4 Best Affordable Vacation Destinations for Labor Day Weekend 2025

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Even though Summer just began, Labor Day will be here before you know it. And to get the best, budget-friendly deals on your end-of-summer vacation, you’ll want to book it soon rather than later.

If you aren’t sure where to go yet, these four destinations are some of the most affordable places you can visit for Labor Day.

Washington

Visiting Washington, D.C., this Labor Day is one of the most affordable trips you can take this year. According to recent data from Kayak, the average airfare to get there is $279, which is one of the lowest in the country.

DC is the perfect spot to go when you want to beat the heat by heading indoors. There are tons of museums scattered across the National Mall area and many are within walking distance of each other. It helps that most of the museums are also free to visit. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in art, culture and history. Local favorites include:  

• The Air and Space Museum
• The U.S. Botanic Garden
• The National Zoo
• The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. 

While you’re here, you can get around to most places via the Metro, which is more affordable than renting a car. For accommodations, you can find quality hotel stays at up to 40% off through Expedia (until July 21) for a total of $357 when you stay from August 29 through September 1. With a careful budget, you’ll spend about $200 a day, assuming you aren’t dining out at the more expensive restaurants.  

Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

If your idea of a good time looks like relaxing lakeside with a fishing pole in hand, then you may want to head to the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. Instead of paying seaside prices, you can get a similar experience with activities like boating, hiking, fishing, horseback riding and swimming. Free or low-cost activities like hiking through the state parks, swimming at Osage Beach or exploring the Stark Caverns are excellent ways to enjoy the last bits of Summer. 

It may be a bit crowded during the holiday, but with 99 miles worth of lake, you’ll likely be able to find a quiet spot with a little diligence. In Kayak’s Summer Travel Check-in, airfare to Missouri in 2025 averaged $387. On VRBO, you could rent a lakeside home on Labor Day weekend for a low as $477. You will need to rent a car to get to most places here, so you may want to budget about $50 per day. On a moderate budget, food and entertainment may cost about $300. 

Las Vegas

Another affordable Labor Day vacation is one you might not expect. Even if you’re not a gambler, Las Vegas is filled with fun things to do and it may even fit your budget. Compared to last year’s airfare prices, flights to Las Vegas have dropped by 18% for an average of $398 in 2025. 

To experience more than just the flashing lights and shows, there are low-cost shuttles that can take you from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park. Head to Fremont Street for free concerts and watch people zipline overhead. Visit the High Roller Ferris wheel for $29 per person to get views of the city. Then get up close with the lights at the Neon Museum ($25 per person). 

Staying directly on the strip is expensive, but staying off the strip is less than half the price in some cases. For example, Expedia currently has the highly rated Tuscany Suites and Casino for $86 a night. In Vegas, you’ll find tons of buffets and world-class eats, so overall, you may want to plan for about $300 to $400 for a moderate food budget.

Nashville, TN

When you think of Nashville, you might think of loud bachelorette parties, but that’s not the only thing this city is famous for. In Nashville, you’ll find country music, vintage stores, hiking and barbecue, which makes for the perfect end-of-summer getaway. Since 2024, airfare to Nashville has dropped by 10% for an average price of $313 according to Kayak.

If you want to save even more, look for vacation bundles on Expedia, which include your hotel stay and airfare for two people. For example, this vacation package with the Cambria Hotel Nashville costs $457 per traveler and you get one night free. 

From the hotel, you can take an 18-minute walk to Broadway to soak in some live music at a dive bar — no cover required. You can also visit the Country Music Hall of Fame for $30 or Ryman Auditorium, which is packed with history. If you’re driving, take a little detour to Radnor Lake or Percy Warner Park for free hiking trails. For food, you should expect to pay about $40 to $60 per day between food trucks, barbecue and other local eats.

Editor’s note: Rates and fees are accurate as of July 25, 2025 and are subject to change.

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