It’s that time of year. School will be out soon, and we’re all dreaming of a great summer vacation. But, when it comes to finances, we also need somewhere affordable. Between the rising cost of everything, gas included, summer vacations may need to be pared down this year.
But, U.S. News & World Report has done some compiling and put together a list of the 20 Best Cheap Vacations in the United States. Their list includes a wide range of vacation spots with many activities, no matter what your interests are. Whether you’re looking for a beach getaway, national park adventures or small town exploration, you’ll find some great options that are a little more budget-friendly!
U.S. News & World Report’s methodology and rankings are based on expert analysis, along with user opinions. Their travel destinations are ranked against each other in various categories (for example, this list is Best Cheap Vacation Spots). The scores are calculated and weighted, with 50% from users and 50% from the editors. For more on their methods, click here.
While perusing the U.S. News’ list, we found 5 cheap vacation spots that are all within 6 hours drive time from Augusta! The locations range from historical, small towns to beaches and mountains.
We’ve listed those 5 Cheap Vacation Spots close to Augusta from the closest to farthest away. We’ve also included the other locations that made the list below!
When you’re done, don’t forget to check out which South Carolina town made the list of Best Weekend Getaways.
Athens, Georgia - 2 Hours
Yes, Athens, Georgia made the list of Best Cheap Vacations in the U.S. Although for CSRA residents, this is around a 2 hour drive. You could make this a day trip, or a quick weekend getaway.
Overall, it came in at number 10 out of 20 locations. US News points out the many free attractions in the area, which includes historic homes and parks. You can also visit the University of Georgia, the Georgia Museum of Art and the State Botanical Garden of Georgia.
Athens, Georgia, USA downtown cityscape. (Getty Images)
Beaufort, South Carolina - 2 1/2 Hours
Beaufort ranked at number 20 out of 20 on the list. It’s a laid-back place, full of Southern Charm. There are lots of great shops and restaurants, plus Hunting Island State Park.
Sunset on the pier of a marina with sailboats and yachts. (Getty Images)
Gatlinburg, Tennessee - 5 Hours
Gatlinburg ranked number 6 out of 20 on the list. Right outside of the Great Smoky Mountains, you’ll find a lot of great outdoor adventures- like fishing, hiking, biking and more. There are also a lot of great galleries and shops in the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community.
Visiting Gatlinburg, TN (Getty Images)
St. Augustine, Florida - 5 Hours
St. Augustine came in at number 4 out of 20 on the list. This is the country’s oldest city and full of historical landmarks. You’re also close to the beaches as well.
St. Augustine, Florida at the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument at dusk. (Getty Images)
Knoxville, Tennessee - 6 Hours
Knoxville is ranked 19 out of 20 on the list. They have a great music scene and a lot of great outdoor space with parks and gardens. You have plenty of nature trails to explore and several free museums.
Paddling on the Tennessee River
Grand Canyon - Arizona
Ranked #1 in Best Cheap Vacations in the U.S.
Grand Canyon, Arizona. (Getty Images)
Glacier National Park - Montana
Ranked #2.
Glacier National Park located in Montana. (Getty Images)
Olympic National Park - Washington State
Sunset reflected in a slow moving stream, with sea stacks and driftwood, at Ruby Beach in Olympic National Park, Washington.
Ranked #3.
Sequoia National Park - California
Sign at the entrance to Sequoia National Park, California, USA
Ranked #5.
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Garden of the Gods after a dusting of snow at sunrise
Ranked #7.
Nags Head, North Carolina
Ranked #8.
Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse in Manteo, North Carolina with clouds at sunrise reflecting in calm water.
Williamsburg, Virginia
Ranked #9.
River walk along the James River in Historic York town, Virginia. Yorktown is a major tourist destination for history and leisure purposes
Portland, Oregon
Boating on Columbia River with Mount Hood view during sunrise in Oregon
Ranked #11.
San Antonio, Texas
Ranked #12.
San Antonio, Texas, USA Drone Skyline Aerial Panorama
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Ranked #13.
Colorful summer sunset from Little Roundtop in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Ranked #14.
Hot air balloons floating over the Rio Grande near Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The Finger Lakes in Upstate New York
Ranked #15.
Two chairs sitting on a jetty at dusk, form a tranquil and idyllic scene at Lake Seneca, a popular vacation destination and located in the famous Finger Lakes region in New YorkState.
Augusta, Maine
Augusta, Maine, USA downtown skyline on the Kennebec River.
Ranked #16.
Flagstaff, Arizona
Sunset at Wukoki pueblo ruin in Wupatki National Monument near Flagstaff Arizona.
Ranked #17.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Ranked #18.
Salt Lake City, Utah, USA downtown city skyline at dusk.