9 Affordable Destinations In Virginia For Budget Travelers
If you’re on a budget but still want to experience the world and all of the adventures and memory-making opportunities travel has to offer, fret not. Traveling on a budget doesn't mean sacrificing any fun, landscapes, or attractions. If you’ve got your eyes set on exploring the US Southeast region, Virginia might just be the perfect spot!
Take in the historic allure of colonial Williamsburg, sunbathe on the picturesque shores of Chincoteague Island (with Chincoteague ponies in the background), or take a ferry to Tangier Island and explore the crab shanties. There’s so much you can do on a shoestring budget! Get ready to discover nine of Virginia's hidden gems that promise unforgettable experiences at an affordable cost.
Williamsburg
Williamsburg, Virginia, is a treasure trove for budget travelers seeking affordable adventures. This historic city offers an ideal blend of culture, fun, and accessibility without the hefty price tag.
Start your day with a stroll around Colonial Williamsburg. While you need a ticket to enter some of the buildings and museums, you can get a serious taste of this historic settlement-turned-living history museum from the sidewalk free of charge. Jamestown Settlement is another great spot for history buffs on a budget. You can take a $2 bus ride from the town center to explore America's first permanent English settlement. Tickets are $20, but you can get in for free several days of the year, including on MLK Day and Veterans Day.
From the Settlement, hop on Jamestown Scotland Ferry for a FREE ride across the James River. Explore Surry County on the other side (Smith's Fort is worth a visit, and tickets are only $15) or hop back on the ferry back to town. The views from aboard are more than enough to make the trip worth it.
Nature lovers will enjoy a visit to Freedom Park. Entrance is free! Hike and/or mountain bike through 600 acres of forest surrounding America's first free black Settlement and the site of the Battle of Spencer's Ordinary during the Revolutionary War.
Book a stay at Comfort Inn Williamsburg Getaway. Rooms are just $82 a night (discounts are often available), and breakfast is included! You'll be smack dab in the middle of town and close to public transportation, so you can continue on your journey with ease.
Cape Charles Beach
Cape Charles is a sweet little beach town on Virginia's Eastern Shore. Between taking in the natural beauty and strolling the streets of the small yet inviting historic district, there's plenty to do that won't cost you an arm and a leg.
Beach access is free at Cape Charles Beach, and what a perfect way to start your visit. Soak in the sun on the white sand beaches and play in the gentle waves of the Atlantic Ocean. For $40 a day (or $90 for the whole week!), you can rent a kayak from Poseidon Water Sports to explore the Chesapeake Bay and Cherrystone Inlet.
If kayaking is a tad out of budget but you still want a taste of the outdoors, hitch a $0.50 bus ride to Kiptopeke State Park, where you can hike, swim, and fish (with a $5 pier fee) to your heart's content.
Back in town, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Cape Charles Historic District, which features lovely Victorian architecture that will transport you back to the town's railroad roots. For lunch, grab a sandwich at Cravings and sprawl out for a picnic at the nearby harbor as you watch the boats go by.
Looking for a place to stay? You can book a waterfront campground at Cherrystone Beach for $50, or if you prefer more traditional lodging, Cape Motel is a great pick, with rooms starting at $89 a night.
Luray
Nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, the small town of Luray is renowned for its gorgeous views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and its proximity to the iconic Luray Caverns. It's an excellent choice for budget travelers looking to engage in nature, particularly underground exploration.
The hot ticket item in Luray is undoubtedly the Luray Caverns, one of the US's largest and most impressive cave systems. For an admission fee of just under $30, visitors can book a guided tour that will take them on an awe-inspiring journey through breathtaking stalactites, stalagmites, and underground lakes. Surrounding the caverns is Shenandoah National Park. With over 200,000 acres of natural beauty, it's teaming with opportunities for hiking, camping, and/or enjoying a scenic drive along Skyline Drive.
In downtown Luray, you'll find a delightful selection of shops, cafes, and restaurants offering budget-friendly dining options. A local favorite is Triple Crown BBQ, where you can enjoy delicious and affordable ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, and more.
Book a campsite at Spacious Skies Campgrounds or treat yourself to a cozy room at the historic Mimslyn Inn for just under $150 a night. Looking for a fun, unique evening activity before you hit the hay? Consider midnight catfishing at the nearby Lake Arrowhead for no more than $5!
Lexington
Lexington, Virginia, is a picturesque college town steeped in history and charm in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. Known for its rich Civil War heritage and easy access to the Blue Ridge Mountains, it offers pocketbook-friendly activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor lovers alike.
Smack dab in the middle of the red brick buildings of downtown is the Virginia Military Institute. Home to the historic Stonewall Jackson House as well as a wonderfully educational military museum, the campus is more than worth a tour. The military museum is free of charge (you can even receive a tour from a university cadet), and the Jackson House costs a mere $5 to enter. A self-guided tour through the home provides fascinating insights into the life of the famous Confederate general.
Speaking of universities, the town of Lexington also hosts Washington Lee University. Established in the mid-1700s, it's the 12th oldest university in the country, and it is not only a haven for students but also for art lovers! Explore the University's Chapel & Galleries, Reeves Museum of Ceramics, and Watson Galleries. All are free of charge.
If you have a car, take an easy 20-minute drive to Natural Bridge State Park. It's home to many scenic trails and an impressive limestone arch that towers a whopping 215 feet. No car? No problem. Lexington proper is home to some truly lovely nature trails, including Woods Creek Trail, popular for bird watching, and Chessie Nature Trail, which follows the Maury River.
When it comes to accommodations, Lexington features several affordable motels and cozy bed and breakfasts. We love the historic Abigail Inn. This Washington Lee fraternity-turned-bed & breakfast offers free breakfast and is right in the center of downtown.
Chincoteague Island
Chincoteague Island, Virginia's best (and only) resort island, is a budget-friendly travel destination that offers free beach access and a chance to see the famous Chincoteague ponies. Visitors can enjoy affordable dining and lodging options as well as plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.
Start your trip with a quick ~2-mile journey to Assateague Island National Seashore from the main Island. You can drive, walk, or kayak there, depending on your budget and zest for adventure. Here, you'll find gorgeous white sand beaches and saltwater marshes teaming with wildlife. This stretch of land is the native habitat of the Chincoteague ponies, a small, shaggy breed of horse. You might be lucky enough to see one (or many!) in passing, but you have the best chance of seeing them at one of the designated viewing areas in Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge or at the annual pony swim in July. That's right—pony swim.
Aside from phenomenal wildlife viewing, Chincoteague is a great place for all sorts of outdoor activities. Soak up some sun and swim at Chincoteague Beach, catch a sunset at Robert Reed Waterfront Park in historic downtown, or take a tour of Tom's Cove Aqua Farms to learn about the Island's oyster culture.
When you're done exploring, book a comfy room at Waterside Inn for just under $70 a night and treat yourself to a pocketbook-friendly night in the town. Don's Seafood Market & Restaurant has some seriously magnificent affordable seafood, and you can't miss a sweet treat at Island Creamery.
Smith Mountain Lake
Smith Mountain Lake, located in the heart of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, is a gorgeous destination for travelers craving outdoor adventures and aquatic activities without breaking the bank. Aside from endless opportunities to frolic in nature, the shore is dotted with several adorable small communities boasting friendly inhabitants and some affordable lodging options.
Smith Mountain Lake covers over 20,000 acres. Fish, swim in the blue waters, or catch a tan on the peaceful shores. Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the lake's abundant fish species and public access points for shoreline fishing. You can also rent paddle boards and kayaks with several lakeside outfits that won't rob you blind. SML Boat Rentals, for example, rents kayaks for just $25 for a half day.
The area boasts over 500 miles of shoreline and numerous trails, some of the best of which can be found in Smith Mountain Lake State Park. Admission to the park is free, and it's the perfect way to work up a sweat before diving into the cooling waters of the picturesque lake. So lace up your hiking shoes (or tune up your mountain bike) and breathe in the fresh mountain air.
Campsites in Smith Mountain Lake State Park start at just $25 a night. So, if you bring your tent, do that! Otherwise, Halesford Harbour Resort in the lakeside community of Moneta has rooms for under $150 a night, even during high season.
Covington
Covington is a quaint town in the Allegheny Highlands that is easily accessible to several state parks and national forests. Surrounded by rolling mountains and rich green forests, it is a perfectly affordable base for travelers seeking relaxation and adventure in the great outdoors.
First things first, rent a bike ($24) from Alleghany Outdoors for a ride on the Jackson River Scenic Trail. This gorgeous 16-mile railroad-turned multi-use trail runs along the Jackson River through Alleghany Highlands and north into Bath County. It's surrounded by natural beauty and runs through some sweet little towns. End your trip with a dip in Lake Moomaw before returning to Covington. A short drive from the Scenic Trail, about halfway back to town, is Falling Spring Falls. If you can hitch a ride, we highly recommend a visit.
You'll be tired after your bike ride, so book a cute Airbnb and rest up. In the morning, head on over to Humpback Bridge. Built in the 1850s over Dunlap Creek, this arched wooden bridge is the oldest covered bridge in the perfect spot for a cup of coffee and a swim in the creek (if it's warm enough).
If you have the time, consider a trip to the hot springs of Bath County. Warm Springs is just a quick 30-minute drive north of Covington (or a 45-minute bus ride). A weekday soak in the town's mineral hot springs costs just $30 and is the perfect way to treat yourself to a luxurious spa-like experience without blowing your travel budget.
Onancock and Tangier Island
Onancock is a picturesque town located on the Eastern Shore. Known for its vibrant arts scene and jaw-dropping waterfront views, it's the launching point for the only ferry to Tangier Island. It's the perfect retreat for travelers looking to experience the local culture and explore Chesapeake Bay without overspending.
A stroll through the historic downtown area reveals beautifully preserved architecture and adorable boutique shops and eateries. Artists, musicians, dancers, and craftsmen of all sorts showcase their work in the galleries and marketplaces lining the streets, and the town puts on several free community events celebrating local talent. The Second Friday Art Stroll & Music is a favorite.
When you're done exploring the artsy side of Onancock, hop on a ferry to Tangier Island in Chesapeake Bay. The ferry costs $30 for a round-trip ride, and it only runs May-October. This tiny blast from the past Island is known for its rich maritime history, crabbing culture, and distinct English dialect that’s gone extinct everywhere else in the world. Admire crabbing shacks, pop into the Tangier History Museum, and mingle with friendly boat captains, all while taking in gorgeous views of the Bay. If you'd like to explore more thoroughly, rent a bike from Four Brother (or bring your own on the ferry) and peddle through the Island's neighborhood to sandy beaches.
Back in Onancock, rooms at the Charlotte Hotel and Terra Mare Restaurant run as low as $122. Cozy up for the night and, in the morning, take a stroll to Onancock Creek. Admire the peaceful waterway from shore or rent a kayak or a standup paddleboard from Burnham Guides for just $20.
Clarksville
Clarksville, Virginia, is the state's only lakeside town, beautifully situated on the shores of Kerr Lake (also known as Buggs Island). It’s the perfect place to get in touch with nature and enjoy a quaint, small-town experience on a shoestring budget.
Nature enthusiasts can enjoy swimming and sunbathing in the temperate waters of Kerr Lake. For land lovers, cross the picturesque Clarksville Bridge over the Roanoke River to Occoneechee State Park. Here, you can hike, bike, fish, and camp with breathtaking lake views to keep you company.
Speaking of lakeside activities, Clarksville's Virginia Lake Festival (or "Lakefest") is held annually in July. If you can plan your trip around it, you should! The festival is free to all and is chock-full of family fun. Enjoy live music, local foods, hot air balloons, fireworks, and more. All lakeside and all tied together with a fix of Southern charm.
Visitors can stroll downtown, stopping to sit on cute benches and pop into family-owned restaurants. History buffs can enjoy a self-guided walking tour highlighting the town's rich history and beautiful architecture. Oh, and don't miss the Prestwould Plantation and Gardens. For a modest $10 entrance fee, you can learn all about plantation life in the 19th century.
When it's time to turn in for the night, check into the Quality Inn on the lake. Rooms go for as low as $126, and breakfast is included! Another option is a campsite at Occoneechee State Park Campground. Tent camping will run you $30 a night, but you can also book a yurt for $75.
Conclusion
There you have it—9 incredible, budget-friendly destinations for your next Virginia getaway. Exploring this welcoming state's beautiful landscapes and close-knit small towns offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. From the crabbing shacks of Tangier Island to the scenic trails of Covington and the underground caverns of Luray, each destination provides unique experiences.
So get packing! Whether you're hiking, biking, or simply soaking in the local culture, you're in for some seriously unforgettable experiences. You can be certain that you'll return from your adventures with a full heart, fond memories, and a happy pocketbook.
