Affordable Weekend Getaways: Even though your money is a little limited right now. You could feel the want to travel for a few days. You may enjoy a much-needed change of scenery without breaking the wallet with a little planning. Studies have proven that even a brief vacation and time spent outside can be good for our health, not that we needed proof of this. The good news is that changing your environment can have positive effects without taking you too far from home.
Check out our choices for weekend vacations from these 15 big cities if you’re looking for a cheap escape close to home. Whichever you choose, we’re confident you’ll go home feeling renewed and not too much financially.
Los Angeles to Hermosa Beach, California
Hermosa Beach, which is a few miles away and located on the shore. Is the perfect destination for travelers on a tight budget. There are numerous lodging options and a wide variety of restaurants. Grab some coffee and a bagel or pastry to take with you for a beachside picnic breakfast. And if you prefer, repeat the process for lunch. There are restaurants around that serve pizza, burgers, tacos, and other foods.
Spend a lazy day lying on the sand and watching the waves, or both. Take a stroll down the path or rent a bike to explore the Strand’s residences as you go. Visitors can also take in Hermosa’s murals, which were painted on numerous walls and structures to honor the history and culture of the city. Attend a club on Pier Avenue to hear live music if your budget allows.
New York City to Montauk, New York
Long Island villages provide fantastic weekend escapes from New York City. And if you pass by the upscale Hamptons locales and continue east on Montauk Highway. You may have a weekend without breaking the bank. The easternmost location on Long Island and in New York State is the South Fork town of Montauk. Along with beaches, wineries, and historical monuments, this area offers a variety of hotels and eateries.
In addition to hiking and biking trails, Hither Hills State Park is one of the numerous parks in the vicinity. Has an ocean beach, picnic spaces, fireplaces, fishing, a playground, and campgrounds. At Montauk Point State Park, you can climb one of the nature trails or stroll along the rocky beach and take in the ocean scenery. The nearby museum and historic Montauk Lighthouse from 1796 serve as reminders of the region’s significance in American history.
Washington, D.C., to West Virginia
The Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia is only a two-hour picturesque drive from Washington, D.C., yet it seems miles away from the capital. Spend your frugal weekend taking in the outdoors, small-town life, and history, and shopping in locations like Shepherdstown, a charming college town. Visit the National Historical Park near Harpers Ferry, where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers converge, for hiking, rock climbing, zip line, and a history lesson.
Take a bath in Berkeley Springs, a natural hot spring that has drawn tourists for hundreds of years, to unwind and refresh. Explore the eating options and antique stores in the walkable downtown. Alternatively, go to a distillery in Charles Town or Martinsburg and purchase a memento to enjoy in Washington, D.C.
Seattle to San Juan Island, Washington
San Juan Island is a short drive and boat trip from Anacortes if you want to escape to an island. When you are there, go for a hike, a bike ride, or a walk along the beach to reconnect with nature. Other activities include kayaking, boating, and fishing. Visit a vineyard, brewery, or cidery and indulge in a tasty tasting for some liquid fuel.
The island offers a range of lodging options for all price ranges. For instance, guests at Lakedale Resort can select from a log cabin, lakehouse, yurt, Airstream, campsite, RV space, or luxury canvas cottage for their glamping vacation.
San Francisco to Paso Robles, California
Driving from San Francisco to Paso Robles, which is located around 200 miles to the south, is fun and offers a pleasant change of scenery. Enjoy Lake Nacimiento’s kilometers of picturesque shoreline, mountains, woods, and waterfalls while getting in touch with nature. This area is perfect for fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching.
Regarding lodging, guests can book a bed & breakfast, a vacation home, or a room at The Piccolo in the city center. There are coffee shops, restaurants, boutiques, and antique stores in the walkable town. Another enjoyable activity is to enjoy a picnic lunch outdoors at a nearby winery. Visit Alta Colina, where you may stay the night in a vintage camper next to their pond, or the gorgeous tasting area at Denner Vineyards (by appointment). Visit Thacher Winery, a charming family-run vineyard that is nearby.
