RVA, as locals call it, is Virginias State Capitol, 100 miles south of Washington DC and filled with just as much historical significance as one of Americas oldest cities. 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. The city also has some great hidden gems youll appreciate. Naturally, Boston is one of thebest cities for American history buffs. Why youll love it:The gushing waters of Old Faithful, the swirling colors of prismatic springs, the steam of Mammoth Springs, the wildlife of Lamar Valley and the soaring views and waterfalls of Canyon Villagethis is the trip you will still be talking about for years to come. Where to stay: Providence Marriott, which has a bike program with preset routes. AUtah road trip to see its national parks is another option for a mini-vacation in the Beehive State. Why youll love it:Ruminate on the Revolution on Beantowns historic streets while following the (free)Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile, red-lined route that winds past 16 historically significant sites dating back to the American Revolution. Take in views of the city and the 500 plant varieties at the International Rose Test Garden. Kids will love exploring the Gray Fossil Site, dating back 5 million years. 15 Things to Do in Barbados From Someone Who Has Visited More Than 10 Times. 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. Wash it down with an Old Fashioned or Mint Julep, too! All Rights Reserved. This Jersey Shore gem has a pedestrian cobblestone mall with toy stores, ice cream shops and a small boardwalk with an arcade. 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. 9679 W State Park Rd, Mears, MI 49436, Phone: 231-873-3083. Budget tip: Houston CityPASS is just $68 (kids tickets are $56) and includes admission to Houston favorites such as the out-of-this-world Space Center Houston, the Childrens Museum and nearby Kemah Boardwalk Amusement Park on Galveston Bay, for the most summer bang for your buck. End your day by enjoying Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwich in the Brown Hotel restaurant, where it was first invented in the 1920s. With James Beard-nominated chefs, the Findlay Market chock full of international cuisine, Oakely Food Hall, and Edward Lees new restaurant, youll eat amazingly well during your trip to Cincinnati. Where to stay: The Caravelle Resort offers a beachfront location, multiple pools, a water playground, a game room and kids clubs for plenty of entertainment. They have miniature golf, an aqua park with a lazy river, boats and water sports to enjoy on the lake. Budget tip:Dont forget to bring your National Parks Pass, which grants free access to your full car into the gorgeous Rockies. 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. Everyone will love the classic Skyway Drive-In and the creamy treats served up at the old-fashioned soda fountain at Wilson Ice Cream Parlor. Why youll love it: With silky-soft, snow-white sand and gentle Gulf of Mexico water, Clearwaters beaches are multiple award winners and some of thebest beaches in Floridaperfect for those who want to spend their quick trip splashing in the surf. Its a great time to visit and enjoy swimming, sunning and playing on the wide stretches of amazing sand and sea (rent some inexpensive snorkel gear for a tropical rainbow view too). Looking to save some cash? Budget tip: Live music fills the streets of Asheville, and you can listen to everything from old-time mountain music to new alternative rock just by dropping something in the tip jar. 6 hours from Dayton - Within Hours 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. Or enjoy mother natures gifts at one of their 30 wineries. Your personal family vacation planning starts now Get expert advice, handpicked recommendations, and tips for your family all year round! This is the largest commercial cave in the state and open year-around. 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. Budget tip:Spend time in the great (free) outdoors at Strawtown Koteewi Park, which features a canoe launch on the White River for boating and fishing, nature trails for hiking or cycling, equestrian trails, an archery center and a treetop course. 25. Tour significant American Revolutionary War, Civil War, and music history sites. 7 hour drive from Saint Louis. Why youll love it:Its hard not to be impressed by the more than 3,000 tons of water that crashes over the falls every second. Budget tip:Catch a breeze strolling theHarborwalk, which offers breathtaking views of Boston Harbor and the Boston skyline. Highlights: When John Wesley Powell traveled down the Green and Colorado Rivers in 1869 he marveled at the intermingling of . Oh, and pizza, lots and lots of cheesy, stringy, deep-dish pies for a decadent dining treat. Bring along your bicycle to explore the free fun to be had on the 26-mile, car-free Cape Cod Bike & Rail Trail. The property has multi-room suites and villas, so you can plan a multi-generational getaway. Why youll love it: Known for its natural beauty, sustainability and outdoor activities, Portland is a favorite option for affordable family vacations. Day trips near me - Within Hours 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. Take in all the beach scenery, attractions and vacation snacks while strolling the free 1.2-mile Oceanfront Boardwalk and Promenade. Bring yourNational Parks Passand youll be able to catch the sunrise at The House of the Sun for free. Middle-schoolers will love seeing the massive whale sharks at Georgia Aquarium (the largest in the country), visiting the Heisman Trophy at the College Football Hall of Fame and sampling soda to their hearts content at World of Coca-Cola. The minimum age for children is five years old, and there's a 10 percent discount for children 17 years and under. Duluth, Minnesota. 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. Claremont Village is home to more than 150 shops and restaurants, and its where youll want to spend your evening. Budget tip:For great free souvenirs, go shelling along the pristine barrier island sands of Tigertail Beach Park on Marco Island. 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. You might only know this destination as the home of the iconic Kentucky Derby or the birthplace of Bourbon, but it has so much more for vacationers. Chattanooga is not called the Scenic City for nothing. Additionally, five golf courses were built in the past several years, catapulting it to the top echelon of vacation spots for golfers in America. Top of The Rock, designed by Jack Nicklaus, is a unique course thats a must-do for players. When youre not riding the rails, stop by Conner Prairie, the Smithsonian-affiliated living history museum and park, with hundreds of acres to explore, including four-story, interactive treetop outposts and an outdoor 1836 Prairietown where kids can visit with 1800s Indiana settlers, play games and learn a trade from the local interpreters dressed in period garb. 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. Are you looking for the best places to visit for foodies? No town, not even Fayetteville, has more than 50,000 people. Utica, New York: 2 Hours and 5 Minutes Rent bikes and ride along the Truckee River, starting in Reno and ending up at North Lake Tahoe. For more inexpensive fun, hit the beautiful beaches in San Juans Condado and Isla Verde neighborhoods. 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. With the second-largest Somali population in the U.S. and one of the countrys most diverse populations overall, in Columbus, visitors can enjoy Tibetan momos, Bangladeshi cuisine, a Pakistani bakery, and one of the best banh mi sandwiches in North America. Budget tip: Kids in tow? Budget tip:One of the best souvenirs here is free, if you know where to look: Cape May diamonds, silicone gems that appear naturally in the sand. Where to stay: Sirenian Bay Resort is the perfect perch for families in Belize. These are the best cheap family vacations near Ohio. Stock Images Provided by Our Partner DepositPhotos Site Design Credit. Youll find dozens of galleries, major art museums, several massive live performance venues, groundbreaking offerings such as Shadowbox Live and the Wexner Center for Contemporary Art, and an exciting poetry scene. (573) 237-3672. Why youll love it: A perfect getaway from Los Angeles, its just 35 miles east, but completely without all the traffic that plagues the city. 23 Weekend Trips from Rochester NY to Take in 2023 - Family of Five Book lovers will want to step foot into the Moravian Book shop, the oldest continuously operating bookstore in the world, dating back to 1745. The kids will love discovering and collecting them. Another one of Americas central vacation spots, Indianapolis is a regular on the most affordable U.S. destination lists. Why youll love it: Providence is terrific for families, especially high school kids, since the capital city is home to a wide range of colleges (Brown University, Johnson & Wales, Rhode Island School of Design), where they can get inspired with campus tours and on-campus museums. Harvest Hosts is a unique experiential company offering RVers the opportunity to stay at any of their more-than-600 host locations across the United States. In the summer, those same mountains turn a lush green and beckon outdoor enthusiasts to hike and bike and enjoy the sun-filled days. Budget tip:TheBalboa Park Explorerpass bundles 16 attractions into a discounted pay-one-price ticket for $56; prices go way down if you commit to a seven-day option (just $67). Rangers take visitors on guided tours, which depart every 20 to 30 minutes starting at 9am. Find cities within a 8 hours radius of me and look for places to visit within a 8 hours drive. Budget tip:Martin Luther King Jr. 1. In addition, Columbus has an incredible park system with outstanding hiking and green spaces, including 175 acres of green space in the heart of the city, hundreds of miles of bike/hike and running trails, and one of the worlds only Audubon Centers in the middle of downtown. It is home to breathtaking nature with endless outdoor recreation options. Where to stay: The Otesaga Resort Hotel offers a range of recreational facilities, including a heated outdoor pool, lake canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding, bike riding, croquet and tennis courts. Where to stay: The charming Cottage Inn by the Sea offers Pacific Ocean views, a pool and free breakfast with double rooms. Day Trips Near Me: National Museum of the Great Lakes. Why youll love it:The most legendary drive in New England is the steep and breathtaking climb up theMt. Intrepid's Thailand Family Holiday is available to book on multiple dates in 2023, 2024, and even 2024. Cities 8 hours from me - Within Hours Where to eat and stay: For local eats, dont miss Bubs Burgers & Ice Cream in the town of Carmel, home of The Big Ugly, a one-pound burger-eating challenge (eat the whole burger and youll get your picture framed on Bubs infamous burger wall). Budget tip: Pack a picnic and visit the gorgeous Falls Park on the Reedy, which boasts some seriously beautiful trails and gardens. Why youll love it:The largest alpine lake meets the biggest little city in the world in Reno Tahoe. Snag a one-bedroom villa with plenty of room to spread out and a kitchen where you can save money by making breakfasts and easy meals. Pigeon Forge is home to the award-winning Dollywood Amusement park, which is visited more than Disneyland, not to mention a lot more affordable. 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. Weve gathered places to visit in the U.S. within one days drive for more than a majority of people. Where to stay: Margaritaville Lake Resort will keep you entertained for your entire stay. This region, consisting of Greensboro, Winston-Salem, & High Point, is at the center of 4 state highways. driving 8 hours from Saint Louis. You can even ride on the flat and leveled sand. In addition, dozens of authentic food trucks serve cuisines from Mexico, Central, and South America, and draw long lines. Where to stay: For a southern getaway in the heart of historic downtown Savannah, check into Perry Lane Hotel, an art-filled abode bursting with both charm and style. Everywhere you look are the stunning peaks and spires of red rocks and sandstone outcroppings. Budget tip: Reno Tahoe is an awesome place to be outside, so take advantage of free entry to the areas great hiking and biking trails. Well, Cincinnati is another one of the great culinary vacation sports. Van Buren State Park. Where to stay:The boutique Kimpton Aertson Hotel makes a great staycation spot in the city with a pool that spans the entire rooftop upstairs; Henley, a swanky restaurant with great cocktails downstairs; free bikes to explore neighboring Vanderbilt University; and Caviar & Bananas, a great spot for quick eats, attached to the artsy hotel. Find out how to budget for a road trip. Why youll love it:A dynamic city with Old West charm, Denver has a vast array of kid-friendly attractions here, including an aquarium, zoo, botanical garden, art museum with a fabulous hands-on project space and the fascinating History Colorado museumall perfect for family vacations. Search for vacation spots within driving distance for a day trip or weekend getaway. 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. Heres How This Caribbean Island Can Be Surprisingly Affordable. #2 in Best Cheap Family Vacations. 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. After Staying in 25 Worldmark Resorts a Traveler Picks His Top 10, 15 Fun Things to Do & Reasons to Visit Yorktown Beach (Outside Williamsburg, VA). Plus, they have free bikes for exploring and offer pool use at the nearby sports club. The hotel also offers myriad complimentary activities for hotel guestseverything from pineapple cutting to hula lessons. It is no surprise that Alpine Helen/White County has been designated by the State House and Senate as Georgia's . Additionally, Johnson Citys historic downtown district includes local restaurants, breweries, retail shops, parks, and public art and, in the summer, features live music and large-scale festivals. Its central location draws road-trippers; more than 92% of people travel to this destination by driving, foregoing expensive plane tickets. 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. Budget tip:Kick back for a full day of free fun on the beach! Whitewater paddlers can run the Payette River, while beginners have Esther Simplot Park and Quinns Pond in the heart of downtown. There are also 104 parks in the city, or you can hop on a bike to visit beer, wine and cider tasting rooms located near Boises Greenbelt, a 25-mile trail along the Boise River that goes right through the city. Where to stay:The Embassy Suites at Centennial Park puts you right in the middle of the action, provides you with a second room so you can close the door on your big kids, has a pool and includes a free all-you-can-eat breakfast. 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. Within Hours Check out these easy-to-get-to destinations (both within the U.S. and abroad) and get ready to spring into fun. Known as The Orlando of the Midwest, youll see it regularly featured on best places to visit in the US lists. Once you arrive, visit Lake Conroe, which is surrounded by great restaurants, parks and entertainment venues. Budget tip:Thousands of vibrant orange-and-black Monarch Butterflies gather in Pismo Beach annually (October to February), seeking shelter from the northern winter among a grove eucalyptus trees at Pismo State Beach. An old steel mill turned events center, the facility hosts festivals, concerts, outdoor movies, and more all summer. Best Places to Stay. In the past two years, the American Road Trip came roaring back. One of my favorite family golf vacations was a road trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with my dad. Home of former president Bill Clinton, Little Rock is one of the best weekend trips from St. Louis for families, as well as the surrounding states of Oklahoma, Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana.

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