Cheap East Coast Travels You Have To See

Although travel may seem too expensive, the United States is filled with places you can visit when you don't have the budget for it. Whether you like the nature of museums, there are hundreds of awesome places to visit on a dime. Here’s a list of some of the best cheap travels on the East Coast.

1. The Smithsonian Museums - Washington DC

Because the Smithsonian Museums pride themselves on the ability to spread knowledge, they allow free admissions to all museums (and the zoo). There are eleven on the National Mall itself, and then the zoo not far away, as well as some other galleries in the general capital region. It’s a great way to spend a cold day and all the museums on the mall are within walking distance of one another. Some of the more popular ones include the National Museum of Natural History,  the Air and Space Museum, and the National Museum of American History. Between the three of them, it holds Dorothy’s Ruby Red Slippers from The Wizard of Oz, the Wright Brothers Glider, and the Hope Diamond, among millions of other spectacular things. 

2. Adirondack Park - Upstate New York

About three hours north of New York City, the Adirondacks spread out among beautiful mountains and lakes. Within the park, popular towns such as Lake Placid, Lake George, and Saranac Lake allow for hundreds of fun activities. The Adirondacks are great year-round. In the winter, you can visit the Olympic Village and see where the Miracle on Ice took place. In the summer, you can go boating or go on a hike. There are also tons of campgrounds in the area. If you’re willing to spend a little more, there’s also Six Flags Great Escape and Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort. 

3. Mount Washington - New Hampshire

Located within the White Mountain National Forest, Mount Washington is the highest peak in New Hampshire. There’s a road that weaves its way up to the peak where an observatory waits. Mount Washington is known for its insane weather. The wind is nearly constant and the peak can reach incredibly low temperatures during the winter. Although the access road is only open during the warmer months, there are ways of reaching the peak during the winter. Private tours and hiking trails are options. It’s an awesome trip, especially if you love to see nature in its purest form.

4. Canaan Valley - West Virginia

Timeshare resort, Canaan Valley is a great getaway for someone who likes the outdoors. The area offers ski trails, tubing (available in both warm and cold seasons), horseback riding, hiking, golf, camping, and even some cave exploration. The region is dense with forest and winding roads. Even the wildlife doesn't mind you visiting. 

5. Finger Lakes Region - Central New York

New York state is far more than just the city it shares its name with. Every region of the state has its own draw factor. One of Central New York's favorite getaways is the Finger Lakes. Between sprawling lakesides, gorgeous waterfalls, and even a little bit of history, there's something for everyone in the region. Ithaca, Watkins Glen, and Seneca Falls are three of the top tourist stops. The lakeside is also known for its tempting wineries that overlook the lakes.  It’s a beautiful area to explore, especially during the summer and early fall. 

6. Knoebels - Pennsylvania

As one of the last free-admission amusement parks in the US, Knoebels is a central PA treasure. Opened in 1926 just outside Bloomsburg, Knoebels remains a free admission, a family-owned amusement park where you pay per ride instead of a flat rate admission fee. Knoebels also has some of the top wooden roller coasters in the country. Even if you aren't a fan of rides, there are several museums and is known for its incredible food. 

7. Ocean City - Maryland

One of the nicer beaches on the more northern side of the East Coast, Ocean City is a wonderful little town. With free beaches and tons of options for fun attractions. Nearby, sits Assateague Island, known for its wild horse population. You can actually camp on the gorgeous island. The area also has a classic boardwalk and a small amusement park. There’s something for everyone in this cute beach town. 

8. The Metropolitan Museum of Art - New York City

If you love art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the best places to see all sorts of artwork. Located across the street from Central Park (and across the park from the Museum of Natural History) sits one of the largest collections of artwork under one roof. Every gallery displays a different era of artwork or different works from a specific region of the world. There's something for everyone here- whether you loved elaborate Greek sculptures or knights in shining armor. 

9. Stairway to Heaven- New Jersey

New Jersey is known for its vast seashore, but many don't realize the beauty of the northern region. Sussex County has a section of the Appalachian Trail that weaves through it. In the town of Vernon, there also sits one of the highest peaks in the area- the Stairway to Heaven. After weaving through both fields and forest, you can hike uphill to a great overlook of the surrounding beauty. The region also has several state parks with gorgeous lakes, quaint little towns, and roadside wonders to give you something new to look at. 

10. Dutch Country - Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is a huge state with a lot of different cultures and histories. One of the best regions to learn about a different way of life is Dutch Country. About 45 minutes west of Harrisburg, Lancaster County is also known as Dutch Country. This area has the highest concentration of Amish and Mennonite peoples. Because of this, Lancaster County is filled with sprawling farms, roadside bakeries, local craft vendors, and seasonal farmers' markets. Not to mention the city center with historical ties to the Civil War. There are fantastic restaurants and wineries in the area as well. It’s also not far from Hershey, which is another cute town named for the beloved chocolate maker who built his factory in central PA. It makes for a great weekend getaway.

Whether travel is on the radar for you or not, there's always an exciting road trip just around the corner. If you don't want to go far, try looking at your local touristry website or visit a hotel nearby and collet a brochure or two for somewhere close. There's always something new to see.