Budget tip: Driving to the Cape? There are also some unexpected things to do, like visiting Brookgreen Gardens. A quick, easy, and family-friendly weekend getaway from St. Louis is Meramec Caverns, which is just over an hour from the city. Why youll love it: Head to the scenic North Shore of Lake Superior to make some amazing memories this summer. Take a drive over to North Lake Tahoe to enjoy the sun, beach and water sports. 1 hour from me within 1-1/2 hours of me cities within 2 hours of me 2-1/2 hours from my location map a 3 hr radius from me 3-1/2 hour radius from here places within 4 hours of me within a 4-1/2 hour drive 5 hour drive from me 6 hours from me 7 hours away 8 hour radius places 9 hours away Check out these cheap places to travel for more vacay inspo. Where to stay: The rustic-meets-luxe retreatMontage Deer Valley may make you want to skip the mountain entirely so you have time to enjoy the five restaurants, a bowling alley and the largest spa in Utahthe perfect spot to unwind with a massage. You can also sightsee by water-taxi or climb aboard Fearless, Baltimores own pirate ship in Fells Point, to hear swashbuckling tales of adventure. Where to stay: The Riverside Hotel is nestled right on the Greenbelt, so you can lace up your shoes and be on your way in a flash. In addition to eating beignets around the clock and watching the free outdoor performances at Jackson Square, you can take a cruise on the Creole Queen paddleboat; watch for gators on the Jean Lafitte Swamp Tours; get up close with nature at the Audubon Nature Institute (including the Butterfly Garden and Insectarium), the Aquarium or the Zoo; and deep-dive into history at the National WWII Museum. Portland, ME 408 miles (approximately 7 hours) Portland, Maine offers a plethora of fun activities for the whole family. Just a short drive from L.A. and San Diego, this is a hidden wine country with beautiful vineyards and plenty of outdoor activities in a near-perfect climate. Top 20 Cheap Family Vacations | U.S. News Travel My Kids' Ages By proceeding, you agree to our . Within a 500-mile radius from half of the U.S. population, theres a little bit of everything in this centrally located destination. Ohio travelers who make the short run to Motown will be pleasantly surprised by frugal places to stay and play. 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. Budget tip: Theres plenty to do for free in Rapid City: Visitors can participate in a free, interactive walking tour of the City of Presidents, a series of life-size bronze statues of our nations past presidents along the citys streets and sidewalks. There are hip vintage spots and multiple food truck parks where they can try food from around the globe without high restaurant prices. driving 8 hours from Saint Louis. 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. The property also boasts a large pool and free breakfast, all for around $179 a night. Stock Images Provided by Our Partner DepositPhotos Site Design Credit. Pittsburgh is home to 165 parks and places to hike, bike, or walk along the citys trails. Prices start at $1,780 in 2023 (slightly less for kids). Why youll love it: Start your Music City visit with a stop at the Ryman Auditorium to explore the origins of country music and even step on the stage where The Grand Ole Opry started. 14 Incredible Destinations You Can Drive to in 9 Hours or Less From Little Rock, Ark. 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. Coors Field is right downtown, which makes it easy to catch a family-fun Rockies baseball game. Helen, Ga. You can hike, bike, or run on their extensive trail network, including the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor and the bucket-list Appalachian Trail. These landmarks are original 18th-century buildings from Moravian settlers who moved to Pennsylvania from the Eastern Czech Republic. Reserve a day in your itinerary for Forest Park, home to many free attractions. Their long list of live entertainment includes rock, country, tribute bands to magicians, illusionists, variety, and comedy shows. 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. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. And a free tramcar traverses 16th Street, so you can leave your car behind while you try out all the great dining and shopping lining the long pedestrian-friendly zone. Washington Auto Road in New Hampshire, the oldest man-made attraction in America. These are the best cheap family vacations near Ohio. You can get a fabulously clean and spacious two-bedroom log cabin with mountain views. The Poe Museum, with the most extensive collection of Poe artifacts, is celebrating its 100th Anniversary in 2022 with a year-long schedule of special events. Weekend Getaways in Ga: 31+ Awesome Drivable Adventures 11 Affordable Winter Getaways for the Family - I Love New York Its Cultural District, located in the heart of Downtown, is home to nine theatres that showcase a world-renowned symphony orchestra, opera, dance, and award-winning plays. Enjoy the warm weather at the rooftop, resort-style pool, or check out the romantic library, where afternoon tea is served. Where to stay: Fairfield Inn & Suites has free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and fitness facilities that include a pool and exercise room. 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. Explore the mountains and waterfalls in DuPont State Forest, view four states from Jump Off Rock, and end your day on their award-winning Main Street with extra-wide sidewalks, brick planters, park benches, public art, alfresco dining, galleries, shops, boutiques, and the Appalachian Pinball Museum. The young ones will also enjoy a ride on the Sandia Peak Aerial TramwayNorth Americas longest double-reversible aerial tramwaythat travels to the top of the 10,378-foot Sandia Peak. Many believe its one of the best places to visit in the US. There are so many things to do in Helen Ga, and it ranks among our favorite North Georgia Mountain Towns because of the number of outdoor adventures. Why youll love it: On the furthest eastern shores of New Yorks famed Hamptons beaches, Montauk is where to go when you want to escape the crowds and enjoy the sun and surf. She writes about smart timeshare ownership, vacation tips and tricks, NYC Metro Area trips and activities, and frugal, yet rich, living at PlannerAtHeart.com. Lehigh Valley is considered an American Viticultural Area, a federally designated wine-grape-growing region like Napa Valley, just a lot closer to home. Its a great destination for teens, who will enjoy biking around the city like a local or taking in the sites on the great public transportation system, including a cool funicular. The American League of Bicyclists named the island a Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Communityand summer is the perfect time for a pedal. Claremont Village is home to more than 150 shops and restaurants, and its where youll want to spend your evening. Or explore the city via The Richmond Beer Trail, sampling ciders, wines, and meaderies from almost 40 local breweries. Family-friendly attractions include one of the nations best zoos, fun-filled childrens museums, and Franklin Park Conservatory, home to the nations top childrens garden. For a peaceful beach scene, head to Tigertail Beach Park on Marco Island. A kids camp, great for ages 4 to 12, is available for an extra fee, as is horseback riding, biking and guided hikes. Take in all the beach scenery, attractions and vacation snacks while strolling the free 1.2-mile Oceanfront Boardwalk and Promenade. 7 hour drive from Saint Louis. Budget tip:Kick back for a full day of free fun on the beach! We were thinking about maybe Tulsa, OK, or somewhere in Arkansas or somewhere else that borders Missouri. Where to stay: Margaritaville Lake Resort will keep you entertained for your entire stay. The Mall of America. Asheville also makes a good jumping-off point for a Tail of the Dragon road trip. 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. Sarah Jessica Parker got her start in The Arts in the city and continues to praise it. 25. 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. Take in views of the city and the 500 plant varieties at the International Rose Test Garden. Make your trip easier by downloading one of these free road trip apps before you go. Spend a morning picking up only here tastes of the city, such as bagels at Ess a Bagel, corned-beef sandwiches at Katzs and fancy cheeses at Murrays, or wander through Chinatown to grab dumplings and buns or fruits and veggies from street vendors, then bring your haul to Central Park for a classic bite of the city. Heres Why Aquatopia Wins The Crown. Set in the Pennsylvania countryside, Lehigh Valley, is an affordable and family-friendly destination is within a day's drive of 73% of the US population. Here are 51+ of the Best Family Weekend Getaways in the Southeast! Budget tip: Pack your own lunch and visit Cascade River State Park for an afternoon of bird-watching and trail hiking. Budget tip: Theres free live music, fireworks and family entertainment throughout the summer along the Boardwalk, and free concerts at Plyler Park. 1. We are trying to find a place to go that is around 5 hours away. There are also free beaches downtown to catch some summer rays. 50+ Best Family Weekend Getaway Ideas In The Southeast Find cities within a 8 hours radius of me and look for places to visit within a 8 hours drive. One way to soak up the romance and charm is to book a carriage ride for two. 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. Budget tip:For just a few dollars, drivers earn the right to place the legendary This Car Climbed Mt. 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. 25 Best Missouri Weekend Getaways - VacationIdea 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. And the skys the limit for activities here, including hikes into neighboring RMNP, horseback rides, archery, roller skating, and arts and crafts (some activities have a fee). Yosemite's numerous hiking trails, rushing waterfalls and giant sequoias are just a few reasons why this California national park appeals . 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 . Camping is around $30 per night (plus an additional fee for pool access). Why youll love it: Located along North Carolinas central shore, the Crystal Coast has been a favorite beach destination for generations and represents one of the few remaining natural barrier island systems in the world, with 85 miles of sparkling beaches. Enjoy the scenic Inner Harbor or watch a ball game down the block at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. . Guided hikes are free for kids 18 and under and just $8 for adultsand that price drops down to $5 for sanctuary members. Photo courtesy of Cedar Point Amusement Park. Why youll love it: For those who love to explore museums and cultural sites, Atlanta is ideal. Why youll love it:If you think Houston is only a business city, youre in for a surprise when you visit with your family. Adventures might be interested in the Class II and IV rapids in Richmond, one of the only cities to have rapids of this size in an urban setting. Why youll love it: Playful Pismo Beach and nearby Shell Beach offer the quintessential southern California sand-and-surf vacationfrom swimming and hiking to kayaking and surfing, its all outdoor fun all the time. An old steel mill turned events center, the facility hosts festivals, concerts, outdoor movies, and more all summer. The events are often accompanied by outdoor concerts, street dancing and other entertainment. 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. Cities 8 hours from me - Within Hours . You can even ride on the flat and leveled sand. 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. Due to significant fashion brands headquartered in town, Columbus is a surprising fashion mecca. Montreal is high on our family travel bucket list for it's unique city and history. Where to stay: The Madison Avenue Beach Club offers condo units with kitchens and separate bedrooms and a big pool, at reasonable rates. 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. Budget tips: Bring your bicycle with you for some of the best peddling in the country. Looking to save some cash? within 6 hours of Saint Louis. Chattanooga is not called the Scenic City for nothing. Where to stay:Enjoy swim-in movies, life-size games and smores at the beachside fire pit at beachfront Sandpearl Resort. Rangers take visitors on guided tours, which depart every 20 to 30 minutes starting at 9am. 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. 6 hours from Saint Louis - Within Hours Duluth, Minnesota. Why youll love it: Its the Big Apple! 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. 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 taking a spin on the swan boats in the lake at the Boston Public Gardens in Boston Common, and plan a stop at the New England Aquarium and Museum of Science too. And exploring ABQ BioPark, a unique environmental museum comprised of an aquarium, botanic garden and zoo, is always a hit too, as are the free fishing lakes at Tingley Beach. A three-hour drive from New Orleans will get you to Orange Beach, Alabama where you can take a parasailing tour, go fishing on a boat ride, or even get airborne in a helicopter. within hours Find places 1 hour 1-1/2 hours 2 hours 2-1/2 hours 3 hours 3-1/2 hours 4 hours 4-1/2 hours 5 hours 6 hours 50 miles 100 miles 150 miles 200 miles 250 miles 300 miles 350 miles 400 miles from me As a city where diversity is celebrated and new Americans are warmly welcomed, foodies will love the citys culinary offerings. Distance: 116 miles, 2 hours 30 minutes What to Do: The city of Sandusky boasts 22 miles of shoreline within its city limits, and is known for its perfectly manicured parks and architecture. Budget tip: Summerfestis a series of free community events featuring live music, childrens activities, climbing walls, a craft beer garden, food trucks and vendors selling local, handcrafted goods. Poppys Pointe Family Resort. Budget tip:Fourth-graders visit National Parks for free, so be sure to go online and register your current or rising fourth-grader, if theres one in your family. Theres plenty to do for families too, with a car-free, Old Weststyle town dating to the 1800s, horse ranches and even kid-friendly vineyards. vacation in Cincinnati with top attractions and fantastic dining without New York City or San Francisco prices. Surfside Beach, located on the southern end of the Myrtle Beach area, was named the first Autism-friendly travel destination in 2016. AUtah road trip to see its national parks is another option for a mini-vacation in the Beehive State. How cool is that? Plus, they have free bikes for exploring and offer pool use at the nearby sports club. Otherwise, now might be a good time to invest in a National Parks Pass. Table Rock Lake, which draws visitors from near and far, thanks to its world-class fishing and water and boating family fun options like canoeing, kayaking, and water skiing. Youll be right on a private beach, next to a golf course and within a 15-minute drive of Lutsen Mountains and Superior National Forest. No town, not even Fayetteville, has more than 50,000 people. Budget tip:The five-mile Claremont Wilderness Trail in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains attracts hikers from all over the area and is a great way to work up an appetite for all the Village treats. Only 90-minutes away from the nation's 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, it . Montreal, Canada: Drive Time 5 Hours and 20 Minutes. Budget tip:Martin Luther King Jr. (573) 237-3672. Their rustic lodgings are well-equipped with all the comforts needed to enjoy a break from the city. Indulge in big-city life and enjoy New York Citys buzzing vibe while dining at exquisite restaurants, taking in live music and even basking in the neon lights of Broadway. For example, its also one of the best vacation spots in the U.S. for budget travelers. Where to stay:Housed in the historic former Baltimore & Ohio Railroad headquarters, Kimpton Hotel Monaco Baltimore Inner Harbor is a kids dream, complete with Bunk Bed Suites and warm cookies at check-in. Plus, the villas are perfect for extended group or family getaways. Feel like flying to Sedona? Located on the Indiana state line, you can see an entire fossil bed on the bluff overlooking the Ohio River. 3116 OH-3, Loudonville, OH 44842, Phone: 419-994-4290. Fortunately, there are many family-oriented last minute destinations all around the United States. Long Island is more than just amazing beaches and summer fun! Not to mention live theater and music venues and a slew of exceptional restaurants. Why youll love it: You can choose your own adventures in this Upstate New York getaway. Make sure you also check out these must-see places in the U.S. to take your kids and teens. Basically, it is the definition of a charming lakeside town. 5 hour drive from Saint Louis. 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. Where to stay:The Nativo Lodge offers a pool to cool off in and creatively decorated rooms, including the #1INDN, featuring two tented beds, sure to be a kid favorite. 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. Here you can witness nature at its best, explore acres of pristine hiking trails and scenic terrain and immerse yourself in outdoor adventure. Tour significant American Revolutionary War, Civil War, and music history sites. 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. (Atlanta CityPASS offers a reduced-price package that includes all these must-visit spots.). Where to stay: Sirenian Bay Resort is the perfect perch for families in Belize. Where to stay: Hotel Alex Johnson is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is right in the middle of Rapid Citya great spot for exploring. Fishing enthusiasts know that Bass Pro Shops was founded in the region and built Bransons Big Cedar Resort, a beloved and iconic outdoor upscale resort that is a destination in itself. New Haven, MO 63068. If youre looking for an urban destination, Columbus, Ohio, is now Americas 14th largest city, with more residents than San Francisco, and offers months worth of activities. The city also has some great hidden gems youll appreciate. This 6,500-acre serene park features 35 miles of hiking trails, nature education programs, horse trails, fishing, and outdoor recreation activities such as camping, canoeing, orienteering, and climbing a 52-foot Alpine Tower. Detroit, Michigan, is a paradox, a big city with small city prices. 7 Best Family Resorts Near St. Louis, MO that All Ages Love! Find cities within a 6 hours radius of me in Dayton and look for places to visit within a 6 hours drive. Where to stay:The Coronado Beach Resort is located directly across the street from the iconic Del Coronado Hotel (whereSome Like It Hot was filmed) and offers condo-style units with kitchenettes (youll also have complimentary access to all the amenities at the Loews Resort too.) For a single membership payment, you can stay at uncrowded, one-of-a-kind destinations such as farms and historical sites. Once youre here, catch a Toronto Blue Jays baseball game at the Rogers Centre right under the CN Tower (take a trip to the top of the tower for the amazing views too), and ride a moving sidewalk through a shark tank at the neighboring aquarium. Kids will love exploring the Gray Fossil Site, dating back 5 million years. Anything you need for a relaxing vacation is provided, including beach chairs, umbrellas and towels; complimentary cruiser bicycles; a variety of wellness activities, from yoga to meditation to nature walks; and even nightly fire pits and smores. Where to stay: The Inlet Inn is right on the waterfront in Beaufort and offers water-view rooms with private porches and continental breakfast delivered right to your room every morning. 6 hours from Dayton - Within Hours Heres the best time to book a flight. Teens will also appreciate the more mature tone of the Center for Civil and Human rights as well. 6 hours from Oklahoma City - Within Hours Search for vacation spots within driving distance for a day trip or weekend getaway. And culture hounds will love the dozens of museums, galleries and performance spaces. Dont forget to check out the citys National Corvette Museum, where every single Corvette in the world is produced. Budget tip:Catch a breeze strolling theHarborwalk, which offers breathtaking views of Boston Harbor and the Boston skyline. Budget tip: Head to Montauk Point State Park, where the Montauk Point Lighthouse, the oldest in New York State, has been standing since 1796, when it was commissioned by George Washington. Cities 6 hours from me - Within Hours 20 Family Road Trips Under 10 Hours Away from Philly 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. Museum-lovers have a lot to choose from in RVA! So whether youre looking for new vacation spots in your area or to go on a longer road trip, I hope this list of places to visit in the U.S. gives you a new idea! Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. 9 hours from Saint Louis. Equally located from Dallas, Denver, and Washington DC, St. Louis is within 12 hours of over half the US population. Where to stay:Children will love the Chelsea Hotels indoor pool, featuring Torontos only indoor waterslide. You can spend endless hours playing in the sand and surf without spending a dime! 52 Affordable Quick Trips for When You Need to Escape - Reader's Digest Whitewater paddlers can run the Payette River, while beginners have Esther Simplot Park and Quinns Pond in the heart of downtown. This Jersey Shore gem has a pedestrian cobblestone mall with toy stores, ice cream shops and a small boardwalk with an arcade. 30 mile radius of Saint Louis. Yosemite National Park. 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. Where to stay: The YMCA of the Rockies is one of the best-kept family vacation secrets in the country. Day trips near me - Within Hours