If you choose links we provide, we may receive compensation.
You just have to get creative and find more economical expeditions.
Scroll on for inspiration, then take your pick from these fun and affordable family vacations in the South.
Credit: Robbie Caponetto
Brevard, North Carolina
Peter Frank Edwards
Who wouldn’t want to visit the Land of Waterfalls?
For cool locally-owned businesses and restaurants, head to downtown Brevard.
Pick up a souvenir or two atNewfound Artisan, where everything is made by a local craftsperson.
Credit:Peter Frank Edwards
The area is also home to several family-friendly breweries with food trucks, when hunger hits.
This barrier island also offers beachy bars, seafood shacks, cruises, and watersports.
Check outHarborwalk Villageor theGulfarium Marine Adventure Parkfor fun and entertainment.
Credit: fallbrook/Getty Images
Vacation rentals abound here, with deals often to be found during the shoulder seasons.
Lexington, Kentucky
The Bluegrass State is known around the world for its bourbon and horses.
Louisville’sChurchill Downshosts the annual Kentucky Derby.
Credit: Getty Images
Lexington, though, is an all-day, every-day horseplay kind of town starting with the iconicKeenelandtrack.
Lexington isn’t just about horses, though.
(There’s also a museum in the baseball player’s former home.)
Credit: DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images
Spring through fall, Noma Square hosts free live music, yoga classes, and a Saturday market outside.
Hotel Tupelo, which has a Presley-themed package, provides guests bicycles that can be used to site hop.
Slide into the marked booth for hisfavorite meal, a cheeseburger and RC Cola, atJohnnie’s Drive-In.
Credit: Jennie Curlee
Recreate the iconic “Hands” photo from his 1956 homecoming concert with his statue at the former fairgrounds.
(Hotel guests get free tickets to the museum as well.)
New Braunfels, Texas
Camp Fimfo is not your grandpa’s campground.
Credit: Chris Rogers
The nearby Gruene Historic District is also worth a visit.
St. Francisville, Louisiana
Have a budding influencer or photographer on your hands?
There are plenty of places to shopor just browsein this charming town.
Credit: Courtesy Birthplace of Country Music Museum
Nearby, you could browse titles and a wide selection of puzzles atConundrum Books.
The city’s musical roots also run deep.
It begins just outside of Nashville, ends in Natchez, Miss., and zags into Alabama.
Credit: Alison Gootee
Many were converted into bed and breakfasts.
Even the streets aren’t straight as none of them cross at right angles.
Ghost tours, performances atThe Great Passion Play, and art walks can fill out your itinerary.
Credit: GETTY IMAGES
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Nine ecosystems are represented in the gorgeous, 6,150-acre Gulf Shores Park.
(Riders need to be 15 and older though children’s cruisers can be rented fromBeach Bike Rentals.)
A less strenuous way to meet the residents is at the nature center.
Credit: NanJMoore/Getty Images
Ready for a break from all that education?
But that’s not the only treasure this UNESCO biosphere reserve holds.
The newWilson Centerdoubles the size and modernizes the exhibits of the old nature center.
Credit: Courtesy of RIVERSPORT OKC
There’s also gorgeous hiking and rock climbing in the fee-free Linville Gorge Wilderness.
Lucky visitors might catch a glimpse of the elusive panther.
By night, adults can pop in to taste cocktails created with spirits and soda.
Credit: JeremyMasonMcGraw.com/Getty Images
Culinary experiences like cooking demos, Cajun/Acadiana tastings, and a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar further heat up visits.
The compound also includesMcIlhenny’s prized gardensand a snowy egret rookery (Bird City).
Houston, Texas
Wanna trick the kids into learning something while they’re out of school?
Credit: Photo by Billy Pope via Flickr/Outdoor Alabama
Try family-friendly Houston, Texas.
TheMiller Outdoor Theatreconcerts and movie screenings atHistoric Market Square Parkwill give the family a chance to appreciate the arts.
Tickets for general admission range from free for kids under 3 to $36.99 for adults.
Credit: Courtesy Melany B. Robinson
RVshare, All 50 States
Curious about #vanlife but not interested in committing to camper ownership?
Try renting one through this largenational online communityof leisure vehicle owners.
Some owners will even let you bring pets along for the ride.
Credit: Kate Silvia / Alamy Stock Photo
The service is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Credit: Todd Wright
Credit: GETTY IMAGES
Credit: Getty Stephen Saks/Getty Images
Credit: GETTY IMAGES
Credit: Birdman photos
Credit: Visit Gatlinburg
Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia.Credit: BDphoto/Getty Images
Credit: John Coletti/Getty Images
A monthly RV site rental gives you a beautiful view and peace of mind on your travels to and fro.Credit: H. Armstrong Roberts/ClassicStock/Getty Images
