Skip to main content

No passport needed: Best U.S. cities for an affordable St. Patrick’s Day trip

Feeling lucky?

St Patricks Day
Squirrel_photos / Pixabay

St. Patrick’s Day is one of the most exciting celebrations of the year, and while Ireland’s iconic cities like Dublin, Cork, and Killarney offer amazing experiences, you don’t need a passport to join the fun. The U.S. is home to some incredible St. Paddy’s Day celebrations, and thanks to a new report from HomeToGo, we now know the best places to celebrate without breaking the bank.

Taking the top spot on HomeToGo’s list is Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where a rich Irish heritage and an affordable median nightly stay of just $58.54 make it a top pick for budget-conscious travelers. Milwaukee’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade dates back to 1843, making it one of the oldest in the country. Expect a family-friendly event filled with over 100 performers, including traditional Irish dancers, pipe and drum corps, and even Irish wolfhounds.

Recommended Videos

In second place is none other than New York City, home to one of the largest and most iconic St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the world. Every year, Fifth Avenue fills up with 150,000 marchers making their way through the city as over two million spectators enjoy the festivities. While NYC may not always be known for affordability, HomeToGo reports that nightly accommodations average around $80.01 this time of year, making it a surprisingly reasonable option.

Rounding out the top three is an unexpected destination, Hot Springs, Arkansas. This Southern city may not be the first place that comes to mind for St. Patrick’s Day, but it hosts one of the most unique celebrations: the “World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade.” The parade route is just 98 feet long, but don’t let its size fool you, this tiny spectacle is packed with over-the-top floats, celebrity guests, and a fun street party.

The best U.S. cities for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations: The full list

Chicago
sam99929 / Pixabay
  1. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  2. New York City, New York
  3. Hot Springs, Arkansas
  4. St. Louis, Missouri
  5. Scranton, Pennsylvania
  6. Chicago, Illinois
  7. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  8. Kansas City, Missouri
  9. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 
  10. Boston, Massachusetts
Amanda Teague
Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer featured in several online publications, is a dedicated explorer of both the world…
This European region was just named the world’s best summer vacation spot
Head to the Amalfi Coast to enjoy a true European summer vacation
Ocean view, Amalfi Coast, Italy

When summer arrives, so does the itch to book a sun-soaked getaway, and now, thanks to U.S. News & World Report’s newly released Best Vacations rankings, travelers have a clear winner for 2025’s top summer destination: Italy’s Amalfi Coast.

Earning the number one spot on the list of Best Summer Vacation Spots in the World, the Amalfi Coast was recognized for its stunning scenery, charming coastal towns, warm Mediterranean weather, and abundant options for dining, lodging, and adventure. Daytime highs often reach the 90s, perfect for those seeking a true southern European summer escape. Travelers can choose among 13 picturesque seaside towns overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, each with its own personality and appeal.

Read more
Looking for adventure and culture? This city is the best in the world for urban hiking
Here's the world's #1 city for outdoor lovers
Rio de Janeiro

As an outdoor enthusiast, one of the top things I look for in a travel destination is proximity to the outdoors. I'm certainly not averse to pitching tents, but sometimes it's nice to mix in a bit of urban excitement to my travels. Sports Shoes, a UK running retail brand, just completed a study that analyzed the top urban areas for hikers on break. My personal favorite hiker-friendly city is Seattle, which squeaked in at number 12. The number one spot goes to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

The winner was decided through two primary variables: the number of hikes in the area and the average rating and reviews of those hikes. This was averaged out into a hikeability score out of 100, and the only one to get a perfect score was Rio de Janeiro. With a total of 334 hikes averaging a rating of 4.8 stars, this city is officially the world's number one urban area for hikers.
Top hikes in Rio de Janeiro

Read more
This Georgia island was just named the most underrated travel destination in the U.S.
St. Simons Island is a quiet escape just off the coast of Georgia
St. Simons Island

Looking for a beach getaway without the crowds? U.S. News & World Report has just named St. Simons Island, Georgia, the most underrated travel destination in the country. As part of its annual Best Vacations rankings, the outlet evaluated more than 1,500 global destinations, scoring them across categories like culture, food, and adventure. When all the data was in, this quiet Georgia barrier island topped the list.

While St. Simons is a favorite summer spot for Georgians, it's often overlooked by travelers heading to more well-known beach destinations in Florida or the Carolinas. But the largest of the Golden Isles offers plenty of reasons to slow down and stay awhile, from dune-lined beaches and moss-draped oak trees to maritime forests and small shopping villages.

Read more