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25 Best U.S. Vacation Cities On the Cheap
Kayla Baxter, Alice Handley and Jill Hare | Excelle
June 11, 2009
#1: Phoenix, Arizona
For the sports fan, there aren’t many better places to get your fix than Phoenix. The area is not only home to all four major professional sports, but also houses more niche events and large annual contests such as professional lacrosse, MLB spring training, two NASCAR events as well as both boat and drag races.
With its warm, dry weather, Phoenix is the perfect setting for water parks such as Big Surf, Waterworld Safari and the Oasis Water Park. The Desert Botanical Garden is also an must see, with 50 acres that house the world’s finest collection of desert plants mixed with incredible blown glass sculpture (pictured). It’s not just cacti, we swear!
Many also take advantage of being able to drive the Apache Trail, stopping along the scenic route to visit a number of historic sites such as the Lost Dutchman State Park, Goldfield Ghost Town, and Theodore Roosevelt Dam.
Don’t Miss: If you’re really up for some adventure and a long drive, we highly recommend taking the trip to Winslow, AZ, a town made famous by the Eagles. You can stand on the corner and be “such a fine sight to see,” as the song goes. If you’re a girl in a flat-bed Ford, well, that’s even better.
DeHon
5 months ago
2 comments
Boston ? DC? for cheap vacations? That made me laugh! (And I've been to both as well as Dallas, Nashville and San Diego) However, as Teddy Kennedy is offering his "writing" of healthcare plan - it was just such a plan that broke the financial back of Massachusetts.... no kidding. So, it's probably going to be 'cheap' for awhile. As well as most other cities...
hpbayne
5 months ago
2 comments
Interesting articles - I would have thought that New York would make the list. There are inexpensive places to stay, lots to do without having to pay, incredible food and entertainment.
Account Removed
5 months ago
As a resident of Dallas, TX, I appreciate that it falls as #6 on the list. However one correction: the warehouse district which houses Club Clearview and Trees is called Deep Ellum (not Deep Elm)
FranLytle
5 months ago
4 comments
I've had the opportunity to visit Nashville twice in the past year for speaking engagements. Both times, I spoke at Gospel Music Week, mentoring Christian Radio Stations how to develop marketing initiatives that connect with women . . . since 80% of their listeners are women. Unfortunately, I didn't have as much time as I would have liked to be a tourist. But the time I did have convinced me it's a great getaway. It's definitely on the top of my list for a vacation . . . the food, the music, the people . . . a fun place.
bethanierose
5 months ago
680 comments
I'm not sure how Maui qualifies as a cheap US vacation...
Portland and Seattle are both dear to my heart, though.
And I am lucky enough to live next door to DC, with tons of free stuff to see and do every day of the year!
Excelle_Editor
5 months ago
546 comments
San Diego is, hands down, one of my favorite places to vacation in the whole country. Highly recommend it!