Affordable U.S. summer travel destinations for 2025, according to WalletHub

Orlando, FL by Leslie Gray Photography / Unsplash

Looking for exciting places to travel this summer without breaking the bank? Whether you're dreaming of a beachside escape, a scenic mountain retreat, or a vibrant city adventure, there are plenty of budget-friendly options in the U.S. for your next vacation.

There are several factors to consider when planning an affordable vacation. Luckily, WalletHub has done most of the work already by researching which destinations will give you the biggest bang for your buck.

Here are the top 3 best places to travel this summer, according to WalletHub:

1. Orlando, Florida, is known as the theme park capital of the world for its abundance of activities and attractions. The city is home to destinations like Disney World and Universal Studios, making it the best place for a family vacation. The area also has thriving nightlife, unique boat tours, shopping districts and spas for an adults-only getaway. According to WalletHub, most U.S. cities have low-cost flights to Orlando, making it an affordable and accessible destination. The city also features plenty of reasonably priced hotels. For the foodies, Orlando boasts plenty of high-quality and affordable restaurants like Mia’s Italian Kitchen, an upscale pizza bar, Hampton Social, a coastal-themed hangout, or Helena Modern Riviera, a Mediterranean venue that also serves up live music.

Atlanta, GA by pcrm Dorego / Unsplash

2. Atlanta, Georgia, is a great vacation spot for travelers looking for lively nightlife and an unrivaled food scene. The city has one of the latest last call times in the U.S. at 4 a.m., so the party can go all night and into the morning. Check out locations like the exclusive Red Phone Booth club in Atlanta’s affluent Buckhead neighborhood, or The Blind Pig Parlour Bar, a speakeasy-style spot that serves southern dishes and artful cocktails. You can also head to the trendy Westside neighborhood for a rooftop situation like Drawbar, located in the Bellyard, West Midtown Atlanta hotel. The city also offers plenty of opportunities to get outside with the Atlanta Beltline’s expansive green space.

Washington, D.C. by Tomoki Iwata / Unsplash

3. Washington, D.C. is among the more budget-friendly vacation spots in the U.S., with affordable flights from most cities, reasonably priced restaurants and tons of free parks and museums. Head to The Wharf in Southwest D.C. to enjoy some time outside, experience the nightlife or get some enticing eats. The area has a mix of upscale restaurants like Hell’s Kitchen and more affordable options like BarTaco or The Boardwalk Bar & Arcade. U Street is another great location to check out D.C.’s nightlife. The area has several chic clubs like Rosebar and cheap eats like the iconic Ben’s Chili Bowl (a must-try for visitors). On top of low-cost eateries and a spirited nightlife, D.C. is also home to at least 80 museums that focus on history, culture and art, like the charming Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden or the dynamic International Spy Museum.

WalletHub ranked Honolulu, Hawaii, as the fourth best place for a summer vacation, and Austin, Texas, as the fifth. Check out the full list here.

Which of these locations would you visit for your summer vacation?