There are plenty of perks to traveling over the weekend. Not only do many people avoid having to take time off from work, but there are typically more things to do and see on the weekends. Unfortunately, all those benefits mean that many people plan to take short trips during this period, which is one of the reasons that the weekends are considered peak travel time.
If you’ve ever priced out travel before, you know that “peak” translates very quickly into “pricey,” since many hotels and airlines charge a bit more during those high-demand times. But, that doesn’t mean that your weekend getaway has to be an expensive one if you choose your destination correctly. That’s because there are several cities that offer more affordable options for travelers, especially those looking for a short weekend stay.
To find out which cities offer the best deals, we looked at locations in a few different regions across the country, and then took into consideration things like lodging costs and access to budget-friendly attractions to ensure that you’ll be able to enjoy your time away from home without breaking the bank. Here’s what we found…
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Niagara Falls, New York
Named one of the Seven Natural Wonders of North America, Niagara Falls, New York offers visitors a lot of bang for their proverbial buck. Not only is it conveniently located—residents living in certain areas of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Massachusetts, Vermont, West Virginia, and Indiana can reach Niagara Falls by car in a single day—but a lot of the attractions in the area are free. They include hiking trails at the state park, visiting the falls, and visiting the Niagara Falls History Museum, according to the Niagara Falls Tourism website.
The Poconos, Pennsylvania
Another location known for its accessibility and natural beauty, the Pocono Mountains make a great inexpensive place to head for the weekend, especially for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the free activities you can enjoy include walking the Appalachian Trail, hiking the D&L Trail, and taking in some of the town’s summer concerts.
If you want to head to the Pocono Mountains during the cooler months when outdoor activities are less favorable, you can still have a good time without breaking the bank, according to the Pocono Mountain Visitor Guide. You can visit nearby Jim Thorpe and Stroudsburg for shopping, or check out one of the area’s many historical sites like the Old Jail Museum or the Asa Packer Mansion. Plus, when you’re staying in nearby areas like Jim Thorpe, you won’t need to rent a car to get around, making it more affordable for those who are flying in for their weekend adventure.
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Santa Claus, Indiana
If you’re looking for a family friendly getaway, you may want to add Santa Claus, Indiana to your itinerary. This Midwest city is more than just a fun name, it’s also the home of one of the more affordable amusement parks in the country. According to the city’s website, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari offers visitors affordable fun that includes budget ticket options—they include “pick your day tickets,” “any day tickets,” and “flex tickets,” as well as free drinks, sunscreen, parking, and WiFi—and the area is also known for having inexpensive and varied lodging as well.
Some options include:
Branson, Missouri
If you’ve ever traveled before, you know that renting a car once you hit your destination can add a lot of extra cost to your trip. However, when you stay in Branson, Missouri, you may be able to cut that cost out completely. That’s because this city offers a free trolley in the downtown area from March to December. The trolly also runs limited hours in January and February, which includes weekends, which is perfect for those who want to check out the nearby casinos and slot machines.
If you have a car and want to explore a little further, you can enjoy some of the natural wonders of the region, according to a local Branson visitor’s guide, including:
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Tour the Ruth an dPaul Henning Conservation Area
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Visit Lakeside Forest Wilderness area
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Enjoy some of the area’s scenic overlooks that capture the beauty of the Ozark Mountains
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Hike Table Rock Lake State Park
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Feed wildlife at Branson Landing
NurPhoto/Getty Images
San Luis Obispo, California
California may not be a place that’s on your radar when you’re thinking “affordable,” however San Luis Obispo may be the exception to the rule. That’s because the small town has a lot of inexpensive entertainment options, according to the state’s official website.
You can visit local vendors like The Hive Supply Company, take a spin through the shops at the West Coast Gallery for some window shopping, or hike the beloved Sana Lucia Wilderness by using the 6.6-mile trail through the Lopez Canyon Trail.
No matter where you decide to travel for your weekend getaway, you can usually find low cost or free activities to help offset the cost of lodging, which will allow you to spend more money on the events and excursions you really want to enjoy while staying in one of these inexpensive cities for the weekend.
This story was originally published by TravelHost on Nov 26, 2025, where it first appeared in the Attractions section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.