Ah, the elusive weekend getaway. A time to flee the endless “Mother, I’m bored” refrain and embrace a blissful 48 hours the place your greatest 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 e book 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 are 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 understood for its cool vibe and outdoorsy actions. Hike the Blue Ridge Mountains by day, and by night time, deal with your self to some superb meals (hi there, farm-to-table every little thing). With reasonably priced boutique motels and VRBOs aplenty, you may reside your mountain life fantasy with out sacrificing your children’ faculty fund.
Professional Tip: In case you don’t have children or handle to flee them for a weekend, that is the proper place to discover just a few breweries. As a result of there’s nothing like a pleasant IPA after a 7-mile hike.
2. San Antonio, Texas
A metropolis filled with tradition, historical past, and the prospect to trip a ship by the River Stroll (so fancy, proper?), San Antonio is a superb spot for a budget-friendly getaway. You may take a look at the Alamo without cost (historical past lesson: ✅), stroll the River Stroll, and revel in some killer Tex-Mex for underneath $10. You may simply discover a first rate resort deal in case you e book 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 case you’re hoping to keep away from the crowds and get higher pricing.
3. Joshua Tree, California
If it is advisable to recharge your soul (and telephone battery), Joshua Tree is asking your title. Channel your interior desert goddess and keep in a unusual VRBO or a budget-friendly motel (sure, they exist). Spend your days climbing and testing rock formations that appear like they belong in one other galaxy. At night time, you may gaze on the stars and remind your self that life is greater than simply chauffeuring your children to soccer observe.
Professional Tip: Deliver your individual meals to keep away from spending an excessive amount of on eating out. Plus, what’s extra enjoyable than roasting marshmallows underneath 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 (without cost!), and eat beignets for each meal with out breaking the financial institution. Lodges right here will be shockingly reasonably priced in case you plan forward, particularly in case you avoid peak social gathering occasions like Mardi Gras. Spend a lazy afternoon people-watching in Jackson Sq., take a ghost tour, or pop into a neighborhood dive for some Cajun meals. There’s extra to New Orleans than the Bourbon Road chaos—until that’s your factor. Through 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
In case you love reside music and are right down to discover a metropolis with a bit of Southern appeal, Nashville’s your spot. Certain, it’s identified for nation music, however there’s one thing right here for everybody. Stroll down Broadway and take on the street performances (without cost!), or pop right into a honky-tonk for some reside tunes. You will discover budget-friendly motels in case you look exterior of the downtown space. And as for meals? Sizzling hen. Simply belief me.
Professional Tip: Lease a scooter and zip round downtown for reasonable. It’s far more enjoyable than sitting in visitors, and also you’ll appear to be you recognize what you’re doing. Most likely.
6. Portland, Oregon
Ah, the land of meals vans and hipster vibes. Portland is ideal for a unusual, budget-friendly weekend. Keep in an reasonably priced resort or VRBO and spend your time exploring town’s many parks, quirky boutiques, and, in fact, the well-known Powell’s Metropolis of Books. Don’t neglect 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 are 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, deliver a reusable bag as a result of they WILL choose you for plastic.
7. Charleston, South Carolina
Cobblestone streets, Southern appeal, and a weekend of pretending you’re in a Nicholas Sparks novel? Sure, please. Charleston provides historical past, stunning structure, and a number of the finest 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 seaside is only a quick drive away. Keep in a cute boutique resort 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 straightforward decide. Whether or not you’re climbing, biking, or sipping craft brews in a laid-back brewery, Denver has one thing for everybody. You will discover reasonably priced motels within the metropolis, and out of doors actions like climbing or strolling by Denver Botanic Gardens received’t value you a dime. Plus, it’s the proper 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 case you’re fortunate. Simply deliver good footwear—no person desires to be that individual slipping on the steps.
9. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
In case you’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 asking 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 climbing beautiful trails, like Alum Cave or the Gatlinburg Path, or take the scenic drive by Cades Cove without cost. If nature isn’t your factor, Gatlinburg’s obtained loads of quirky sights, like Ripley’s Aquarium, to maintain you entertained (simply don’t spend your whole $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 case you’re feeling adventurous. And in case you do purchase fudge, think about it an funding in your happiness.
10. Georgetown, Texas
In case you’re searching for an enthralling small city that received’t break the financial institution, Georgetown is your spot. Positioned simply exterior of Austin, this gem provides a laid-back vibe with picturesque downtown squares and historic buildings. You may discover the Interior House Cavern for a novel underground journey or take a stroll round Blue Gap Park for a calming day by the river. Georgetown’s eating places and wineries are surprisingly reasonably priced, and also you’ll discover loads of budget-friendly motels 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 simply’re dwelling the quiet, easy life—earlier than actuality (aka children) comes speeding 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 full of pure magnificence, tradition, and budget-friendly actions that received’t require you to promote a kidney. You may hike at Turner Falls (residence 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 Middle—as a result of sure, instructional journey can really be enjoyable (particularly if it entails a stomp dance demo and fry bread).
Professional Tip: Keep at a neighborhood inn or lodge, eat like royalty at small-town diners, and nonetheless have the funds for left over to bribe your children to behave within the automotive on the drive residence.
Last Ideas
So, there you could have 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 residence, I would like 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. Glad (reasonably priced) travels!
And no, the Maldives nonetheless isn’t on this checklist. Perhaps subsequent time.