12 Best Places in the US to Travel in October on a Budget

Crisp autumn air, spooky Halloween festivities and stunning beautiful fall foliage make October one of the best months to travel on a budget. Whether you want to go on grand family trip or solo to retreat yourself, there are countless best places in the US to travel in October on a budget.

Are you making travel plans for October? It might be possible that you want to travel on a budget but the hefty travel expenses may stop you from travel in October. If that’s the case, there’s no need to worry. In this blog post, we are going to share with you 12 best places to travel in October on a budget. Read on!

12 Best Places in the US to Travel in October on a Budget

In October, most of the U.S destinations welcome fewer crowds compared to summer & winter. Also, you are more likely to find affordable deals on tickets, hotels & destinations. To help you get the best deals, here is comprehensive list of cheap places to travel in October USA.

1. New Orleans, Louisiana

Surprisingly, New Orleans in Louisiana is considered as budget-friendly destination in October. During October, you could find various budget-friendly deals on accommodation, tourist spots and activities. Jackson Square & Bourbon Street are two of the famous Top places that you could explore almost free.

Top Budget-Friendly Places

• New Orleans Botanical Garden
• Louisiana Children’s Museum
• Ogden Museum

Top Budget-Friendly Hotels

• The Jung Hotel and Residences
• NOPSI Hotel New Orleans
• Omni Royal Orleans Hotel

2. San Francisco, California

From attending book festivals to bluegrass and Halloween events, San Francisco is not less than adventure for family in October. One of the best ways to enjoy cheap vacations in USA for couples is walking across the Golden Gate Bridge. At Yerba Buena Gardens, you must attend free Halloween event that’s filled with spooky fun and activities.

Top Budget-Friendly Places

• Lombard Street
• Fisherman’s Wharf
• Alamo Square

Top Budget-Friendly Hotels

• Powell Place
• The Ritz-Carlton
• Omni San Francisco

3. Miami, Florida

Miami in Florida is one of the cheap places to travel in U.S. with beaches. During October, Miami would welcome you with less crowded beaches, city’s famous festivals and stunning warm weather. Also, you should join the South Beach Seafood Festival and head over to famous neighborhood named as “Little Havana”.

Top Budget-Friendly Places

• Museum of Art & Design
• South Beach
• Bayfront Park to enjoy free yoga class

Top Budget-Friendly Hotels

• The Elser Hotel Miami
• Days Inn by Wyndham Miami Airport North
• Mango Suite

4. Denver, Colorado

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Denver is not only about visiting during winter in fact, its one of the best places to visit in October USA. In October, you could easily find budget-friendly hotels, lesser crowds and biking/ hiking trails with few tourists. From enjoying great outdoors to treasure hunting and attending distillery tours, there are countless options to explore Denver, Colorado.

Top Budget-Friendly Places

• Denver Museum of Nature & Science
• Coors Brewery
• Attend City Park Jazz concerts

Top Budget-Friendly Hotels

• Super 8 by Wyndham Denver Stapleton
• Microtel Inn & Suites
• DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Denver

5. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia in Pennsylvania is one of the cheapest places to travel right now in USA. Also, it is home to notable attractions, stunning views, cool history and majestic landscapes.

You could enjoy various free & budget-friendly activities here. Some of them are exploring famous Liberty Bell, walking Top the President’s house & exploring Elfreth’s Alley.

Top Budget-Friendly Places

• Reading Terminal Market
• Liberty Bell Center
• Philadelphia Visitor Center

Top Budget-Friendly Hotels

• Embassy Suites by Hilton Philadelphia Airport
• Extended Stay America Suites
• Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District

6. Mendocino, California

To explore and enjoy fairy autumn dreams, Mendocino, California is one of the cheap places to travel in October international. Whether you want to enjoy amazing sunset views, hiking to the waterfall or simply retreat yourself with cozy atmosphere, this place won’t disappoint you. It’s no wonder that this place must be explored during October.

Top Budget-Friendly Places

• Mendocino Coast
• Russian Gulch State Park
• Ford House Visitor Center & Museum

Top Budget-Friendly Hotels

• Oceanside Inn & Suites
• Baymont by Wyndham Fort Bragg
• Shoreline Cottages

7. Hudson Valley, New York

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Explore amazing all foliage galore, pumpkin patches and apple cider mills in Hudson Valley. It stretches between New York & Albany with alongside mountains. In this valley, you can pick your favorite fruits from Top famous orchards & farms. Minnewaska State Park Preserve is an ideal destination for hiking & Mohawk Preserve for rock climbing.

Top Budget-Friendly Places

• Wallkill Valley Rail Trail
• Mansion hopping
• Culinary Institute of America

Top Budget-Friendly Hotels

• Hotel Vienna
• Ethan Allen Hotel
• Park Manor Hotel

8. Mesa, Arizona

Mesa welcomes tourists all around the year but if you want to save some bucks, October is the ideal time to explore Mesa in Arizona. In October, you can explore burst of surprising colors, Halloween festivals and fall flair with budget-friendly activities. Also, you will get affordable accommodations & cheap flights to Mesa during the month of October.

Top Budget-Friendly Places

• Chandler Museum
• Tempe Festival of the Arts
• ASU Planetarium

Top Budget-Friendly Hotels

• SureStay Plus Hotel
• Extended Stay
• Quality Inn & Suites

9. Charlotte, North Carolina

Whether you want enjoy solo travel experiences or family-oriented activities, there are plenty of things to do in Charlotte in October. Museums, Botanical gardens, unique culinary scenes and family-friendly activities will help you enjoy your time to the fullest. Also, the surprising fall weather won’t spend a single minute bored.

Top Budget-Friendly Places

• Billy Graham Library
• NASCAR Hall of Fame
• Freedom Park

Top Budget-Friendly Hotels

• Holiday Inn Express & Suites
• Candlewood Suites Charlotte
• Quality Inn at the Park

10. Eugene, Oregon

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As compared to Oregon’s larger cities, Eugene is considered as one of the affordable cities during October. Whilamut Natural Area & Alton Baker Park are two of the pocket-friendly places where you could explore scenic biking trails and explore various recreational activities. Also, the lesser crowds & affordable accommodations will make your experience more pleasing.

Top Budget-Friendly Places

• Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art
• Whilamut Natural Area
• Saturday Market

Top Budget-Friendly Hotels

• HomeTowne Studios Eugene
• Hayward Inn
• Motel 6 Springfield

11. Washington, D.C.

Most of the tourists think Washington, D.C. is expensive U.S destination but that’s not the case all=year round. In October, you not only avail of with discounted deals and promotions but also the best time to attend free Halloween themed festivals. Also, there are various historical museums here where you don’t have to pay any entry fee.

Top Budget-Friendly Places

• Capitol Building
• The White House
• C&O Canal Towpath

Top Budget-Friendly Hotels

• Generator Washington DC
• Capitol Square BNB
• Blue Oasis

12. Traverse City, Michigan

If you want to explore U.S. Midwest natural beauty, Traverse City in Michigan is one of the prime destinations. With lakeshores, small vibrant towns and abundant of forests/ parks, Michigan is well worth visiting during October.

You can head out on a boat ride to walking through the historic downtown area, there are plenty of affordable activities here.

Top Budget-Friendly Places

• Frankfort beach
• Sleeping Bear Dunes
• Downtown Traverse City

Top Budget-Friendly Hotels

• Seasons Inn Traverse City
• Blossom Hotel & Suites
• Quality Inn

Wrapping Up!

October is an ideal time to explore the United States without emptying your wallet. With a diverse range of destinations offering stunning scenery, rich history, and exciting activities, there’s something for every type of traveler.

From the vibrant cities of the East Coast to the breathtaking national parks of the West, these 12 places are the best places in the US to travel in October on a budget. So, pack your bags and get ready to experience the U.S fall season experience this October!

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