The Most Budget-Friendly Destination In Each State

Every state has an attraction that's widely adored or a few destinations that lure the bulk of the tourist crowds. Many of these places are so popular that they can also pack a wallop to your wallet. All of the following 50 locations offer either a chance to get slightly off the beaten path or have a host of free things to do while there.

Visitors flock to Huntsville to see the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and drive down to the gorgeous beaches of Alabama's Gulf Coast in droves. Right in the middle of the state, you will find budget-friendly Birmingham-Alabama's largest city-home to two great free attractions: Birmingham Botanical Gardens and the Birmingham Museum of Art.

Alaska's largest city also has a host of free things for travelers to do, no matter the season. You won't have to spend anything to scale Flattop Mountain; the summit offering panoramas of Denali and an array of other quintessentially Alaskan landscape features. Afterward, take a slow drive on the Seward Highway for more stunning views without a whiff of an admission price.

Prescott is a hidden gem in the heart of the state where you can relive the days of the Wild West and enjoy some spectacular Southwest scenery. Sit in historic Courthouse Plaza-one of the country's great public spaces-before taking a walk down Whiskey Row-a stretch once home to scores of rowdy watering holes-in order to have a drink at the historic Palace Saloon. Then, make for the outdoor playgrounds at nearby Watson Lake and Lynx Lake.

Hot Springs is not a secret destination per se, but since this family-friendly city is also a national park it bubbles over with budget-friendly attractions. Visit the bubbling springs themselves before gazing at the stately buildings on Bathhouse Row and admiring sweeping views of downtown from the Grand Promenade.

While everyone else is taking selfies with the Hollywood Sign or going gaga for the Golden Gate, save some money and make some special memories by heading for the great outdoors of the Shasta Cascade. Peaceful lakes and unique volcanic landscapes abound in this northeast corner of California and odds are strong you'll have lots of the natural wonder to yourself.

This fetching place is easily one of Colorado's best-kept secrets. Here, you will discover the highest-standing sand dunes in America and far fewer tourists than ravishing Rocky Mountain National Park. Don't forget to stick around and explore the park past sunset, when a plethora of stars come out to play in the night sky.

Let's face it, the capital of the Constitution State is often overlooked when it comes to New England destinations. You'll be happy you came to Hartford though when you glide through the city's graceful parks-elegant Elizabeth Park Rose Garden is fantastic and free-and frolic at the Connecticut Science Center.

Dive into nature with both feet at the DuPont Environmental Education Center in Wilmington, a free attraction that sits squarely where river, city and marshland mingle. The center is set on the fringes of an expansive wildlife refuge and offers visitors an insight into-and a bird's eye view of-the fascinating flora and fauna of this unique environment.

Caribbean-quality sand and water. Loads of family-friendly entertainment. Lower prices than you would find in the southern part of the state. Yes, PCB is the place to be by the beach.

You won't find many places in the Peach State that can compete with the beauty of Tallulah Gorge State Park. Here, you can be enchanted by the sight of a dramatic gorge and a set of waterfalls-all without paying an admission fee. Put down stakes in an area campground to see your budget go even further.

Thanks to geography, the islands of Hawaii are never going to be called bargain-basement destinations. Perhaps surprisingly, the island of Oahu does have a sensational mix of accommodation styles and cheap things to do. From wandering on the sands of Waikiki to hiking Diamond Head or exploring the lonely beaches of the Leeward Coast, many activities here are dirt cheap or downright free.

Mccall owns an enviable location directly on pristine Lake Payette and is home to a host of budget hotels. Enjoy the great outdoors for free or splash out-without breaking the bank-on a lake cruise.

This town in Western Illinois-a stone's throw from the Mississippi River-is as handsome as it is historic. Galena is the setting for scores of stately 19th-century buildings that are still in excellent condition. The star attraction is a handsome home once occupied by Ulysses S. Grant.

Sure, Indianapolis is a metropolis, but it is still home to lots of ways to enjoy yourself on the cheap. For starters, an amble along the Canal Walk will cost you nothing but leave you nothing but impressed. Another great attraction is the Soldiers and Sailors Monument-an enduring symbol of the city-which is home to an observation deck with fantastic views of the city.

This town in Northern Iowa is known for having a wonderful lakeside beach and a lively music scene. The tunes are belted out at the world-famous Surf Ballroom, which was designated a historic landmark by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Located on a perch overlooking the Missouri River and packed with graceful Victorian homes, Atchison is both budget-friendly and beautiful. Visit the birthplace of Amelia Earhart before taking an enlightening-and entertaining-trolley ride.

Located on the banks of the Ohio River, Paducah packs more charm into its square blocks than many towns twice its size. It has been recognized as a UNESCO Creative City, and as you would expect with a designation like that, is full of galleries, collectives and even a colorful wall of murals.

When the Wall Street Journal named Lafayette the "Happiest City in America", the locals couldn't have been too surprised by the accolade. That's because life is pretty darn good here, and during your visit, you're certain to get a heaping slice of the good life. Lafayette is located at the crossroads of Cajun and Creole culture, which you will be able to explore through visits to historic attractions or simply by having a mouthwatering local meal.

Wells is known for having friendlier prices than places like nearby Kennebunkport. Stretch out on the sand at the beach or search for a steal in the town's many antique shops. Then, take to the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve to walk among miles of paths set throughout beautiful coastal wetlands.

When Marylanders want to make a run for the beach without paying a king's ransom for the privilege, they head to Ocean City. Spend a day on the sand here for zilch and then make your way over to nearby Assateague Island National Seashore to spot a range of bird life and the world famous "wild ponies" that call the pristine island home.

This harbor town north of Boston is home to historic architecture and a very handsome waterfront. After you've explored the multitude of shops and restaurants, take a ferry to nearby Plum Island to admire the local wildlife.

It takes a little longer to get to the UP, but boy is it worth it. The Great Outdoors is the star of the show here and it's always cheap or free to enjoy. For those looking to keep an eye on the budget, camping is the obvious accommodation choice, but the lovely town of Marquette makes for a nice base full of a range of lodging options.

Museums. Scenic railways. Craft breweries. Duluth has a lot going for it and you won't need a boatload of money to make the most of this city on Lake Superior. The cargo ships that pass through town on the Canal Park Shipping Canal carry a boatload of freight though, and if you time your trip right you can watch the amazing Aerial Lift Bridge rise to make way for them-the epitome of excellent free entertainment.

They call themselves the "Secret Coast" in these parts, but with budget-friendly beaches and a plethora of fun things to do, the word is bound to get out. Take a long walk on the powdery sand-or on one of the city's many romantic piers-before heading out for a sundowner at a local seafood shack.

It may be well known around the world, but Branson is still home to plenty of Show-Me State steals. The entire town caters to families and you will find your money stretches further on show tickets here than in some other American entertainment capitals. And the wonderful lakes and hills in the region are showstoppers, too.

If you thought you had to drop a pretty penny on a ranch experience to properly enjoy Big Sky Country, we've got news for you. Buzzing Bozeman offers small-town charm in spades with all the beauty of Montana wilderness right on its doorstep. Here, one minute you are on Main Street here, the next you are in the hills.

Omaha is the biggest city in Nebraska and while it attracts plenty of tourists, there is still a bevy of free attractions. Walk across the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge to be in Nebraska and Iowa at the same time-without spending a dime-or tour the myriad of free art galleries and museums.

Perched on the banks of Colorado River in Southern Nevada, Laughlin offers a glimpse of what Las Vegas used to be. You certainly won't find the same level of glitz and glamor, but you will find very good value for money and slightly lower stakes on many of the table games. And where else can you jump straight from playing blackjack to jet skiing?

As the name would indicate, Portsmouth is indeed a port city-and what a marvelous mooring it is. The town is very walkable and has a host of independent shops and restaurants that just so happen to be a little easier on the wallet than some other waterside towns in New England.

Okay, so every once in a while, things can get a little wild and woolly at this beachside resort-but that's just part of its charm. You'll save cash opting to stay here over some of the more grander resorts on the Shore and will have more money to get in on the boardwalk fun.

The "other" Las Vegas is a sure bet when it comes budget-friendly getaways in the Southwest. The town was laid out in a colonial Spanish style, which adds to the allure of the streets-lanes currently lined with independent shops and restaurants. Most prominent among local businesses is the stately Plaza Hotel, which has stood sentry over the main plaza since 1882.

Situated on an especially handsome swathe of the Hudson River, Poughkeepsie is a quaint escape that also happens to be home to one of the best free attractions in New York: The Walkway Over the Hudson State Park. This former railway bridge turned recreation hub crosses the river and offers breathtaking views of the water and the Catskills.

While everyone and their outdoorsy, craft beer-loving brother is beating a path to Asheville-and for good reason, because it's an amazing destination-look south for a little solitude and a world full of waterfalls. Transylvania County is home to over 200 cascades, with the county seat of Brevard being a great, budget-friendly place to base yourself.

The capital of North Dakota has no shortage of fun, free things to do. Start by taking a tour of the Art Deco gem of a capital building. Then, make your way down to the Missouri River to take in both Steamboat & Keelboat Parks, where you can learn all about retro river transportation.

Even if you splurge on a boutique B&B or go the glamping route, it's a relief to know that all of the Ohio state parks in the Hocking Hills region are absolutely free to enter. Nope, you won't spend a dime seeking out the caves and curious rock formations that this section of Ohio is so well known for.

The other big city in the Sooner State, Tulsa has a tendency to get overlooked. Those who visit will be rewarded with a town full of free or cheap things to do. For starters, a stroll through the Tulsa Municipal Rose Garden is a feast for the eyes and the Tulsa River Parks provide endless recreation opportunities right beside the Arkansas River.

With a gorgeous stretch of sand and plenty of free things to do, this All-American summer town in Oregon won't break the bank. Paramount among the no-cost activities here are flying kites on the beach (the conditions are seemingly always ideal) and coastal hiking.

Tour the historic state capital before making your way to City Island, a speck of land in the Susquehanna River which is home to recreation opportunities. Hershey, and the legendary Hersheypark, is right on Harrisburg's doorstep too, as is-albeit slightly further afield-Knoebels, which is America's largest zero admission fee theme park.

Many people rush past Providence on their way to the coast, but that's a mistake. The capital of Rhode Island is the "just-right" size and is home to plenty of quality restaurants and bars and an abundance of budget-friendly things to do. Start with a wander down Benefit Street-home to one of the largest collections of colonial homes in the country.

Make your way to Myrtle Beach for lots for family fun that won't cost you a ton of cash. Of course, the beach is always free, but so is Broadway at the Beach, an entertainment and shopping hub in the center of the city. And if you visit during the summer, you can watch concerts every night for free at The Pier at Garden City Beach.

Set on the border of the Black Hills, Rapid City is a budget-friendly base to explore the area. The kids will love the cute replicas of cartoon characters at Storybook Island and the lifesize replicas of dinos at Dinosaur Park. The best free attraction of them all though is waiting for you in the nearby hills: Mount Rushmore.

Nashville is hot, and we don't just mean the chicken. For something different-and slightly less expensive- why not look south to 'Nooga? The spectacular hike to Sunset Rock on Lookout Mountain won't cost you a penny, which is fitting because the scenes from the top are priceless.

Waco sits between Dallas and Austin, but those that stop the car and stay for a while will be richly rewarded. Luckily, you don't need to be rich to enjoy most of what Waco has to offer. Free activities include the Bill and Eva Williams Bear Habitat and the Waco Riverwalk.

You don't have to have to spend a ton to have a ton of fun in Salt Lake City and its surrounds. For starters, Temple Square can be taken in without dropping a dime and when it comes to the wilderness on the city's doorstep, there is never a cover charge. This is to say nothing of the many wallet-friendly ski resorts in the region.

Beaches? In Vermont? Absolutely. Head to North Beach-directly on the shores of Lake Champlain-during summer to play in the sand and soak up some sun. It's free if you enter on foot or bicycle. During winter, just hunker down in the town's bevy of buzzworthy-but-budget-friendly bars and restaurants.

Charlottesville is one of the country's coolest college towns and where there are schools, there's almost always budget-friendly food and drink to follow. The town is located near vineyards and just a stone's throw from Shenandoah National Park.

You don't have to board a plane-or drop a bunch of money-to enjoy the charms of Bavaria. That's because this town in the Cascade mountains is bringing it to you on a budget. Stop in Leavenworth for authentic alpine architecture and restaurants serving German food and beer.

Charleston is full of budget-friendly bars and restaurants and there's a surprise seemingly around every corner in town. In addition, there's no admission fee to dig deep into the culture and history of the Mountain State at the West Virginia State Museum & Culture Center.

The home of the Badgers won't take as big of a bite out of your budget as you may think. The gorgeous Olbrich Botanical Gardens is free to visit and the stately Wisconsin state capitol building is also available to be visited on a free tour. This is to say nothing of the lakes and trails that surround the town and all of those "college town cheap" bars and eateries.

In Laramie, you can enjoy all the fun of a Wild West town without spending all your coin. Head to Curt Gowdy State Park to explore some rugged Wyoming landscape before checking out the free University of Wyoming Art Museum.