The U.S. is full of great options for beach vacations, but some may want that beach trip on a smaller budget. If you’re dreaming of a cheap beach vacation that won’t break the bank, these coastal gems range from historic hamlets to serene escapes on lesser-known sandy shores. There are plenty of beach towns across the country, but these affordable options blends maritime history, natural beauty, adventurous activities and serenity. From a relaxing romantic romp to an active family vacation, these are places where you can get the biggest bang for your buck. Dip your toes in the sand with these 11 affordable beaches vacations in the U.S.
1. Tybee Island, GA
Known as “Savannah’s Beach,” Tybee is steeped in Southern charm and American history. The barrier island is just 20 minutes from Savannah, which is full of things to do in its own regard. Wander around Fort Pulaski National Monument to learn why this island was of strategic importance during the Civil War. Climb the 178 circular steps of the Tybee Island Lighthouse for panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the mouth of the Savannah River and across Tybee Island. The 18th-century lighthouse is Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse. The 145-foot-tall lighthouse is still an active navigational aid.
There are also several historic keeper’s cottages in Tybee Island’s Fort Screven district. I enjoyed touring the Head Keeper’s Cottage built in 1881 and decorated as it would have likely looked in the late 1800s. Stop in the colorful Shops at Tybee Oaks for artisan souvenirs to refuel in the funky Tybean Art & Coffee Bar. The island’s sandy dunes and salty marshes are home to over 211 bird species making it a birder’s paradise. One of the prime birding spots is Little Tybee Island, an uninhabited island just south of Tybee. Paddle a kayak through the salt marshes, take a boat tour to spot dolphins, bike around the island or simply relax on Tybee’s wide beaches.
2. Jacksonville, FL
This is a trifecta beach experience of an island getaway, an urban beach and one of the most historic cities in America. Head out to Amelia Island, one of the nation’s many great state parks, to enjoy 13 miles of pristine beaches for an affordable cost. You could also travel just a bit north to wander around the historic district of Fernandina Beach, enjoying the Victorian architecture and boutique shops.
Known as the “Flip Side of Florida,” Jacksonville is the largest city by landmass in the contiguous United States, including 22 miles of white-sandy beaches. Enjoy the laidback vibe of Jacksonville Beach as a base camp for your stay. If you’re an early riser, sunrises are spectacular from the beach. Catch a wave surfing at Atlantic Beach or see lions, tigers and other animals at Catty Shack Ranch, a wildlife sanctuary.
I recommend spending a morning exploring two National Park Service sites in Jacksonville: the Fort Caroline National Memorial and the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. Have lunch on the porch at Palms Fish Camp on your way to wander around Kingsley Plantation, the birthplace of African American archaeology. Do the easy half-mile hike to Boneyard Beach where driftwood looks like bones in an elephant graveyard. After your hike take the St. John’s River Ferry from Fort George Island for a 5-minute ride to Mayport Landing instead of an hour's drive through the city. Head to Neptune Beach for happy hour and dinner and have a drink at Pete’s Bar, the first bar in Duval County to “legally” reopen after Prohibition. Save room for a sweet treat at Cookies and Crème, known for their creative ice cream cookies, sinfully good cookies and over-the-top milkshakes.
3. St. Augustine, FL
Here you could spend some time in Guana Tolomato Matanzas (GTM) National Estuarine Research Reserve, where Ponce de Leon first sighted Florida in 1513, believed to be just offshore. I recommend going on a guided eco-tour or renting a kayak or paddleboard to explore some of the northernmost mangrove habitats in the United States in the unbridled area between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. From December to March, you might spot endangered North Atlantic Right Whales.
After exploring GTM Reserve, have lunch at Aunt Kate’s Restaurant where they’ve been serving local seafood for over 100 years along the Intracoastal Waterway. Head to Fort Mose State Park to go on the self-guided Flight to Freedom Trail in the 40-acre waterfront park preserving the first free-slave settlement in America.
In St. Augustine, America’s oldest city, visiting the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is a must. Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is rich in history and the Castillo, the oldest masonry fortification in the continental United States, was originally built by the Spanish to defend Florida and the Atlantic trade route. During your visit take the Old Town Trolley or walk the cobblestone streets of the historic downtown. Enjoy the city’s spirited side with a tour at St. Augustine Distillery to sample their award-winning bourbon and Florida cane vodka. As one of the most haunted cities in Florida, St. Augustine can be considered spirited in another sense as well, with activities like ghost tours abound.
4. Pensacola, FL
Military history blends with white sand beaches and emerald waters in this coastal town along Florida’s Emerald Coast. The prime place to see some military heritage is the Naval Aviation Museum. With more than 4,000 artifacts and over 150 restored aircraft, it’s one of the largest aviation museums in the world. If you’re lucky, you might catch the U.S. Navy Blue Angels practicing their flight demonstrations at the museum while flying over Pensacola Beach. Take a half day to explore historic Fort Pickens in the Gulf Islands National Seashore and my favorite area of the island. Rent a kayak from Outdoor Gulf Coast for a paddling adventure in nearby Big Lagoon State Park to experience saltwater marshes and pine flatwoods. Crabbing and birding are also popular in Big Lagoon. The Gulf Islands National Seashore is ideal for nature lovers.
On the mainland, wander through the vibrant downtown to peruse boutiques and art galleries or to sample delicacies in its numerous seafood restaurants. Pensacola has an interesting nickname. It’s called “The City of Five Flags” because it’s been governed by Spain, France, Britian, the Confederacy and the United States. Learn about the area’s past in the historic Pensacola Village. Going on one of the Historic House Tours is the only way to see inside some of the colonial homes. Self-guided tours of the museums are a great way to learn about Pensacola’s colonial past.
5. Biloxi, MS
Situated where the Mississippi River flows into the Gulf, bet on Biloxi to roll the dice during your beach vacation. There are eight first-class casinos in this coastal town on the Mississippi Sound, however, I recommend visiting the Biloxi Lighthouse where you’ll climb the 57 stairs for panoramic views. It was one of the first lighthouses made from cast iron in the South when it was built in 1848 and is one of the most photographed sites on the Gulf Coast.
When you’re not relaxing on white sandy beaches, go on an expedition with Biloxi Shrimping Trip to discover why Biloxi was once known as the “Seafood Capital of the World.” Just an hour and a half away, New Orleans is close enough for a day trip. After you take a sunset sail on the Biloxi Schooner, catch a show at one of the casinos. There are plenty of nearby options for different appetites, such as getting your seafood fix at The Reef. Grab breakfast or brunch at Le Café Beignet, a locals’ favorite. I indulged with a honeycomb au lait and the homemade beignets. Work off the splurge by exploring the coastal city’s past on a historic downtown Biloxi walking tour.
6. Bayfield, WI
For a coastal feel with a freshwater twist, Bayfield is located on the shores of Lake Superior. This historic maritime trade town is the gateway to Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Take the 3-mile ferry to Madeline Island, the largest of the Apostle Islands, for a day trip where you can stroll through galleries and artisan shops like Madeline Island Candles in the only town on the island or enjoy 2 miles of unspoiled beaches in Big Bay State Park. If you’re more adventurous, you can book a kayak tour to sea caves carved over centuries by Lake Superior’s waves, whereas if want to learn to sail, book with Superior Charters. I did their 3-night experience to learn the ins and outs of sailing. Go for hike in Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and picnic by a stream or lake in Wisconsin’s Northwoods. For other nearby things to do, you can wander around the quaint town popping in its plethora of shops or you can pick your own berries or apples at local farms.
It’s also an unexpected wellness destination. Focus on your health at Wild Rice Retreat while staying in their Scandinavian-inspired lodging. You can go solo, on a guided retreat or on a curated group getaway for a transformational stay. Grab a latte at Wonderstate Coffee, or enjoy a casual sit-down breakfast at ManyPenny. For lunch and dinner options, you can’t go wrong with one of their wood stone over pizzas. To dine with a lake view, try Landmark Restaurant or The Bayfield Inn. For evening fun, head to Big Top Chautauqua, the 900-seat tent venue for nearly 40 years.
7. Port Aransas, TX
Just north of Corpus Christi, Port Aransas or Port A as locals call it, is on Mustang Island, a barrier island on the Texas Gulf Coast. The laid-back beach town is known for its friendly vibe and excellent fishing, dubbed the “Fishing Capital of Texas.” Go on a deep-sea fishing excursion or simply cast a line from the beach, or choose to learn about the town’s seafaring roots at the Port Aransas Museum. You could also look for birds at the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center. Spend a day or night at Mustang Island State Park to enjoy its 18 miles of unspoiled beaches perfect for swimming, picnicking or stargazing. Texas has no shortage of great beach options, and Mustang Island State Park is no exception.
Start the day with some sweet goodies from Donut Palace. At La Playa Mexican Grille order ceviche or the island nachos topped with crab. At The Phoenix Restaurant, save room for their decadent coconut pie while enjoying dinner with a sunset view on their patio. Enjoy some retail therapy at Cita and Roam, two of Port A’s cute boutiques. Built in 1937-1938, the Chapel on the Dunes is the oldest consecrated church on Mustang Island. Free guided chapel tours are offered on the first and third Saturday of each month. Take an early morning ferry to St. Joseph’s Island or St. Joe’s, to explore an uninhabited island once a haven for pirates. Port A also has a charming art scene and vibrant festivals like the Texas SandFest not to be missed.
8. Cannon Beach
Known for its iconic rock formations, this beach is less than 1.5 hours from Portland. Rising 235 feet, the basalt sea stack of Haystack Rock is one of Oregon’s best beaches. It’s also known to be one of its most recognizable sites, especially since it was featured in movies like The Goonies. Explore the colorful tidepools, especially during the intertidal zone one hour before daily low tides. From early spring to mid-summer, you can see Tufted Puffins. To soak in the dramatic scenery of an old-growth rainforest along the picturesque coastline, hit the trail in Ecola State Park. It’s a prime place to catch migrating whales mid-March to mid-April and mid-December to mid-January. From Ecola Point, you get a great view of Tillamook Rock Lighthouse from the park.
Take a surf lesson at Indian Beach or just enjoy watching surfers ride the waves. Less than an hour away, take a tour of Tillamook Creamery. Just 45 minutes away in Astoria, you can explore Lewis and Clark National Historical Park where you can see history come alive at Fort Clatsop, go on a ranger led kayak tour, hike or fish. Start your day with a scratch made pastry and latte at Sea Level Coffee or get a hearty bowl of chowder at Mo’s Seafood and Chowder, a family-owned restaurant for over 75 years. Then you could take a self-guided public art walking tour. With scenic views and activities abound Cannon Beach is considered one of the top art towns in the Northwest.
9. Hilo, HI
One of the best ways to experience Hawaii Island is to drive its ring road staying a couple of nights in Hilo. Less than 2 hours from Kona, it’s on the island’s east side, also known as the island’s “green” side since the lush area is filled with waterfalls nestled in stunning rainforests. Rainbow Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in all of Hawaii, with the 80-foot waterfall sitting in front of a natural lava cave. On a sunny day, you can see rainbows appear in the mist.
One of my favorite stops was the self-guided walking tour to see Akaka Falls, the highest freefalling water in Hawaii. Don’t miss the Boiling Pots, a series of pot-shaped holes eroded into Mauna Loa lava flow filled by the Wailuku River channel more than 10,000 years ago. If you’re up for a short hike, the secluded Wailuku River Falls are about 1.5 miles up from the Boiling Pots. Pop into Mr. Ed’s Bakery for coffee and a cinnamon roll. Grab takeaway lunch at Verna’s III Drive-In for a picnic and snorkeling at Richardson Ocean Park with black sand, lava rocks, tide pools and grassy areas, as it’s a locals’ favorite. Another dining option is to enjoy a casual dinner at Mohala’s Bayfront Fish and Chips. From Hilo, you can easily do day trips to enjoy Punalu’u Black Sand Beach where you can spot sea turtles or to do the ultra-scenic Chain of Craters drive in Volcanoes National Park.
10. Traverse City, MI
This summer paradise has several beaches along Grand Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan for freshwater fun. Go on a fishing adventure or take a ferry to Manitou Islands followed by a fun lunch in Fishtown filled with historic fishing shanties. Try Michigan wine at any of the more than 50 wineries in the Traverse City region. Cruise Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive or attempt the Dune Climb at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, less than 40 minutes away. Located on the 45th Parallel, Traverse City is halfway between the equator and North Pole.
11. Galveston, TX
For a taste of island life with affordable waterfront hotels, this historic spot sits less than an hour from Houston. Head to the quieter side of the island for birding, fishing or kayaking in Galveston Island State Park. Stay where you play at Moody Gardens where you can enjoy a round of golf, relax in the spa and explore a variety of attractions. Don’t miss seeing the otters in the Rainforest Pyramid or penguins in the Aquarium Pyramid. Discover Galveston’s history on a guided or self-guided walk through downtown. Don’t miss seeing Texas and American West artifacts in the Bryan Museum or touring the Moody Mansion completed in 1895.
From the charming historic streets of St. Augustine to beautiful freshwater shores of Bayfield, these beach destinations are memorable getaways without the hefty price tag. Have fun exploring these incredible and affordable coastal escapes.