Ah, the elusive weekend getaway. A time to flee the unending “Mother, I’m bored” refrain and embrace a blissful 48 hours the place your largest resolution is whether or not to nap or sip wine (or each). However let’s be actual—most of us don’t have the finances to guide a luxurious spa weekend at some overpriced resort that Instagram retains attempting to shove down our throats. That’s the place this checklist is available in. I’ve rounded up some fab weekend getaways which might be straightforward on the pockets, however heavy on the enjoyable.
Desk of Contents
1. Asheville, North Carolina
For $500, you’ll get: contemporary mountain air, an artsy downtown scene, and presumably a newfound love for craft beer. Asheville is thought for its cool vibe and outdoorsy actions. Hike the Blue Ridge Mountains by day, and by evening, deal with your self to some wonderful meals (hiya, farm-to-table all the pieces). With inexpensive boutique resorts and VRBOs aplenty, you may reside your mountain life fantasy with out sacrificing your children’ faculty fund.
Professional Tip: For those who don’t have children or handle to flee them for a weekend, that is the right place to discover a couple of breweries. As a result of there’s nothing like a pleasant IPA after a 7-mile hike.
2. San Antonio, Texas
A metropolis stuffed with tradition, historical past, and the possibility to experience a ship by way of the River Stroll (so fancy, proper?), San Antonio is a good spot for a budget-friendly getaway. You may take a look at the Alamo at no cost (historical past lesson: ✅), stroll the River Stroll, and luxuriate in some killer Tex-Mex for below $10. You may simply discover a respectable lodge deal in the event you guide forward, leaving you adequate money to splurge on margaritas or a go to to SeaWorld (as a result of nothing says “trip” like overpriced dolphin reveals, proper?).
Professional Tip: Attempt to go to throughout off-peak occasions in the event you’re hoping to keep away from the crowds and get higher pricing.
3. Joshua Tree, California
If it’s worthwhile to recharge your soul (and telephone battery), Joshua Tree is looking your title. Channel your internal desert goddess and keep in a unusual VRBO or a budget-friendly motel (sure, they exist). Spend your days mountaineering and testing rock formations that appear like they belong in one other galaxy. At evening, you may gaze on the stars and remind your self that life is larger than simply chauffeuring your children to soccer apply.
Professional Tip: Carry your personal meals to keep away from spending an excessive amount of on eating out. Plus, what’s extra enjoyable than roasting marshmallows below the desert sky?
4. New Orleans, Louisiana
Sure, NOLA on a finances is feasible! You may wander the French Quarter, soak within the reside music (at no cost!), and eat beignets for each meal with out breaking the financial institution. Motels right here might be shockingly inexpensive in the event you plan forward, particularly in the event you avoid peak celebration occasions like Mardi Gras. Spend a lazy afternoon people-watching in Jackson Sq., take a ghost tour, or pop into an area dive for some Cajun meals. There’s extra to New Orleans than the Bourbon Avenue chaos—except that’s your factor. By which case, keep it up.
Professional Tip: Get monetary savings on breakfast by making a meal out of these beignets at Café du Monde. Powdered sugar has some dietary worth, proper?
5. Nashville, Tennessee
For those who love reside music and are right down to discover a metropolis with slightly Southern allure, Nashville’s your spot. Positive, it’s recognized for nation music, however there’s one thing right here for everybody. Stroll down Broadway and take on the street performances (at no cost!), or pop right into a honky-tonk for some reside tunes. Yow will discover budget-friendly resorts in the event you look exterior of the downtown space. And as for meals? Scorching rooster. Simply belief me.
Professional Tip: Hire a scooter and zip round downtown for affordable. It’s far more enjoyable than sitting in site visitors, and also you’ll seem like you recognize what you’re doing. Most likely.
6. Portland, Oregon
Ah, the land of meals vehicles and hipster vibes. Portland is ideal for a unusual, budget-friendly weekend. Keep in an inexpensive lodge or VRBO and spend your time exploring town’s many parks, quirky boutiques, and, after all, the well-known Powell’s Metropolis of Books. Don’t overlook to seize a donut from Voodoo Doughnut—it’s virtually a ceremony of passage. Additionally, take a day journey to the Columbia River Gorge for waterfall hikes that may make you’re feeling such as you’re in a fairy story.
Professional Tip: Skip the rental automotive and make the most of Portland’s nice public transportation. And sure, convey a reusable bag as a result of they WILL choose you for plastic.
7. Charleston, South Carolina
Cobblestone streets, Southern allure, and a weekend of pretending you’re in a Nicholas Sparks novel? Sure, please. Charleston presents historical past, lovely structure, and a number of the greatest Southern meals you’ll ever eat (shrimp and grits, anybody?). Take a strolling tour of town or simply wander the streets and take within the old-world magnificence. Plus, the seashore is only a quick drive away. Keep in a cute boutique lodge or a finances Airbnb.
Professional Tip: Charleston will get humid—plan your go to within the spring or fall to keep away from turning right into a sweaty puddle as you tour these historic houses.
8. Denver, Colorado
For a weekend of contemporary mountain air and out of doors adventures, Denver is a simple decide. Whether or not you’re mountaineering, biking, or sipping craft brews in a laid-back brewery, Denver has one thing for everybody. Yow will discover inexpensive resorts within the metropolis, and out of doors actions like mountaineering or strolling by way of Denver Botanic Gardens gained’t price you a dime. Plus, it’s the right metropolis for each foodies and health buffs (sure, these individuals really exist).
Professional Tip: Head to Purple Rocks Amphitheatre for a killer hike with a view, and even catch a live performance in the event you’re fortunate. Simply convey good footwear—no person needs to be that particular person slipping on the steps.
9. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
For those who’re craving mountain views and a few high quality time with nature (or only a break from children yelling over Wi-Fi points), Gatlinburg is looking your title. Nestled proper on the entrance to the Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park, it’s excellent for a budget-friendly escape. Spend your weekend mountaineering attractive trails, like Alum Cave or the Gatlinburg Path, or take the scenic drive by way of Cades Cove at no cost. If nature isn’t your factor, Gatlinburg’s received loads of quirky points of interest, like Ripley’s Aquarium, to maintain you entertained (simply don’t spend your complete $500 on fudge, moonshine, and vacationer traps).
Professional Tip: It can save you cash by staying in a cozy cabin simply exterior of city or tenting in the event you’re feeling adventurous. And in the event you do purchase fudge, think about it an funding in your happiness.
10. Georgetown, Texas
For those who’re searching for an enthralling small city that gained’t break the financial institution, Georgetown is your spot. Positioned simply exterior of Austin, this gem presents a laid-back vibe with picturesque downtown squares and historic buildings. You may discover the Inside House Cavern for a novel underground journey or take a stroll round Blue Gap Park for a soothing day by the river. Georgetown’s eating places and wineries are surprisingly inexpensive, and also you’ll discover loads of budget-friendly resorts just like the Sheraton and VRBO choices.
Professional Tip: Don’t miss the Georgetown Sq., the place you may browse boutiques, seize a espresso, and faux for a second that you just’re dwelling the quiet, easy life—earlier than actuality (aka children) comes dashing again.
11. Chickasaw Nation – Oklahoma
Sure, Oklahoma. Don’t roll your eyes simply but. Chickasaw Nation is a kind of why didn’t I do that sooner? locations that delivers greater than you’d anticipate—for manner lower than $500. Positioned simply south of Oklahoma Metropolis, this space is filled with pure magnificence, tradition, and budget-friendly actions that gained’t require you to promote a kidney. You may hike at Turner Falls (house to Oklahoma’s largest waterfall), soak within the mineral-rich waters on the Chickasaw Nationwide Recreation Space, or hire a paddleboat and faux you’re outdoorsy. There’s additionally cultural experiences just like the Chickasaw Cultural Heart—as a result of sure, instructional journey can really be enjoyable (particularly if it includes a stomp dance demo and fry bread).
Professional Tip: Keep at an area inn or lodge, eat like royalty at small-town diners, and nonetheless manage to pay for left over to bribe your children to behave within the automotive on the drive house.
Ultimate Ideas
So, there you have got it! Ten fabulous weekend getaways for $500 or much less that don’t contain tenting in your yard. As a result of let’s be actual, if I’m spending the weekend away from house, I need an actual mattress and no children waking me up at 6 a.m. Simply bear in mind, budget-friendly doesn’t need to imply boring. Blissful (inexpensive) travels!
And no, the Maldives nonetheless isn’t on this checklist. Perhaps subsequent time.
