If you’re like Andrew and I, you live in a busy city with sirens and lots of noise. Trying to get out of town can be a tedious task and not always cheap. But this weekend we actually managed to skip town for under $150. Getting away doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are my favorite ways to escape the city hustle and bustle.
5 Easy Inexpensive Ways to Get Away
- Camping!– Camping is probably my all time favorite thing to do to get away from the city and get a little peace and quiet. You get to enjoy the outdoors, explore your surrounding and eat yummy S’mores! Search for state parks or campgrounds near by for a little weekend getaway. Andrew and I just went to Anza-Borrgo Desert State Park and stayed at a little resort called Butterfield Ranch. It was a wopping $40 for the weekend with free showers and access to a pool and hot tub š
- Hiking– Finding hikes nearby can put you out in nature and is also good for your health. You get two for your money with this one.
- Go Fish-If you enjoy the outdoors going fishing is always fun and relaxing. Sit the shore line and crack a cold one or grab a motor boat and soak up the sun.
- Visiting Historical Towns/Landmarks-Did you know there are 2,533 historical landmarks in the U.S.? Yup! So go out and explore some of histories precious places. Not always away from the city but it can make for an interesting day. Find historical landmarks by states here.
- Rent a Kayak/Canoe– these can get pricey depending on your location. I’m in San Diego, so things are super expensive here. A full day Kayak rental is about $55/person. Which isn’t crazy expensive but can add up with the family. Always check our your local Groupon and Living Social. These websites can save you major bucks.
What are some of your favorite things to do to get out in nature?
Our Little Get Away
Where: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Cost: $120
We had such a great time camping this weekend and getting out of the city. We live close to a hospital so the sirens are non stop and the traffic is loud. Andrew and I thought what a better way to get away from it all than to go camping. That’s exactly what we did. I found Butterfield Ranch out in Anza-Borrego Desert here in San Diego County for only $20/night. It was only 2 hours away and we both had never been. So after work Friday we skipped town and got on the road.
We arrived at Butterfield Ranch and were welcomed by a very friendly smiling man. We found ourselves a shady spot and pitched our tent. š
This was the perfect weekend to go camping because 1. There was a full moon all weekend and 2. There was a lunar eclipse on Saturday morning.
The sun set and we made ourselves a little campfire. The night couldn’t have been more perfect.
The next morning we explored the area but not before we cooked ourselves up some protein pancakes! Remember from my Breakfast Bake post I’m not the breakfast cook, especially when it comes to pancakes…Andrew is the pro.
After we filled our bellies up with deliciousness we set out to explore for the day. I looked up some hikes near by and we were in for a treat. Pictographs and Kumeyaay Indian morteros were just tucked up a little ways up from where we were staying.
Pictographs
The pictographs from the Kumeyaay Indians. What do you think they mean?
Morteros
Pretty desert cactus flower.
This was such a good trip and getaway. We got to see things we never knew existed and were surrounded by natures beauty. We will definitely be going back to the Anza-Borrego Desert.
Now I have some questions for you, my lovely readers.
Do you like to camp (be honest)?
What have been some of your favorite places?
Let me know in the comments below.
I love camping…especially at the KOA in Hayward, WI! It’s gorgeous there, with hundreds of tall, straight lodge-pole pines all throught the area. A favorite camping past-time is tubing down the Namakagen River…a delightful relaxing afternoon! Lumberjack Days is the most popular time to visit in summer. I’d sure love to camp with you all soon!
That sounds delightful! I would love to go for Lumberjack Days, that would be so much fun! š
I was recently researching the cost of camping at our local park and can you belive it’s only $15 per night and you get a wooden tent like structure/cabin that 4 people can lie in with sleeping bags. $15 a night is crazy and I bet that it would make one of the most memorable vacations ever!
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Oh my goodness! That’s so cheap. Yeah camping is such a money saver and we definitely make the best memories. We’ve camped in Sequoia NP, Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Zion NP. It’s been quite the adventure š
These all sound great. I’m not a huge camper but there I loved those ideas! š
kristinacamille.com
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Thanks Kristina! š
Fun! It is awesome that you were able to do that and fulfill your need to get away. I love camping so much and my family is very much looking forward to getting consistent weather that will allow us to go do it. I also like going to a nearby town when I need a change of scenery and play tourist. Pretty inexpensive for a one day or overnight and it is a great brain clearing activity. Thanks for sharing š
These are all great ideas, and anything that is a cheaper way to have time away is wonderful! Looks like you guys had a great time!
i completely agree with your recommendation of using groupon & living social. I am all about the deals!
I’ve never been camping before but I’m going to have my first experience with some friends this summer. I’m actually looking forward to it. It will definitely take me out of my comfort zone but I think it will be fun.
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You will love it! Definitely one of my favorite things about the summer.
I love camping! Those cactus flowers are SO pretty- love them!
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I thought so too! Such a different topography out there š
We haven’t done the whole camping thing just yet. I have 5 kids and it seems like a lot of work. However, I grew up camping and I really loved every second of being out there in nature. This post makes me think we need to finally go for it and try taking the kids. This summer would probably be as good a time as any! Thanks for the inspiration!!
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Oh yeah I can see that needing a lot more planning but it will be worth it. Camping is also some of my best memories as a kid. š I hope you guys get to go!
Yeah…I’ve never been a camper, and I’m too old to reform. I need a real toilet. I’ve glamped a few times – but with a cabin and adjacent washrooms.
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Glamping is fun too! haha Yeah you wouldn’t like Yosemite. We stayed at a campgroud with no showers. We just happened to meet a guy that worked there and he gave us the code to the staff bathrooms and showers. Thank God! haha But we went 2 days without a shower! We were definitely ruffing it!