Nothing quite evokes the concept of vacation quite like a big expanse of white sand beach. However, if you believe it would entail a significant financial investment, think again. Many of the most beautiful beach holidays are surprisingly economical, especially in the summer.
There are numerous inexpensive beach vacation ideas in the United States, ranging from inexpensive family vacation destinations with amusement parks to romantic small towns perfect for long walks on the sand and exciting vacation destinations for singles. If you know where to look, you will find a plethora of inexpensive beach vacation ideas in the United States.
This list compiles the top alternatives available from coast to coast and everywhere in between. Apart from the budget-friendly hotels we’ve chosen for each location, you may also consider these beach home rentals, cabins for rent, economical Airbnbs, and all-inclusive resorts for a more unique experience. So, what are you waiting for? Get started now!
Choose your favorite, pack your sunscreen, beach umbrella, beach towels, and beach chairs, and get ready to hit the open road to paradise. Just be sure to double-check local regulations and the hotel’s website before arriving, as certain pandemic restrictions may still be in effect.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
It’s not as difficult as you would imagine going to Puerto Rico. Due to the fact that this gorgeous tropical island is a part of the United States, you will not be required to go through customs or even carry your passport with you.
The island of Puerto Rico is home to numerous gorgeous beaches, but the attractive beaches in San Juan are among the most accessible since the capital city is home to a large airport. The beaches in San Juan are also among the most popular among tourists.
San Juan is also one of the most affordable destinations in the United States for a beach holiday, particularly if you can make use of your frequent flyer miles to get there.
Travelers should take time to visit the ancient architecture of Old San Juan and the Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a fortification that was constructed between the 16th and 18th centuries. A tripleta, a sandwich of marinated meats, from one of the city’s food trucks is a great option for lunch after you’re done exploring.
Afterward, go to The Tryst Beachfront Hotel, which is situated directly on Condado Beach and offers a variety of facilities, the most treasured of which are beach chairs with umbrellas, beneath which visitors may sip cool beverages while burying their toes in the sand.
Daytona Beach, Florida
Even while Daytona Beach is most known for its motorsports, the city also has 20 miles of stunning white-sand beaches.
It’s so popular that tourists may even purchase a permit that allows them to drive on the beach for the day. After all, who needs a beach chair when you have a car? A disc golf facility, a zip line, and beautiful walking paths are among the town’s other attractions.
Tuscawilla Park is another popular destination. Also in Daytona Beach is the Daytona International Speedway, which hosts the Daytona 500 every year in February. Given the number of attractions in the neighborhood, the prices of the hotels in this area are astonishingly low.
The Boardwalk Inn and Suites is a great value for the money, and it offers features such as free parking, a pool, and accommodations with a view of the water. You’ll also want to check out the greatest Florida beaches that people wish to keep hidden while you’re in the Sunshine State.
South Padre Island, Texas
Located in the southernmost point of Texas, South Padre Island is a barrier island that is surrounded by calm seas from the Gulf of Mexico. Accessible by the Queen Isabella Causeway, this tropical island has 34 miles of white sand beaches and is home to a variety of marine life.
South Padre Island has beach parties and club nights once a year, bringing thousands of students to the island to celebrate spring break. Families are also welcome and may participate in a variety of exciting activities such as sandcastle building instruction, horseback riding, mini-golf, and dolphin viewing.
South Padre Island, which is less than a day’s drive from Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin, is a popular destination for Texans wishing to get away from the city.
The Brownsville-SPI International Airport (BRO), which is situated 20 miles from the beach and served by United and American Airlines, may accommodate visitors from outside of Texas.
From inexpensive and bright flats to huge seaside complexes, there is something for everyone.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach and its surrounding region are home to more than 80 golf courses, a number of amusement parks, and Ripley’s Aquarium, making it one of the most popular summer vacation destinations in the United States. However, the majority of visitors come for the 60 miles of sandy shoreline and a mile-long boardwalk.
Myrtle Beach is also a haven for those interested in the arts and culture, and it holds a variety of music and arts events throughout the year. Check out the Holiday Inn Express Myrtle Beach–Broadway at the Beach if you’re looking for a great deal on a hotel room.
Choosing a Holiday Inn guarantees that you’ll receive exactly what you want, and this particular establishment excels in terms of convenience and accessibility.
It’s located in the center of Myrtle Beach on the Myrtle Beach Grand Strand, and you’ll get a complimentary breakfast each morning as well as access to their fantastic pool, which you can use to cool down before going up to your room.
Cape May, New Jersey
Cape May offers a wealth of historical attractions and activities for history aficionados. In the heart of America’s first beach resort town, there are approximately 600 beautifully restored Victorian-era houses, some of which are currently used as bed and breakfasts for visitors.
A popular activity for visitors interested in learning more about the intriguing history of this picturesque town is to take a themed trolley tour guided by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities (MACAH).
A view of the promenade and Cape May’s Convention Hall, which hosts a variety of events and entertainment throughout the year, is provided by the “Painted Ladies.” Miles of sandy beaches await travelers beyond the promenade, where they may relax and enjoy the sun.
Huntington Beach, California
Known as Surf City USA, Huntington Beach is a paradise for surfers of all ages and skills and is home to some of the world’s best waves. Individual and group surf lessons and equipment rentals are offered at the Banzai Surf School, which is an accredited member of the National Surf Schools & Instructors Association and offers a variety of services.
Beachgoers who prefer to soak up the sun rather than catch a wave may spread out on a beach towel along the 10 kilometers of award-winning sandy beachfront. In addition to being a popular waterfront activity, beach volleyball events are conducted throughout the year.
Tourists may stop by one of the concession stalls along the beach for bicycle rentals and burger baskets.
Pismo Beach, California
There is much to do at Pismo Beach for travelers, from relaxing on the white sand beaches to visiting world-class vineyards. It is about midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco and is a traditional beach town on California’s central coast. It is located directly along the Pacific Highway.
Outdoor activities abound at Pismo Beach, with golfing, horseback riding, surfing, body boarding, and fishing among the many options available to tourists and residents alike. Pismo Beach Premium Outlets is a terrific place for shoppers who want to get a tan while shopping.
Meanwhile, the award-winning boardwalk provides visitors with an opportunity to soak in the sun while filling their bellies at the many eateries and food vendors along the way.
Nags Head, North Carolina
Nags Head, North Carolina, is the perfect family vacation destination for those searching for a vacation that won’t break the bank. Single-family homes abound in this historic Outer Banks beach hamlet, which is located just south of Kitty Hawk on the North Carolina coast.
There are several watersports opportunities at Nags Head, which has 11 miles of sandy beach and a population of around 20,000 people.
Tourists may enjoy fishing off of two public piers at Nags Head, sail or kayak down the coast, snorkel among shipwrecks, or hang gliding over the sand dunes of Jockey’s Ridge State Park while on vacation in the area. Whether traveling as a couple, a lone traveler, or family, this place is ideal. Certainly, a great place to visit.
Long Beach, California
Located in Southern California, the city of Long Beach is a coastal port city. The RMS Queen Mary, which is docked at Queensway Bay, is a former ocean liner that also serves as a museum ship. Touch tanks and a shark lagoon may be found at the Aquarium of the Pacific, which is located on the waterfront.
The Museum of Latin American Art has a collection of modern and contemporary works on exhibit. Rancho Los Cerritos is a 19th-century adobe mansion and museum located in a landscaped garden with a pond and waterfall. Long Beach, a charter city, is the seventh-most populated city in the state of California.
Many of the city’s attractions are located around the waterfront, such as the permanently moored RMS Queen Mary and the Aquarium of the Pacific, among others.
Ormond Beach, Florida
Ormond Beach, located along Florida’s Atlantic Coast just north of Daytona Beach, has garnered notoriety as the “Birthplace of Speed,” where Henry Ford tested his automobile inventions for the first time in the early 1900s.
The city of Ormond Beach holds yearly festivities that include reenactments of its early racing days on sand-filled racetracks. Despite this, Ormond tries to keep its small-town tranquillity by prohibiting automobiles from entering the northern end of the town’s beach.
During the day, vacationers may spend time swimming and sunbathing, or they can go canoeing and fishing. Ormond Beach has accommodations to suit a wide range of budgets, including luxurious vacation rentals as well as moderately priced motels and hotels.
Clearwater Beach, Florida
Laid-back Clearwater Beach in Florida keys is recognized for its eponymous length of smooth, white sand, which attracts people year-round for activities including jet-skiing, parasailing, and stand-up paddleboarding in the calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico.
The beachside promenade, surrounded by informal seafood eateries and cafés, is popular with cyclists and rollerbladers. Pier 60 transforms into a nighttime carnival complete with street entertainers and artisan merchants after dusk.
Clearwater, Florida, is a wonderful location for vacationers of all ages and interests since it is situated on valuable real estate along Florida’s breathtaking Gulf Coast region. A long stretch of sugar-white sand, gentle Gulf breezes, and crystal blue seas characterize the city’s beaches, which are frequently named among the most beautiful in the country.
Corpus Christi, Texas
Texas is bursting to the seams with fantastically inexpensive holiday destinations, but Corpus Christi stands out for having an unbelievable range of absolutely excellent beaches, reasonable housing choices, and a slew of lovely parks and free activities to offer visitors.
While you’re there, take the opportunity to visit the Padre Island National Seashore, which is the world’s biggest unspoiled barrier island. A total of more than 70 miles of coastline are comprised of beaches, dunes, and lagoons.
As for Corpus Christi, it’s one of the top surfing locations in the United States outside of California and Hawaii, and it’s home to some of the best waves in the world (and some even would argue it gives them a run for their money).
Visit the Texas Surf Museum, which is free to enter, in addition to breaking out your board. Tours of the USS Lexington Museum, as well as the South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, are among the other attractions.
In addition to being a terrific, centrally situated location to stay that is only minutes from a variety of beaches, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Corpus Christi has a number of budget-friendly services, such as complimentary breakfast.
However, no matter where you choose to stay or what you want to do in town, don’t leave town without getting fish and chips from Catfish Charlies. You may put your faith in us on this one!
South County, Rhode Island
South County, Rhode Island, is home to more than simply scenic beaches, where swimmers and sports enthusiasts may enjoy over 100 miles of shoreline; the county also has a diverse range of cultural attractions.
South County, with its art exhibitions, antique shops, and musical events scheduled throughout the year, provides tourists with cultural experiences that are complemented by gorgeous scenery.
Local breweries and vineyards can be found on practically every corner, and the region is likewise well-stocked with delicious alcoholic beverages.
Visitors who wish to enjoy the outdoors may participate in sports like bicycling, boating, golfing, and surfing, which allow them to take in the county’s beautiful surroundings.
West Palm Beach
Welcoming visitors from across the world, West Palm Beach offers Broadway-quality theater as well as outlet shopping and a 23-acre wildlife preserve. There is also a south beach area of this beach.
Visitors may spend the day exploring one of the city’s four entertainment and retail areas, which each provide a diverse selection of stores, shows, and restaurants.
At one of the recognized performing arts centers, theatergoers are guaranteed to have a good time. West Palm Beach is home to the internationally acclaimed Norton Museum of Art, which is a must-see for art enthusiasts.
West Palm Beach is the ideal location for outdoor entertaining because of the pleasant weather it has throughout the year. It also serves as the site of Florida’s biggest waterfront music festival, which takes place every year.
Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina
Similar to Delray Beach, Ocean Isle Beach has been a favorite destination for generations of families. With its clean, calm beaches, this little coastal community in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands welcomes visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
There is also an ideal place on this beach which is located at the north beach of this area. It is the fishing pier, which provides great activities for adults and kids as well.
There are lots of eateries, outdoor decks, and waterfront vistas on Ocean Isle, which contributes to its casual ambiance and appeal as a peaceful beach getaway. The award-winning Silver Coast Winery, which is just a few minutes away, offers tastings, tours, and special events.
When visiting the Shallotte River Swamp Park, adventurous tourists will enjoy a kayak ride across the marsh or an afternoon zip line under the forest canopy. Visitors to the Museum of Coastal Carolina may spend rainy days examining eye-catching marine displays and the planetarium there.
Pine Knoll Shores, North Carolina
A perfect place for a family destination. There are almost 85 miles of shoreline along North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, which includes Pine Knoll Shores, a tranquil beach hamlet surrounded by maritime woods.
Various cheap lodging options are available in Pine Knoll Shores, including condos, homes, and several hotels to accommodate a variety of budgets. Travelers may save money by taking advantage of group discounts and other travel packages that are available online.
There is no lack of things to do in the area, which includes activities such as boating, fishing, and hiking. In addition to sharks, river otters, and a rare white sea turtle, the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores provides aquatic thrills for the whole family.
You can even find a very cheap place to stay in this area.
Tybee Island, Georgia
Tybee Island is a barrier island full of nature trails and a tiny community in the Savannah metropolitan area in the state of Georgia where it will welcome visitors. An excellent Mexico beach, with clear water, and local shops which are very affordable.
It is well-known for its broad, sandy beaches, which include South Beach, which has a pier and pavilion, among other amenities. Fort Screven, located on the island’s northernmost section, is home to 19th-century concrete artillery batteries as well as the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum.
The lighthouse, which dates back to the 18th century and is still in operation, has been restored several times. The museum, which is located in Battery Garland, is dedicated to local history.
This barrier island in Georgia, which faces straight east, has been a favorite holiday destination since the late 1800s. Tybee Island, with its vast, pristine beaches and warm, moderate waves, is the ideal destination for visitors seeking a good dose of sand, sun, and coastal happiness.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
One of the best tropical destinations in the world. Puerto Vallarta is a tourist destination on Mexico’s Pacific coast in the state of Jalisco. It is well-known for its beaches, water sports, and vibrant nightlife scene, among other things.
The beautiful Nuestra Seora de Guadalupe church, boutique boutiques, and a variety of restaurants and pubs can all be found in the city’s cobblestoned central area. In addition to modern sculptures, bars, lounges, and nightclubs can be found along the coastal promenade known as El Malecón.
While visiting Puerto Vallarta, the ideal time to go is between April and June, when the weather is good and the hotel room costs are reasonable. When opposed to the winter peak season, these months saw less rain and fewer visitors than the winter high season.
It is recommended that you come between December and March if you are interested in whale watching.
Corfu, Greece
Corfu is a Greek island located in the Ionian Sea that is noted for its cosmopolitan Old Town, stunning sandy beaches, and breathtaking surroundings. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece.
Corfu is an island off the northwest coast of Greece in the Ionian Sea that is characterized by rocky mountains and a coastline that is dotted with resorts. Its cultural legacy reflects the years it spent under the sovereignty of the Venetians, the French, and the British until being unified with Greece in 1864.
Located between two towering Venetian fortifications, Corfu Town is home to meandering medieval streets, a French-style arcade, and the great Palace of St. Michael and Saint George. Corfu Town is a popular tourist destination and a popular sea vacation destination.
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