Retirement gives you something most people spend their whole lives wishing for: time. Time to go places. See things. Finally, take that trip you’ve been putting off for decades.
The good news? You don’t need a big travel budget to have a wonderful summer. Across the United States, there are cities and towns full of history, natural beauty, great food, and genuine charm, and many of the best things to do there cost little or nothing.
Here are 15 destinations worth putting on your radar for summer 2026.
The Southwest
Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a city that earns its nickname, the Land of Enchantment. The Petroglyph National Monument is free to visit, and the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park is free as well. The University of New Mexico Art Museum is also free. If you want a little splurge, the Sandia Peak Tramway costs $28 for seniors 62 and older. The ABQ BioPark Zoo charges $5.50 for New Mexico residents 65 and up, and $7.50 for non-residents.
Santa Fe, New Mexico, layers Native American culture, Spanish colonial history, and world-class art into one walkable city. The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture and the Museum of International Folk Art each charge $7 for New Mexico residents and $12 for non-residents. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is free.
The South
San Antonio, Texas gives you a lot for very little. The River Walk is free. The Alamo is free. Market Square is free. If you want to venture a little further, Natural Bridge Caverns tours start at $27.25, and the San Antonio Zoo runs $31.99.
Savannah, Georgia is one of those cities that feels like stepping into a novel. The historic district, Forsyth Park, and Bonaventure Cemetery are all free to explore. The Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum charges $8 for seniors 65 and older. The American Prohibition Museum runs $29.91.
Asheville, North Carolina sits in the Blue Ridge Mountains and draws visitors with its arts scene and natural scenery. The North Carolina Arboretum costs $20 for parking. The Asheville Pinball Museum is $15. The grand Biltmore Estate runs $89, a splurge, but many visitors say it’s worth every penny.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee sits right at the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where an all-day parking tag costs just $5. The mountaintop adventure park Anakeesta charges $27.99 for seniors 60 and older. The Village Shops offer free admission.
Hot Springs, Arkansas is the place to go if your ideal vacation involves slowing down and breathing deeply. Tucked into the Ouachita Mountains, it’s built for relaxation. The Fordyce Bathhouse and Anthony Chapel are both free. The Hot Springs Mountain Tower charges $8 for guests 55 and older. Garvan Woodland Gardens runs $20 for adults.
The Atlantic Coast
St. Augustine, Florida is the oldest city in the United States, and it wears that history well. The beach is free. The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument runs $15 for adults. The St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum is $15.99 for seniors 60 and older. The St. Johns County Ocean and Fishing Pier charges $6.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina is known for its beaches and golf courses. The Coastal Discovery Museum, Driessen Beach Park, Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, and Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina all offer free admission. The Sea Pines Forest Preserve charges a $9 visitor fee for non-passholders.
Ocean City, Maryland brings together miles of sandy beach, a classic boardwalk, and a pet-friendly atmosphere. The boardwalk, Assateague Island, Northside Park, and the Art League of Ocean City are all free to visit.
The Midwest
Kansas City, Missouri punches well above its weight for culture. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art charges just $3. The National WWI Museum and Memorial runs $14 for seniors 65 and older. The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum is $10 for seniors 62 and older, a real bargain for a piece of living history.
Branson, Missouri is entertainment central, and much of it is free. The Branson Centennial Museum costs nothing. Copper Run Distillery offers free tours with samples. The Downtown Trolley is free. The Veterans Memorial Museum runs $20 for adults. The Hollywood Wax Museum charges $34 for adults.
The West and Pacific Northwest
Salt Lake City, Utah sits at the foot of some breathtaking mountain scenery. Temple Square, Liberty Park, and the Utah State Capitol are all free. Hogle Zoo runs $21.95 for adults. The Great Salt Lake and nearby national parks make the city a natural basecamp for outdoor exploring.
Portland, Oregon may surprise you with how much it offers at little or no cost. The International Rose Test Garden, Powell’s City of Books, and Forest Park are all free. The Portland Japanese Garden runs $18.95 for seniors 65 and older. Pittock Mansion charges $12.50 for seniors. Portland also has affordable public transportation and a lively food truck scene.
Boise, Idaho is an underrated gem. The Old Idaho Penitentiary — a fascinating piece of Western history , costs just $2. Zoo Boise is $9 for seniors 62 and older. The Aquarium of Boise runs $11 for seniors. The Boise River Greenbelt is free and makes for a lovely walk or ride.
From the mountains of New Mexico to the beaches of Maryland, these 15 destinations show that a memorable summer trip doesn’t have to come with a big price tag. Pick one, pack your bags, and go make some memories. You’ve earned it.