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 choice is whether or not to nap or sip wine (or each). However let’s be actual—most of us don’t have the price range to guide a luxurious spa weekend at some overpriced resort that Instagram retains making an attempt to shove down our throats. That’s the place this listing 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: recent mountain air, an artsy downtown scene, and probably 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 (whats up, farm-to-table every little thing). With reasonably priced boutique inns and VRBOs aplenty, you may dwell your mountain life fantasy with out sacrificing your youngsters’ school fund.
Professional Tip: If you happen to don’t have youngsters or handle to flee them for a weekend, that is the proper 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 prospect to journey a ship by means of the River Stroll (so fancy, proper?), San Antonio is a superb spot for a budget-friendly getaway. You possibly can try the Alamo at no cost (historical past lesson: ✅), stroll the River Stroll, and revel in some killer Tex-Mex for underneath $10. You possibly can simply discover a first rate resort deal if you happen to 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 if you happen to’re hoping to keep away from the crowds and get higher pricing.
3. Joshua Tree, California
If it’s good 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 mountain climbing and trying out 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 youngsters to soccer observe.
Professional Tip: Deliver your personal 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 price range is feasible! You possibly can wander the French Quarter, soak within the dwell music (at no cost!), and eat beignets for each meal with out breaking the financial institution. Inns right here may be shockingly reasonably priced if you happen to plan forward, particularly if you happen to 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—except that’s your factor. By which case, stick with it.
Professional Tip: Lower your expenses on breakfast by making a meal out of these beignets at Café du Monde. Powdered sugar has some dietary worth, proper?
5. Nashville, Tennessee
If you happen to love dwell music and are right down to discover a metropolis with slightly Southern appeal, 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 dwell tunes. You will discover budget-friendly inns if you happen to look outdoors of the downtown space. And as for meals? Scorching rooster. Simply belief me.
Professional Tip: Hire a scooter and zip round downtown for reasonable. It’s far more enjoyable than sitting in visitors, and also you’ll seem like you already know 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 the town’s many parks, quirky boutiques, and, in fact, 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 benefit from Portland’s nice public transportation. And sure, carry a reusable bag as a result of they WILL decide 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 presents historical past, lovely structure, and a few of the finest Southern meals you’ll ever eat (shrimp and grits, anybody?). Take a strolling tour of the town or simply wander the streets and take within the old-world magnificence. Plus, the seaside is only a brief drive away. Keep in a cute boutique resort or a price range 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 recent mountain air and outside adventures, Denver is a simple choose. Whether or not you’re mountain climbing, biking, or sipping craft brews in a laid-back brewery, Denver has one thing for everybody. You will discover reasonably priced inns within the metropolis, and outside actions like mountain climbing or strolling by means of Denver Botanic Gardens received’t value you a dime. Plus, it’s the proper metropolis for each foodies and health buffs (sure, these folks really exist).
Professional Tip: Head to Pink Rocks Amphitheatre for a killer hike with a view, and even catch a live performance if you happen to’re fortunate. Simply carry good footwear—no person needs to be that particular person slipping on the steps.
9. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
If you happen to’re craving mountain views and a few high quality time with nature (or only a break from youngsters yelling over Wi-Fi points), Gatlinburg is asking your title. Nestled proper on the entrance to the Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park, it’s good for a budget-friendly escape. Spend your weekend mountain climbing beautiful trails, like Alum Cave or the Gatlinburg Path, or take the scenic drive by means 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 total $500 on fudge, moonshine, and vacationer traps).
Professional Tip: It can save you cash by staying in a cozy cabin simply outdoors of city or tenting if you happen to’re feeling adventurous. And if you happen to do purchase fudge, think about it an funding in your happiness.
10. Georgetown, Texas
If you happen to’re on the lookout for an enthralling small city that received’t break the financial institution, Georgetown is your spot. Positioned simply outdoors of Austin, this gem presents a laid-back vibe with picturesque downtown squares and historic buildings. You possibly can discover the Internal 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 inns 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 fake for a second that you just’re residing the quiet, easy life—earlier than actuality (aka youngsters) 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 full of pure magnificence, tradition, and budget-friendly actions that received’t require you to promote a kidney. You possibly can 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 fake 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 a neighborhood inn or lodge, eat like royalty at small-town diners, and nonetheless have the funds for left over to bribe your youngsters 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 would like an actual mattress and no youngsters waking me up at 6 a.m. Simply keep in mind, budget-friendly doesn’t should imply boring. Blissful (reasonably priced) travels!
And no, the Maldives nonetheless isn’t on this listing. Perhaps subsequent time.
