15 Budget Friendly Spring Vacation Destinations
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Downtown Tampa is home to a beautiful bike walking/trail called Bayshore Blvd, which happens to be the longest sidewalk in the world. The newish Riverwalk is also a great trail which interconnects most of the major attractions in the city. Other budget fun include watching a sunset at tranquil Fred Howard State Park, enjoying a walk around beautiful Lettuce Lake Park in Tampa, hiking Alligator Alley at Circle B. Bar Reserve in Lakeland, and a day trip to Orlando. In addition, be sure to check out my full guide to tourist fun in the Bay.
14. Idaho Falls
Idaho Falls is a medium sized town located just 2 hours or so from the West Yellowstone entrance to Yellowstone National Park. The town is frequently referred to as the “Gateway to Yellowstone.” It is the perfect town to stay in while visiting the national park as it is very affordable and offers many hotel options and amenities of its own (it is known for having the most restaurants per capita).
Although you could stay in Salt Lake City, at 4+ hours, this is a much longer drive to the entrance. Also, there are several smaller towns closer to the West Yellowstone entrance, however, they do not offer as many amenities and can be a bit pricier due to the limited availability.
A few of the great local amenities in this small city include: a 3 mile greenbelt path around the Snake River, The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho, the Idaho Falls Zoo, and the Museum of Idaho.
Budget friendly fun in the area
*Enjoying a drive through Yellowstone – A drive through America’s First National Park should be on everyone’s travel bucket list. We took many drives here while living in Idaho Falls and saw a lot of wildlife roaming free. It is not uncommon to see a bison crossing the road in front of you! Black and grizzly bears are occasionally spotted as well especially during the spring season.
Spring is a great time to visit as it is not yet as busy as the summer tourist season. Along the way you can stop for various hikes, check out Old Faithful and other hot springs, take beautiful photos of the mountains, and keep your eyes peeled for all sorts of wildlife.
Bring with a picnic lunch and plan for at least half a day driving through this insanely gorgeous park. Admission is free during National Park Week. Stop by the visitor’s center for tips on the best routes for seeing wildlife – we took the Grand Loop. The park is so big – you can’t possibly see it all in one visit! This unspoiled natural wonder is one not to be missed – whether you are up for a hike, bike ride, or just a leisurely half day drive.
*Driving the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway – This is an incredible drive: 28 miles of forests, streams, mountains, and occasional wildlife sightings. The drive is peaceful and never overly congested. Overlooks of waterfalls and the beautiful Grand Tetons can be found along the route. The Upper Mesa Falls at 114 feet tall and 200 feet wide is quite a sight. Pack a picnic and spend an hour or so marveling at this natural wonder.
*Enjoying outdoor recreation at Harriman State Park – Not to be confused with the NY park with the same name, Idaho’s little gem offers 4 seasons of outdoor fun and events. Summertime hikes and winter cross country skiing are 2 budget friendly adventures not to be missed while vacationing in the area.
The beautiful setting here makes any sport all the more enjoyable. This tranquil state park is just 38 miles away from Yellowstone and can be easily incorporated into any Yellowstone trip due to the close proximity.
Other noteworthy side trips include: a hike up Rexburg’s “R Mountain,’ a visit to Craters of the Moon National Monument, a journey to Pocatello for more great local hiking, and a visit to Jackson Hole for Grand Teton National Park and the National Elk Refuge.
15. Flagstaff, Arizona
When one thinks of Arizona, the thought of palm trees, dry desert scenery, and insanely hot temperatures often comes to mind. But pine trees, 4 season weather, and some of the highest snowfall totals in the country? Look no further than Northern Arizona’s Flagstaff for a drastically different setting than that found in Southern Arizona.
It’s hard to believe that this pine tree covered oasis is just a short 2 hour drive away. Flagstaff is home to the world’s largest ponderosa forest, endless hiking trails, Northern Arizona University, and some of the best skiing in the Southwest at Snowbowl.
The city is located within a half day’s drive of so many interesting attractions including the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Las Vegas, Walnut Canyon and Sunset Crater National Monuments, the Petrified National Forest, and many, many other spectacular places. It is a popular rest area for those traveling to and from different magnificent places all over Arizona and Nevada.
The town itself offers many amenities including a historic downtown lined with local shops and restaurants, miles and miles of hiking trails within the Cococino National Forest, and Lowell Observatory (famous for being the location of the discovery of Pluto).
The summer is typically the busy tourist season, however, if you visit during late spring the crowds and traffic will be less intense. In addition to the absence of summer travelers, this is when the majority of college students are leaving for the end of the semester.
Budget friendly fun in the area
*Trying out local restaurants and coffee shops in historic downtown Flagstaff – Flagstaff’s historic downtown neighborhood is home to dozens of individual restaurants, coffee shops, pubs, wine bars, and galleries.
*Getting out in nature to enjoy the wonderful hiking trails – Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the 4 season climate and many opportunities for outdoor recreation all year long. The city, which sits at a 7000 foot elevation, is surrounded by views of the beautiful San Francisco peaks (at 12,633 feet they are the highest in Arizona).
There are tons of hiking trails within and surrounding Flagstaff. Although very short and easy, one of the best for outstanding mountain views is a simple 2 mile loop around Buffalo park (amazing views of the San Francisco peaks).
A few must-do trails while in town include Fat Man’s Loop, Red Mountain, Aspen Nature Loop, and Veit Springs.
*Taking the short drive to Sedona for breathtaking red rock mountain views & amazing hiking trails – Sedona, with its’ towering red rock formations, is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Spring is an ideal time to visit as the weather is generally pretty mild, not too hot, nor too cold. And, it is nowhere near as crowded as the prime summer season.
Here you will find miles and miles of hiking trails with dramatic views of the incredible landscapes found in the area. One of the best hiking options in the area is Devil’s Bridge. You will not be dissapointed with the outstanding panoramic views from the summit. If you only have time for one hike, this is definitely the way to go! Simply amazing views! Other great hikes include Boynton Canyon, Little Horse, and Fay Canyon.
*Scenic driving through Oak Creek Canyon – Oak Creek Canyon is one of Arizona’s most scenic drives. Located just south of Flagstaff along Hwy 89a lies this beautiful stretch of drive which is lined with forest views and colorful rock formations. Along the way, you will find scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and picnic areas. Be sure to plan for a hike along the West Fork Trail!
