11 Affordable Destinations In New York For Budget Travelers
Don't let the current economy prevent you from traveling and seeing the beautiful sights of New York State. With numerous small towns, whose quieter streets and less traveled attractions offer you an inexpensive way to enjoy a much-needed vacation, New York actually can be a truly budget place to tour around in.
Join us as we highlight 11 places in the Empire State that offer more affordable options for tourists. From state parks and cultural institutions to the simple pleasure of free parking, let's dive in!
Beacon
Beacon, located along the Hudson River, offers budget travelers coming from New York City a combination of art, nature, and history without breaking the bank.
The town is home to the renowned Dia: Beacon, a contemporary art museum housed in a repurposed factory. Like many art museums, admission here is reasonably priced, and its extensive collection provides hours of exploration.
Dining in Beacon is both affordable and diverse. Places like Beacon Bread Company serve hearty meals at wallet-friendly prices, while Homespun Foods provides budget-conscious travelers with fresh, locally sourced dishes.
Beacon provides a range of affordable accommodations. Travelers can find cozy and inexpensive stays at local inns like The Swann Inn of Beacon or nearby Airbnb rentals. Its proximity to New York City also makes it an accessible day trip by Metro-North train, saving on transportation costs.
Of course, outdoor activities are often totally free of charge, and Mount Beacon offers a scenic hiking trail leading to some of the best views you can get over the Hudson Valley.
Kingston
As the first capital of New York State, Kingston is an excellent historical town with much to offer in the way of affordable things to see and do. As you can imagine, this place has quite a few museums based on its past, like the Hudson River Maritime Museum, which showcases the community's connection with the Hudson River and includes an impressive collection of functioning boats.
History enthusiasts can also explore the Stockade District, where guided walking tours are often inexpensive, especially with group rates, many of which highlight the town's 18th-century architecture and Revolutionary War sites.
Dining in Kingston suits any budget. Local favorites like Diego’s Taqueria provide flavorful, affordable Mexican cuisine, while Deising’s Bakery is a great spot for inexpensive breakfasts or baked goods. The Kingston Farmers Market, held on Saturdays, is another budget-friendly way to sample local produce and snacks.
For nature lovers, nearby Forsyth Nature Center is free and ideal for picnics or walks, as well as its variety of gardens and wildlife exhibits.
A hotel like the Hotel Kinsley is a great way to stay in downtown Kingston in comfort at a reasonable rate.
Hudson
Hudson, situated along the east bank of the Hudson River, is a charming town with plenty of affordable activities and accessible transport options. The town is served by Amtrak, making it a convenient and cost-effective destination for visitors arriving from New York City or Albany. Once in Hudson, the compact downtown area allows for easy exploration on foot.
Art and history fans can visit Hudson Hall, a community art space where various performances, exhibitions, and events can be enjoyed. For something to do outside in this gorgeous town be sure to take a stroll at nearby Promenade Hill Park, which features river viewpoints. Explore nature in other ways at the Greenport Conservation Area, just a short drive or bike ride away.
Hudson does not have much in the way of hotels, but Airbnb homes are available in its residential areas.
Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs is well known for its natural springs and natural surroundings in upstate New York. You can get a real feel for the area at the Saratoga Spa State Park, where activities like hiking, picnicking, or exploring the historic Roosevelt Baths are accessible to all. Sampling the town’s famous mineral springs is also free, with public fountains scattered throughout the park. It's the kind of water you'd have to pay for in a fancy restaurant!
The Saratoga Farmers’ Market, open year-round, is an excellent place to grab inexpensive local produce or dishes served by vendors while exploring the town.
Looking for a place to stay in Saratoga Springs? This town features several reasonably priced motels and inns, with deals especially available outside peak horse racing season (another thing the town is famous for) from mid-to-late summer. In fact, fall is one of the most beautiful times to be in this part of New York, as the leaves in the surrounding forests begin to change color.
Lake George
Lake George is a top choice for those seeking to spend some time at one of New York's many iconic lakes. The town’s namesake lake offers plenty of low-cost recreation, from swimming at public beaches like Shepard Park Beach to kayaking rentals in case you don't own a boat already.
The town of Lake George also features free events, such as summer concerts at Shepard Park, adding some fun value to your visit.
Hiking trails in the nearby Adirondack Mountains, such as the Prospect Mountain Trail, provide several stunning vistas of the region along the way in this wonderful portion of upstate New York.
Lodging ranges from budget motels to rustic cabins, with many offering deals outside of the warmer summer months. Campgrounds like Lake George Battleground State Campground are also a particularly cost-effective option for outdoor enthusiasts who want to spend the night under the stars.
Glens Falls
Glens Falls sits near the southern end of the Adirondack Mountains. Cultural highlights include the Hyde Collection, an art museum with discounted admission days, and a remarkable collection of European and American works. Nearby, the Chapman Museum is another affordable place to learn more about local history, focusing on the Glens Falls area during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Many come here for outdoor adventure, with destinations like Crandall Park full of walking paths and seasonal ice skating in the colder months. The Feeder Canal Trail, another no-cost option, provides a scenic route along historic waterways for walking or biking.
Accommodations in Glens Falls range from motels to independent inns, ensuring options for travelers seeking affordability. The Queensbury Hotel is a popular option, conveniently located smack dab in the middle of dowtown Glens Falls.
Ithaca
Ithaca is a landscape photographer's paradise in New York, famous for its gorges and waterfalls. Iconic spots like Buttermilk Falls State Park and Taughannock Falls State Park contain breathtaking waterfalls, hiking trails, and picnic areas, with minimal state park entrance fees. Visitors can also enjoy the Cornell Botanic Gardens, a no-cost way to experience serene landscapes closer to downtown Ithaca.
Affordable dining is easy to find in Ithaca, as students at Cornell University drive up the demand for easy and inexpensive eats. Collegetown Bagels is a local favorite for sandwiches and other cafe fare that won’t strain your wallet. For casual international food, Moosewood Restaurant, a historic vegetarian eatery, provides flavorful veggie-based dishes at reasonable prices.
Lodging options include budget-friendly hotels, like The Dorm Hotel, and cozy Airbnb stays. Nearby campgrounds like Robert H. Treman State Park offer an inexpensive way to stay close to nature.
Like many small New York towns on this list, Ithaca also has its own seasonal farmers market, making for a great way to pick up inexpensive groceries, and meals, and enjoy live music from a visiting performer.
Oneonta
Nestled in the northern foothills of the Catskill Mountains, Oneonta is an affordable destination for all who want to experience this wonderful landscape. Known as the “City of the Hills,” this small town offers a variety of parks and protected natural areas, such as Neahwa Park, a local favorite, featuring picnic areas, sports facilities, and scenic walking paths. Just a short drive away, Gilbert Lake State Park also offers convenient access to swimming, fishing, and more hiking trails.
Museums are a great way to spend an afternoon without spending much money, and this town is full of them. Locales like the Swart-Wilcox House Museum, Yager Museum, A.J. Read Science Discovery Center of SUNY Oneonta, and Northup Drums Museum are worth a visit, covering a variety of subjects, including the town's history. The Audubon Bird Sanctuary is a bit of an outdoor museum, drawing bird enthusiasts and nature lovers from across the state to its boardwalks.
Oneonta caters to a range of budgets, and local motels and small inns, such as The Hampton Inn Oneonta, offer affordable yet luxurious-feeling stays.
Cortland
Located in the Finger Lakes region, Cortland caters to those who want to experience this beautiful rural area in New York for themselves.
Be sure to pay a visit to Dwyer Memorial Park, a free spot for picnicking, boating on Upper Little York Lake, and walks around the lake's circumference. Skaneateles Lake is the nearest lake in the actual Finger Lakes chain, and the Bear Swamp State Forest, conveniently located at the southern end of the expansive lake, is another excellent and pristine wildland within reach.
For a small fee, the CNY Living History Center in downtown Cortland contains exhibits on local history, including a collection of antique firefighting equipment and vintage tractors.
If you don't have a cottage in the area, you can stay the night at one of the adorable chain hotels in town, such as the Holiday Inn Express Cortland.
Geneva
Seated on the northern shore of the famous Seneca Lake, the town of Geneva is a Finger Lakes gem with affordable attractions and practical transportation options for an upstate New York community. The town’s public bus system, operated by Ontario County Transit, provides an easy way to get around the area, including to nearby wineries and parks.
Geneva’s Seneca Lake State Park is a year-round escape for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring maintained trails and convenient access to the lake for swimming or boating. Visitors can also enjoy the Finger Lakes Welcome Center, which is free to enter and showcases a slice of the region's history and culture with a number of interactive exhibits that are fun for the whole family.
No trip to Geneva is complete without a stop at the Smith Opera House, which hosts both shows and tours of its beautifully preserved 19th-century theater.
Potsdam
Potsdam is a small town located between the Saint Lawrence River and the Adirondacks. It is a scenic, lesser-known spot in this region for anyone looking to escape from the big city and delve into the wilds of upstate New York.
With ample free parking in town, the difference between Potsdam and cities like New York only widens. While here, free up some time to check out locales like The Art Museum at SUNY Potsdam, which features rotating exhibitions and free admission. For history buffs, the Clarkson Inn Historic District will give you a picturesque glimpse into the town’s 19th-century architecture without requiring a ticketed tour.
Outdoor options include the Ives Park waterfront, where visitors can partake in walks on its footpaths and even see the occasional free outdoor concerts in the summer. The nearby Higley Flow State Park offers low-cost day passes for hiking, swimming, and canoeing.
Economical lodging can be found in this quiet town as well, with its assortment of family-run inns or motels. The Clarkson Inn is a good choice, with rooms overlooking the nearby Norwood Lake.
It is clear that New York has more to it than the Big Apple, which can often be a crowded and expensive apple at that. Journey beyond the major metropolitan areas and check out these affordable small towns that offer just as fun and memorable experiences for a fraction of the cost. Whether you're in the famed Adirondacks, the Finger Lakes, or the Hudson Valley, fun can easily be found in corners of the state without breaking the bank.
