Fun Cheap Beach Vacation Spots
If you’re in the market for a new summer vacation spot, you might be considering a location that’s close to home. Coastlines, lakes and parks are commonly considered first before venturing out of the country. But there are plenty of beach vacation spots located close to home that can offer fun and adventure with less cost. How do we define cheap? We consider cheap in terms of price compared to popular vacation spots, which is hard to control for county and state taxes. Our goal was to include popular beaches that did not cost more than $200 per adult for a week stay including lodging and food (not airfare). Because of this limitation, our list includes some incredibly beautiful beaches with world-renowned restaurants and accommodations that are more expensive but offer top-notch service.
If you want a relaxing and fun vacation, then you should visit the Florida Keys. The Florida Keys are located next to Florida. This is a great place to go if you are into activities like surfing, snorkeling and kayaking. While there are a lot of things to do in the Florida Keys, make sure that you have booked a hotel room before your arrival. This is because it is going to be very easy for you to find cheap hotels near this spot. If you don’t book your room in advance, then it might not be possible for you to get any when you get there. To plan all of this hassle free, read on below…
Fun Cheap Beach Vacation Spots
Americans want to enjoy their vacations, especially the summer. We work so hard when we are at work, that we deserve to spend some of our free time with our families and friends having a good time. When planning for a vacation, people want to find something that is fun for everybody. The vacation needs to be relaxing and cheap. The year was 1996. I was 11 years old, and my family had just moved to a new town so that my dad could accept a promotion at his company. We were the “new kids” in school and the feeling of dread was starting to settle in. Looking for some light at the end of the tunnel, I turning to one of my favorite TV shows of all time: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
America’s coastline is home to many fantastic beach towns, but finding one that is easy on the wallet as well as the eye can be tricky. Fortunately, we’ve managed to pick out some of the most affordable resorts that promise beach-based fun on America’s coastlines.
With its year-round sun and host of amusement parks, Florida is well represented here, although you’ll find cheap beach vacations on both sides of the US. If you’re looking for a west coast break, don’t worry, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite Californian coastal spots to choose from too.
1
Daytona Beach, Florida
Family fun on the Atlantic coast
Daytona Beach, 2 hours north of Orlando, is a firm favourite for a family-friendly budget holiday. You’ll find amusement parks, crazy golf, and a popular boardwalk here, all laid out along miles of golden sand. In the summer months, there’s a carefree, carnival-like atmosphere in Daytona – especially when there’s a race at the famous Daytona International Speedway racetrack!
After a day of relaxing at the beach, head to the Daytona Beach Bandshell. It hosts free live music from June to September, with a fireworks show on weekends. Here, you can find a host of hotels within easy reach of the beach for under $100. Read more
2
Ocean City, Maryland
A taste of yesteryear on the boardwalk
Walking the planks of Ocean City’s boardwalk, you come to understand the appeal of this popular seaside town. Not much has changed here in the last 50 years or so. The enticing smell of Thrasher’s Fries still competes with the caramel popcorn at Fisher’s and the funnel cakes from the Alaska Stand.
There’s a real nostalgic pleasure to playing old-timey games in Marty’s Playland arcade, and the carousel at Trimper’s Rides is one of the oldest still operating in the US. Northside Park is an excellent (and free) place to enjoy sea breezes with the family while flying kites or playing catch. If beachfront accommodation is too pricey, consider one of the hotels in West Ocean City a few kilometres inland. Read more
Virginia Beach, Virginia
One of America’s most popular beach towns
Good for:
Virginia Beach is a popular summer vacation spot thanks to its vast collection of restaurants, amusement parks, and reliable surf. The quality of the seafood in Virginia Beach is a huge draw. Chesapeake Bay blue crabs, oysters, scallops, and a bounty of fish are all on the menu at the many beachfront restaurants. Dine outside on benches with few formalities and amazing views.
Hotel rooms can be snapped up at reasonable rates in Virginia Beach, making it a popular budget destination. First Landing State Park – where the first English colonists arrived in 1607 – is an excellent spot for camping. The park has over 200 campsites and 20 cabins to choose from. Read more
4
Cape May, New Jersey
A peaceful couples’ retreat on the Atlantic coast
Good for:
Cape May is a genteel beach town famous for its grand Victorian houses, many of which have been converted into hotels, shops, or restaurants. Cheap hotels are admittedly hard to find in this New Jersey town, but once you have a place to stay, much of the beauty of Cape May lies in the wealth of free activities to enjoy.
Head to the beach to search for crabs and seashells, or explore the trails inland that lead through forest and marshland. Cape May is home to an extraordinary number of migratory birds, and you’ll see huge flocks flashing through the skies. Between March and November, you might even spot some humpback whales surfacing off the coast. The locals in Cape May have an active amateur dramatics community too, so you’ll find live theatre performed throughout the year