This summer, skip the plane or train and jump in the car for an epic road trip. Luckily, the United States is home to dozens, if not hundreds, of incredible road trip destinations, some more budget-friendly than others. That's why we've tapped the pros at Turothe world's largest car sharing marketplace, to determine the most affordable road trip destinations across the country.
“Turo has an incredible selection of vehicles for every budget, and there’s still time to rent an incredible vehicle this summer with many vehicles under $50 (excluding taxes and fees) across the U.S., especially in Florida, Texas, and California,” said Albert Mangahas, Turo’s chief data officer. In addition to some of the most beautiful beaches, these states are home to some of the country’s most iconic national parks for travelers who prefer land to sea.
From the beaches of San Diego to the streets of Orlando, read on to discover the best cheap road trip destinations in the United States with car rental options under $50 per day based on data pulled from Turo.
Jacksonville, Florida
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This northern Florida city, which is also the largest city in the continental United States, offers 22 miles of beautiful beaches, outdoor adventures and America’s largest urban park system, making it a must-see. After picking up your rental car, head straight to Jacksonville Beach, or tie up your laces and explore part of the 14-mile Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail, which features stunning forested landscapes to explore on foot or by bike. Art lovers shouldn’t miss the expansive Cummer Art Museum and Gardenswith a collection that spans several centuries and includes 5,000 pieces. Families, for their part, will particularly love the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardenshome to over 2,000 majestic animals, including elephants, flamingos and tigers. Pro tip: Plan your trip over a weekend to see the Riverside Arts Market (open every Saturday, rain or shine) which sells handmade jewelry, art, produce and more from over 100 local vendors.
Palm Beach, Florida
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Ready for the next leg of your Florida road trip? About 70 miles north of Miami is luxurious Palm Beach. Known as the “The South Hamptons”, this chic seaside enclave is home to a plethora of chic bars, restaurants and designer boutiques. Luckily, summer marks the destination’s low season, meaning you can enjoy many of the city’s most prestigious hotels, including the Brazilian Court Hotel, Water Palm Beach Resort & SpaOr The Colony Hotel — for a fraction of the price of winter rates. The area itself is home to 47 miles of beaches, which are by far the main draw here. However, travelers don’t need to sleep on the scenic 5.5-mile Lake Trail or Worth Avenue, which is lined with chic boutiques. After working up a sweat or shopping, visit local must-sees like Green's Pharmacy and Lunch And Ice cream with chips. Finally, for a little respite, visit the idyllic Monts Botanical Gardens nearby. West Palm Beacha few minutes drive from Palm Beach.
San Antonio, Texas
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Between its history (don't miss the Alamo), its 15-mile River Walk, and its abundance of eclectic dining and drinking options (it's one of the few American cities to be named UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy), San Antonio deserves a place on your summer travel listUpon arrival, hop in your car and head straight to the trendy yet historic Pearl District, where you can admire public art along the 1.3-mile Scope of the museumwhich also happens to be a foodie's paradise with an abundance of high-end restaurants like Best quality girlwhich offers delicious Asian-American cuisine. While there is so much to see and do within the city limits, including the aforementioned Alamo and the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park — you can also get in the car to visit Fredericksburg (about a 90-minute drive), which is full of vineyards and scenic hiking trails, including Enchanted Rock State Natural Area.
Orlando Florida
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Although there are many things to love about Walt Disney World And Universal OrlandoThis central Florida city and its surrounding areas offer much more than the incredible theme parks that call your name. Orlando Nature lovers can get out on the water on a guided kayak tour through Wekiwa Springs State Park, known for its emerald springs and incredible swimming and hiking, or paddle the canals of nearby Winter parkCulinary connoisseurs will also be pleased to note that Orlando has recently been Voted Best Food City in Americaand is home to Michelin-rated restaurants in a variety of price ranges and cuisines, including Otto's Dive for fantastic Cuban cuisine and cocktails, The Strand for seasonal American dishes, and Camille for tasty Vietnamese cuisine. There are plenty of free things to do in orlando whether it's a scenic stroll through Lake Eola Park, classic car shows in nostalgic Old Town, or self-guided mural tours in the Mills 50 neighborhood.
Tampa, Florida
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Looking to add something to your Florida itinerary? Dubbed Florida's new “hot” city, Tampa has become increasingly trendy in recent years thanks to the opening in 2022 of THE TAMPA EDITION and a multitude of gourmet restaurants such as Ash, Cami HouseAnd PredalineYou might be tempted to spend your entire trip in trendy, walkable locations. Water Street District in Tampa — which is almost always bustling thanks to its abundance of green spaces, restaurants, and hotels — but don’t be afraid to shop the neighborhoods, which is incredibly easy to do with a car. Although it’s only six blocks long, Hyde Park Village is an upscale neighborhood known for its boutiques and restaurants, and Seminole Heights has tree-lined streets and quaint homes. Ybor City, meanwhile, is full of historic charm, vintage shops, and Cuban and Latin American restaurants. For the best views of the city, venture to Davis Islandswhich also feature Instagram-worthy pastel-hued buildings that look like they came straight out of the Mediterranean.
Sacramento, California
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California's capital city is often overlooked in favor of more popular spots like San Francisco or Los Angeles, but don't let that stop you from visiting. The destination is full of charm and character. Located on the waterfront, Old Sacramento — which has been designated a National Historic Landmark and a State Historic Park — pays homage to the 1849 Gold Rush era with dozens of reconstructed and restored buildings, wooden sidewalks and horse-drawn carriages. History buffs will also enjoy a visit to the state capital. It’s also worth noting that the city boasts over 230 days of sunshine per year, making it an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise with activities like biking, hiking, and outdoor concerts. The city is also home to over 650 murals, making it a fun stop for art lovers. Looking to escape Sacramento for a day or two? Consider a trip to Lake Tahoe or San Francisco, which are a 90-minute and two-hour drive away, respectively.
Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
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The Dallas-Fort Worth area spans over 9,000 square miles, so renting a car here is a no-brainer. Dallas Visitors can enjoy a well-deserved break from the scorching heat by cooling off at one of the city's many museums, including the Dealy Plaza Sixth Floor MuseumTHE Perot Museum of Nature and Scienceand the Dallas Museum of Art. The 68 square miles Dallas Arts District The Bishops Arts District, known for its shopping, entertainment, and top-notch street art, is also a must-see. In Fort Worth, about a 45-minute drive from Dallas, a visit to the Stockyards feels like stepping back in time to the Wild West with its cattle drives and rodeos. The city is also home to the National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame.
San Diego, California
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This sunny Southern California city is known for its warm weather, beautiful stretches of sand, and lush parks, making it a great choice for a long weekend getaway. It goes without saying, but a trip to the beach here is a must. Options range from Cardiff State Beachto the anime Moonlight State Beach near Encinitas, which is a popular spot for swimming, surfing and volleyball, to the bustling city Coronado Beach. Also, be sure to allow plenty of time to explore the city’s other equally impressive sites, including Belmont Park, a waterfront amusement park that practically oozes nostalgia; sprawling Balboa Park, home to the San Diego Zoo; and the historic Gaslamp Quarter, which is bustling with nightlife. La Jolla, a 20-minute drive from downtown, is known for its rugged coastline, abundance of seals and sea lions, scenic trails (not to be missed) Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve), incredible golf and a charming city center.
Washington, DC Metropolitan Area
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It’s no secret that our nation’s capital is beloved by history buffs for its many monuments, landmarks, and (free) museums, but there’s so much more to see, do, and explore in and around the city. Georgetown and The Wharf are two of DC’s hippest neighborhoods, and both are filled with eclectic shops, bars, and restaurants. Plus, travelers can (and should) venture outside the city limits to explore nearby destinations like Old Town Alexandria (about 8 miles away), which offers quaint cobblestone streets and 18th-century townhouses. A little further afield is Loudoun Countyfamous for its vineyards, wineries and fairytale towns like Middleburg and Leesburg.
