Or, take a ride on the oldest operating Mississippi-style steamboat, the 100-year-old, The Belle of Louisville. And dont miss local budget-friendly dining favorites like the infamous Olneyville New York System for traditional Rhode Island staples of hot wieners and coffee milk. Check into the Hyatt Place Garden City for affordable rates starting around $141 per night, cozy rooms, an indoor swimming pool, and short driving distances to wintertime activities. In fact, these mini-breaks pack lots of vacation vibes into just a few days and allow you to travel on a budget. For over 160 years, travelers have driven more than a mile into the sky to reach the highest point in the Northeast for views of the Atlantic Ocean and into Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, New York and even Canada. Where to stay: The Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino offers double rooms, a location that lets you easily explore Old San Juan and front-row access to the new Entertainment District, plus theres a super cool infinity pool with great views over the San Juan lagoon. More than half of the country can drive to its 60 miles of beaches and other world-renowned attractions. Leave room in your itinerary to explore and learn about the Ohio River, including the National Landmark Falls of The Ohio. 25 Best Day Trips from Detroit - VacationIdea Budget tip: Pack a picnic and visit the gorgeous Falls Park on the Reedy, which boasts some seriously beautiful trails and gardens. Home to the most visited National Park in America, The Great Smoky Mountains, these vacation spots welcome 15 million guests a year to their natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and an almost endless list of fun, family-friendly attractions. How about an island with a new beach to explore every day of the month? cities within 10 miles of me in Saint Louis. You can get a fabulously clean and spacious two-bedroom log cabin with mountain views. We also have the scoop on the most underrated travel destinations, the best weekend getaways in every state, romantic weekend ideas, the best family vacation destinations,beach house rentalsand all-inclusive resorts. Make your trip easier by downloading one of these free road trip apps before you go. Why youll love it: The hidden gem of the Caribbean, the Placencia Peninsula is an easy entry into Central America, with turquoise Caribbean waters, access to the second largest barrier reef in the world for snorkeling, rainforest adventures (including zip lining and river tubing) and plenty of family-friendly activities. 330 miles southwest of Oklahoma City: If you feel like taking an all-inclusive trip to the Sunshine State, consider booking at one of these all-inclusive resorts in Florida. Why youll love it: The entry point to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a funky mix of breweries (the most per capita in the United States), great food, arts (the River Arts District is a fun and free way to spend a day), history (the Biltmore Estate), free-spirited hippie culture and spectacular nature. Why youll love it:The most legendary drive in New England is the steep and breathtaking climb up theMt. We recommend our users to update the browser. Visitors are welcome to swim, boat, and fish in both Lake Michigan and Silver Lake, and there are several day-use areas where visitors can park to explore the dunes by foot. 9679 W State Park Rd, Mears, MI 49436, Phone: 231-873-3083. Budget tip:The Lincoln Park Zoo, which features waddling penguins among its highlights, is one of the few free zoos in the country. Wash it down with an Old Fashioned or Mint Julep, too! In the fall, hop on The Nickel Plate Express for scenic train excursions. Where to stay: The Walker Hotel in Greenwich Village is an Art Deco gem ideally located between Washington Square Park and Union Square, putting all the hip downtown restaurants, shops and sights right at your fingertips. While you might only know Pittsburgh for one of its sports teams or Three Rivers Stadium, The Purg is one of those under-the-radar vacation spots despite being a driveable destination for 57% of Americans. Reserve a day in your itinerary for Forest Park, home to many free attractions. Why youll love it: This western city offers a special treat: a true, old-fashioned dude ranch offering an Old West vacation at throwback prices. Kids under 2 ride for free, by the way. The Mall of America. Visitors can choose from a wide range of accommodations, including unique stays at Bottleworks Hotel, located inside the worlds former largest Coca-Cola Bottling Factory. Why youll love it: TheLake Cumberland State Resort Parkis located on one of the largest man-made lakes in the country, and its one of the top vacation destinations in the eastern United States. Ask for a high floor facing the park (which is just a few blocks away) and youll be able to watch fireworks from your room. We are trying to find a place to go that is around 5 hours away. Grab a baguette, some cheese, pastries for the kids and a bottle of wine for the grown-ups, and toast to the affordable tropical beach vacay. Guided hikes are free for kids 18 and under and just $8 for adultsand that price drops down to $5 for sanctuary members. Dont miss the super fun Pennypickles Workshop, a childrens museum designed as the laboratory of fictional Professor Phineas T. Pennypickle, a scientist, inventor and time traveler; kids under 18 months are free, and adults and kids over 18 months are $10. While you may know this destination as the home of the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and the Indy 500, its also home to the worlds largest childrens museum and its new oversized Dino Exhibit. Tiny St. Martin (often referred to as SXM, for the airports call letters) sports 37 stunning soft-sand beaches along more than 43 miles of coastline, so you and the kids can try a new one every day! Dont forget to check out the citys National Corvette Museum, where every single Corvette in the world is produced. Another one of Americas central vacation spots, Indianapolis is a regular on the most affordable U.S. destination lists. Set in the Pennsylvania countryside, Lehigh Valley, is an affordable and family-friendly destination is within a days drive of 73% of the US population. Find cities within a 8 hours radius of me and look for places to visit within a 8 hours drive. Where to stay: The Madison Avenue Beach Club offers condo units with kitchens and separate bedrooms and a big pool, at reasonable rates. Where to stay: Ocean Edge Resort offers a summers worth of fun on a sprawling 429 acres. Budget tip: Kids in tow? There are also free beaches downtown to catch some summer rays. Fayetteville has been named Top 10 Coolest Small Towns in America by Budget Travel Magazine and Best River Town and is now a neighbor to the countrys newest national park the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Where to stay: One Ski Hill Place, a Rock Resort, is located right at the base of Peak 8 and offers multi-room suites that function as private condos, with full kitchens and living rooms, perfect to spread out in. Explore each citys distinct personalities and a long list of outdoor activities. Within Hours Still, as most of the American population is gathered on the East Coast and Midwestern cities, destinations in those regions dominate this list of vacation spots and places to visit in the US. Its central location draws road-trippers; more than 92% of people travel to this destination by driving, foregoing expensive plane tickets. Where to stay:Enjoy swim-in movies, life-size games and smores at the beachside fire pit at beachfront Sandpearl Resort. Where to stay: The YMCA of the Rockies is one of the best-kept family vacation secrets in the country. Waddle back to your suite at the Residence Inn by Marriott, which includes full kitchens, a complimentary hot-breakfast buffet, an indoor pool and an outdoor SportCourt and BBQ patio. Why youll love it:Not only does this destination feature 60 miles of gorgeous beaches and warm ocean waters, its also known as the mini-golf capital for its plethora of pint-size courses. The free Virginia Museum of Fine Arts has 50,000 works from 6,000 years, is open every day of the year, and the Virginia Museum of History and Culture is reopening on May 14, 2022, after completing a $30 million renovation. Helen, Ga. Best Midwest Family Vacation Destinations: Family Vacation Critic In addition, you can sample the worlds food without a passport on their International Cuisine Trail, with Hungarian, West African, Turkish, Greek, and Italian Cuisine all within just a few blocks downtown. Find places to go within a day's drive of me and plan a quick day trip from my hometown. Enjoy the warm weather at the rooftop, resort-style pool, or check out the romantic library, where afternoon tea is served. No wonder Myrtle Beach has long been a go-to destination for generations of Americans. My Kids' Ages By proceeding, you agree to our . Stop by the St. Louis Zoo, Laumeier Sculpture Park, one of the first and largest sculpture parks, or escape the summer heat in the St. Louis Art Museum, the Missouri History Museum, or the Saint Louis Science Center. Where to stay: HALCYON, located in the charming walking-friendly neighborhood of Cherry Creek, has a rooftop pool, a free gear garage with bikes and longboards, and complimentary muffins and scones in the morning, plus snacks, coffee drinks and even wine and beer for mom and dad from 4 to 9 p.m. at its kitchen counter check-in desk. Boise, Idaho. Why youll love it: Located within a days drive of nearly half the U.S. population, Columbus, Ohio, is known as The Hippest City in the Midwest due to its variety of cant-miss activities and attractions, from visiting the Columbus Museum of Art to walking the Scioto Mile and perusing the boutiques and galleries of the Short North Arts District. Are you looking for the best places to visit for foodies? The town has a vibrant arts and culture scene as one of only 13 cities in the country with its own ballet, opera, fine art, symphony, theater companies, and museums. Budget tip: A Denver CityPASS gives you discounted access to kid-friendly city highlights, including the aquarium, zoo and museums, starting at $36 for kids ages 3 to 11, and $43 for adults. Budget tip:Pack a refillable water bottle and some on-the-go snacks to cut back on additional park costs. Point Randall Resort, Lake Ozark. Where to stay:Children will love the Chelsea Hotels indoor pool, featuring Torontos only indoor waterslide. Why youll love it: Its a city with a sandy beach right downtown! Flaming Gorge National Recreation, Utah. This is the largest commercial cave in the state and open year-around. Branson is a one-of-a-kind family vacation destination nestled in the lakeside beauty of the Ozark Mountains and within a 12-hour drive for about 50% of the U.S. population. Why you'll love it: The "City of Trees" is a perfect destination when you're looking for a quick trip where you can enjoy the outdoors. 7 Best Family Resorts Near St. Louis, MO that All Ages Love! Dont miss these top family travel destinations in every state. 5. Baseball fans will want to steal straight to The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, while art lovers should make a date with The Fenimore Art Museum, which boasts an extraordinary collection of American Indian and folk art. Montreal, Canada: Drive Time 5 Hours and 20 Minutes. Why youll love it:The City of Trees is a perfect destination when youre looking for a quick trip where you can enjoy the outdoors. New River Gorge National Park & Preserve is 70,000 acres of public land full of rich history and prime for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and whitewater rafting. vacation in Cincinnati with top attractions and fantastic dining without New York City or San Francisco prices. Having a pleasant getaway with kids means keeping them busy and entertained. Cap off a day of exploring with a stroll through Main Street Square, a community hub featuring year-round free events for travelers to enjoy, as well as public art such as The Sculpture Project. Heres How This Caribbean Island Can Be Surprisingly Affordable. Extra bonus: Since Belize is a former British colony, this is an English-speaking destination. Or explore the Andy Warhol Museum, the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, or The Clemente Museum. 11 Affordable Winter Getaways for the Family - I Love New York Find cities within a 6 hours radius of me in Dayton and look for places to visit within a 6 hours drive. Kids and adults of all ages will love to splash year-round at Wilderness at the Smokies indoor/outdoor waterpark resort and the new 50-acre Soaky Mountain Waterpark. . Where to stay: Check out Tanque Verde Ranch, a family-owned property that provides an authentic Wild West experience with horseback riding (and much more) through Arizonas most breathtaking desert landscapes of the Rincon Mountains. The events are often accompanied by outdoor concerts, street dancing and other entertainment. Or opt for a quieter getaway with time at the luxe spa, the zero-entry lagoon pool (where you can also order a cocktail and snack to your lounge chair) or in a private cabana with everything from HDTVs to lounge chairs and refrigerators within steps of the pool. This quirky city on the rise has incredible street murals, the Nevada Museum of Art and a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for Tallest Outdoor Rock Climbing Wall at the Whitney Peak Hotel. These landmarks are original 18th-century buildings from Moravian settlers who moved to Pennsylvania from the Eastern Czech Republic. Hop on a ferry to explore Torontos islandsone is an amusement park! Learn to skimboard on Naples Beach, then take a stroll to the iconic Naples Pier, where fishermen hang their lines in hopes of a bite. The dog-friendly boutique property is also just steps from the Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center, which has 25 miles of biking, walking and hiking trails. If you have more time, consider embarking on a Million Dollar Highway road trip. Your personal family vacation planning starts now Get expert advice, handpicked recommendations, and tips for your family all year round! 3116 OH-3, Loudonville, OH 44842, Phone: 419-994-4290. One of the countrys most affordable places to live, people can have a great vacation in Cincinnati with top attractions and fantastic dining without New York City or San Francisco prices. Why youll love it: Nothing says summer like a trip to the beach, especially the expansive, and free, sandy shores of beautiful Cape Cod, a favorite destination of Boston-ites looking to escape the city. Budget tip: Theres no need to travel overseas to get a taste of Basque culture; Boise has the largest Basque population in the United States. Take a drive over to North Lake Tahoe to enjoy the sun, beach and water sports. Bring yourNational Parks Passand youll be able to catch the sunrise at The House of the Sun for free. Day Trips Near Me: National Museum of the Great Lakes. Why youll love it:If you think Houston is only a business city, youre in for a surprise when you visit with your family. Prices start at $1,780 in 2023 (slightly less for kids). Before dinner, take your chance to walk across the Ohio River via a converted railroad pedestrian bridge. Depending on your budget, you can book one of 14,500 overnight accommodations from rental homes, hotels, timeshare condos, and even RV campgrounds like the brand-new Margaritaville RV Resort and Lodge. Also, travel over to the neighboring harbor town of Grand Marais to visit shops and eat theWorlds Best Donuts. 16 Best Weekend Getaways from New Orleans - Trips To Discover Photo courtesy of Cedar Point Amusement Park. She covers topics ranging from family travel and Disney to honeymoons and romantic beaches and everything in between. Within a 500-mile radius from half of the U.S. population, theres a little bit of everything in this centrally located destination. Courtesy Bowling Green Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Harri Jarvelainen Photography/Getty Images, We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), fun facts about the worlds most beautiful waterfalls, top family travel destinations in every state, Kimpton Hotel Monaco Baltimore Inner Harbor, reasons Maui is the best island in Hawaii, Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. For the latter, plan a picnic hike to the Craggy Mountains, stop to smell the berry bushes and take in the exceptional panoramic views of the Craggy Pinnacle Trail. Perfectly located on a mile-long cove on Lake of the Ozarks, 2 miles from Bagwell Dam, the Point Randall Resort is perfect for a weekend getaway. She writes about smart timeshare ownership, vacation tips and tricks, NYC Metro Area trips and activities, and frugal, yet rich, living! Search for vacation spots within driving distance for a day trip or weekend getaway. When youre not sunning and swimming, theres fabulous, low-cost picnics to be crafted from the French-influenced shops. This Fall, the Moonshot Museum opens at the headquarters of space robotics company Astrobotic Technology providing visitors with an up-close look at real lunar landers and rovers being built and readied to fly to the Moon. Or enjoy mother natures gifts at one of their 30 wineries. Monica Fish helps her fellow adventurers live a financially savvy life so they can travel and explore our beautiful world no matter their budget. Dont miss these fun facts about the worlds most beautiful waterfalls. Plus, theres Carousel Gardens, where you can enjoy more than a dozen rides for kids, including a roller coaster and a historic carousel. Monica Fish helps her fellow adventurers live a financially savvy life so they can travel and explore our beautiful world no matter their budget. The fantastically fishy National Aquarium is a must-visit too! Budget tip:Theres plenty to do at the lake that wont cost a dime, including beautiful hiking trails filled with summer birds such as cardinals, bluebirds, goldfinches and hummingbirds. For a peaceful beach scene, head to Tigertail Beach Park on Marco Island. The Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology and the Folk Music Center are local favorites to visit, so keep an eye on the schedule for the latter to find out about live concerts that will hopefully be back soon. In addition, families will love the new Art Climb at the Cincinnati Art Museum, the award-winning Cincinnati Zoo, and the walkable downtown area thats easy to explore. 27 Family Vacation Ideas for a Trip They'll Never Forget Located halfway between New York City and Miami, Florida, on Interstate 95, Fayetteville, North Carolina, is within one days drive for 75% of the United States population. Travel time from me. The Steelstacks complex also includes the Artquest Performing Arts Center, food vendors, and a full bar, making it an ideal place to eat, drink, and be merry on those long summer nights.. 14 Incredible Destinations You Can Drive to in 9 Hours or Less From Sports fans flock to the area for annual Spartan races and to enjoy the trails, lakes, tennis, and golf courses. Enjoy the scenic Inner Harbor or watch a ball game down the block at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The hotel also offers myriad complimentary activities for hotel guestseverything from pineapple cutting to hula lessons. Asheville also makes a good jumping-off point for a Tail of the Dragon road trip. Chattanooga is not called the Scenic City for nothing. Only 90-minutes away from the nations largest city, New York City, 80 miles north of Philadelphia, and less than a 6-hour drive from most of the Northeast, Indianapolis, and Charlotte, its worth taking a look at for your next vacation. Browse through these tips on how to travel for free before booking your trip. St. Louis. Why youll love it: Even though it may seem like a grown-up getaway, the laid-back vibe of the Big Easy actually makes it a perfect spot for a family vacation too (or even a nice Christmas getaway). Some options: hiking in the national park, booking a mountain bike ride, fly-fishing or river rafting experiencesjust to name a few. Where to stay: Lovingly referred to as Hawaiis Most Hawaiian Hotel, the Kaanapali Beach Hotel prides itself on the stewardship of Hawaiian culture and is one of the longest-standing independent properties on the famed three miles of shimmering sand that comprise Kaanapali Beach. 6 hours from Oklahoma City - Within Hours Dont forget to browse through the best all-inclusive family resorts before booking your next vacation. Why youll love it:Known as charm city, Baltimore is an enchanting destination loaded with history and a worthy stop on anyAtlantic Coast road trip. Where to stay: Providence Marriott, which has a bike program with preset routes. Further cementing itself as a budget-friendly option, the average daily accommodations rate is $104 a night, which is highly affordable compared to other Northeastern cities. The minimum age for children is five years old, and there's a 10 percent discount for children 17 years and under. Why youll love it: Mother Nature went into hyperdrive in this breathtaking corner of Arizona, where Sedona is surrounded by 1.8 million acres of national forest, four wilderness areas and six state parks. Where to stay:Green-from-the-ground-up Element Boston Seaport and forward-thinking Aloft Boston Seaport both offer families a strategic Seaport District locale just minutes from the best of the city. Detroit, Michigan, is a paradox, a big city with small city prices. Rent bikes and ride along the Truckee River, starting in Reno and ending up at North Lake Tahoe. All Rights Reserved. Despite being a medium-sized city, theres a lot of nature to take in. Meanwhile, the Wharf and Orange Beach . Photo by Kristen Sullivan. Looking to save some cash? Additionally, five golf courses were built in the past several years, catapulting it to the top echelon of vacation spots for golfers in America. Long Island. Long Island is more than just amazing beaches and summer fun! Escape to a Great Lakes island or visit world-famous museums . Tour significant American Revolutionary War, Civil War, and music history sites. Foodies will enjoy the Donut Trail of 13 mom & pop donut shops or Jungle Jims International Market, with over 180,000 global items in a 6.5-acre space. Why youll love it: Take Exit 1 from New Jerseys Garden State Parkway and youll discover this charming Victorian beach town whose tree-lined streets are adorned with gingerbread-trimmed guesthouses. Budget tip:The summer months are filled with free outdoor movies and music at spots such as Land-Grant Brewing and Easton. Kayak through the mangroves, see priceless works of art, as well as walk a circus tightrope at The Ringling, find culture at more than 20 . Where to stay: Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown offer spacious digs with kitchens with full-size refrigerators, microwaves and stove cooktops (perfect for making healthy meals when youre not eating pizza). Yosemite National Park. Kids will love the free Friday drum circles in Pritchard Park, where they can bang a drum and dance along (the festivities get rolling around 6 p.m.). There are also some unexpected things to do, like visiting Brookgreen Gardens.