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The United States can be an expensive place to visit. For instance, a trip to Las Vegas can cost you over $300 a day. Thinking about visiting New York? A three-day weekend trip can cost a solo traveler over $1,000.
Fortunately, many U.S. cities offer adventure, fine cuisine, and entertainment without breaking the bank.
Here are five cities in the U.S. where $100 can go a long way.
Accommodation cost will be the main factor in whether or not travelers will successfully stay under $100 per day, and can vary significantly depending on timing and availability.
1. Denver, Colorado
Besides the stunning Rocky Mountains, Denver is known for being a hub for art, culture, microbrewing, and outdoor adventures.
One of Denver’s main attractions is the Art District. In this area, you can check out many free art galleries with work from local and regional artists. After you are done, you can ride the Platte Valley Denver Trolley. This 250-mile electric ride can take you to many popular sites. You’ll pass by downtown Denver, Confluence Park, the Downtown Aquarium, and Elitch Gardens. The ride will only set you back $5.
Towards the evening, you have many options, including visiting the Chamberlin Observatory. The historic place offers public nights where visitors can use telescopes to gaze into the night sky. Get an opportunity to see stars, the moon, and other planets. A nightly exploration that only costs $4.
If you want a scene that’s a bit more lively, you can stop by one of the many microbreweries in Denver. The average beer will cost you between $6-7. Look to the Denver street food scene for a delicious meal, where the average meal costs around $17.
Lastly, the price of hostels in Denver on the low end can range from $45-60 a night.
2. Austin, Texas
Known as the world’s live music capital, Austin, Texas, offers travelers great music, food, and a culture of acceptance.
Experiencing some live music is a must when visiting this diverse city. There are an array of outdoor live music vendors where you can have drinks, dinner, and a free show, for a price that fits your budget.
Some places to check out include Blues on the Green in Zilker Park or The Far Out Lounge & Stage, which offers live tribute bands with food trucks on-site. Meanwhile, Brewing Co. serves meals around $15-20 and artisanal beers.
For the best drink deal, check out Little Longhorn Saloon’s happy hour, which happens six days a week with Lone Star draft beers for only $2.50.
Affordable accommodations are a bit harder to find in Austin, but several budget hotels regularly offer nightly rates of $50 or less.
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3. New Orleans, Louisiana
The birthplace of jazz music is a magical place with history, culture, and some of the best seafood in the country. Although the city is a popular destination, especially during Mardi Gras, it’s still affordable.
A great way to start your exploration is by walking through the French Quarters, Bourbon Street and passing through a few voodoo shops. While walking is a free activity, you’ll learn some history as you visit common monuments and admire the unique architecture. You can dive deeper into the culture by visiting the Voodoo Museum for $7.
You’ll have many cheap food options when you tire from walking. One of the most popular and inexpensive food options is a beignet, a sweet sugary pastry. You can also get a Muffaletta, a large sandwich that can feed two people for around $12-14.
For even more of a bargain, check out happy hours around town. The Pelican Bar offers 12 oysters for a measly $3.
When you get weary from all the excitement and need somewhere to rest your head, many hostels are available for a little over $40 a night.
4. Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix is a desert city known for its sunny climate and stunning architecture. As a border state to Mexico and a strong Native American presence, Phoenix’s cuisine often reflects these two cultures.
You can satisfy your food cravings with one of Phoneix’s signature dishes, the chimichanga. This deep-fried burrito is sold at approximately $10.99. Another staple food that is a little more expensive but won’t break the bank is a Sonoran Hot Dog.
Incomparable to the simple weiner and bun hot dogs, the Sonoran Hot Dog is made with a thick fluffy bun. The hot dog is gently wrapped in bacon and decorated with onions, tomatoes, mayonnaise, mustard, and pinto beans. A meal that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.
When you’re not stuffing your face, there are plenty of low-cost things to do in Phoenix. A popular attraction is driving down the Apache Trail. This scenic drive will give you an amazing view of desert plants, lakes, canyons, and unique geographical formations.
If you want more of a local experience, you can visit the Desert Ridge Marketplace for free concerts.
Airbnbs in the Phoenix area have a lot to offer for accommodations. Many residents rent out casitas, which are backyard houses with kitchenettes.
The advantage of these casitas is that they provide privacy and sometimes include backyard amenities such as a pool. Most places have a price range between $70-100 a night.
5. Myrtle Beach
One thing that makes Myrtle Beach so special is that it contains 60 miles of beaches. It is where you can spend more time enjoying yourself and less time spending money.
While visiting, make sure to check out the Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Boardwalk, with a promenade that’s 1.2 miles long. There are many different things to do on the boardwalk, such as restaurants, souvenir shops, an old penny arcade, and many more attractions.
For a change of scenery, you can check out one of the local breweries offering free tours for those 21 years old. Some breweries also provide free live music.
Suppose you’re feeling a little adventurous for only $20; you can take a helicopter ride around and admire the coastline from the sky. Don’t worry the price of the flight doesn’t reflect the quality of the ride. All rides are up to FAA standards.
Many restaurants offer American and barbecue cuisines for $10 or less when you want to grab a bite.
Lastly, to stay in a quality place for less, there are many resorts for less than $100 a night.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Yuckunuck
Monday 24th of July 2023
LOLWUT? Good luck staying in a hotel in Austin for $50. Better off sleeping on the streets.