6 Long Weekend Vacations on the East Coast for Less Than $500

Summer might be winding down, but that doesn’t mean vacations are over. If you’re on the East Coast and need a little R&R, there are plenty of fabulous destinations that won’t cost an arm and a leg.

GOBankingRates spoke with travel experts to get the 411 on the best east locales for budget-conscious travelers who still want an A+ experience. 

Here are some destinations our travel experts recommended.

The nation’s capital is a treasure trove of free attractions and budget-friendly experiences.

Mercedes Zach, a travel expert at ASAP Tickets, recommended Washington D.C. as a “spectacular yet rather affordable destination.”

Zach said, “It offers tons of fun things to do for free, especially if you’re a true culture and history lover.”

Some highlights include:

• Exploring the National Gallery of Art
• Visiting the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
• Taking guided walking tours
• Checking out the Library of Congress (the largest library in the world)
• Admiring the National Capitol Columns

Kyle Deckelbaum of Destination DC added, “Where else can you see some of the world’s most prized possessions without spending a dime?”

He pointed out that visitors can view the Declaration of Independence at the National Archives, the only DaVinci painting in the Americas at the National Gallery of Art and even giant pandas at the National Zoo (set to return by the end of the year).

To keep costs down, visitors can use the Metro system or rent a bike from Capital Bikeshare for just $8 per day. For accommodations, Deckelbaum suggests budget-friendly options like the Hyatt Place Washington, DC National Mall, Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC/U.S. Capitol or YOTEL.

Lauren Keys of Trip of a Lifestyle offered an additional money-saving tip: “Staying just outside Washington, D.C., like we did ourselves recently, you can save a LOT of money.

“We paid with points on our summer trip to DC, but our hotel was half of the cost of the ones just 20 minutes away in the city.”

For a picturesque New England getaway, consider Burlington, Vermont. Ronee Uyeshiro, also known as @TheHotelShortlist on Instagram, suggested this charming city situated on Lake Champlain.

“Burlington, Vermont is a great option for a long weekend, offering the best of both worlds,” Uyeshiro said.

She recommended several budget-friendly activities:

• Rent a bike and take in the incredible views on The Burlington Bike Path
• Enjoy leaf-peeping in the fall season
• Grab a bite to eat and browse local boutiques at the Church Street Marketplace
• Pack a picnic and catch the sunset over Lake Champlain at Overlook Park

Alex Groves, a Virginia Beach native and owner of the travel blog Wander with Alex, loves this coastal gem for a long weekend.

“Virginia Beach is a fantastic spot for anyone looking for an East Coast weekend getaway,” Groves said.

According to her, there are plenty of affordable and free things to do in the area, including:

• Multiple beaches
• First Landing State Park
• The ViBE Art District
• Virginia Beach Surf and Rescue Museum
• Various festivals throughout the year

Taryn White, the founder of The Trip Wish List, a boutique travel agency, said, “Fall is especially wonderful as the summer crowds have decreased.”

She enjoys staying in the beach yurts near First Landing State Park or opting for a beach house in the quieter Sandbridge community.

“The city is known for its fresh seafood and specialty drinks like the Orange Crush,” White said. “It has the world’s longest continuous pleasure beach and a three-mile boardwalk filled with various entertainment and dining options.”

For a lively beach town experience, Groves said to head to Ocean City, Maryland.

“My husband and I loved our weekend getaway to Ocean City,” she shared. “It’s a lively beach town with many affordable restaurant options for seafood lovers and free things to do, like family-friendly sunset concerts and movies on the beach.”

For those willing to venture a bit further south, White recommended traveling to Savannah, Georgia.

“This lovely coastal city can surprisingly be enjoyed on a budget,” she said. “It has amazing food, architecture, art galleries, museums and even nearby beaches.”

Savannah has a little something for everyone – and is known for its affordable (and spooky!) ghost tours. For affordable accommodations, White suggested, “The Hotel Indigo in downtown Savannah regularly sells for under $150, and there are numerous vacation rentals available.”

Groves also likes to visit North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands, calling them “the ultimate long weekend getaway for families.”

It’s a great way to escape to the water, without the large price tag of many beach towns.

“There are five barrier islands, all within a reasonable driving distance from each other, allowing families to essentially ‘island hop’ and experience different beach towns,” Groves shared.

She highlighted several fun (and free!) attractions in the area:

• Oak Island Lighthouse
• North Carolina Maritime Museum
• Fort Johnston

A charming coast, great food and affordable hotels? Sign us up!