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KURE BEACH, N.C. – At a time when people are spending less, some well known attractions across the state are seeing an increase in visitors. The numbers are in for July and some of North Carolina's top attractions did well.

The North Carolina Zoo, state aquariums and the Battleship North Carolina all beat last year's numbers for the month.

"It's very affordable and we're not far away," said Heather Loftin, with the Battleship North Carolina.

Most attractions that saw the bump are only a day trip for most in the state, and they’re affordable.

"As far as affordable it's a no-brainer. It takes as much gas for me to go to the airport as it does for me to get down here," said Norm Vuchetich, a Goldsboro resident.

Tourism experts said that's a winning combination in this economy.

"As the economy gets a little bit softer, folks aren't as eager to spend a lot of money. We pull in, and we see folks traveling with in their own state," said Lynn Minges, with the NC Department of Commerce.

• Aquariums at Fort Fisher and Pine Knolls Shores saw more than a 10 percent increase.
• Visitation at the Battleship North Carolina increased by 12.3 percent.
• The North Carolina Zoo saw 25 percent more visitors.
• The North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh saw at least a 3 percent increase.
• In Charlotte, Discovery Place experienced about the same amount of traffic as last July with over 40,000 visitors.

For many this summer, it's all about staying close to home, finding something affordable but at the same time, fun. Those that work in the industry hope the trend continues.

"We are thrilled that we don't have to worry about the attendance as much. We definitely look at it and keep track of the numbers," said Amy Kilgore, with the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher.

According to the State Department of Commerce, lodging numbers are down across the board. They expect that to change as the economy turns around and people start traveling again.