Last updated on May 5th, 2024
In search of cheap places to travel with beaches? Here are some of the most affordable beaches to visit this summer.
Summer is here, and it’s BLAZING hot. And the best way to cool down is by chilling in the ocean. But I know I’m not the only one noticing the rising prices of almost everything. And unfortunately, that might mean traveling is the last thing on your mind.
However, as someone who thrives on traveling on a budget, I’m here to tell you that you can enjoy the beach this summer without breaking the bank. You’ll discover some of the cheapest beaches from the east to the west coast.
After reading about these cheap beach vacations in the U.S., you’ll have that beach trip booked in no time.
This post is all about cheap places to travel with beaches.
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Cheap Places to Travel with Beaches
1. Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach, located on the east coast, is easily one of the most affordable beaches in the U.S.
With its booming dining scene, 3-mile boardwalk full of fun attractions, and rich history, Virginia Beach is an extremely popular beach destination—and it happens to be super family-friendly!
However, if this is a no-kids vacation, there are several districts to enjoy the thriving nightlife: Oceanfront (the central nightlife hub), Chesapeake Bay, and Town Center, just to name a few.
When you’re not exploring all the activities the town offers, you can enjoy the FREE beach during the day. All you need is your bathing suit, sunscreen (have to protect your skin!), a beach towel, sunshades, and you’re set!
2. Cape May, New Jersey
Cape May, New Jersey, is the next destination on our list of cheap places to travel with beaches. Not only is this destination affordable, but it also has some of the world’s best beaches. And it welcomes all beachgoers, as it is the perfect combination of relaxation and recreation.
If you enjoy history, another free activity is exploring the historic Victorian houses located throughout the city. Visitors can also take advantage of the many nature trails or simply spend the evening dolphin or whale watching.
Cape May is also well-known for its delicious restaurants and excellent wine. The area also has a famous Food & Wine Festival, where visitors can enjoy great food and experience wine tastings.
3. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Making our way down the East Coast is Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Like Virginia Beach, Myrtle Beach has a boardwalk with fun activities for both adults and children.
The area also includes amusement parks, arcade games, and restaurants. Also, on Oceans Boulevard, you’ll find beach bars and neon-lit attractions.
As South Carolina is relatively cheap compared to other states in the U.S., the beach is definitely an excellent option for those wanting to experience the beach on a budget. And even if you’re running low on funds, you can snag a souvenir for cheap in one of the gift shops on the boardwalk.
Whether it’s just you and some friends or the whole family, Myrtle Beach is a fantastic spot for pocket-friendly fun!
4. Huntington Beach, California
One of the much cheaper places to visit in California is Huntington Beach. As the city’s nickname suggests, Surf City USA is especially great for those who like to surf. I would also recommend this beach to anyone looking for a relaxing beach vacation.
When you’re done with the beach—however, with these views, I doubt that’s even possible—you can explore other free activities. These include checking out the nature center, fishing, strolling down the public trails, and much more!
If you’re lucky, you may just run into one of the local beach events, such as a concert, beach yoga, mixers, and more.
5. Pensacola, Florida
I love Pensacola Beach. Why? Because this city offers crystal clear waters and sandy beaches on a budget! Yes, please!
Pensacola is one of the less populated beaches on the Emerald Coast, which means you’ll have more of the beach to yourself. As we all know, crowds can be pretty obnoxious sometimes, so this beach city is ideal for those looking for a more peaceful experience.
Visitors enjoy many watersports, such as snorkeling, jet skiing, parasailing, and more. In addition, if you get hungry, several restaurants and beach bars are spread out along the 8-mile stretch.
So, spend a day on the water, and then you can explore the historic downtown, where you’ll find art museums, cute shops, and yummy treats. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on this!
6. San Diego, California
Next is another relatively cheap beach destination in California, San Diego. Besides lower costs, you can expect a much more relaxed vibe in this city than in others in the state.
And to top it all off, San Diego is known to have some of the prettiest beaches in the country! I mean, does it get any better than that?! Well, yes, it actually does.
The weather is perfect nearly all year long, so if summer is too soon for you, you can make this a fall or winter beach trip. Or you can simply go multiple times a year, whatever floats your boat.
While in this gorgeous city, try some of the delicious eateries around town. And if you’re feeling up to it, rent a bike and join the many cyclists on the trails around Mission Bay or San Diego Bay.
7. San Juan, Puerto Rico
Although this beach isn’t in the U.S., it is a U.S. territory and much more affordable than you might imagine. And because it’s U.S. territory, you don’t need a passport to visit.
Check out my post on other Beautiful Places to Travel Without a Passport.
Just a short flight from major cities in the U.S., San Juan has all the gorgeous sights of the Caribbean, clear waters, rich Spanish history, delicious food, and so much more. And while you can make this a very low-expense trip, you can also make it more high-end by staying in some of the island’s luxury resorts.
Puerto Rico is an excellent location for adventure, relaxation, thrills, and everything in between.
8. Cannon Beach, Oregon
Next on the list, way up on the West Coast, is Cannon Beach, Oregon. Roughly about an hour & a half from Portland, this beach offers a much different experience than the usual beach destination.
Rather than sunbathing on the beach, travelers are more likely to visit to experience the incredible natural land. Naturally, Cannon Beach sits right on the coast of the Pacific Ocean and is a great spot to see the gorgeous view of the western coastline.
Haystack Rock is the most notable landmark in Oregon and attracts several visitors annually. During low tide, you can get close and inspect the rock in further detail and even grab a selfie or two!
And just 11 minutes down the road is Ecola State Park, where many people enjoy free activities like hiking, biking, or exploring nature.
9. South Padre Island, Texas
South Padre Island is a much lesser-known beach located on the very edge of Texas, but it is an excellent option for a budget-friendly beach vacation. The warm, clear Gulf waters remain a massive attraction for many travelers. Due to the calm waters, this beach is ideal for snorkeling, swimming, and just about any watersport.
However, South Padre Island is a trendy spring-breaker destination, so I would avoid visiting around March unless you want to join the fun. Any other time, the island is pretty chill during the day and has a thriving nightlife when the sun goes down.
In addition to the bustling nightlife, you can also go fishing, shopping, or exploring the island. Whatever you choose, there’s lots of fun to be had here.
10. Daytona Beach, Florida
The next affordable beach resides in the Sunshine State – Daytona Beach. Miles and miles of pristine waters have hundreds of people flocking to Daytona Beach every year. And if it’s not the beach they’re hopping to, it’s to see a race at the Daytona International Speedway.
You can expect loads of people enjoying water sports, swimming in the water, biking, or tanning in the sun. And this beach happens to be a family-friendly spot as well.
So, whether you’re traveling with a few friends, the whole family, or alone, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
11. Tybee Island, Georgia
Located right on the edge of Georgia, Tybee Island has almost three miles of gorgeous sandy beaches! For years, the small town has brought joy and rejuvenation to locals and visitors alike.
Like any beach destination, you can enjoy many summer activities here, such as sunbathing, fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, and other fun water sports. Plus, the food is amazing. I mean, really? What more could you ask for?
The beaches are beautiful, the food is delicious, and the locals are friendly. You definitely can’t go wrong making Tybee Island you’re summer getaway destination.
12. Orange Beach, Alabama
Another fantastic cheap beach vacation located in the South is Orange Beach, Alabama. This beach sits right on the Gulf of Mexico, so you can expect beautiful waters and white sand all around.
Orange Beach has been a top affordable family beach destination for years. The beach offers dolphin cruises, fishing charters, plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, and more—all for a reasonable price. So, if you’re looking for somewhere to take the kids this summer, Orange Beach is an excellent contender.
13. Panama City Beach, Florida
The next affordable beach destination in the USA is Panama City Beach in Florida. For years, this beach has been named one of the top beaches in the entire United States. With gorgeous, clear blue water and white sand as far as the eye goes, it’s certainly hard to compete with Panama City Beach.
Despite its popularity, the beach remains one of the most affordable in the US, which is excellent for those balling on a budget. Am I right?
Besides its stunning beauty, Panama City Beach offers loads of fun activities such as watersports, hiking, exploring wildlife, and more. This is one vacation spot you definitely don’t want to miss!
14. Ocean City, Maryland
Ocean City, Maryland, is another family-friendly beach destination in the US that should not be missed. Surfing and fishing are just some of the popular activities to do on this Atlantic shoreline. And with its Boardwalk and various amusement parks, it’s a top vacation spot for the entire family.
You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to grab some delicious seafood and shop in the cute boutique stores scattered around the town.
Although Ocean City is listed here as a great summer vacation destination, it’s a really awesome place to visit year-round. There are all kinds of events happening all the time. So, even if you can’t make it during the summer, you can visit some other time and still have a blast!
15. Nags Head, North Carolina
Nags Head, North Carolina, is the final destination on our list of cheap places to travel with beaches. This beach town is best known for having the largest dunes on the East Coast.
As well as being one of the top locations for family vacations. So, if you’re looking for something cheap and fun for the family, this is it!
Like many other towns on this list, Nags Head offers many water sports, swimming opportunities, shopping, and much more. It’s a wonderful beach town for some summer fun.
Final Thoughts: Cheap Beach Vacations in the US
As you can see, there are several lovely and affordable beaches to visit this summer in the US, from the East to the West Coast. So, even if you’re balling on a budget, you can still enjoy a nice beach vacation this year! You just gotta know where to go 😉
Stay blessed, lovelies! Wishing you safe & happy travels!
~Jacquelyn
This post is all about cheap places to travel with beaches.
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