7) Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite is another amazing budget option for outdoor-lovers. Unlike Yellowstone, the park has public transportation to shuttle you around the park by bus and it’s free. Camping is the most affordable way to stay, but if that’s not an appealing prospect, there are reasonably priced rooms near the park. If you want a nice meal in a fine dining establishment, try the dining room at the Majestic Yosemite Hotel for lunch, which is much cheaper than dinner. Otherwise stick to grocery stores catering to campers and casual spots serving burgers and other reasonably priced fare. Once you’ve paid the fee to enter the park, the options are endless. Hiking 1,200 miles of trails and exploring famous sites like El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Glacier point will fill hours of your time with some of the most breathtaking views.
