13 U.S. Beach Vacations That Aren't Budget-Busters

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

This beautiful beach is located on the southeastern coast, making it the perfect destination for a tropical feel. It's an ideal place to find fun things to do that are off the beaten path and affordable to boot—from full moon parties to mermaid shows to nighttime Everglades tours. If you're super adventurous, you can head to Island Water Sports for free surf and paddleboard lessons on Saturday mornings.

If you're a nature fiend who loves horseback riding, birdwatching, tubing, and more, be sure to visit Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Did you know Fort Lauderdale is known as the Venice of America? You can take your vacation experience to a whole new level and see the sights via a water taxi.

There are so many fun, free things to do in Fort Lauderdale, as well: festivals, museums, beautiful parks, and nature centers. Be sure to book your vacation between June and August for the biggest savings on hotels and flights.

Gulf Shores, Alabama

Alabama is known for its delicious food and humid summers, but did you know that it also has some of the finest beaches in the United States? One of the best budget-friendly places to visit is Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, which offers boating, birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and more. The best times to go (read: easiest on your wallet) are March to May and September to November.

There are also plenty of adventurous paid activities available for prices you won't see in the more popular beach areas (looking at you, Florida). Have an exhilarating experience parasailing over the ocean blue at Blue Sky Parasail, paddleboard the day away with the help of Ike's Beach Service, or venture out onto the turquoise waters on a dolphin cruise.

Huntington Beach, California

"An amazing place to spend your vacation, if you want a full beach experience without breaking the bank, is Huntington Beach, California," says Hannah Jones, a realtor with New Build Homes, who knows the region well. "The most amazing thing about this is that it's not overly crowded, and you can experience actual peace and tranquility rather than just navigating through a throng of tourists."

Huntington Beach is well-known as a surf destination, Jones says. But if beaches are not your thing, there is also the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum, where you can see the handprints and footprints of surfing legends at the Surfers' Hall of Fame. There are tons of other free things to do, like visiting Huntington Dog Beach or walking around the Old World Village to go window shopping with entertainment around every corner.

Tybee Island, Georgia

Who knew you could escape to an Island just 20 minutes from downtown Savannah? Tybee Island is a barrier island that has been a popular getaway since the 1800s. It offers over three miles of shimmering beaches, with magnificent palm trees swaying on the shore. It's a great place if you're searching for a more low-key destination.

Tybee Island also offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience of hunting for megalodon teeth on its beaches—you read that right. You can even keep the teeth as keepsakes. You can also visit the island's Marine Science Center for just $12.

Take time out to visit the Tybee Island lighthouse, which is the oldest lighthouse in Georgia. For the best deals, visit during September (after Labor Day) through the early part of November.

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Virginia is for beach lovers. Spend the evening watching the sun kiss the sea as you stroll down the three-mile concrete boardwalk or take a sunset dolphin kayak tour.

Virginia Beach also offers one of the most unique parks around: Mount Trashmore was a former landfill that has been transformed into a gorgeous park featuring two lakes, playgrounds, a skate park, and more.

There are plenty of low-cost places to see in Virginia Beach, such as the Cape Henry Lighthouse, which costs $10 to visit. Or get in touch with Mother Nature at the majestic First Landing State Park. You can swim, hike, paddleboard, and go bird watching for little or no fee.

Destin, Florida

"Nestled along the Emerald Coast, Destin, Florida, is a hidden gem known for its stunningly clear waters and sugar-white sand beaches," says Michael DeLucca, founder of Otsy. "Despite its natural beauty, Destin remains an affordable destination, offering budget-friendly accommodations and a variety of activities that won't break the bank."

Destin is a hub for fresh seafood, but if you'd rather enjoy fish in the water, grab a snorkel and swim around the crystal-clear waters. DeLucca also recommends exploring the pristine public-access beaches or strolling along the lively Okaloosa Island Boardwalk. The vibrant HarborWalk Village also offers fun and free experiences for visitors. "With its blend of tranquility and charm, Destin is an underrated treasure for budget-conscious travelers," DeLucca says. "There are also very reasonably priced flights into Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport as it continues to expand its flight offerings every year."

Folly Beach, South Carolina

Charleston is known for its quaint, walkable, pastel-painted downtown filled with elegant shops, renowned restaurants, and rooftop pools at high-end hotels. What Charleston is not known for, however, is being super affordable. But if you think it's too expensive to visit, you're not looking closely enough.

For some of the best beach-going around, head to the ever-affordable Folly Beach, where cheap parking is aplenty and delicious, fresh fish tacos at seaside stands will fill you up without breaking the bank. You can picnic, splash around, and even rent surfboards to get the kids hanging 10 in no time. You can rent a substantial house in or around Folly for a starting price of around $150 per night.

Of course, you can always split the difference: Go glam at one of the downtown hotels—like the ever-stunning Hotel Bennett, which even offers a children's teatime in its ostentatious pink champagne bar—and use your savings for those lazy (and affordable) beach days. The best of both worlds!

Old Orchard Beach, Maine

Not a fan of the southern heat? Head north to Old Orchard Beach to enjoy an old town with a new twist. Old Orchard Beach features New England's only oceanfront amusement park, Palace Playland, which has everything from a gondola ferris wheel to the thrilling pendulum-motion ride.

Enjoy a day at the lovely pier that extends 500 feet over the ocean and is flanked by restaurants. Watch sparkling fireworks from the pier at night during the summer months, or get in touch with your inner pirate at Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf. Lace up your hiking shoes and head to Cliff Walk for an advanced hike—or even do a bit of fishing if you'd like.

Naples, Florida

"I highly recommend the Gulf Coast of Florida for an affordable beach getaway," says Mac Steer, the owner and director of Simify, a travel SIM company. "Towns like Naples offer lovely white sand beaches, great seafood, and stunning sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico. The beaches are largely undeveloped, parking is free, and hotels are reasonably priced, especially in the off-season. The natural beauty will rejuvenate your spirit."

Steer spent a long weekend in Naples with family at a beachfront hotel for under $200 a night. They enjoyed perfect weather, calm turquoise waters, and incredible sunsets. They also dined on fresh seafood, strolled the pier, collected shells, and relaxed. "It was a perfect budget-friendly beach escape," Steer says.

Naples has a ton to offer beyond the beach, too. Lakeside paddle tours and visits to the nearby Audubon's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary are also fun activities that aren't at the beach but that still make for refreshing days by the water.

Westport, Washington

Whether you've always wanted to learn to surf or you're already a daily wave rider, Westport Beach in Washington is where you'll want to be. Westport has three main surf breaks that can accommodate any skill level.

This cozy beach town also offers a variety of dining, from seafood to pizza and more. Get a bird's eye view of the sea and town when you climb the Westport Viewing Tower. And speaking of breathtaking views, be sure you visit Grays Harbor Lighthouse, too.

Although the cheapest and least crowded time to visit is September, you can have an affordable getaway even if you go in the summer—if you plan it right.

Seal Beach, California

Seal Beach is just a little over 20 miles from L.A. and is a great way to see SoCal in a more low-key (and affordable) location than, say, the Venice boardwalk. You can spend your days soaking up the sun, surfing, and swimming.

When you're not lying by the shore, you can take a stroll down the second-largest wooden pier in the state. If you love to bike, take a spin down the San Gabriel River Bike Trail. This trail is 35 miles long and runs along the San Gabriel River. Then, satisfy your taste for sweets at the Crema Café in downtown Seal Beach; grab delectable scones, cookies, and macarons.

Visit this beautiful beach town between January and March and August and November to cut costs. Simply avoiding peak season for these destinations can save you a bundle—as can booking hotels that are across the street (or all the way downtown) rather than oceanfront. The little things add up, after all—and what's the best way to afford more vacations? Prioritizing spending on the travel perks that are important to you while taking the budget route for the rest. Happy traveling!

Playa Buye, Puerto Rico

"I’d say Puerto Rico's southwest coast is one of the best budget-friendly beach destinations in the U.S.," says Damià Fuentes Escoté, co-founder of Punta. While Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, the cost of living is significantly higher in U.S. states than in Puerto Rico. And the best of Puerto Rico is the beaches.

"Playa Buye is a dreamy Caribbean white sand beach with clear waters," Fuentes says. "Grab a boat from Lajas and go to Cayo Caracoles, which is a kind of mangrove with a patch of off-shore islands. At both Playa Buye and Cayo Caracoles, you’ll find Puerto Ricans drinking Medallas and listening to reggaeton from their boats."

Other things to do in the area include visiting the 1882 Faro Los Morrillos de Cabo Rojo (the lighthouse), which marks the southeast entrance from the Caribbean Sea. Other spots ideal for relaxing include Playa Sucia and La Playuela—but there are more than 300 beaches from which to choose. And if you're not up for oceanside activities anymore, you can check out the bioluminescent bays or head inland for rainforest hikes.

Gulfport Beach, Mississippi

Mississippi is the cheapest state to live in in the United States; its cost of living index score positions it far below the national average when it comes to costs. While it's cheap to live there, it's also cheap to visit there. Dining and activities are relatively cheap compared to the rest of the country. Even if you opt for dining in, groceries are less expensive there, too. And Gulfport Beach is a beautiful spot to stay if you're headed there.

Historically, Gulfport Beach was a shipping gateway to the Gulf of Mexico. Today, it's a gorgeous stretch of sand with far less foot traffic than some of the country's more popular beach destinations. The beach rarely gets crowded, so you won't need to worry about finding a spot in the free parking lot. Chairs and umbrellas are available for rent, as well as sports equipment (from volleyballs to jet skis)—but you can also take in the tranquil atmosphere or stroll the boardwalk without spending a dime.