Best cheap family vacations revealed in 2025 rankings — and two of them are just a 4 hour drive from NYC
And the US News & World Report's rankings of the Best Cheap Family Vacations for 2025 prove there are still several domestic destinations where you can get bang for your buck.
'Rest assured, you won't have to break the bank to take the kids on a memorable trip this year,' the report's editors wrote.'Based on traveler feedback, editor analysis and factors like sights, value and accessibility, US News compiled this list of the best cheap family vacations.'
4 Visitors at the Yosemite Valley Welcome Center are pictured. An entrance pass is valid for seven consecutive days.
AP
Yellowstone National Park took out top spot, thanks to its 'reasonable' entrance fees. According to the National Parks Service website, a whole family can enter in a single vehicle for just $35.
While accommodation can be pricey in peak season, the publication urged families to check out the park's 'highly-regarded campsites' to avoid 'paying a pretty penny for a room.'
Coming in second place on the Best Cheap Family Vacations list was Yosemite National Park in California, thanks to the fact that its entrance passes are valid for seven days.
That fact means it's easier to squeeze a whole week's worth of value out of a single payment.
4 Myrtle Beach in South Carolina is one of the beach spots that offers the best value for money for American families on vacation.
4kclips – stock.adobe.com
But if families fear that both Yellowstone and Yosemite may be too busy at this time of year, the US News & World Report ranked Gatlinburg third on its list of cheap family vacations.
The lesser-known mountain town in Tennessee is 'the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains,' and families can still engage in hiking, biking and sightseeing without the crowds.
Grand Canyon National Park and Grand Teton National Park rounded out the top five in the rankings.
For families who prefer beach getaways, North Carolina's Outer Banks (number 6 on the US News list) and South Carolina's Myrtle Beach (number 11) were among the best cheap vacation destinations for families.
4 The Adirondacks in upstate New York came in 12th spot. The scenic area is just 4 hours from New York City by car.
Universal Images Group via Getty Images
4 Ocean City, Maryland was among the best places for a cheap family vacation.
Chester P Wiker Jr
Meanwhile, if you're looking to travel to a city to soak up some art and culture, Washington DC was named the 7th best cheap family vacation spot thanks to its free museums, iconic monuments, outdoor spaces.
For New York City residents looking to escape the city this summer, two places on US News & World Report are just a 4-hour drive from the Big Apple.
The Adirondacks in upstate New York came in 12th spot, while Ocean City, Maryland, ranked at number 14.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Axios
43 minutes ago
- Axios
New American Airlines lounge to open at Charlotte airport
American Airlines will introduce a new lounge at Charlotte Douglas International Airport this summer. Why it matters: This will be the airline's first Provisions by Admirals Club lounge, which is designed for travelers who need to keep it moving but still want a quick break. American will have three lounges total at CLT. What to expect: You'll find the roughly 2,000-square-foot lounge in Concourse A near gate A1. The lounge will have minimal furniture beyond high-top standing tables to help travelers get in and out quickly. Food options will include sandwiches, salads, snacks and fresh fruit, plus vegetarian sandwiches and salads. American Airlines representatives will be on-site to assist travelers. By the numbers: Charlotte is American's second-largest hub. It operates most of CLT's flights, with more than 670 peak-day departures to more than 170 destinations in 27 countries, per a release from the airline. How it works: You can access the Provisions by Admirals Club lounge the same way you would an Admirals Club location, including buying a one-day pass for 24 hours for $79 or 7,900 AAdvantage miles. Domestic passengers can access the lounge through an Admirals Club membership, a qualifying frequent flyer program Oneworld status, or the Citi / AAdvantage executive credit card. Eligible AAdvantage status members may access the lounge on qualifying international flights. What they're saying: "Charlotte plays a significant role in the connectivity of the airline, serving millions of customers every year as they travel to, from and through CLT to destinations across our global network," Ralph Lopez Massas, American's senior vice president of CLT operations, said in a statement.
Business Insider
5 hours ago
- Business Insider
I've traveled to all 50 states. These 10 have the best food.
The food in Texas is in a category of its own. Between Texas' massive size and strong state identity, it can sometimes feel like its own nation. So, it should come as no surprise that there's nothing quite like the Lone Star State's culinary landscape. When I dine in Texas, I don't try to reinvent the wheel. Tex-Mex is a must-have, especially when I'm in San Antonio, and Texas barbecue is, of course, a mandatory order. I also like to stop by neighborhood food trucks, as I've found that locals usually have the best grub. Hawaiian cuisine is a fusion of Asian, American, and Polynesian flavors. Foodies everywhere should bump America's 50th state to the top of their travel wish list, because there's so much more to Hawaii's food-and-drink scene than Mai Tais and Blue Hawaiians. The state's cuisine fuses Asian, American, and Polynesian influences, reflecting its position as the most geographically remote island chain in the Pacific — and the result is delicious. The fresh food in Hawaii is the best of the best, and the rest of the country is catching on. Even though chefs around the US are making their own variations of island staples like shave ice and poke, I have yet to find anything that compares to the local Hawaiian cuisine. Maine lobster is one of my all-time favorite meals. Having Maine lobster on a brisk July night is my ideal summer evening. I traveled with Outward Bound, an outdoor educational program, off the coast of Penobscot Bay in early high school, and after two weeks of living off packed granola, I rewarded myself with a lobster lunch. I've been hooked ever since. In my early 20s, I developed an allergy to seafood, but I loved Maine lobster so much that I was in denial and continued eating it for about five years. Even though I spent many clambakes sick in the hydrangea bushes after helping myself to a seafood platter, it was worth every bit of queasiness. Louisiana has crawfish boils, king cakes, and beignets galore. I love the flavor-packed food in Louisiana, from Cajun-inspired bites to local delicacies. Whenever I'm in New Orleans, I come prepared for a crawfish boil by bringing a paper bag, seasoning, and an appetite. I also go out of my way to grab some of the Big Easy's famed beignets and sweet king cakes, an oval-shaped pastry served during the city's Carnival season. Nevada is home to one of the most underrated culinary scenes in the country. Las Vegas gets the bulk of culinary attention in Nevada because of its resorts and fine-dining restaurants. Of course, it's worth visiting, but Reno deserves some of the spotlight, too. I first visited Reno on my way to Lake Tahoe in 2018 and was blown away by the vibrant Southwestern city. After spending time there, I felt like I'd stumbled upon a diamond in the desert. I went on the Reno Food Tour to taste all the city has to offer and had a Francophile brunch at Chez Louie in the Nevada Museum of Art. It was incredible. Tennessee's Southern food was at the forefront of my mind throughout my trip. The food in Music City is divine, and it's best washed down with a splash of sweet tea or Tennessee whiskey. When I visited Nashville in 2019, I had some of the most memorable meals of my life at Merchants on Broadway and Lockeland Table in East Nashville. New York has foodies covered — no matter what they're craving. If you name a cuisine, odds are you can find it in New York City, the ultimate cultural melting pot. Even though I'm a New Yorker, I'm still impressed by how easily I can find incredible food at all hours of the day and night. As someone who's grabbed escargot at 2 a.m. at L'Express in Gramercy Park and had post-club dim sum at Wo Hop in Chinatown, I can assure you that New York City is a paradise for foodies. Maryland has the best crab in the country. If it's fresh seafood you're after, Maryland is your best place to find crab in the lower 48 states. The state gets its blue crabs from the Chesapeake Bay — and though they're mouthwatering, they're very messy to eat. Maryland crabs have tomalley, a special "mustard" sauce, inside. My go-to place to bite into the delicacy is Cantler's Riverside Inn in Annapolis. Alaskan fish are some of the freshest I've ever had. Alaska is the final seafood-centric state I added to my list. If I wanted fresh fish in Alaska, I had to work for it. I learned just how difficult it is to reel in a king salmon during my trip along the Inside Passage. Luckily, I was more successful catching halibut and lingcod, which later became some of the most delicious dinner entrées I've ever had. Plus, feasting on the king crab at Cape Fox Lodge in Ketchikan rivaled my beloved blue crab from the aforementioned Chesapeake Bay. South Carolina has one of the best dining scenes in the country. I'll never stop coming back to South Carolina for Southern cooking. Charleston is routinely ranked as a top culinary destination in the US, and after spending a mere 24 hours strolling through the cobblestone streets, it's not hard to understand why. The state is especially known for its fresh, delicious oysters. If you get a chance, I recommend ordering wood-fired Sewansecott Oysters when you're there. This story was originally published on July 18, 2022, and most recently updated on July 15, 2025.
Forbes
5 hours ago
- Forbes
Inside The Tryall Club: Jamaica's Billionaire Playground Of Heritage, Sport And Elegance
The Great House at The Tryall Club stands as the estate's architectural and cultural heart—a former 19th-century sugar plantation house, now lovingly preserved as a symbol of Jamaica's layered history and refined hospitality. Nigel Lord Photography Above the undisturbed coastline just outside Montego Bay, The Tryall Club is where history lingers in the breeze and luxury is written in quiet strokes. Once an 18th-century sugar plantation, this member-owned Jamaican sanctuary has evolved into a rarefied retreat for those who prefer privacy over performance. It's a place where billionaires arrive quietly, stay longer and often return for generations. In the 1950s William and Ida DeLisser sold what is now The Tryall Club to two American investors from Texas: future Texas governor Tom Connally and future senator Lloyd Bensten. The two imagined the estate as a members-only club, attracting international jet-setters, diplomats, and cultural tastemakers seeking an alternative to resort tourism. When Lennox Lewis, one of boxing's greatest legends, became the first prominent Black homeowner at Tryall, it was a watershed moment in the luxury club's evolution toward greater inclusivity. Many native-born Jamaicans are now villa homeowners. Tryall became a destination with a carefully curated portfolio of more than 90 private villas, each owned, designed, and operated like a billionaire's mood board—from beachfront compounds showcasing arresting art collections to villas dressed in chic, coastal minimalism and everything in between. 'The estate offers an exclusive club that is close to the airport and secure, which adds to the sense of privacy and luxury, while still being part of a close and welcoming community,' said Hugh Benjamin, owner of the Pineapple House at The Tryall Club. Owners rent their villas in weekly blocks, with rates ranging from $393 per night (Great House Villas) to $7,663 per night for stand-alone villas. Jamaica's vibrant soul is woven into every moment. The staff's genuine warmth and time-honored traditions create a living tapestry of hospitality. It's a seamless symphony of past and present, where the island's rich heritage plays out in sunlit moments, slow afternoons, and an ease that lingers long after you've left. Dating to the 1700s, a stone aqueduct and waterwheel stand as enduring symbols of The Tryall Club's storied past, a reminder of its roots as a working sugar plantation, and a treasured piece of Jamaican heritage. The Tryall Club Still standing on the property: the 18th-century stone aqueduct and waterwheel, a majestic relic of the estate's colonial past, gracefully preserved with dedicated plaques. The land remembers. And it's this sense of rootedness that gives Tryall its soul. Well-known to discerning guests but not widely publicized, The Tryall Club quietly hosts a steady stream of celebrities and industry titans. But you won't find bodyguards or entourages here. To them—as to everyone who returns year after year—this isn't a resort. It's a sanctuary, where first names are more common than fanfare, and privacy is part of the welcome. Benjamin's life story offers a useful example. A native of Jamaica, he grew up there, left and now owns a home in New York in addition to his villa at Tryall. Guess which home he visits to get away from a fast-paced lifestyle. 'Celebrities and industry titans have specifically chosen the Pineapple House villa as their destination because of its unobstructed panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea from each bedroom as well as the pool and dining areas,' Benjamin said. 'The views are magnificent, and our VIP guests note that the villa's architecture, curated furniture and Caribbean artwork, five-star amenities, and world-class staff truly make their stay at Pineapple House a personalized experience.' The Tryall Club's Sport Legacy: Where the Court and Course Matter Framed by the Caribbean Sea and the lush hills of Hanover Parish, The Tryall Club's 18-hole course is one of Jamaica's most storied and scenic places to play. The Tryall Club Great Golf At The Tryall Club In Jamaica Golf, too, is more than an amenity at The Tryall Club—it's a legacy. The 18-hole championship course, designed by Ralph Plummer in 1958, has hosted global events like the Johnny Walker World Golf Championship, and today includes a popular junior golf clinic, nurturing the next generation of players who may one day return as villa owners themselves. Many owners and visitors arrange cocktails and golf soiree just before sunset. A new program, The Social Swing, is formally debuting this year. (Look to book the package on the website later in 2025.) The concept is for guests of all golf levels to enjoy three holes with a bit of socialization and great drinks. Think of it as a happy hour gathering where guests enjoy cocktails while taking a few easy swings on three of the holes on the resort's championship golf course. It's less about the competition and more about the camaraderie—pairing the joy of play with the pleasure of good company and Jamaican-inspired refreshments. 'What makes golf at Tryall so special is the setting,' General Manager Kenton Jones said. 'You're playing along the sea, through the hills, and incredible, historic spots like our old aqueduct. It's a beautiful, relaxed course that still offers a great challenge, whether you're a serious golfer or just out to enjoy the views and a good time with friends.' Great Tennis At The Tryall Club, Jamaica Tennis with a View: Set against the lush backdrop of Jamaica's northwest coast, The Tryall Club's championship courts blend sport and scenery in equal measure. The Tryall Club Far from a leisure-only property, Tryall is ranked among the Top 10 tennis resorts in the Caribbean. It's not just a bullet point in a marketing campaign. Tennis is integral to the club's culture. With nine courts, expert instructors, and tournament-quality programming, it's as serious as it is serene. 'It's a big part of the Tryall lifestyle: friendly matches, daily clinics, and a really welcoming tennis community,' Jones said. The Nanny Program At The Tryall Club Play as many rounds of golf and tennis as you can fit in a day. The Tryall Club's uniquely equipped nanny program is beloved, and appropriately elevated—think less babysitter, more Caribbean Mary Poppins. Trained childcare professionals become part of the family's experience, allowing parents to unwind while children are engaged, cared for, and safely entertained. 'It gives parents peace of mind knowing their kids are in great hands, whether they're in the villa, at the beach, or exploring the property,' Jones said. 'It makes it easy for everyone in the family to fully relax and enjoy their time here.' Dining At The Tryall Club Ooshan Bar & Restaurant, the newest addition to The Tryall Club, has quickly become its crown jewel for dining—both a culinary and an architectural standout. The Tryall Club Sitting right on the edge of the Caribbean is the Ooshan Bar and Restaurant at The Tryall Club. The architectural standout opened in November 2024 and has quickly become the club's crown jewel for dining. The bar is a buzzy and boozy affair from 5 to 6 p.m. daily, where guests and locals gather in a ritualistic ceremony to visit and try some of the clever cocktails (like the Tropical Storm and Drunken Pimento) for which Ooshan has become known. Complementing the Beach Club, just steps from Ooshan along the beach, is the Beach Bar and Grill. This casual outpost delivers exactly what its setting promises: pizza, salads, burgers and baskets of onion rings, chicken wings and fish and chips. The atmosphere is relaxed, unfussy, and unmistakably Jamaican; barefoot and covered in sand is just as okay here as a linen cover-up. Throughout Tryall, the rum punch is fabulous. Don't hesitate to have a few (or many). The Spa At The Tryall Club The recently opened spa at The Tryall Club is a peaceful retreat that reflects the restorative energy of Tryall. The Tryall Club Livity Spa by Tryall Club, which opened at the end of 2024, blends holistic wellness with focused, results-based treatments. Guests can choose from an expansive menu designed to promote balance and vitality, while also offering space for stillness and reflection. Offerings range from massages and facials to sound meditation, a restorative practice that uses harmonic frequencies to quiet the mind and support nervous system regulation. The spa was designed to feel completely connected to nature: open-air treatment spaces, ocean views, and the sound of the waves in the background. The island's restorative nature is reflected in the peaceful and intimate calm of the spa. 'People come for a massage and end up staying to just soak in the surroundings," Jones said. The Private Villas At The Tryall Club, Jamaica Celestial Villa at The Tryall Club in Jamaica offers five stunning bedrooms for up to ten guests and the most stunning ocean views. The Tryall Club With more than 90 privately owned villas ranging in price from $1 million to $5 million (and up), there's a footprint for nearly every size family. Villas range from one to two bedrooms up to the expansive 10-bedroom stand-alone villas that reflect the owner families. 'Villas offer a mix of amenities including private pools, gyms, game rooms, and more,' said Nicola Delapenha, a Coldwell Banker luxury property specialist. 'Each comes with a dedicated staff, combining the comforts of a private home with resort-style service. Styles vary, but all reflect the relaxed, elegant spirit of the Caribbean.' The customer base for The Tryall Club largely consists of North Americans, especially from the U.S. and Canada. International clients from the U.K. and Europe, and local Jamaican homeowners round out the mix. According to Delapenha, each family is reflective of a customer type: affluent families, business leaders or celebrities seeking luxury, privacy and a multi-generational retreat. Celestial Villa At The Tryall Club, Jamaica At Celestial Villa, indoor and outdoor living converge—the view from the great room flows seamlessly to the private pool and onward to the Caribbean Sea. The Tryall Club The chic, airy oceanfront design of Celestial Villa is accentuated with the precision of fine British tailored service. The staff, the unseen gears that keep a house humming, is worthy of Downton Abbey. Laundry is attended to daily, even on-demand, while the housekeeping staff operates with a relaxed yet relentless efficiency. The chef at Celestial—a culinary goddess who conjures soulful meals, steeped in love and legacy—reigns supreme over the kitchen. There's also a nice selection of daily treats, from freshly baked banana bread and blueberry cobbler to chocolate chip cookies and pound cake. Each dish is a whispered reminder of Jamaica's rich sun-kissed heritage. Add the cinematic backdrop of the Caribbean with every bite. Aqua Bay Villa At The Tryall Club In Jamaica Aqua Bay, owned by the founders of the Sandals Resorts brand, is a crown jewel at The Tryall Club. The sanctuary space sits right on the ocean and includes its own private cinema worthy of a studio mogul, a fully-fitted gym and a luxurious spa suite with two massage tables. More than a simple accommodation, Aqua Bay is an empire of repose. In a world of hyper-marketed destinations, The Tryall Club offers the ultimate luxury: relevance without reinvention. It remains a place of private legacy and personal return, where families, billionaires, and lovers of timeless design come not to be seen, but to live well, quietly. Jamaica's vibrant soul is woven into every moment here. The staff's genuine warmth and time-honored traditions create a living tapestry of hospitality, a seamless symphony of past and present.
