The American vacation was once defined not by the beaches of Florida or the peaks of Colorado, but by the lake. Families escaped to calm waters for canoeing, hiking, and long afternoons spent idling on the shore. Today, vacations are harder to pin down. Some travelers look abroad to Europe, others to the Caribbean or the Canadian Rockies. Yet there’s a reason lakeside getaways became the country’s first great escape: they’re simple, restorative, and far easier on the wallet than an overseas flight.
For those seeking affordability, the epicenter isn’t the Adirondacks, where the lake tradition began, but farther west in Branson, Missouri. According to research by Lake.com, Branson is the most affordable fall lake destination in the United States, with a five-day fall trip averaging at just $231. (Lake.com analyzed Booking.com data to find the lakeside towns and cities with the lowest median cost for a five-day stay during three dates in the fall.)
“Lake towns and cities are often popular vacation destinations that can see fluctuating property prices and rental rates depending on the season,” David Ciccarelli, CEO of Lake.com, said in a statement obtained by Travel + Leisure. “While summer tends to be peak tourist season, fall often brings lower demand, potentially making lakefront properties more affordable.
Tucked into the Ozark Mountains and bordered by three lakes—Table Rock, Taneycomo, and Bull Shoals—Branson offers the archetypal lake retreat: fishing, boating, swimming, and breezy cruises across wide, glassy water. While great year-round, it’s particularly charming in the fall thanks to its vibrant foliage, with hiking trails, lakeside views, and scenic drives. Plus, it’s an entertainment epicenter with sites like the Marvel Cave, Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction, and Silver Dollar City.
Close behind are Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, at $253, and Saratoga Springs, Utah, at $264. The top 10, with the median price for a five-day stay is below:
- Branson, Missouri (Median price, five-day stay: $231)
- Breaux Bridge, Louisiana ($253)
- Saratoga Springs, Utah ($264)
- Highland Park, Illinois ($276)
- Lakeland, Florida ($277)
- South Lake Tahoe, California ($280)
- Michigan City, Indiana ($283)
- Columbia, South Carolina ($290)
- Erie, Pennsylvania ($296)
- Grand Rivers, Kentucky ($299)
To see the full list visit lake.com.