Jeff Dorman
Cheap Family Vacations On The East Coast – In today’s fast-paced world, a family vacation is an opportunity to take a break from everyday hassles and spend quality time together, but finding an affordable place that will entertain the whole family can be difficult. Luckily, America has something for everyone, including your wallet. From national parks and beaches to historic sites and cultural cities, there’s something for every family to enjoy without breaking the bank.
National parks are always a great choice for cheap travel, but don’t forget the cities. Places like San Antonio, Nashville, and New Orleans offer unique cultural experiences and budget-friendly destinations, including museums, festivals, and gourmet cuisine, and there are plenty of beach options (such as Myrtle Beach, Gulf Shores, and the Outer Banks). Value for modest family-friendly activities like swimming, fishing and exploring the beach.
Cheap Family Vacations On The East Coast
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Whatever your family’s preferences, here are some budget-friendly vacation spots in the United States.
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With reasonable entrance fees and affordable camping and lodging costs, Yellowstone offers an incredible nature experience at a low cost. Visitors can stay at campgrounds within the park, such as the stunning Bridge Bay Campground, and enjoy the park’s many free activities, such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and participating in ranger-led programs.
A center of Texas history, San Antonio has many free and educational attractions for visitors of all ages. One of the city’s most famous landmarks is the historic Alamo, but you can also explore the River Walk, a network of beautiful sidewalks along the San Antonio River and often a hub for street performers and live music. The city is home to many parks and green spaces such as Brackenridge Park and the San Antonio Botanical Garden, as well as museums and cultural institutions such as the San Antonio Museum of Art and the Texas Cultural Institute. Plus, you can’t beat Tex-Mex!
If you’re looking forward to beach time this summer, Myrtle Beach is a great choice, with miles of sandy beaches perfect for swimming, sunbathing and surfing. Visit the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk with its many shops, restaurants and arcades and enjoy free events like live music and fireworks. Plus, the city has plenty of affordable, family-friendly activities — including miniature golf and water parks — and welcoming resorts like The Strand.
In the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota – an hour from Rapid City, the perfect place to anchor the family for a road trip – admire iconic presidential statues, participate in ranger-led park programs and explore hiking trails. Beyond Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial and Custer State Park are nearby.
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You can check out Colonial Williamsburg, a popular living history museum that recreates life in the 18th century, but this Virginia city has many other worthwhile historical sites, such as the Jamestown Settlement and the Yorktown Victory Center. If you prefer an active vacation, explore the Virginia Capital Trail, a 52-mile hiking and biking trail that connects Williamsburg to Richmond.
With its white sand beaches and warm gulf waters, getting to the gulf coast is easy and won’t cost you a dime. The area is also home to Teluk State Park with hiking and biking trails, fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities. Other family-friendly and summer activities include dolphin cruises, a water park, and miniature golf. For a sweet treat after a day on the sand, don’t miss Matt’s Homemade Alabama Ice Cream.
With many free activities and attractions within the park, the Grand Canyon is a classic family vacation. Hike along the famous Bright Angel Trail or stop at one of the breathtaking scenic overlooks on the South Rim to view the trademark canyon. Camping within the park is an affordable option, with campsites starting at $18 per night, and several nearby towns and cities such as Flagstaff and Williams offer additional lodging and dining options at affordable prices.
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Want to pack multiple attractions and activities into one trip? Visit Dollywood, Middle Tennessee’s popular theme park with more than 40 attractions, including roller coasters, water rides and shows. Bonus: There are tons of free things to do here, including the Eagle Mountain Sanctuary and Southern Bible Museum and Hall of Fame.
Where To Go For Affordable Family Beach Vacations
Whether you visit the California side or the Nevada side of this West Coast icon, swimming, boating, and fishing in the lake’s pristine waters—and hiking or biking the many trails around the lake—are free. Additionally, Lake Tahoe has many attractions such as the Tahoe Science Center. If you are visiting in winter, the region is known for its ski resorts and other winter activities like skiing and snowboarding.
America’s oldest city, St. Petersburg, was first settled in the 16th century. Augustine is a great budget-friendly family vacation destination because of its many free and inexpensive attractions. Explore the historic district, which includes places like the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and the oldest log schoolhouse. Other fun places to visit include the Zoological Park at St. Augustine Alligator Farm, St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum Augustine and of course clear public beaches.
Vibrant and rich in culture, New Orleans truly offers something for everyone. It’s easy to spend hours strolling through the historic French Quarter or exploring places like the Audubon Aquarium of America and the Audubon Zoo. The city is also known for delicious (and affordable!), local favorites like beignets and po boys, which steal the show.
This great New York hotspot caters to anyone who loves outdoor adventure. It’s always free to enter the park and enjoy the falls at the confluence of the four Great Lakes in the Niagara River Valley. (Pro tip: If you want to wake up close to the falls, check out the Cave of the Winds, an incredible natural cave behind the falls.) Additionally, Niagara Falls State Park, America’s oldest state park, is expansive. paths. and tourist area to explore.
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Full of fun for adults and kids alike, Branson is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, spectacular water and fire shows, and many free activities like Branson Landing, which offers the shores of Lake Taneycomo. Also, don’t miss the famous Silver Dollar City, a theme park with various rides and attractions, and the Titanic Museum, which offers a unique look at the historic ship. The city is also known for its live entertainment, which includes concerts, local and national plays, and theater productions.
You can do everything from hiking and fishing to swimming and wildlife viewing in the park’s 71,000 acres—you might even see bison, pronghorn, and elk during your visit, most of which can be found along the parks and hiking trails. Staying in the park is very affordable, with campsites starting at $19 per night, and the park offers family-friendly activities such as scenic drives, horseback riding, and boat tours.
Charleston has a historic district and many free attractions that are affordable, such as the South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston City Market, and hiking in Ravenel. Additionally, public beaches, cheap accommodation options and delicious seafood restaurants make it easy to enjoy a unique blend of history, culture and beauty without any hassle.
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If you and your tribe want to explore the great outdoors, the park’s iconic waterfalls, Half Dome and Yosemite Valley offer spectacular views and hiking trails for all ability levels. Additionally, visitors can take a scenic drive along Tioga Road, explore the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoia trees, and gaze at the stars at Glacier Point.
East Coast City Adventures
If you want to combine a history lesson with natural beauty, visit Gettysburg National Military Park. Visitors can explore the battlefield on a free guided tour or participate in a ranger-led program. Meanwhile, nearby Catoctin Mountain Park offers hiking trails, trout fishing streams and affordable camping. The town is home to many great attractions and restaurants, including the Dobbin House Tavern, a historic B&B that tells the story of the Civil War.
A busy vacation destination in recent years, Asheville is located in the heart of one of the East Coast’s most beautiful natural settings. Walk and explore the Blue Ridge Parkway or relax in the city’s popular green spaces like Back Square Park and Carrier Park. Additionally, Asheville has some affordable cultural attractions such as the Museum of Art and the Thomas Wolfe Memorial. The city is known for its vibrant food scene, including the ever-popular Mamacita’s Taqueria.
A classic family vacation spot in Michigan’s charming Upper Peninsula, Mackinac Island has activities for the entire tribe. You can explore its beauty on foot, by bicycle or by horse-drawn carriage. Don’t leave the island without tasting a delicious treat, visiting the wings of Fort Mackinac and the Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory. May’s family-owned candy store is an annual favorite.
Stroll the beautiful Santa Fe Plaza, lined with shops and art galleries, or enjoy the city’s many museums, from the International Folk Art Museum to the Santa Fe Children’s Museum. It is a city
