Gas Is Up, But These 10 Breathtaking US Road Trips Will Still Cost You Less Than $500. Here’s How!

Gas is up, and the dial doesn’t seem to go down anytime soon.

I get it. But I didn’t let prices kill my road-trip plans.

I started hunting for routes that keep costs low.

Y’know, cheap fuel stops. Short drives. Scenic detours that aren’t wallet-drainers.

I found ten road trips that still come in under $500. Yeah, really – gas, food, and sleep included.

I’ll tell you the routes. And exactly how to stretch every dollar.

Buckle up. Let’s go see the country without breaking the bank.

1. The Blue Ridge Parkway: A Drive Above the Clouds

Driving 469 miles along the spine of the Appalachian Mountains feels magical.

Known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” this route connects two national parks. It offers a slow-paced journey through a timeless, beautiful landscape.

The Route: This 469-mile road stretches from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. Plan for about four days to soak it all in.

The Budget Breakdown (2 People, 4 Days/3 Nights):

• Gas: ~$56 (469 miles / 25 mpg * avg. $3.00/gal).
• Lodging: ~$75 (3 nights camping @ ~$25/night).
• Food: ~$200 ($50/day for groceries).
• Activities: $80 for an “America the Beautiful” National Parks Pass. This covers entry to both parks at either end of the trip.3 The Parkway itself is totally free.1
• Total: ~$411.

Must-Do Stops & Insider Tips:

Mabry Mill (Milepost 176.1): This is one of the most photographed spots on the Parkway. It’s a beautifully restored gristmill and sawmill. You can watch live exhibits and explore the historic grounds for free.

Rough Ridge Trail (Milepost 302.8): This short, steep 0.8-mile hike is a must. It leads to a boardwalk with incredible views of Grandfather Mountain and the famous Linn Cove Viaduct.

Free Overlooks: The real stars of the show are the dozens of free scenic overlooks. Pull over often at spots like Raven’s Roost and Peaks of Otter to take in the views.

Insider Tip: The speed limit is 45 mph for a reason. This drive is meant to be savored, not rushed. Keep an eye out for deer and other wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk.

2. Minnesota’s North Shore Scenic Drive: Lake Superior’s Rugged Coast

This drive follows the rugged coast of the world’s largest freshwater lake. You’ll see towering cliffs, waterfalls, and charming lakeside towns.

The Route: Follow the 154-mile route on Highway 61. It runs from Duluth, Minnesota, all the way to the Canadian border. A three-day trip gives you plenty of time to explore the best parts.

The Budget Breakdown (2 People, 3 Days/2 Nights):

• Gas: ~$40 (300 miles round trip / 25 mpg * avg. $3.30/gal).
• Lodging: ~$60 (2 nights camping @ ~$30/night in a state park).
• Food: ~$150 ($50/day for groceries).
• Activities: $35 for a Minnesota State Parks annual vehicle permit. A daily pass is just $7 if you only plan to enter one park.
• Total: ~$285.

Must-Do Stops & Insider Tips:

Gooseberry Falls State Park: Just a short walk from the highway, you’ll find a series of beautiful waterfalls. It’s a perfect spot for a picnic and a quick hike.

Split Rock Lighthouse: While the official tour costs money, I have a secret for you. You can get the best free photo from Pebble Beach inside Split Rock Lighthouse State Park.

Palisade Head: Located in Tettegouche State Park, this massive cliff offers jaw-dropping views of Lake Superior. It’s a short drive to the top and completely free.

Insider Tip: Pack layers! The weather on Lake Superior can change in an instant. It’s often 10-15 degrees cooler by the water than it is inland.

3. South Dakota’s Badlands Loop: An Otherworldly Road Trip

Driving through the Badlands feels like exploring another planet. The landscape is filled with surreal, colorful rock formations. You’ll see sharply eroded buttes and towering spires.

This is one of the most unique and affordable road trips in the country.

The Route: The main route is the 39-mile Badlands Loop Road (Highway 240). I highly recommend adding the unpaved Sage Creek Rim Road. It’s where you’ll find the best wildlife viewing.

The Budget Breakdown (2 People, 3 Days/2 Nights):

• Gas: ~$30 (250 miles of driving / 25 mpg * avg. $3.00/gal).
• Lodging: ~$44 (2 nights @ $22/night at Cedar Pass Campground). Or, camp for free at the primitive Sage Creek Campground.
• Food: ~$150 ($50/day for groceries).
• Activities: $30 for a 7-day park pass.
• Total: ~$254.

Must-Do Stops & Insider Tips:

Free Overlooks: The park’s beauty is on full display at its many free overlooks. Don’t miss Pinnacles Overlook or Big Badlands Overlook, especially at sunrise or sunset.

Wildlife Watching: Drive Sage Creek Rim Road to see bison herds. Bighorn sheep are often spotted near Pinnacles Overlook and along Castle Trail.

Nearby Attractions: Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore are close by. They do have separate fees. You can camp affordably in Custer State Park ($20-$35/night). There is no way to avoid the $10 parking fee at Mount Rushmore, so plan accordingly.

4. Utah’s Scenic Byway 12: A Journey Through Red Rock Country

This All-American Road is a “Journey Through Time.” It connects multiple national parks. You’ll drive through some of the most stunning red rock country on Earth.

Expect everything from strange hoodoos to massive canyons.

The Route: This is a 123-mile drive. It runs between Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon National Parks.

The Budget Breakdown (2 People, 4 Days/3 Nights):

• Gas: ~$40 (300 miles of driving / 25 mpg * avg. $3.35/gal).
• Lodging: ~$75 (3 nights camping @ ~$25/night in NP campgrounds).
• Food: ~$200 ($50/day for groceries).
• Activities: $80 for an “America the Beautiful” Pass. This is a must-have for this park-heavy trip, as it covers your entrance fees.
• Total: ~$395.

Must-Do Stops & Insider Tips:

Free Hikes: Enjoy some incredible short hikes. The Mossy Cave Trail near Bryce Canyon is an easy walk to a waterfall. The Hickman Bridge Trail in Capitol Reef is a 1.7-mile hike to a huge natural bridge.

Kiva Koffeehouse: You have to stop here. It’s a unique cafe built right into the side of a cliff. The coffee is great, and the views are even better.

Insider Tip: I recommend driving this route from south to north (from Bryce Canyon toward Capitol Reef). This saves the most dramatic part of the drive, a narrow ridge called “The Hogsback,” for later in your trip.

5. Colorado’s Million Dollar Highway: The Switzerland of America

Get ready for a thrill. This drive through the San Juan Mountains is famous for its jaw-dropping views. It has hairpin turns, steep cliffs, and a noticeable lack of guardrails. It’s a true adventure.

The Route: The most famous part is the 25-mile stretch of US-550 between Ouray and Silverton. It is part of the larger 233-mile San Juan Skyway scenic loop.

The Budget Breakdown (2 People, 3 Days/2 Nights):

• Gas: ~$40 (300 miles of driving / 25 mpg * avg. $3.30/gal).
• Lodging: ~$80 (2 nights camping @ ~$40/night in San Juan National Forest).
• Food: ~$150 ($50/day for groceries).
• Activities: The drive is free! Enjoy free activities like hiking the beautiful Ouray Perimeter Trail.
• Total: ~$270.

Must-Do Stops & Insider Tips:

Historic Mining Towns: Explore the charming towns of Ouray and Silverton. They are filled with beautiful Victorian architecture from their mining-boom days.

Box Canyon Falls Park: This is a must-see in Ouray. For a small fee, you can walk into a narrow gorge and see a powerful waterfall up close. Note that the area’s natural hot springs are all part of commercial hotels or spas.

Insider Tip: Drive this highway from south to north (Silverton to Ouray). This keeps your car on the inside lane, away from the terrifying cliff-edge drop-offs. Your nerves will thank me.

6. Oregon’s Pacific Coast: Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor

This is the Oregon coast at its most dramatic. The 12-mile drive is packed with sea stacks, hidden beaches, and rugged cliffs. It’s a concentrated dose of Pacific Northwest beauty.

This is one of the best affordable road trips for coastal views.

The Route: A 12-mile stretch of Highway 101 between Gold Beach and Brookings in southern Oregon.

The Budget Breakdown (2 People, 3 Days/2 Nights):

• Gas: ~$48 (300 miles of driving / 25 mpg * avg. $4.00/gal).
• Lodging: ~$70 (2 nights camping @ ~$35/night at Harris Beach State Park).
• Food: ~$150 ($50/day for groceries).
• Activities: The drive and all hikes are completely free.
• Total: ~$268.

Must-Do Stops & Insider Tips:

Natural Bridges: A short, easy trail leads to one of the most iconic viewpoints in the park. You’ll see seven stunning arch rocks and blowholes.

Secret Beach: It’s not so secret anymore, but it’s still worth the 0.75-mile hike down. Plan your visit for low tide to explore the sea caves and tide pools.

Arch Rock: This viewpoint is just a few steps from a paved parking lot. It’s perfect for a quick stop with a huge scenic payoff.

Insider Tip: Drive the corridor from north to south. This will place all the scenic pull-offs on your right side, making it much safer and easier to stop.

7. Washington’s Olympic Peninsula Loop: Rainforests and Rugged Shores

This is a road trip of incredible contrasts. You’ll drive through a lush, mossy temperate rainforest. Then you’ll emerge onto a wild coastline dotted with massive sea stacks.

The Route: The full loop is over 300 miles on Highway 101 around Olympic National Park.

The Budget Breakdown (2 People, 4 Days/3 Nights):

• Gas: ~$53 (350 miles / 25 mpg * avg. $3.80/gal).
• Lodging: ~$72 (3 nights camping @ ~$24/night in Olympic NP).
• Food: ~$200 ($50/day for groceries).
• Activities: $30 for a 7-day park pass.
• Total: ~$355.

Must-Do Stops & Insider Tips:

Hoh Rainforest: This place is magical. Walk the short Hall of Mosses and Spruce Nature Trails. You’ll be surrounded by giant trees draped in green moss.

Ruby Beach: Famous for its reddish sand and dramatic sea stacks. It’s a fantastic place to explore tide pools at low tide and watch the sunset.

Insider Tip: Get to the Hoh Rainforest entrance early. I mean before 7 a.m. on a weekend. The parking lot is small and fills up fast. The park then uses a one-in, one-out system, and the wait can be over an hour and a half.

8. California’s Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway: Adventure on Highway 395

This is one of the most underrated US road trips for under $500. You’ll drive along the stunning eastern side of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The landscape is a mix of desert rock formations, sharp peaks, and beautiful alpine lakes.

The Route: The official byway runs for 133 miles on US-395. Focus your trip on the area around Lone Pine and the June Lake Loop.

The Budget Breakdown (2 People, 3 Days/2 Nights):

• Gas: ~$43 (250 miles / 25 mpg * avg. $4.30/gal).
• Lodging: ~$28 (2 nights @ ~$14/night in Inyo National Forest campgrounds). Or, camp for free with dispersed camping.
• Food: ~$150 ($50/day for groceries).
• Activities: Free!
• Total: ~$221.

Must-Do Stops & Insider Tips:

Alabama Hills: This is a playground of weathered granite boulders. Hike the short loop trail to Mobius Arch. It perfectly frames Mount Whitney for an iconic photo.

Dispersed Camping: Here’s the ultimate budget tip. Most of the Alabama Hills are on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. This means you can camp for free almost anywhere. Just be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out everything you bring in.

June Lake Loop: Don’t miss this 16-mile scenic detour off Highway 395. It winds past four gorgeous alpine lakes and offers stunning mountain views at no cost.

9. Acadia’s Park Loop Road: Coastal Maine in a Nutshell

This is classic New England coastal beauty. The drive features dramatic granite cliffs, the deep blue Atlantic, and dense pine forests. It’s one of the most scenic and compact US road trips for under $500.

The Route: The 27-mile Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island.

The Budget Breakdown (2 People, 3 Days/2 Nights):

• Gas: ~$25 (200 miles of driving / 25 mpg * avg. $3.10/gal).
• Lodging: ~$60 (2 nights camping @ ~$30/night at Blackwoods or Seawall Campground).
• Food: ~$150 ($50/day for groceries).
• Activities: $35 for a 7-day park pass.
• Total: ~$270.

Must-Do Stops & Insider Tips:

Hike the Ocean Path: This easy, 2.2-mile trail runs alongside the road from Sand Beach to Otter Point. It gives you access to all the best coastal views, including Thunder Hole and Otter Cliff.

Thunder Hole: For the best show, check the tide charts. You want to visit about two hours before high tide. That’s when the waves crash into a small cavern, creating a thunderous boom and a huge splash.

Insider Tip: Parking is a nightmare in Acadia during peak season. My advice? Park your car and use the free Island Explorer shuttle bus. It stops at all the major sights along the Park Loop Road and Ocean Path, saving you a huge headache.

10. New York’s Finger Lakes: Waterfalls and Wineries

This region is a peaceful escape. It’s known for its deep, finger-shaped lakes, rolling hills, and charming small towns.

You’ll also find over 100 wineries and some of the most beautiful gorges in the country.

The Route: Focus on the 87-mile Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway. Make sure to plan a significant stop at Watkins Glen State Park.

The Budget Breakdown (2 People, 3 Days/2 Nights):

• Gas: ~$38 (300 miles of driving / 25 mpg * avg. $3.15/gal).
• Lodging: ~$50 (2 nights camping @ ~$25/night at a NY state park).
• Food: ~$150 ($50/day for groceries).
• Activities: $10 per vehicle to enter Watkins Glen State Park. Many other natural sights are free.
• Total: ~$248.

Must-Do Stops & Insider Tips:

Watkins Glen State Park Gorge Trail: This is an absolute must-do. The two-mile trail takes you through a magical gorge. You’ll walk behind waterfalls, over stone bridges, and through carved tunnels. It’s truly spectacular.

Free Hikes: Explore the region’s natural beauty for free. The Keuka Outlet Trail follows an old railroad path past two waterfalls. Tanglewood Nature Center also offers over 10 miles of free trails.

Insider Tip: Watkins Glen gets incredibly crowded. To avoid the masses, visit on a weekday. Better yet, go in the last two hours before the park closes. Most people arrive early, so you’ll have the gorge almost to yourself in the late afternoon.

Also Read: 13 American Towns So Beautiful They Won’t Stay Secret for Long

Get the Van Ready

From the misty peaks of the Appalachians to the sun-baked arches of the desert Southwest, America is filled with incredible sights that don’t require a massive budget.

And some of the most memorable and affordable road trips are waiting just beyond your doorstep!

With these 10 US road trips for under $500, you too can experience the best of this country.

Which of these affordable road trips are you adding to your bucket list? Let me know in the comments below!