Cheap Places to Travel in the United States

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United States National Parks

The National Park Service is an organization committed to protecting and preserving more than 400 parks across the United States. In 2009, 275 million Americans traveled to national parks to camp, hike and explore. Admission to these parks is often free or very cheap. For example, as of 2010, admission to Joshua Tree National Park in Twentynine Palms, California is $15 per person for an entire week. A camping site at Black Rock in Joshua Tree is only $15 per night.

Mount Rushmore, South Dakota

Created by Gutzon Borglum and 400 workers, Mount Rushmore is a top tourist destination in the United States. As of 2010, admission to this national memorial is only $10 per person. Motels less than 15 miles away average only $44 a night. While visiting Mount Rushmore, you can explore the Wind Cave National Park and the Jewel Cave National Monument. The Badlands are nearby, making it possible to split this cheap vacation into two interesting and low-cost locations.

Cocoa Beach, Florida

Cocoa Beach, Florida is an affordable beach destination. This oceanfront town offers a stretch of beach six miles long. It offers three beachfront parks complete with showers, picnic tables and restrooms as well as an outdoor Olympic-sized pool. Cocoa Beach hosts many events and festivals and offers a variety of cheap lodging. As of 2010, a motel in or near Cocoa Beach can be found for as little as $45 per night.

Traverse City, Michigan

This lakeside city is famous for its summer Cherry Festival. The festival attracts cherry lovers from all over the country and offers a variety of no-cost and low-cost activities such as a cherry pie-eating contest, cherry pit-spitting contest and a festival parade. Nearby campgrounds make lodging cheap. As of 2010, a site at Interlochen Green Lake State Park is only $12 a night. The Sand Dunes and Great Lakes are also well-known tourist attractions in the area.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Located on the Atlantic Ocean, Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the East Coast. It offers a wide variety of cheap accommodations as well as plenty to see and do. As of 2010, some motels in Myrtle Beach cost only $40 per night. A visit to the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk or Family Kingdom Amusement Park is free. An amusement park ride package can be purchased for $23.50; a combination package that includes admission to the water park costs $33. At Brookgreen Gardens, admission is free for children under 3, while tickets for adults cost only $12.