town, Gatlinburg also has quite a few natural areas to explore, like the 520,000-acre Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Glacier’s summers are full of wildflowers, mountains, and endless opportunities to explore the natural land. But because summer is the busy season there, you’ll want to plan ahead as much as possible. However, with about two dozen named glaciers to see, as well as an array of passes, lakes, and forks to explore, you’re sure to have a full itinerary in no time.

Coastal Savannah, Georgia is home to beautiful landscapes, cobblestone squares, and southern post-war architecture. But the historic city is also filled with opportunities to explore. But there are some things you just can’t miss while you’re in town. For example, the iconic Forsyth Park, pictured here, is filled with 30 acres of lush trees and a gorgeous fountain. Savannah is also home to the oldest public art museum in the southeast, the Telfair Museum. Hop on a trolley tour and survey the whole town for just $30.

There are a ton of free things to do in Newport, Rhode Island. Options include exploring the beautiful granite cliffsides at Fort Wetherill, visiting historic 18th century towns in the area, and even touring the Beaverton Lighthouse and Museum. But there are also so many more drives, hikes, trails, and bike paths to explore. Be sure to also grab a delicious bite at one of the waterfront restaurants while you’re there. There’s nothing like a Rhode Island lobster roll!

Welcome to the mini golf capital of the world (no, seriously!)—though Myrtle Beach does have more going for it than a plethora of fun put-put courses. White sand beaches line the warm water shores (and make for plenty of seafood buffets to try). There are also a ton of free live music shows, affordable hotels and lodges, gorgeous marinas, and dolphin tours to boot. Myrtle Beach is a unique, affordable destination that was made for family trips.