10 Best Budget Mountain Towns in the US
What Can I Do in the USA on a Small Budget?
Our guide to the 10 best budget mountain towns in the US will have you dreaming of snow-capped peaks, rugged hiking trails, glistening lakes, and down-home eateries. While glamorous Aspen might spring to mind when you’re considering elevated vacation spots, there are plenty of affordable and enthralling alternatives.
From enchanting Bavarian-style villages to historic frontier towns, our guide will help you pinpoint your next great trip. The best things in life are often found in the mountains. Read on to discover them.
1. Asheville, North Carolina
Appalachian stronghold with a wild bohemian spirit
Good for: History, Photo, Food, Nightlife, Budget, Adventure
Situated in North Carolina’s undulating Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is an unforgettable Southern gem that’s renowned for its buzzing music and arts scene, tasty cheap eats, and historic array of architecture. It’s not nicknamed “Beer City” for nothing either, thanks to its 2 dozen plus microbreweries.
Surrounded by outstanding natural beauty, one can easily day trip through the Southern Appalachians for hiking and biking with breathtaking vistas before returning to Asheville come sundown. Alternatively, visit George Vanderbilt’s iconic Biltmore Estate, swing by the Folk Art Center, or enjoy a live band and drinks at the acclaimed Orange Peel.
2. Ogden, Utah
An updated take on America’s Wild West
Good for: Shoppers, History, Food, Budget, Adventure
A gateway to Utah’s ever-popular ski resorts, Ogden holds its own as a fascinating former frontier town. Set in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, visitors are treated to the very best of the great outdoors, along with inexpensive museums, funky bars, and restaurants.
Historic 25th Street is a hip and happening enclave that boasts the city’s best dining, drinking, and shopping options. History buffs will be spoiled for choice at Hill Aerospace, George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park, and the Union State Railway Museum.
3. Stowe, Vermont
Chocolate box town surrounded by mountains
Good for: Budget, Adventure
With stunning Mount Mansfield serving as a backdrop, Stowe, Vermont is a picture-postcard resort town that will appeal as much to skiers and snowboarders as it will to mountain bikers, hikers, and beer drinkers. A land of fiery fall colors, charming white churches, and epic nature trails, this characterful vacation spot makes the perfect escape.
Known as the “Ski Capital of the East”, you can hit the slopes for a cross-country adventure or enjoy a spot of dogsledding out on the ice. After a day in the elements, retire to one of the town’s eclectic bars or eateries including Doc Ponds, Edelweiss Mountain Deli, and Burt’s Irish Pub.
4. Huntsville, Alabama
Scientific stalwart with nature on its doorstep
Good for: History, Photo, Food, Budget
Affectionally known as “Rocket City”, Huntsville, Alabama is home to the largest and most impressive space museum in the world. It might be set in the sleepy foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, but this high-tech pioneer boasts a pulsing city center lined with restaurants, museums, and parks.
Visit the U.S. Space and Rocket Center for satellites, shuttles, and simulators before exploring Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment: a mammoth creative hub featuring 7 galleries and 152 studios for over 200 working artists. Experience Southern hospitality at one of the city’s many eating joints – from Tex-Mex and Vietnamese to pizzas and barbecue.
5. Leadville, Colorado
An epic time in outlaw country
Good for: History, Photo, Budget, Adventure
Leadville is a former silver-mining boomtown that’s flagged by the highest peaks in the Rocky Mountains. In its frontier days, it gained a reputation as one of the most lawless settlements in the Wild West, thanks to fortune-seeking Horace Tabor and gun-slinging Doc Holiday.
The highest incorporated city in North America (sitting pretty at 10,152 feet above sea level), Leadville is the place to go when you want sky-high mountains, glacial lakes, and outdoor recreation. The Leadville Historic District is a designated national landmark that teems with architectural wonders including Carpenter Gothic churches, an Italianate opera house, and rustic log cabins.
6. South Lake Tahoe, California
A-list hotspot that won’t hurt the wallet
Good for: Shoppers, Budget, Adventure
A celebrity enclave in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, South Lake Tahoe sparkles with icy peaks in winter and turquoise waters in summer. Don’t be fooled though – this world-class wonderland boasts a number of affordable activities too, from skiing, boating, and biking to shopping, dining, and walks.
Shred the slopes at some of SLT’s less expensive resorts or indulge in a spot of retail therapy at Heavenly Village (a sprawling alpine complex that boasts 40-plus shops). Those who like to indulge will be spoiled for choice with what’s on offer, including scrumptious chocolate donuts at Sugar Pine Bakery and authentic Argentinian cuisine at cozy Empanash.
7. Poconos, Pennsylvania
Stunning mountain chain and recreational sanctuary
Good for: Budget, Adventure
The Pocono Mountains (or “Poconos” for short) is a year-round vacation haven that caters to big budgets, bargain hunters, and everyone in between. From its luxurious resorts to its charming bed and breakfasts, this 4-county region draws thousands of visitors every year thanks to its breathtaking natural beauty.
Whitewater raft down the Delaware River, take to a ropes course at an adventure park, or watch water cascade at Bushkill Falls (widely considered the Niagara of Pennsylvania). With 2,400 square miles of woodland, lakes, and rivers to explore, one can hike, bike, and fish for days.
8. Lead, South Dakota
Old-world gold town full of unexpected surprises
Good for: History, Photo, Budget, Adventure
Lead is nestled in the Northern Black Hills of South Dakota – a former gold mining town that’s peppered with notable landmarks, characterful shops and restaurants, and a Wild West past that will appeal to story-lovers and history buffs. Pay a visit to the grand opera house and the Tudor-style Homestake Mansion (built in 1933 by the town’s mining company).
At Roughlock Falls State Nature Area, one can wander amongst lush greenery and cascading waters and enjoy picnic spots aplenty. Alternatively, the Black Hills Mining Museum serves up an exciting time in a simulated mine and offers a traditional gold panning experience.
9. Leavenworth, Washington
Fairytale whimsy in the heart of Washington
Good for: Food, Budget, Adventure
Set in the magical Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth is a Bavarian-style village distinguished by its Tudor revival architecture, panoramic vistas, and eateries serving German beer and golden schnitzels. With traditional celebrations on tap (including maypole dancing, yodeling, and one of the biggest Oktoberfests outside of Munich), there’s no place in the USA quite like this one.
This little slice of alpine paradise caters to those who love wild, open spaces and quirky village life. Visit the Gingerbread Factory, the Nutcracker Museum, and the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm before boarding a sleigh and taking to the ice.
10. Crestline, California
Paradise among the cedars and pines
Good for: History, Budget, Adventure
Set in the scenic San Bernardino Mountains on the shores of Lake Gregory, Crestline is an intimate California mountain town that’s all about the good life. Here, simple pleasures such as boating, fishing, and swimming are second nature to the locals, along with breezy walks through the forests and exhilarating bike rides.
Showcasing a historic Old Town that’s peppered with antique shops, one can easily spend an afternoon rummaging for treasures. This SoCal jewel also offers a wide array of dining options including the world-famous Stockade Grub & Whiskey and La Casita Mexican.
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