Photo by Deborah Kolb at Shutterstock
Nothing completes the word vacation like a long stretch of beautiful sandy beaches. But if you think that means breaking the bank, think again! Many of the most fantastic beach vacations are surprisingly low-budget.
From inexpensive family vacations filled with amusement parks to romantic small towns perfect for long walks on the beach and fun vacation spots for singles, our country offers plenty of affordable beach vacation ideas if you know where to look.
We’ve created a list to round up your best options from coast to coast!
And while we’re recommending 7 of the most low-budget hotels to stay in each area, you might also want to check out the beach house rentals, affordable Airbnbs, vacation cabins, and all-inclusive resorts.
So, what are you waiting for? Choose your favorite spot, grab your camera, sunscreen, towels, and beach umbrella…and hit the road!
Yes, you can have fun without burning a hole in your pockets!
Ensconced on the shores of Lake Superior, Marquette is home to 77 waterfalls, scenic Marquette Bay, and some beautifully historic architecture. There is a neverending supply of sandy beaches, including McCarty’s Cove and Little Presque Isle Beach.
Generally speaking, it’s a beautiful area for kayaking, especially around the Black Rocks of Presque Isle. It also happens to be a fantastic area for hiking. But where should you stay?
Well, that all depends on what you want: The area is home to a few scenic campsites and many low-budget hotels. The Superior Stay Hotel has affordable prices, complimentary breakfast, and off-site activities like bowling and canoeing available.
You might not consider the California coast very low-budget when it comes to beach vacation towns. But it’s actually home to lots of affordable hidden gems, including the charming seaside village of Cambria.
Located along the scenic California Highway 1 Discovery Route, this town is one of the best-kept secrets on the Pacific Coast. The town has architecture dating back to the late 1800s, and Moonstone Beach Boardwalk is a mile-long, ADA-accessible path along the beach.
Other area highlights include 100 roaming Clydesdales at Covell Ranch, Hearst Castle, and incredible wineries like Stolo Family Vineyards.
While visiting this charming low-budget beach town, treat yourself to a slice of the famed olallieberry pie at Linn’s Restaurant. And bear in mind that there are no chain hotels in Cambria, but many wonderful, affordable lodging options DO exist.
One of the best is Oceanpoint Ranch, located right at Moonstone Beach. You’ll find ranch-themed rooms featuring upscale touches like wood-burning fireplaces and vaulted ceilings.
People who travel to Wildwood enjoy all the amenities you’ll find at more expensive beach towns but in a low-budget kind of way. Here, you’ll be greeted with five miles of beautiful sandy beach and a two-mile boardwalk with many shops, food shops, and arcades.
If you’ve got the kiddies with you, head over to Morey’s Piers and Beachfront Water Parks for some waterslide fun and almost 100 amusement park rides. For lodging, one of the best low-budget options in town is the Riviera Resort & Suites.
Kids will love the pool, but most importantly, it’s right across from the beach. It may just become your new go-to if you fall in love with this place.
This low-budget option combines long stretches of beaches with unique attractions, including the Lincoln City Glass Center, where visitors can buy art pieces or work with an artist to create their own masterpieces.
The same artists also make the glass globes for Lincoln City’s Finders Keepers, a program in which gorgeous glass floats are placed on the beach for lucky tourists to find and take home.
If you didn’t bring a surfboard, you can rent one and even take lessons at Safari Town Surf shop. But if surfing’s not your thing, they also rent out kayaks, bikes, and much more. After a day on the beach, be sure to stop by The 101 Burger to enjoy the best hamburgers in town.
This inexpensive beach town has many beautiful options for lodging, including beach house rentals and hotels at various price ranges.
We recommend staying on the beach at the Surftides Lincoln City, with amenities like a restaurant, fire pits, a sports court, an indoor pool, and a jacuzzi. Pack your beach bag and head to the shore for some beach fun NOW!
Huntington Beach has long been a hot spot and is known as Surf City, USA. It’s a mecca for surfers of any and all ages and abilities, so you don’t have to be a pro to surf the waves!
Lessons and equipment rental are available for people and groups at the Banzai Surf School, an accredited National Surf Schools & Instructors Association member.
But for the beachgoers who would prefer to catch some sun rather than catch a wave, you can lounge around on a beach towel along 10 miles of Huntington Beach’s stunning, not to mention award-winning sandy shoreline.
Feel like stretching your legs? Beach volleyball is a popular waterfront sport here, and tournaments are held all throughout the year. Tourists can also hit up one of the concession stands along the beach for bicycle rentals and some yummy burger baskets.
Lake Chelan is a popular vacation destination for those living in Washington. And we’re not surprised. This 55-mile-long lake is a beauty, and it’s entirely encircled by delightful vineyards and beautiful mountains.
Considered of the most dazzling lakes in the US for swimming, it’s also a big destination for fishing, camping, and wine tasting. The area also boasts the recently opened Lakeside Surf, a surfing facility home to the world’s largest standing wave.
Families also love spending a day or two at Slidewaters Waterpark, strolling the walking trails at Chelan Riverwalk Park, and enjoying the delicious, gourmet pies at Local Myth Pizza.
And don’t worry! There are many reasonably priced hotels in town, as well, including the Apple Inn Motel, which has a shuttle service, pool, and guest barbecue facilities!
We probably won’t find this beautiful location on your bucket list. But trust us, it’s worth a visit! You can find it along Florida’s Atlantic Coast just a short drive north of Daytona Beach. Think you’ve heard the name before?
Ormond Beach’s claim to fame is being the “Birthplace of Speed,” where Henry Ford first tested his automotive inventions. Nowadays, this beach location hosts a bunch of annual events with reenactments of its early racing days along the sandy speedways.
Nonetheless, Ormond still maintains its small-town serenity and doesn’t allow vehicles on the beach’s northern end. While here, you can spend your day swimming and sunbathing, or you can go canoeing and fishing.
Ormond Beach accommodates a variety of budgets, with options like upscale vacation rentals, but also low-budget motels.
With some careful planning, many beach destinations can be more affordable. Knowing when to go, where to stay, and how to get around on a low-budget can make these gorgeous places the perfect addition to your travel bucket list.
However, if you want something budget-friendly, but beaches aren’t really your style, we’ve got a few more amazing options for you. Check out: 12 Great Low-Budget Places To Visit In The US
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