Ten Least Expensive U.S. Cities to Take a Vacation and Where Denver Finishes

We're coming up on summer vacation season — which means a lot of us are looking for a place to spend a few days that won't leave us destitute upon our return.

The GoBankingRates.com recently assembled its list of the ten best and worst U.S. vacation cities.

And fortunately, Denver made the more positive of the rosters.

Look below to see the photo-illustrated countdown of the U.S. vacation cities rated the best, complete with excerpts from GoBankingRates.com text.

To see the original post, including those cities deemed the worst values, click here.

Number 1. Las Vegas
Anyone who's come back from a Sin City vacation with significantly lighter pockets have only themselves to blame; it's the No. 1 best vacation city on our list. The place is just crawling with deals, like inexpensive buffets, hotel and show packages, and more....

Number 2. Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville, Fla., is another Sunshine State town that tops our list of best vacation cities in the U.S. From stand-up paddle boarding to fishing excursions, many head to Jacksonville to hit the sand and sea....

Number 3. Orlando
Orlando, Fla., is, of course, famous for its theme parks, including Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando, among others. What many don't know is visitors also have access to a wealth of golf courses, shopping venues and restaurants....

Number 4. Kansas City, MO
Even if you aren't a barbecue fan, there are plenty of other reasons to visit Kansas City, Mo. The city is home to a thriving arts scene, eclectic mix of music and some seriously die-hard sports fans, earning it the unlikely title of the "Soccer Capital of America"....

Number 5. Detroit
Motor City might be an unlikely vacation spot, but the area actually has a number of attractions that make this destination a standout. Summer travelers can enjoy the Woodward Dream Cruise and the annual Detroit International Jazz Festival, as well as several local sporting and arts events....


Number 6. Albuquerque, NM
Travelers on a budget should consider Albuquerque, N.M., for its low-cost hotel and transportation fees. In addition to the vibrant local art scene, vacationers can enjoy the city’s many popular museums, like the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History and the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center....

Number 7. Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids, Mich., landed seventh on our list of the best vacation cities in the U.S. because of its inexpensive hotel and transportation costs....

Number 8. Salt Lake City
Sleepy Salt Lake City might not seem like a likely candidate for one of the best vacation cities in the U.S., but travelers to this city enjoy touring the local national and state parks, skiing, visiting museums or catching a Utah Jazz game at Energy Solutions Arena....

Number 9. Memphis
Memphis, Tenn., is famous for its food, and you'll be able to enjoy the local fare at a bargain since this city had some of the lowest drink and food prices of any in our study. Visitors enjoy the city’s vibrant blues, jazz and country scene (Memphis is called both the "Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll" and "Home of the Blues"), and Elvis Presley’s Graceland mansion is a top attraction....

Number 10. Denver
Denver scored the No. 10 spot on our list because of the city’s relatively inexpensive airfares and affordable food and drink options. From hitting the local ski slopes to catching a live show at the city’s famous Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, Denver has attractions the entire family will enjoy....
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