With an affordable admission fee and reasonable camping and lodging costs, Yellowstone offers an incredible natural experience at a low cost. Visitors can stay at campsites within the park, like the stunning Bridge Bay Campground, and enjoy the park's many free activities, like hiking, wildlife viewing, and attending ranger-led programs.
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San Antonio, Texas
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A hotbed of Texas history, San Antonio has plenty of free and educational attractions for visitors of all ages. One of the city's most popular attractions is the historic Alamo, but you can also explore the River Walk—a scenic network of walkways along the San Antonio River and often a hub for street performers and live music. The city is also home to several parks and green spaces, such as the Brackenridge Park and the San Antonio Botanical Garden, and many museums and cultural institutions, like the San Antonio Museum of Art and the Institute of Texan Cultures. Plus, you can't beat the Tex-Mex!
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Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
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If you're hoping for beach time this summer, Myrtle Beach is the way to go, with miles of sandy shores ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and playing in the waves. Visit the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk—which features numerous shops, restaurants, and arcades—and enjoy free events, like live music and fireworks shows. Not to mention, the town has plenty of affordable, family-friendly activities—think miniature golf and water parks—and welcoming resorts, like The Strand.
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Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota
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In South Dakota's scenic Black Hills—under an hour drive from Rapid City, an ideal place to anchor the family for the trip—enjoy the iconic presidential sculptures, attend ranger-led park programs, and explore hiking trails. Outside of Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial and Custer State Park are also nearby.
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Williamsburg, Virginia
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You might be familiar with Colonial Williamsburg, the famed living history museum that re-creates life in the 18th century, but this Virginia city is home to several other affordable historical attractions, like the Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center. If you're itching for an active getaway, explore the Virginia Capital Trail, a 52-mile biking and walking trail that connects Williamsburg to Richmond.
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Gulf Shores, Alabama
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With white sandy beaches and warm Gulf waters, it's easy to visit Gulf Shores and not spend a dime. The area is also home to Gulf State Park, which has hiking and biking trails, alongside fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities. Other family- and summer-friendly activities include dolphin cruises, water parks, and miniature golf. Don't miss Matt's Homemade Alabama Ice Cream for a sweet treat after a long day in the sand.
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Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
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With so many free activities and attractions within the park, the Grand Canyon is a classic family vacation spot. Hike along the popular Bright Angel Trail, or stop at one of the breathtaking scenic viewpoints along the South Rim for the trademark canyon views. Camping within the park is an affordable option, with campsites starting at just $18 per night, and the many nearby towns and cities, such as Flagstaff and Williams, offer additional lodging and dining options at a reasonable cost.
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Dollywood, Tennessee
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Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada
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Whether you're visiting the California side or the Nevada side of this West Coast landmark, you can enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing in the crystal-clear waters of the lake—and hiking or biking on the many trails around the lake—all accessible for free. Plus, Lake Tahoe has plenty of other attractions, like the Tahoe Science Center. If you're visiting during winter, the area is known for its ski resorts and other winter activities, like sledding and snowshoeing.
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St. Augustine, Florida
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New Orleans, Louisiana
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Vibrant and culturally rich, New Orleans truly offers something for everyone. It's easy to spend hours wandering around the historic French Quarter or exploring attractions, like the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and the Audubon Zoo. The city is also known for its delicious (and affordable!) food, with local favorites, such as beignets and po' boys stealing the show.
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Niagara Falls, New York
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This upstate New York hotspot delivers for anyone looking for outdoor adventure. It's always free to walk into the park and experience the falls, where the waters of four the Great Lakes convene into the Niagara River Gorge. (Pro tip: If you want to get up close and personal with the falls, check out Cave of the Winds, a remarkable natural cave behind Bridal Veil Falls.) Plus, Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest state park in the U.S., has ample trails and picnic areas for exploration.
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Branson, Missouri
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Full of fun for adults and kids alike, Branson is home to plenty of free activities, like Branson Landing, which offers a wide variety of shops, restaurants, a spectacular water and fire show, and the Lake Taneycomo beaches. Plus, don't miss the famous Silver Dollar City, a theme park with various rides and attractions, and the Titanic Museum, which offers a unique look at the historic ship. The city is also known for its live entertainment, which ranges from music shows, featuring local and national acts, and theater performances.
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Custer State Park, South Dakota
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Within the park's 71,000 acres, you can do everything from hiking and fishing to swimming and wildlife viewing—and you might even spot bison, pronghorns, and elk during your visit, most of which can be seen from many of the park's scenic drives and hiking trails. Lodging in the park is extremely affordable, with campsites starting at just $19 per night—and the park offers family-friendly activities, like scenic drives, horseback riding, and boat tours.
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Charleston, South Carolina
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Charleston boasts many free attractions, like the historic district, and affordable activities, like the South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston City Market, and walking the Ravenel. Plus, public beaches, inexpensive lodging options, and tasty seafood restaurants make it easy to enjoy a unique mix of history, culture, and beauty without breaking the bank.
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Yosemite National Park, California
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If you and your clan are hoping to explore the great outdoors, the park's iconic waterfalls, Half Dome, and Yosemite Valley offer incredible scenery and hiking trails for all skill levels. Plus, visitors can take a scenic drive through Tioga Road, explore the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoia trees, and stargaze at Glacier Point.
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Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
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If you're looking for a history lesson and natural beauty all rolled into one, head to Gettysburg National Military Park. Visitors can explore the battlefield with a free self-guided tour or attend a ranger-led program. Meanwhile, nearby Catoctin Mountain Park offers hiking trails, trout fishing streams, and affordable campsites. The town itself is home to plenty of excellent attractions and restaurants, including the Dobbin House Tavern, a historic B&B loaded with Civil War history.
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Asheville, North Carolina
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An increasingly buzzy vacation spot in recent years, Asheville is set amid one of the East Coast's most beautiful natural settings. Hike and explore the Blue Ridge Parkway, or relax in one of the city's popular green spaces, like Pack Square Park and Carrier Park. Not to mention, Asheville has several affordable cultural attractions, such as the Asheville Art Museum and the Thomas Wolfe Memorial. The city is known for its vibrant food scene, including the always-popular Mamacita's Taqueria.
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Mackinac Island, Michigan
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A quintessential family vacation spot in Michigan's charming Upper Peninsula, Mackinac Island has activities for the whole clan. You can explore its charms on foot, by bike, or via horse-drawn carriage. Visit Fort Mackinac and the Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory, and don't leave the island without trying some delicious fudge. Family-owned May's Candy Shop is a favorite year after year.
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Santa Fe, New Mexico
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Spend your days enjoying the idyllic Santa Fe Plaza, surrounded by shops and art galleries, or enjoy the city's plethora of museums, ranging from the Museum of International Folk Art to the Santa Fe Children's Museum. The city is also known for its colorful architecture and scenic outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, skiing, and more.
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Laura Ratliff is a New York City-based writer, editor, and runner. Laura's writing expertise spans numerous topics, ranging from travel and food and drink to reported pieces covering political and human rights issues. She has previously worked at Architectural Digest, Bloomberg News, and Condé Nast Traveler and was most recently the senior editorial director at TripSavvy. Like many of us, Laura was bitten by the running bug later in life, after years of claiming to "hate running." Her favorite marathon is Big Sur.
Where is the best place for family vacation in the United States?
It wouldn't be a list of best family vacation destinations in the U.S. without mention of "The Happiest Place on Earth." Besides big-name theme parks — among them, Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Florida — Orlando also has some awesome hotels like the Four Seasons Resort Orlando and JW Marriott Orlando, Grande ...17 thg 5, 2024null22 Best Family Vacations in the U.S. That Are Perfect for Everyonewww.travelandleisure.com › Destinations › USAnull
Where is the best place to vacation with kids?
Best Family Vacations in the USA for 2024.
Outer Banks..
Jackson Hole..
Hilton Head..
Kiawah Island..
Boston..
Gatlinburg..
Hershey..
What is the
1 place to vacation in the US?
Hawaii is the most popular domestic vacation destination among Americans.nullTop domestic vacation destinations for Americans - YouGovbusiness.yougov.com › content › 48891-top-domestic-vacation-destination...null
Which is the best place for a family trip?
Here is the list of 40 Best Family Holiday Destinations in India.
Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir. 4.5 /5 View 38+ photos. ... .
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Darjeeling, West Bengal. 4.3 /5 View 50+ photos. ... .
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Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. ... .
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Coorg, Karnataka. ... .
Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh..