15 Weekend Getaways To Take This Summer That Won't Leave You Broke

Summer’s the season of adventure, and there are TONS of places to explore on a budget. Especially when you’re behind the wheel of an off-road ready vehicle.

1. Camp with your crew on Mustang Island in Texas.

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Plenty of people talk about South Padre Island, but just south of the known party destination is a hidden oasis. Mustang Island is a secluded island where you can fish, do water activities, lay out, and go out at night. With over 48 campsites in the Mustang Island State Park, there are plenty of spots to pitch a tent and pinch a penny.

2. Go off-line and off-roading through dunes in Michigan.

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If you want to disconnect from social media and reconnect your tires to uncharted terrains, then the Silver Lake Sand Dunes in Michigan are the perfect spot. They have a whole area dedicated to off-road vehicles, so you have plenty of intense terrains to explore.

3. Take a haunted road trip through Louisiana.

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Not all summer getaways have to be all sun and smiles. Drive through Louisiana for a haunted tour of the state, catching things like the Caddo Parish Penal Farm or the Bonnie and Clyde ambush site in Gibsland, Louisiana. Stay at the fabled Myrtles Plantation before heading to New Orleans to see the tomb of the Voodoo Queen.

4. Backpack as trees larger than life tower over you in Big Sur.

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Walking among trees that are 2,000 years old and over 300 feet high is a humbling and incredible experience. If you're looking for a weekend getaway, head out to Big Sur and trek the trails that wind through this incredible national park.

5. Earn a solid soak in the Idaho Hot Springs.

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Along the vast Idaho Hot Springs trail are 50 different hot springs ranging from cascading waterfalls to individual soaking pots. There is a catch, though — you can only get to them by bike. Pack up your vehicle, grab your crew, and set out for an adventure with a solid reward at the end.

6. Spend a weekend with art and the outdoors in Asheville.

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Asheville is a hidden gem tucked away in the Carolinas. Get lost in the city at night, taking in incredible art, food, music, and culture. During the day, hop in your vehicle and head out to the Blue Ridge Parkway for sweeping mountain views and trails hidden all throughout.

7. Whitewater raft and camp through the Salt River Canyon.

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If you want to pair stunning beauty and serenity with the adrenaline rush of roaring rapids, the Salt River Canyon in Arizona is the place for you. There are multiple canyons for you to raft down, lush campgrounds, and lots of wildlife to take in during your trip.

8. Rock it out at Hueco Tanks in El Paso, Texas.

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If you're looking for an adventurous weekend, head to Hueco Tanks State Park for some unforgettable rock climbing. You can take guided or self-guided climbs up the vast expanse of rock cliffs. While you're not climbing, spend time taking in the incredible pictographs and petroglyphs dating back more than 1,500 years.

9. Lose yourself in the majesty of the Grand Canyon.

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Yeah, you may have seen the Grand Canyon as a kid, but experiencing it as an adult with your friends is even better. Drive out for a weekend of hiking, camping, and awe-inspiring nature all around.

10. Spend a weekend biking through the Colorado Rockies.

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Whether you’re a beginner or a mountain-biking boss, there is something for everyone at Crested Butte Mountain Resort. There are over 30 miles of track for you to carve up and down.

11. Cruise through history along the East Coast.

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Spend your weekend on the road taking in all the rich history the East Coast has to offer. Start things off in NYC at the Statue of Liberty, head south to drive around Philadelphia, and finish off at our nation's capitol in Washington, D.C.

12. Get fly (-fishing) along the Chama River in New Mexico.

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In New Mexico, the Chama River holds the record for brown trout, with trout averaging between 12 to 18 inches in the Chama River tailwater. You can camp along the river at the Edward Sargent Wildlife Area so you can get out on the water for some early morning game.

13. Get some dirt on your tires in the desert plains of Capitol Reef National Park.

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Driving through the paved roads of national parks is fun and all, but you know your vehicle was meant for more than that. At Capitol Reef National Park, there are hundreds of miles of trails you can take your ride through to see some stunning views, like the Temple of the Moon, while kicking up sand.

14. Spend a weekend with your pup by the bonfire in Carmel, California.

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Just because you're leaving for the weekend doesn't mean you have to leave your pup behind. At Carmel Beach, you can bring your pup to play for the day while you surf and lounge, and then you can wind down at night with a beautiful bonfire by the beach.

15. Glide through the Everglades and see the gators.

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There's nothing quite like the vast swamps of the Everglades. Take in all the sites as you fly along the water in an airboat. There are plenty of different areas to explore, like grasslands and mangroves for a more scenic and nature-filled excursion. There are plenty of places to camp in Everglades National Park, or you can snag a hotel somewhere nearby.

Witness every awe-inspiring scene with available best-in-class capability in the Jeep Renegade.

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