Poll of 3,011 travel professionals identifying the best budget locations for a summer vacation across America.
Galena also included (#71) nationally.
Infographic showing top 120 luxury yet budget locations for a summer vacation.
Not every family can swing a summer getaway to The Hamptons, Sedona, or Palm Beach – destinations known for their luxury, exclusivity, and sky-high price tags. On the flip side, budget-friendly options like Myrtle Beach or Daytona Beach might offer affordability, but they often come with downsides: overcrowded boardwalks, party scenes, or aging motels.
But there’s a sweet spot in between – U.S. vacation destinations that feel luxurious without breaking the bank. Think mountain towns with hot springs, charming lakefronts, or spa-like settings at a fraction of the cost.
MarketBeat, a financial media company, carried out a survey of 3,011 travel professionals to rank the top “bougie-on-a-budget” destinations – places where families can enjoy upscale experiences on a down-to-earth budget.
The top 10 were as follows:
1. Twin Lakes, Colorado
Just below Independence Pass, Twin Lakes offers one of the most scenic (and still affordable) summer escapes in the Rockies. Kayak between mountain peaks, hike to a ghost town, and stay in a historic lodge where the biggest luxury is the view.
2. Kaunakakai, Hawaii
No mega-resorts, no cruise crowds – just peaceful beaches, mom-and-pop eateries, and cottages with million-dollar views. Kaunakakai offers the stripped-down, soulful Hawaii experience, with just enough polish to feel special.
3. Cold Spring, New York
Just an hour from NYC, this Hudson River village is full of antique shops, art galleries, and stylish cafés – all nestled between leafy mountains and the water’s edge. Hike Breakneck Ridge, then reward yourself with rosé on a patio.
4. Mount Dora, Florida
Set on a chain of lakes in Central Florida, Mount Dora serves up small-town charm with upscale flourishes: antique shops, waterfront wine bars, and sunset cruises. It’s the perfect antidote to beach traffic and summer crowds.
5. Cape May Point, New Jersey
Skip the bustle of Cape May proper and head a mile west to the Point. It’s quieter, wilder, and full of dunes, shorebirds, and Victorian rentals tucked into quiet streets. Ride bikes, read on the porch, and enjoy the beach without the boardwalk noise.
6. Saranac Lake, New York
Just west of Lake Placid, Saranac offers Adirondack charm without Olympic crowds or prices. Rent a canoe, swim off the dock, and stay in a rustic-luxe cabin with a screened porch and a fireplace for cool summer nights. It’s pure lake-life calm.
7. Grand Rivers, Kentucky
Tucked between two massive lakes (Lake Barkley and Lake Kentucky), this boating town has the relaxed elegance of a coastal getaway. Rent a lakeside cottage, dine at the lodge, and catch a show at the local playhouse. It’s quiet, water-loving, and wonderfully slow-paced.
8. Paris (and Kentucky Lake), Tennessee
Yes, Tennessee has a Paris – and it comes with its own Eiffel Tower replica. But the real draw is nearby Kentucky Lake, where you can rent a stylish cabin, sip something cold by the water, and enjoy a calm, upscale-feeling summer escape that still flies under the radar.
9. Dauphin Island, Alabama
While Gulf Shores and Orange Beach soak up the spotlight, Dauphin Island quietly does coastal charm its way. It’s less about crowds and more about barefoot walks, bird sanctuaries, and beachfront cottages that still come at off-the-radar prices. There’s a salty elegance to it – not flashy, just effortless.
10. Los Alamos, California
Tiny, sunny, and full of surprises, this one-road town in Santa Barbara wine country feels like Napa’s bohemian cousin. Summer weekends mean wine tastings, cowboy-style barbecue, and antique shopping – with boutique inns that haven’t caught on price-wise. Yet.
Two Illinois locations featured in the list:
56. Shawnee Hills Wine Trail
Southern Illinois? For wine? Yes. This under-the-radar region boasts forested hills, boutique wineries, and rustic-chic cabins tucked between the vines. It’s a great summer getaway that feels more Napa-meets-Appalachia than Midwest.
71. Galena
In the rolling hills of northwestern Illinois, Galena is pure Americana: cobblestone streets, 1800s architecture, and upscale B&Bs with wraparound porches. Summer brings vineyard tours, kayaking, and farmers markets that feel straight out of a rom-com.
Infographic showing the top 120 luxury yet budget locations for a summer vacation.
“Travel doesn’t have to derail your financial goals,” says Matt Paulson, founder at MarketBeat. “These destinations show that it’s possible to enjoy a high-end vacation feel without the high-end price tag. For budget-conscious travelers, it’s a smart way to make memories and keep your savings on track.”
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