by Nothing helps you forget about the stress of everyday life like a stunning beach. The beach is a great place to go, whether you’re planning a solitary trip, a romantic break, or a family holiday. Imagine yourself playing in the sand, taking leisurely strolls on the beach, and making splashes in the sea.
If you believe that taking a beach vacation necessitates a large expenditure, you should reconsider. Every region of the nation offers affordable beach vacation destinations. Thus, if you want to avoid paying for airfare, you can definitely find something close enough for a road trip. These 12 beach locations are both lovely and reasonably priced.
Florida’s Pensacola
Spending a fortune on a sunny vacation in Florida is not necessary. Actually, if you stray a little from the beaten path, you can uncover some amazing deals. Pensacola, Florida, is a better option than a resort town. There are plenty of attractions in this quaint coastal town, including white-sand beaches, mouthwatering seafood, and reasonably priced lodging.
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Although there are several affordable hotels directly on Pensacola Beach, staying in town will allow you to save even more money. Naturally, that might place you between fifteen and twenty minutes from the shore. See the Blue Angels perform in the air or go to Historic Pensacola Village if you’re searching for something different to do.
Check travel options and deals on Pensacola Beach Travel Guide or learn about local attractions from Visit Pensacola.
Southern Carolina’s Myrtle Beach
With its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and family-friendly activities, Myrtle Beach is a wonderful place to visit. There are 50 mini-golf courses, water parks, and amusement parks all across the city. It’s not a stretch to say that it’s the “miniature golf capital of the world.” Additionally, there are live music venues, clubs, and karaoke in the energetic downtown.
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It is also a reasonably priced location. For example, there are affordable travel and hotel options. According to Vacation Myrtle Beach, resorts with nightly rates under $100 are not uncommon. Thus, you can enjoy the opulent resort experience without having to pay the opulent resort fees.
Cannon Beach, Oregon, USA
Bikinis are not necessary for every beach vacation, as the Oregon Coast demonstrates. The sandy and rocky shoreline is breathtaking, even though the weather is usually a little too chilly for swimming and tanning. Put on a sweatshirt and take a stroll through verdant woodlands or along the sandy beaches.
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In addition to the natural surroundings, Cannon Beach features unique shops, vintage stores, and art galleries. It also boasts welcoming coffee shops and cafes. After brewing yourself a cup of coffee, spend a day of inexpensive exploration in Ecola State Park, where parking is only $5.
If you’re planning a trip, check out our internal post: Budget Travel Tips for 2025 for more cost-saving hacks.
Texas: Corpus Christi
Our next inexpensive beach vacation destination is Corpus Christi in Texas. Texas offers a number of affordable holiday destinations, but Corpus Christi stands out because of its stunning beaches. Choose a reasonably priced local or chain hotel to stay just a short distance from one of those beaches.
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Enjoy some local surf culture while you explore the kilometers of coastline. You can surf waves without traveling to Hawaii or California. When you’re ready to take a break, check out the free Texas Surf Museum. The USS Lexington Museum and botanical gardens are two other low-cost attractions worth visiting.
Huntington Beach, California
Although it might not be the first place that springs to mind when considering inexpensive holiday destinations, California offers some excellent options. Consider Huntington Beach, a relaxed seaside community that may be a more affordable option than Santa Monica or Malibu.
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While you’re there, enjoy strolling around the boardwalk, beach, and downtown, basking in the sun. Swim, ride a horse, surf, or observe whales. After all, this is Surf City, USA. Enjoy a wide variety of reasonably priced dining options, such as taco shops and ice cream stores, after all that excitement.
Maryland City of Ocean City
Check out Ocean City for some wonderful nostalgia. The charming coastal town offers a glimpse of the past. For instance, the town built the three-mile boardwalk in 1902. Trimper Rides, one of the nation’s oldest amusement parks, is still in operation today.
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Eat funnel cake, caramel corn, and fries as snacks. Enjoy vintage arcade games and ride a 110-year-old carousel. And visit the beach, of course. Furthermore, Ocean City offers a large variety of reasonably priced accommodations. If you’re feeling daring, stay at a nearby campsite.
Find local lodging and attractions via Ocean City Maryland Tourism.
Puerto Rico’s San Juan
Although holidays in the Caribbean can be very expensive, it’s still possible to travel to Puerto Rico on a budget. Specifically, San Juan is a fantastic option for a number of reasons. There are inexpensive flights that travel directly to San Juan from a number of American cities, and a wide range of affordable hotels outside of opulent resorts.
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Explore Spanish forts and the Old San Juan area’s Spanish Colonial architecture. For more inspiration, read Affordable Caribbean Destinations on our site. San Juan’s gorgeous beaches and warm Caribbean waters make it an excellent choice for travelers on a budget.
Idaho’s Coeur d’Alene
Cities by the sea are not the only places with gorgeous beaches. The free city beach in Coeur d’Alene is a wonderful place to sunbathe, make sandcastles, and swim in the lake. Adjacent to the charming core of the city lies a 17-acre park that includes the beach, picnic areas, sports courts, and a lovely playground.
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For attractions and event info, visit Visit Coeur d’Alene. The city offers affordable hotels near the water and free fireworks shows on July 4th, perfect for family travelers.
Marquette, Michigan
A Midwest beach trip may appear out of the ordinary to anyone not familiar with Marquette. Marquette, though, is a lovely seaside retreat. On Lake Superior, the city boasts both rocky and sandy beaches ideal for a peaceful vacation.
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Enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking, canoeing, kayaking, or paddleboarding. According to Travel Marquette, the city has 77 waterfalls and affordable accommodations, including food trucks serving local cuisine.
Gulf Shores, Alabama
On Alabama’s Gulf Shores, you can enjoy white-sand beaches and ocean breezes. Visit the zoo or water park when you’re not strolling along the beach. If you enjoy playing golf, check out one of the several courses around the city’s coastline.
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Families who prefer to spread out and prepare their own meals will appreciate the reasonable vacation homes available in Gulf Shores. Check out Gulf Shores Tourism for trip planning tips. If inexpensive lodging is your style, you’ll find plenty of budget-friendly motels in the area.
Mississippi’s Biloxi
Biloxi is another great vacation along the Gulf Coast. There are plenty of activities to do when you want to escape the sun, including visiting historic homes and the Biloxi Lighthouse. The best part, of course, is Biloxi Beach, which is perfect for a relaxing beach day.
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Affordable hotels, vacation homes, and eateries make Biloxi an excellent option for budget travelers. Explore Cheap Beach Holidays for more ideas on saving money while traveling.
Washington’s Lake Chelan
Finally, head up to the Pacific Northwest for one more affordable destination: Lake Chelan in Washington State. Surrounded by mountains, it’s ideal for hiking and water activities. Swimming, fishing, and kayaking are all popular here.
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For travel resources, see Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce. There are plenty of affordable hotels, rentals, and campgrounds near the lake. Whether you visit in summer or early fall, it’s always breathtaking.
