Under $100: Moab, Utah

Moab, Utah, is one of the most exciting places in the United States, thanks to its abundance of beautiful scenery, excellent dining and endless array of outdoor activities. It’s also ridiculously expensive. If you’re traveling on a budget you might have to skimp in a food areas but it can be done!

Start your morning off right with a stop at Red Rock Bakery & Net Café. The owner is a delightful fellow who’ll happily engage in conversation while also serving some truly delectable bagels and cinnamon rolls. It’s one of the few affordable joints in town and you should be able to eat for about $20, if not less.

Moab is known for two of the country’s most stunning national parks, Arches and Canyonlands. You won’t be able to see both fully in one day. Our vote is for Arches. It holds some of the most iconic Utah scenery with the arches and can be reasonably viewed in just a few hours. Entrance is $30 per car.

Make your way back to town for a delightful lunch at Milt’s Stop & Eat. A buffalo burger and milkshake here will cost about $15.

Take the opportunity in the afternoon to stay nearer to town and explore some highlights in Moab. Your first stop should be the Moab Giants museum. This quirky attraction has enormous replicas of dinosaurs that used to live in the area along with dig-out sites, a 3D theater and a new tracks museum. An adult Discovery Pass is $20.

Spend the rest of the afternoon touring downtown highlights like the Tom Till Gallery and the Moab Film and Western Heritage Museum, both free to explore.

Head over to the Moab Diner for some traditional American roadside fare when you’re ready for dinner. If you play it smart you can keep your meal under $15.