6 Affordable Destinations In the Southern United States For Budget Travelers

Is exploring the Southern United States on a budget possible? While the short answer is “yes,” it can take a little more effort to plan, and may even include forgoing a visit to some of the region’s most popular destinations (yes, forget Disney!). But there is a solution, and it’s a great one. You see, the South boasts plenty of charming small towns that not only offer plenty of fun things to do, they’re often less busy and therefore affordable.

Along with featuring a little more authenticity than many better known destinations, these destinations provide budget-friendly accommodations, fun local events, and even attractions offering free or low-cost admission. So whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or are simply looking to enjoy some local culture without overspending, these six affordable places to visit in the Southern United States are worth taking a look at.

St. Francisville, Louisiana

Only a 30 minute drive north of Baton Rouge, Louisiana’s state capital, St. Francisville offers a quiet yet historically rich experience for budget travelers. Places to include in your travel itinerary include the antebellum-era Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site dating back to 1835 (guided tours are available for a small fee); and the Myrtles Plantation, built in 1796 and now a hotel that’s believed to be one of America’s most haunted old homes (don’t be shy, the grounds and self-guided tours of the property are free even if you’re not staying there).

Budget-friendly lodging options include the Hotel Francis and the Best Western St. Francisville Hotel, both of them 3-star and both offering comfortable rooms for around $150 per night. Book ahead, though, if you plan on attending events like the Feliciana Hummingbird Celebration, a fun September celebration of the town being a stopover for migrating hummingbirds. Affordable eats? Pop into the Magnolia Café, known for its Southern dishes, and Birdman Coffeehouse and Eatery for a chance to mingle with locals.

Blowing Rock, North Carolina

Fortunate to have been sparred by 2024’s Hurricane Helene, North Carolina’s Blowing Rock provides budget travelers with beautiful scenery and affordable activities in the heart of the state’s stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. The Blowing Rock itself, a cliff offering impressive panoramic mountain views, has a modest admission fee of $12 for adults, while the nearby, Moses H. Cone Memorial Park is free to enter and features extensive hiking trails and a collection of historic buildings.

Wallet-friendly accommodations can be found at Mountainaire Inn & Log Cabins, as well as at Blowing Rock Inn, both offering rates under $150 per night when booked online. For the best bang for your buck, try to time your visit to coincide with free events such as Art in the Park during the summer months, a great chance to view work by local artisans that’s been around for over 60 years. For budget-friendly dining, grab a table at Cupcrazed Cafe & Restaurant, known for its breakfasts, or Mellow Mushroom for affordable pizzas.

Fairhope, Alabama

Fairhope, Alabama, is known for its coastal scenery along Mobile Bay and gives budget travelers great value and a charming getaway experience. Topping the list of fun free things to do in Fairhope is enjoying a stroll along the 1,448 foot Municipal Pier and grabbing a bench to kick back and enjoy the fresh air and Gulf of Mexico views, especially pleasant at sunset. Fishing is also allowed, but a saltwater license is required before you cast a line. History enthusiasts will love the free-to-enter Fairhope Museum of History for its interesting exhibits on local heritage, as well as the people involved. Events like the Fairhope Arts & Crafts Festival attracts upwards of 300,000 visitors each year.

Affordable lodging is available at places like the Key West Inn Fairhope, but book ahead if you’re planning to attend the festival. Getting around this small town is easy on foot or spend a few pennies to rent a bike (better yet, bring your own!) to explore the 23 mile long Eastern Shore Trail. Dining on a budget is also possible with local favorites like Panini Pete’s, known for its sandwiches, and the Dragonfly Food Bar, where meals are both delicious and affordable.

Natchitoches, Louisiana

Louisiana's oldest town, Natchitoches offers the chance to get in some historical exploration without breaking the bank. The Natchitoches National Historic Landmark District is free to wander and features beautiful French and Spanish Creole architecture, so have your camera ready. Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site, a replica of the original fort from 1716, charges a modest entry fee to learn about early colonial life on a 5-acre site.

Find affordable lodging at the supposedly haunted Chateau Saint Denis Hotel, usually around $100 a night. Get an especially good value during the winter season when events like the Natchitoches Christmas Festival, held annually since 1927, provide fun free seasonal things to do. And when it comes to food, check out the wonderfully named Lasyone’s Meat Pie Restaurant for a local specialty or the Mariner's Lakefront Restaurant for a relaxed lakeside meal.

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

The small Arkansas town of Eureka Springs offers an eclectic blend of history and natural beauty, all without having to break the proverbial bank. Topping our list of fun free things to do is taking a self-guided tour of Eureka Springs Historic District, filled with Victorian architecture and unique shops. Next up, Basin Spring Park in the downtown core features free live music during the summer months, so pack a few snacks and enjoy a singalong.

Need a place to stay? Check out the online deals for The Trails Inn and Edelweiss Inn, both usually priced in the vicinity of around $125 and handily located near the town center. Although Eureka Springs doesn’t have public transportation, the town’s trolley system offers a cheap and convenient way to see local attractions at just $6 for a day pass. Affordable dining options include Local Flavor Café, known for its diverse menu, and Mud Street Café for a hearty breakfast.

Blue Ridge, Georgia

Blue Ridge in the North Georgia mountains is an ideal budget-friendly destination for travelers seeking a blend of scenic beauty and outdoor adventure. This charming town is most notable for the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway which offers seasonal rides through the mountains to McCaysville. Even if you opt not to take a ride, it’s still plenty of fun watching the train come and go from its station in the middle of town (it actually runs along Main Street). For free activities, the Aska Trails Area offers several miles of hiking routes with stunning views of the surrounding forest and mountains, so be sure to pack those hiking boots.

You can enjoy affordable lodging at the Comfort Inn & Suites Blue Ridge which offers clean, comfortable accommodations for around $150 per night, depending on the season and availability. Fun events include the Blue Ridge Arts in the Park festival, held twice a year on Memorial Day and again on the second weekend in October with local artists and crafts (free admission). Dining on a budget? Check out the menus at Chester Brunnenmeyer’s Bar & Grill for hearty meals and Harvest on Main, which offers Southern comfort food at reasonable prices.

The Bottom Line

If you’re a budget-conscious traveler, you’ll find each of these Southern destinations a great option for a weekend getaway, or an even a longer vacation. With affordable lodging, interesting attractions, and a unique look at the South’s culture and history, these compact urban centers are easy to explore on foot or by car. For travelers seeking memorable and budget-friendly experiences, these six destinations in Southern United States are ideal for exploring the country affordably.