12 best budget beach destinations in the US
Editor's Note
Island-hopping around French Polynesia or retreating to a luxurious beach house in the Hamptons doesn't tally with everyone's budget — especially this summer.
Airfares will once again surpass pre-pandemic averages, according to the travel forecasting site Hopper, and, as anyone looking to book a beach vacation this summer will testify, sky-high prices may put a damper on travel. Hotel data provider STR anticipates U.S. hotel rates will increase by 2% this year, meaning rates will remain high.
Budget travelers anxious for a sun-and-sand getaway may wonder if they can afford a seaside escape.
However, certain beach destinations are more affordable than others, and it's totally feasible to have a great cheap beach vacation if you select the right spot.
Here are some of the best budget beach vacations in the U.S. for those wanting a relaxing oceanfront or lakefront getaway without breaking the bank.
Related: US beach destinations to visit this summer
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer more than 32 miles of white sand along Alabama's Gulf coast. Lodging is as affordable as it gets, with six campgrounds in close proximity to the expansive stretch of shoreline.
The area caters to budget travelers — its tourism website even offers wallet-friendly themed blog posts about cheap and free things to do or where to get lunch for less than $15.
Also, a day at Gulf State Park is all about low-cost fun. Visitors can enjoy sprawling beaches, a nature center and dedicated fishing areas. They can even cycle throughout the park's 6,000 acres thanks to a bike-sharing program (complimentary for up to three hours). Another draw: Parking only costs $10 per day.
Where to stay: If you are a Hilton loyalist (or camping isn't your thing), earn or redeem points at The Lodge at Gulf State Park, A Hilton Hotel. It has a secluded location overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, an infinity-edge swimming pool and access to more than 28 miles of trails. Low-season rates start at just $109 or 36,000 Hilton Honors points per night. Expect to pay around $300 per night (or 70,000 points) during the peak summer season, though.
Related: Skip crowded Florida beaches and head to this Gulf Coast paradise instead
The Outer Banks, North Carolina
Home to Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the Outer Banks is ideal for all types of travelers.
Traveling with the family? The Outer Banks has several skate parks where your teens and tweens can hang out for free. For travelers who want to brave the swells, a handful of surf shops offer weekly board rentals for as low as $69 — they'll even deliver to your accommodation for free.
Where to stay: With close to 20 different campgrounds and recreational vehicle parks (some costing as low as $30 per night), plus many home rentals for less than $200 per night, visitors don't have to overspend to enjoy around 175 miles of barrier island fun.
South Padre Island, Texas
South Padre Island has a reputation for being a busy spring break spot, but this Texas barrier island is ideal for nature enthusiasts on a budget. It's home to the 43-acre South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center, which features a butterfly garden, a five-story bird-watching observation tower, a boardwalk and an alligator sanctuary, all accessible for $10 for adults and $5 for kids ages 4 to 12.
South Padre Island also hosts a number of complimentary festivities, such as frequent firework displays, Sandcastle Days and music-themed events on the beach, like bongo drumming nights.
Where to stay: The oceanfront Courtyard South Padre Island has simple, modern rooms, a saltwater swimming pool and a lively outpost of the popular Bar Louie gastro-pub chain. Rates start at $101 or 15,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. You can also book a room at one of the smaller inns or bed-and-breakfast accommodations in the area, which are often less than $100 per night.
Grand Isle, Louisiana
Visitors to the barrier island of Grand Isle can enjoy white-sand beaches and warm waters (almost) year-round. At Grand Isle State Park, free activities include hiking along miles of nature trails and fishing, which is considered the best in the state. Rent canoes, bikes and paddleboats for a small fee at the park office.
Fishing rodeos at the Bridge Side Marina draw anglers from across Louisiana. There are several fishing shops from which to choose, so rates for baits, poles, hooks and even chartered fishing tours remain low thanks to plenty of competition.
Where to stay: With around 50 premium campsites and 14 beach tent campsites, there's a camping experience to fit every style of traveler, regardless of budget. As a result, even those who want to sleep on the beach will find an option ideal for them.
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Rehoboth Beach is a picturesque stretch of sand fronting the Atlantic Ocean. Budget travelers can soak up rays and swim in the sea during the day before enjoying music and entertainment at night. The Rehoboth Beach Bandstand has hosted free concerts since 1963.
Where to stay: For travelers on a budget, there are many motels like Comfort Inn and Econo Lodge in the area. There are also a Fairfield Inn and a Residence Inn (both by Marriott), where cash-poor, points-rich visitors can stay for as low as 33,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Luquillo, Puerto Rico
Once you've explored Old San Juan, skip the nearby beach in Condado, a pricier spot with luxe hotels and trendy Miami vibes. Instead, head east for about 45 minutes to the golden sands of Luquillo.
Here, you can trade high-rise hotels for palm trees and bask in the authentic sights and sounds of real Puerto Rico, such as reggaeton played from the back of a truck. For lunch, stroll over to the famous Luquillo kiosks that front the beach. You can choose from more than 60 family-run eateries that specialize in cheap, local delicacies.
Where to stay: There are over 200 Airbnb properties in the Luquillo area, many of which cost less than $200 (or even $100) per night. It's also a quick drive to El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest on U.S. soil. Admission is free, but entrance requires a reservation.
Although pricier than other properties on this list, one of TPG's favorite Wyndham properties, the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Gold & Beach Resort, is just 5 miles from Luquillo. Rates start at $300 or 30,000 Wyndham Rewards points per night in the low season.
Related: The best hotels in Puerto Rico — find your stay on the Island of Enchantment
Ocean City, Maryland
Less than an hour south of Delaware's Rehoboth Beach, Ocean City has plenty to please active travelers and families that want more than just relaxing on 30-plus miles of sandy beach.
Although it costs to enter the Jolly Roger water parks, amusement parks, go-kart tracks and minigolf courses, prices are fairly affordable. For example, a half-day amusement park ticket starts at $29.99 for adults.
Free family-friendly activities, such as kite-flying lessons, crafts, library days and beach games for kids, are also plentiful. Additionally, visitors can enjoy fireworks and concerts every Sunday during the summer months.
Where to stay: During peak summer months, expect to pay around $250 per night for a beachfront, budget-leaning points hotel, such as the Holiday Inn Ocean City, Hampton Inn & Suites Ocean City/Bayfront-Convention Center and Home2 Suites by Hilton Ocean City Bayside.
South Haven, Michigan
South Haven is home to a number of sandy beaches along Lake Michigan. Free activities beyond the lake's sandy shores include hiking the 34-mile Kal-Haven Trail or viewing the South Haven Light, a lighthouse that is especially beautiful in the glow of dusk or dawn.
The area is dotted with wineries, too. Although tastings aren't free, many offer budget-friendly options for sampling wine, such as Gravity Winery, where you can try six different products for $15 (which is refunded with every four-bottle purchase). The winery also features live music on Sunday afternoons during the summer.
Where to stay: For affordable lodging without camping in a traditional tent, consider the wooden cabins, converted school buses and glamping tents of Kal-Haven Outpost, where rates start at $103 per night for a glamping tent (or $30 per night for traditional camping).
Cape May, New Jersey
East Coasters should consider a visit to Cape May, one of America's oldest seaside resorts. Attractions like the Cape May Promenade, Cape May County Park and both the Museum of Cape May County and the Cape May Fireman's Museum are free (donations are optional). You can enjoy many lazy beach days. Travelers can also visit South Cape May Meadows, known for bird-watching and butterfly spotting, free of charge.
Where to stay: Visitors keen to splurge can opt for one of the town's Victorian-style inns or guesthouses. For budget-conscious travelers, camping resorts offer RV sites, safari tents, tiny houses and cabin rentals (complete with shared amenities like pools or recreation areas) at a much lower price.
Panama City Beach, Florida
This Florida seaside destination may be known as a spring break party spot, but it also caters to families and nature buffs. It offers attractions such as the 1,200-acre St. Andrews State Park, which is home to hiking trails, idyllic beaches and affordable camping facilities. Another attractive natural space is nearby Camp Helen State Park, an ideal place for beachgoers, hikers and cyclists.
Where to stay: A search on Hotels.com for Panama City Beach hotels reveals hundreds of lodging options, including motels starting at $85 per night, and a number of Wyndham, Radisson and Marriott properties costing less than $200 per night during peak summer months. That's a steal compared to other popular Florida beach destinations like Miami, Orlando and Fort Lauderdale.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Besides Myrtle Beach's 60-mile-long stretch of glittering sands, this Atlantic hub is also known for having close to 90 golf courses. Thanks to the high number of golf options, prices are competitive, making tee time affordable for avid golfers. You can play a round of golf for as low as $36 in Myrtle Beach, compared to the national average of $61 per round, according to the National Golf Foundation.
Where to stay: Airbnb has more than 1,000 home rentals available in Myrtle Beach, with the median price hovering below $150 a night for a private rental. Myrtle Beach also has nine different campgrounds, including Lakewood Camping Resort, which features an on-site water park, and the gated waterfront North Myrtle Beach RV Resort and Dry Dock Marina.
Myrtle Beach has a wide range of affordable hotels, many with luxe amenities that are quite surprising given their price tags, which often start below $200 per night.
Related: Best hotels in Myrtle Beach that family travel experts love
Ventura (San Buenaventura) Beach, California
A California beach vacation can be on the pricier side, but if you head to Ventura Beach, you may be able to do it on the cheap. Walking along Ventura Pier is a great free activity if you get tired of lounging on the sands. Or, meander along Ventura Promenade to Surfers Point at Seaside Park to admire the wave riders (or take a turn yourself).
Where to stay: Although hotels in the area can be expensive, this is the spot to visit if you want to camp on the beach. There are a number of options for both tent and RV camping, such as Emma Wood State Beach and Ventura Beach RV Resort; the latter offers unconventional options like yurt rentals complete with fire pits.