Need a break? This Eastern WA city is a ‘great long-weekend getaway,’ Yahoo says

Taking a trip is often associated with taking time off work and spending a lot — but traveling doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming.

Affordable weekend trips are an effective form of getting your vacation fix.

Yahoo Travel recently showcased a handful of affordable U.S. cities that are great for weekend getaways — and one is in Washington state.

These cities “share a strong sense of places, a compelling local scene and easy airport access — plus a lower cost of entry,” Yahoo Travel contributing writer Will McGough wrote, with hotel prices generally under $200 a night.

Here’s where to go:

Want an affordable weekend trip? Try this Washington city

According to McGough, there are “many unassuming cities in the U.S. that offer plenty to see and do without breaking the bank.”

“Just because they aren’t high-profile doesn’t mean that they aren’t cool places,” McGough wrote in a June 22 article.

The city of Spokane, for instance, offers a “completely different experience” from Seattle, the travel writer said.

“Built around the Spokane River, the city is centered on a dramatic series of waterfalls that flow directly through downtown — a feature few American cities can claim,” McGough said. 

He also mentioned Spokane’s origins as a railroad and mining hub, and its transformation into the “commercial center of Eastern Washington.”

With an estimated 230,000-plus residents, it is the biggest city in Eastern Washington and has multiple noteworthy malls, plus countless local shops.

In 1974, Spokane hosted the World’s Fair, becoming the smallest city to ever boast the host title. The fairgrounds were transformed into Riverfront Park, which is “still at the heart of the city,” McGough said.

What should I do when visiting Spokane for the weekend?

McGough included a few recommended stops for travelers visiting Spokane, starting with Riverfront Park. The large park overlooks Spokane Falls, or you can get a closer look by riding the Numerica SkyRide gondola.

Throughout the summer, there are regular events held in the park.

Additionally, Manito Park has a formal garden and conservatory.

For shopping and restaurants, McGough recommends the Kendall Yards neighborhood.

In the city’s entertainment district, you can find plenty of popular shops, bars and venues with local and touring musicians and comedians. The district is also home to the Davenport Hotel, described by McGough as “one of the West’s great railroad-era hotels.”

For outdoor recreation, McGough suggested canoeing or kayaking on the Spokane River, or hiking local trails such as Bowl and Pitcher Loop, Creek Trail and Mount Kit Carson Trail.

Where are the best budget-friendly cities for a getaway?

According to Yahoo Travel, these are great budget-friendly options for a weekend getaway:

• Cincinnati, Ohio
• St. Louis
• Louisville, Kentucky
• Spokane
• Buffalo, New York
• Milwaukee

This story was originally published July 10, 2026 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Need a break? This Eastern WA city is a ‘great long-weekend getaway,’ Yahoo says."