Are you looking to take a cheap beach vacation soon? These destinations across the United States offer gorgeous beaches with inexpensive accommodations and activities
for your next trip. In this article, you’ll find 15 affordable beach destinations in the USA to help you plan.
1. Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach is known for having 35 miles of coastline full of fun activities to enjoy. With a famous Boardwalk beach area, this 3-mile path is a popular location for tourists and locals alike. The most popular beaches here are Croatan beach, perfect for swimming and surfing, and North End beach, which is more of a private residential beach.
You can’t visit Virginia Beach without trying Oysters, and the most popular restaurants in the area include Big Sam’s Raw Bar, The Atlantic, and Catch 31. Hotels and Airbnb, on average, cost around $100-$200 a night but can cost more during the peak summer season. In addition to fun on the beach, Virginia Beach features other activities like the Virginia Beach Aquarium, the Atlantic Fun Park, and the Cape Henry Light House. The boardwalk also includes fun activities like the Atlantic Wildfowl Museum and the Surf and Rescue Museum.
2. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach may be known for its golf courses, but it offers many miles of beaches for visitors, hundreds of hotels and restaurants, and attractions for many budgets. Many hotels provide beachfront access, but public beaches are scattered throughout Myrtle Beach, including Huntington Beach State Park and the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk.
Depending on how fancy a hotel you choose, hotel costs will range from $50 to $250 a night in Myrtle Beach. Many hotels feature in-house restaurants, but other popular restaurants include The Melting Pot, Drift, and 42nd Street Bar and Grill. There is an abundance of activities in this affordable beach town, including shopping, parks, mini-golf, and other attractions. A large complex called Broadway at the Beach is accessible from most Myrtle Beach hotels. It boasts everything visitors may want to do in an evening, including shops, great food, and activities such as Ripleys Aquarium.
3. Pensacola, Florida
This cheap beach vacation is full of beaches on the Florida Panhandle. Pensacola is an excellent destination if you’re looking for a mix of beach fun and rich local culture. Here you’ll find the Gulf Islands National Seashore, which stretches for thousands of miles and features pristine white sand beaches. You can spend your days swimming, tanning, surfing, or snorkeling here.
The average Airbnb cost in Pensacola is around $250 a night, but visitors can rent entire homes on Pensacola Beach for an average of $550 a night. Hotels range from $100-$150 in Pensacola and around $300 a night for beachfront hotels. Some of the best restaurants in the area are Carmen’s Lunch Bar and Tapas and Another Broken Egg Cafe.
Visitors looking for exciting activities will love exploring Palafox Street, which is full of shops, markets, and galleries. Other activities include the 5 Flags Speedway and the Pensacola Historic District.
4. Daytona Beach, Florida
Daytona Beach features 23 miles of stunning beaches covering the town from end to end. One of the most incredible things about this beach is that you can drive directly onto the sand and park, just in the right place to spend your afternoon there. Daytona Beach also regularly features festivals and concerts at the Daytona Beach Bandshell, so it’s worth checking out the schedule before you travel for your vacation.
Hotels in Daytona Beach average around $100 to $150 a night, with Airbnb’s renting for about $200 a night. Tourists love Don Vito’s Italian Restaurant and Cucheria’s Restaurant after a busy day at the beach. While you’re in town, you won’t want to miss the Daytona International Speedway, which is also the home of NASCAR. Don’t forget to check out the Daytona Beach Boardwalk, which features a 1,000-foot Pier and other activities.
5. South Padre Island, Texas
Soft beaches line the entire coast of South Padre Island’s sun-soaked shores. This perfect setting is a prime year-round affordable beach vacation for everyone. There are more than 20 access points to the beaches on South Padre Island, and most feature free parking. On most beaches, there are SUP and Kayal Rentals for visitors to have fun exploring the gentle waters.
Affordable hotels range from $150-$250 a night, with Airbnb’s average around $272 a night. Ceviche Ceviche is a healthy seafood restaurant that locals and tourists love. Another fun favorite is Claytons, which boasts the largest beach bar in Texas. Many other activities in South Padre Island include group tours, such as dolphin-watching or deep-sea fishing.
6. Huntington Beach, California
Huntington Beach is also called Surf City, USA. This city is known for its surf beaches, with Huntington City Beach being the most popular location for beachgoers. There is also a large dog beach on the water for your furry friend, or you can stop by and watch them play in the water.
Many hotels in the area are on the higher end and average around $150-$250 a night, with Airbnb’s averaging around $350 a night. However, there’s so much to do in this excellent surfing town! You can start your surfing adventure by walking the Surfing Walk of Fame and checking out the International Surfing Museum. Local food favorites include Ruby’s Diner and Duke’s Huntington Beach.
7. St. Augustine, Florida
Located on the East Coast of Florida, St. Augustine Flordiais a do not miss location. There are several inviting beaches in the St. Augustine area that visitors can see, including St. Augustine Beach, one of the best beaches. Everything here is meant for a vacation, including a beachfront park with a great fishing pier, splash park, and gear rentals. In addition, Anastasia State Park features white quartz sand beaches.
Airbnbs are more affordable here, with the average nightly rate sitting around $250 and hotels ranging from $300-$400 a night. Favorite restaurants include Columbia Restaurant, which features a mix of Spanish and Cuban cuisine, and Prohibition Kitchen, a farm-to-table restaurant. Fun activities in the area include Black Raven Pirate Ship, Pirate and Treasure Museum, Castillo de San Marcos, and more.
8. San Juan, Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a US Territory full of beautiful beaches for visitors to enjoy. San Juan is the capital of Puerto Rico and features an abundance of restaurants, activities, and shorelines; and is the perfect affordable beach vacation location. Escambron Beach is the favorite local beach and has two sides, one is ideal for swimming, and the other is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. In addition, this beach is a favorite for the nice tide and palm trees, which provide shade on hot days.
Hotels here cost $100-$200 a night, with Airbnb’s costing around the same price. Café Regina is a popular beachside restaurant, and Berlingeri also offers vegetarian bites nearby. While you’re in the city, check out the Old San Juan area. This historic neighborhood is full of history and culture, as some of the buildings date back to the 16th Century, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by bars and restaurants.
9. Gulf Shores, Alabama
Gulf Shores is a top-rated tourist attraction, which welcomes more than 5 million tourists every year. While many come to enjoy the beaches, there is so much to do here outside in nature. Alabamas coastline features 32-miles of white-sand beaches, so you can’t go wrong with the beaches in Gulf Shores.
The cost of hotels here is a little higher, averaging around $200-$400 a night, and Airbnb’s are around the same price– $350. Some of the best activities in Gulf Shores include the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge and Gulf State Park. Many visitors also enjoy spending time on the water with group tours or renting their boats for jet skiing or fishing activities. Other activities to keep in mind for your visit include parasailing, dolphin watching, deep-sea fishing, and more.
10. Cape May, New Jersey
Known for its boardwalks, Victorian buildings, and beaches, Cape May is known as one of the best beaches on the Midatlantic Coast. If you’re more of an active beachgoer, you’ll love the sand volleyball on Steger Beach. Otherwise, swimmers and sun tanners will love the more relaxed atmosphere at Higbee Beach in Cape May.
Rooms book up fast here, but hotels cost $150-$300, and Airbnb’s averages around $350 a night. If you’re looking for a great restaurant with a rooftop bar, Harry’s Ocean Bar and Grille is a local favorite. Other favorites include The Rusty Nail and Hot Dog Tommys. Finally, if you’re looking for activities beyond exploring this beautiful town, Cape May National Wildlife Refuge is a great stop, and the Cape May Lighthouse is a great vantage point.
11. Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach may be a small town by the sea, but it is a beautiful art town that features a stunning coastline in this town full of art galleries, shopping, restaurants, and hotels. Guests will appreciate having everything within walking distance from the beach. Almost four miles of beach stretch from downtown Cannon Beach with Haystack Rock towering 235 feet at the edge of the shore.
Many hotels in town, and prices range from $200-$400, without many Airbnb options available. Castaways, Lazy Susan Cafe, and Driftwood Restaurant & Lounge are some of the best restaurants in town. The most popular activities in the area include many of the impressive State Parks the area offers. Some of these parks include Ecola State Park and Oswald West State Park.
12. Osage Beach, Missouri
Unlike many of the other destinations on this list, Osage Beach, Missouri, is located on a lake, not the ocean. As a result, this location will surprise you. It’s located directly on the Lake of the Ozarks State Park and features fantastic beaches and activities for guests, making for a cheap beach vacation.
You can snag a room in Osage Beach for $100-$200 a night, and the average Airbnb is around $200 a night. Some of the best beachfront restaurants include Readhead Lakeside View, JB Hook’s, and Dog Day’s Bar and Grill. Popular activities in Osage Beach mostly surround spending the day on the lake on boats. Nearby rentals are available. Other activities include golfing and natural wonders such as the Stark Caverns.
13. Santa Cruz, California
Santa Cruz is another California beach town known for its surf and beaches. Visitors will love the history and sunny beaches here. The main Boardwalk beach is the most popular in Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz beach and boardwalk are listed as a California Historical Landmark, so don’t miss it!
Hotels in the city range from $200-$400, and the average Airbnb costs $225. The main attraction in Santa Cruz is the boardwalk, which includes many popular restaurants. The best boardwalk restaurants include Coasters Bar and Grill, and Surf City Grill. While you’re on the boardwalk, don’t miss out on the famous “The Giant Dipper” roller coaster. This roller coaster has been running for over 90 years since it first opened in 1924. It’s a fan favorite, and a do not miss while you’re in town!
14. Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks are a line of barrier islands located off the state of North Carolina. It is known for its state parks, shipwreck diving locations, and beaches; it makes a fantastic affordable beach vacation destination. Nags Head is the most popular beach on the Outer Banks and is 12 miles long. There’s also a great pier here that makes for a wonderful fishing spot.
Depending on which island you stay on and the star quality of the hotel, prices range from $100-$300 a night in the Outer Banks. Airbnb rentals average around $200 a night. Other great activities in the Outer Banks include outdoor exploration at places like Jockey’s Ridge State Park and Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Both of these locations offer visitors the ability to connect with nature and explore the best of what the Outer Banks offers.
15. Wildwoods, New Jersey
Wildwoods is known for being a resort city on the New Jersey Coast. Perfect for cheap beach vacations, this destination is full of sunshine, food, and fun. The beaches at Wildwoods stretch for 5 miles, are free for beachgoers and have been voted the best beaches in the U.S. There’s also a great boardwalk here, so don’t miss it while you head to the beach!
Hotel rooms are super affordable, ranging from $100-$200 a night. Airbnbs are a little more, averaging around $340 a night. That’s primarily due to entire houses being available for rent. If you’re looking for a great bite to each right on the beach, don’t miss Stubborn Brothers Beach Bar and Grille. Morey’s Piers and Beachfront Waterparks is a nearby activity for those looking for a little extra fun while they’re by the beach. There’s also Splash Zone offering another waterpark to play at.
There are so many great places across the United States to plan your cheap beach vacations, but it all depends on what you want to do. Hopefully, with the help of this article, you were able to narrow down what affordable destination you’d like to travel to.
Where are you planning on going for your next vacation?
Are you looking to take a cheap beach vacation soon? These destinations across the United States offer gorgeous beaches with inexpensive accommodations and activities for your next trip. In this article, you’ll find 15 affordable beach destinations in the USA to help you plan.
