Fall is a fantastic season to explore the U.S. The crowds are gone and the weather is still warm enough to spend some time outside. You can attend numerous fall events, such as wine or harvesting festivals. And hiking trails are covered in colorful foliage.
Would you like to take a trip without breaking the bank? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We have picked the 8 most budget-friendly locations in the U.S. so you don’t have to do any time-consuming research.
Keep reading to find the destinations where a night in at least a 3-star hotel will cost you less than $160.
Bloomington, Minnesota
Average hotel price per night: $141
Whether you want to admire the bright colors of fall foliage or get spooky at Halloween festivals, you can all do that in Bloomington. Engage in some leaf peeping in Hyland Hills Ski Area, watch over 5,000 illuminated lanterns at Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, or go shopping at the Mall of America. It’s on its own worth a visit but comes alive in October. On the day of Halloween, it actually becomes the host of the World’s Largest Trick-or-Treat.
Phoenix, Arizona
Average hotel price per night: $154
Phoenix in the fall is simply a place to be. You can attend a number of exciting events. Have you heard of the legendary Arizona State Fair or Día de los Muertos? Another thing that is extra attractive in fall in Phoenix is the great outdoors. Go for a hike in Thunderbird Conservation Park, Papago Park, or Cableback Mountain. The scenery is truly spectacular this time of the year.
Laughlin, Nevada
Average hotel price per night: $97
If you like casinos, you will like Laughlin. It’s set about an hour and a half drive from Las Vegas and offers similar fun but for cheaper – the rates per night in a hotel in Laughlin actually go as low as $100. And if you ever get tired of winning, you can explore the Colorado River Heritage Greenway Trail or the quirky Oatman Ghost Town.
Dallas, Texas
Average hotel price per night: $157
Being the fourth-largest metropolitan area in the states, Dallas is the perfect option for lovers of the city buzz. Go for a lovely brunch, have a tour of one of Dallas’s museums, or sip on a cocktail in one of its bars. And to soak in the fall atmosphere, don’t forget to visit the Dallas Arboretum to see the renowned Art of the Pumpkin.
Arlington, Virginia
Average hotel price per night: $144
Arlington is a tiny neighbor of Washington, D.C. hence the low price. If you want to discover the capital of the U.S., it will offer significant hotel savings. It’s also a great place to attend Fall events or do some walking and see the show of changing colors put on by Mother Nature. Mount Vernon Trail and Potomac Overlook Regional Park are definitely worth a stop.
Jacksonville, Florida
Average hotel price per night: $128
Who said you couldn’t have fun at the beach in fall? Okay, the water might already be a bit cold to swim, but at least you can enjoy some sun. At night, temperatures can drop down, so don’t forget to pack some layers. Not a beach bum? No problem. Jacksonville is home to a plethora of events.
San Jose, California
Average hotel price per night: $150
Even though California is one of the most expensive states in the U.S., you can still visit it without draining your wallet. How about starting in San Jose? Tech lovers will like it the most, as the city is home to the famous Silicon Valley and an interactive science center The Tech Interactive. Also, it’s relatively close to San Francisco.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Average hotel price per night: $112
Similar to Jacksonville, Oklahoma City is a place bursting with fall events. Some of them include Frontier City’s Fright Fest, Fall Season at Orr Family Farm, and Haunt the Zoo which is especially popular with families with children. You can also indulge in a pumpkin spice latte in one of its cute coffee shops.