These cities are rated as the top value places to visit in the US. They are rated based on low rates, discounts, affordable entertainment and overall appeal. They are rank based on Hotwire Travel Value Index as defined by the Travel Industry Association of America. While these cities have many attractions that are costly, listed below are things you can do for little or no cost at all.
1. Atlanta
Georgia on your mind? Well it should be because it tops this year’s Travel Value Index. Atlanta takes the number one spot because of its amazing discounts (Discount Rating: 95) on a wide variety of quality hotels and affordable entertainment (Entertainment Rating: 71). Atlanta is also home to some of the country’s largest cultural institutions. Enjoy these great bargains:
• The World of Coca-Cola Tour (Free to $15)
• CNN Studio Tour, a behind-the-scenes look at the 24-hour news service ($8 to $12)
• Centennial Olympic Park, an open-air park where the 1996 Olympic Games were held (Free)
2. Orlando
Orlando offers almost everything a vacationer could want. It consistently ranks highly (this year is no exception), attracting tourists who want low prices (Low Price Rating: 99) and affordable entertainment (better known as beaches close by). Orlando is the theme-park capital of the world, home to Disney World and more. Take a look:
• Saturday nights in Old Town, featuring rock concerts and classic-car cruising (Free)
• Guided tours of the Daytona Speedway, home of the Daytona 500 ($25.56)
• Take a day trip to Daytona Beach, known as the World’s Most Famous Beach (Free)
3. Phoenix
Scoring high marks on our list again is the desert oasis of Phoenix. With low prices on world-class hotels and resorts (Low Price Rating: 67), Phoenix also offers outdoor adventures, golf courses, a wide selection of shopping, and nearly perfect year-round weather. Take a look:
• Mosey around Old Town Scottsdale, “The West’s Most Western Town” (Free)
• Tour the beautiful Desert Botanical Garden ($15)
• Tour Taliesin West, the winter residence of architect Frank Lloyd Wright (Tours range start at $26)
4. Dallas-Fort Worth
Dallas-Fort Worth is not only known for big barbecuing and shopping, but also big discounts on travel (Discount Rating: 88). Shop for bargains at Grapevine Mills Outlet Mall or enjoy these great destinations:
• Hiking and biking trails connecting White Rock Lake and White Rock Creek Park (Free)
• Texas Wild exhibit at the Fort Worth Zoo ($9 to $12)
• Visit Fair Park’s Hall of State and African American museums (Free)
5. Denver
Skiers and outdoor enthusiasts flock to Denver year after year, giving this city a well-deserved spot on this year’s list. The Mile High City offers great discounts (Low Price Rating: 74) on accommodations and a wide variety of outdoor and free activities (Entertainment Rating: 75). Enjoy these activities:
• The U.S. Mint, where 40 million coins are produced a day (Free)
• Coors Brewery Tour (Free)
• More than 450 miles of bike paths, including beautiful trails along the Cherry Creek River (Free)
6. Houston
The nation’s fourth-largest city offers something for everyone. With its impressive array of skyscrapers, parks, museums and shops, downtown Houston exudes both cosmopolitan vivacity and old-school Southern charm. This town ranks high on our list for offering big discounts on travel (Discount Rating 100) and sunny year-round weather. Enjoy these activities:
• The Museum District, including the Museum of Fine Arts, the Children’s Museum, the Museum of Natural Sciences, and Hermann Park – home of Houston’s zoo (Tickets range from free to $15)
• Take a stroll near downtown Houston, where the main drag of Montrose runs along Westheimer Boulevard; it’s full of antique stores and coffee shops and ethnic restaurants (Free)
• Don’t forget the Space Center Houston. Young space cadets will especially love Kids Space Place (Buy online and save $3)
7. Los Angeles
You don’t need celebrity status to enjoy your visit to Los Angeles. The City of Angels received high marks for affordable entertainment (Entertainment Rating: 100). With its numerous beaches, free museums, and parks, Los Angeles offers plenty of activities and sights to enjoy. Check out:
• The J. Paul Getty Museum, featuring an impressive collection of art, tranquil gardens, and unbeatable views (Free)
• Griffith Park and Observatory, offering breathtaking, panoramic views of Los Angeles (Free)
• The Hollywood Walk of Fame, star-studded sidewalks featuring celebrity names (Free)
8. Raleigh
Raleigh (Low Price Rating: 100) is situated in the center of the Research Triangle, with a warm subtropical climate, and is home to some of the best and the brightest academics in the country. Not surprisingly, you’ll find a wealth of cultural and educational activities to enjoy during your stay. What is surprising is that most of these bastions of higher learning can be accessed for much less than a student loan. Check them out:
• North Carolina’s Museum of Natural Sciences is the largest in the Southeast, and the only place you can see a dinosaur with a fossilized heart. And best of all, admission is free
• Get a taste of the past at the Historic Oak View County Park, a fully restored, pre-Civil War farmstead that will give you a glimpse of what life was like 200 years ago (Free)
• At night, head to Raleigh’s up-and-coming Warehouse district, where you’ll find beer pubs, clubs, and fantastic nightlife (Free)
9. Chicago
With wonderful attractions and activities year-round, Chicago has something to offer all visitors. With quality discounts (79) you could, in a single day, admire Impressionist art, enjoy the view from atop North America’s tallest building, and root for the home team at a classic ballpark. Chicago is also great for families with Navy Pier, Lake Michigan and the Lincoln Zoo nearby. Take a look:
• Window shop along the Magnificent Mile. This tree-shaded boulevard features gorgeous shop windows, big department stores, and specialty boutiques (Free)
• Enjoy works by Matisse, Monet, and Picasso at the renowned Art Institute of Chicago (Adults $18, kids 14 & under free)
• Take a tour of the city’s impressive historical architecture inside The Loop. See the Chicago Public Library, the Cultural Center, the Sears Tower, the theater district and more (Free)
10. Miami
Beachgoers head to Miami by the thousands, but there’s more than just sun and surf to attract the crowds. You might not think of Miami as a bargain-hunter’s paradise, but this warm and fun (Entertainment Rating: 89) destination makes it on our value list because of what you can do for next to nothing. Here are just a few choices:
• The Everglades comprise 1.5 million acres of spectacular wilderness and wildlife. Just $10 gets you a 7-day vehicle pass to explore the area
• Speaking of wildlife, the Miami Metro Zoo is one of the best in the nation. Admission ranges from $11.95-$15.95, and for a mere two bucks more you can hand-feed a giraffe
• Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is about as scenic and relaxing as it gets. A historic lighthouse, great fishing, and of course the beach (Free)
For more ideas on places to stay visit http://www.greatvacationspots.net/
