15 Best Budget-Friendly Places to Visit with Friends in the USA

Welcome to my blog.

Traveling with friends is honestly one of the best feelings ever, but let’s be real, trips can get expensive very quickly.

Flights, hotels, food, activities and transportation can easily go over budget if you do not plan things properly.

That’s exactly why I decided to create this guide. Honestly, it took me almost 4 days to complete this guide.

New Orleans is one of my favorite places because it feels like another world.

You might think it costs a lot, but you can actually find many free things to do. Walking down Bourbon Street is totally free and the music is everywhere.

I suggest grabbing a cheap po-boy sandwich for lunch. It is huge and you can share it with a friend.

Plus, the street performers are seriously talented. You can just stand on the sidewalk and enjoy a free concert.

Don’t forget to visit City Park. It is beautiful and costs nothing to enter. You and your friends can walk under the old oak trees and take photos.

2. Savannah, Georgia

If you like pretty trees and old buildings, you will love Savannah. This city is famous for its squares.

There are 22 of them, and they are all free to visit. I think it is one of the most beautiful cities in the country.

You could try a picnic in Forsyth Park. Just buy some snacks at a local store and sit by the big white fountain. It is a very cheap way to hang out.

Plus, the city is very walkable, so you won’t spend much on taxis.

Also, did you know you can walk around with a drink in certain areas?

This means you do not have to sit in a pricey bar all night. Just buy a drink and keep exploring. It is a fun way to see the sights.

3. San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio is a gem for budget travelers.

The River Walk is the most famous part of the city. While the boat rides cost money, walking along the water is free. It is really pretty at night.

You should definitely visit the Alamo. It is free to enter. Personally, I feel like you learn so much without spending a dime.

Besides the Alamo, there are other historic missions nearby. You can bike between them on a cheap rental.

It is a great workout and a cool way to see the old side of Texas with your friends.

4. Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Are you guys fans of the mountains? Then Gatlinburg is for you.

It sits right at the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Believe it or not, this is one of the only national parks with no entrance fee.

You can go hiking, see waterfalls, and look for bears for free.

I’d recommend bringing your own gear if you want to camp. It is much cheaper than a hotel. Plus, sitting around a campfire with your friends is the best.

The town itself has a lot of shops to look at. Even if you do not buy anything, it is fun to walk around.

5. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philly is full of history and cheap food. You know about the Philly cheesesteak?

It is a delicious meal that won’t break the bank. You can find them at many street corners for a low price.

I suggest visiting Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. You usually need a free ticket, but the experience is priceless.

It is amazing to see where the country started. You will feel like a history expert by the time you leave.

The city also has amazing street art. You can go on a self guided tour of the murals. It is totally free and makes for great group photos.

6. Memphis, Tennessee

If your group loves music, Memphis is the place to be.

Beale Street is the heart of the city. While some clubs have a cover charge, many have live music you can hear from the sidewalk. It is a very cool vibe.

You might want to check out the Peabody Ducks. Every day at 11 am and 5 pm, they walk across a red carpet in the Peabody Hotel.

It is a fun tradition and it costs nothing to watch. It is kind of silly but very famous.

For food, Memphis BBQ is a must. You can find many small shacks that serve huge plates of ribs or pulled pork for cheap.

7. Washington, D.C.

You might think the capital is expensive, but it is actually a budget paradise.

Because almost all the museums are free. The Smithsonian museums are world class and you don’t have to pay a cent to enter.

Imagine spending a whole day at the Air and Space Museum or the Zoo for free.

You can also walk around the National Mall to see the monuments. They look especially cool at night when they are lit up.

Public transport is also pretty good here. You can take the Metro to get around instead of paying for parking.

8. Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque is a very unique place to visit. If you go in the fall, you might see the hot air balloons. It is a very relaxed place for a group of friends.

I feel like the Old Town area is a great spot to hang out. It has a lot of history and cool shops. You can just wander around and enjoy the atmosphere.

Hiking in the Sandia Mountains is another cheap activity. You can get some fresh air and see the whole city from above.

Just make sure to bring plenty of water because the desert can get really hot.

9. St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis is a city that loves free stuff. The St. Louis Zoo is actually free to get into. That is rare for a big zoo.

You and your friends can see lions, tigers, and bears without spending any money.

The Science Center and the Art Museum are also free. You can spend a few days just visiting the free spots in Forest Park.

Of course, you have to see the Gateway Arch.

While going to the top costs money, standing under it and taking photos is free. It is a massive structure that you really have to see in person to believe.

10. Las Vegas, Nevada (On a Budget)

Yes, you can do Vegas for cheap. The secret is to avoid the big gambling tables.

You can walk the Strip and see all the amazing hotel displays for free. The Bellagio fountains and the volcano at the Mirage are staples.

I suggest looking for cheap eats away from the main Strip.

Many places offer huge breakfast specials for a few dollars. Also, many hotels have free shows or performers in their lobbies or shopping areas.

You can also use the free trams that run between some of the hotels. This saves your feet and your money.

11. Salt Lake City, Utah

If you love the outdoors, Salt Lake City is perfect.

It is surrounded by mountains that offer endless hiking trails. Most of these trails are free to use.

Temple Square is a very pretty place to visit in the center of town. It has beautiful gardens and buildings. They often offer free tours if you are interested in the history of the area.

During the winter, you can find budget friendly spots for sledding or snowshoeing.

Even if you don’t ski at the big resorts, the snow is everywhere. It makes for a beautiful winter wonderland for your group.

12. Raleigh, North Carolina

Raleigh is known as the City of Oaks. It has many parks and green spaces that are free.

Pullen Park is a fun place to hang out with friends. It is one of the oldest amusement parks.

There are also many free museums here. The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is a big favorite. You can learn about dinosaurs and space for zero dollars.

The downtown area has a lot of local breweries and cafes.

Many have outdoor seating where you can just relax. It is a very friendly city and it does not feel too crowded or expensive.

13. Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City is famous for its fountains and its BBQ. There are more fountains here than almost any other city.

You can go on a quest with your friends to find the coolest ones. It is like a free scavenger hunt.

I’d recommend trying the BBQ at a local spot. Many places are very casual and offer great prices. You can get a lot of food for your money.

The Country Club Plaza is a beautiful outdoor shopping area.

Even if you are just window shopping, the architecture is amazing. It looks like a city in Spain. It is a great spot for a group walk.

14. Pensacola, Florida

If you want a beach trip, Pensacola is a great budget choice.

The white sand beaches are beautiful and often less crowded than other parts of Florida. Most of the public beaches are free to access.

You can spend your days swimming, sunbathing, and playing frisbee. That is a very cheap way to have fun.

At night, you can find local spots with live music and affordable seafood. It is a very laid back vibe.

The National Naval Aviation Museum is also nearby and it is free. It is a huge place with lots of old planes. Even if you are not a big history fan, it is pretty impressive to see.

15. Indianapolis, Indiana

Indianapolis has a lot to offer for a low price. The Canal Walk is a 3 mile loop that is great for walking or biking.

It is very scenic and runs right through the heart of the city. It is a favorite for locals and visitors.

The city also has some great parks. White River State Park is right downtown and hosts many free events.

You might stumble upon a concert or a festival while you are there. It is a very active place.

If you like sports, you can visit the NCAA Hall of Champions. It is a fun museum that is usually quite affordable.

And with this, we have completed our list.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best season to travel on a tight budget?

A. Personally, I think the shoulder seasons like spring and fall are the best. You get great weather plus much lower prices on hotels since the summer crowds are gone.

2. How can we save the most money on transportation?

A. Honestly, walking or using local buses is the way to go. You avoid pricey parking fees and get to see the city like a local while keeping your budget safe.

3. Is it actually cheaper to stay in a hotel or a rental?

A. If you are with a group, a rental is often the winner. You can split the cost and cook your own meals, which saves you a lot of cash.

4. Should we buy a group pass for local attractions?

A. Yes, many cities offer a single pass for several spots. It is usually much cheaper than buying individual tickets and it helps you plan your days out much better.

5. What is one thing we should never forget to pack?

A. Always bring a reusable water bottle and snacks. It sounds simple, but you will be shocked at how much money you save by not buying drinks at every single stop.

Final Thoughts