11 Most Affordable Places for a Beach Vacation Around the World

For many, a beach vacation is the quintessential definition of a relaxing getaway. What spells self-care better than sitting by the water and soaking up the sun? You don't even have to take a dip—simply being near and observing water can have calming effects on your mind and body. While beach vacations can seem out of reach, they don't have to break the bank. In reality, there are plenty of more affordable destinations that can provide you with all the benefits of a luxury beach vacation without all the financial stress.

Right now, the travel experts at KAYAK say that you'll get the most bang for your buck by staying on American shores. "KAYAK’s data shows that domestic flight prices are down 13 percent year over year," says Kayla Inserra DeLoache, KAYAK’s consumer travel trends expert. "For travelers on a budget, your best bet for a beach vacation is right here in the United States."

Another way to save some dough—skip some of the more obvious (and crowded) beach destinations. "Spots that are off the beaten path and are therefore less visited by tourists tend to be cheaper and way less busy—making it ideal for a relaxing beach vacation," says Inserra DeLoache.

Whether it’s a U.S. coast or a waterfront location abroad, try these budget-friendly beach destinations when you're planning your next vacation.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, is home to stunning sandy beaches and historical landmarks. Flights to Puerto Rico are surprisingly affordable, with especially good deals for those flying out of Florida and the East Coast. (At the time of writing, you could book round trip flights from NYC to San Juan for under $200),

Walking the city streets of old San Juan to admire the historic architecture or visit the Spanish Forts costs little to nothing. And some of the most beautiful beaches are completely public. Authentic cuisine, like mofongo and bacalaitos, is affordable around the city. Accommodations range from high-end to budget-conscious. Short-term vacation rentals also make a family trip more realistic, but you’re always welcome to splurge on all-inclusive resorts that bundle costs for one large but simple bill.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach is a popular destination suitable for a low-cost vacation. Book a spot at one of the many budget-friendly hotels, vacation rentals, and campgrounds, and you can easily access 60-plus miles of beach for free. Timing your visit to festivals and events will allow you to make the most of your time on the beautiful boardwalk and promenade, which stretches 1.2 miles along the coastline. It’s hard to be bored in Myrtle Beach, which is known as the mini golfing capital of the world and is home to the tallest flying jet ride in North America.

Myrtle Beach is also fairly walkable, which can save you lots of money on transportation. Depending on where you’re traveling from, Myrtle Beach can be a car ride—sparing the cost per seat on trains and planes. It's easy to make Myrtle Beach an ultra low-budget getaway for singles, couples, and families, without feeling like you're compromising on a good time.

Crete, Greece

If you’re looking to treat yourself to an Instagrammable beach vacation that still fits within a more modest budget, look no further than Greece. Crete, in particular, is a wallet-friendly alternative to its Aegean island neighbors, Santorini or Mykonos. At the time of writing, Lufthansa offers the best priced flights from New York City, but you’ll nab the best overall deals from April to June or September to October. And the beaches will be no less magical.

As the most populous Aegean sea island, Crete has lots to offer. Hiking historical ruins, visiting immaculate churches, and sampling the food and wine are all within reach. There are several options for accommodations depending on your preferences, including hostel stays, immersive Airbnbs, and cliffside hotels.

During your stay in Crete, you can utilize the well-routed and affordable bus options to avoid costly car rentals. If you have time, ferry-hop to the other islands or city-hop to Athens. Get more value for your money by visiting at least two destinations for the price of one. 

Sayulita, Mexico

Mexico and beach vacations are virtually synonymous. Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Playa Del Carmen are beautiful, but they boast competitive prices at peak seasons. Instead, try Sayulita for a gorgeous, beach-town alternative. It's perfect for a build-your-own vacation approach, rather than a luxury all-inclusive package.

With the nearest big airport being Puerto Vallarta, flights are relatively inexpensive, particularly for West Coasters. Known for surfing, this town has tranquil beaches and cute shops for memorable souvenirs. For a relaxing vacation away from the more typical tourist attractions, try Sayulita. 

New Smyrna Beach, Florida

New Smyrna Beach is home to beautiful, wide, white-sand beaches that are much less crowded than typical tourist magnets in Florida. About 15 miles south of Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach is a local favorite with plenty of budget-friendly activities to keep the entire family occupied. Rooted in local culture, New Smyrna Beach is known for its hidden outdoor adventures, surfing, and eco-tourism.

Take a boat tour at the Marine Discovery Center, walk the boardwalk at the Smyrna Dunes Park, or wander the Canal Street Historic District to explore the charming town. It's ideal for a relaxing and secluded tropical beach getaway without traveling halfway around the world.

Cape Town, South Africa

Flying clear across the Atlantic Ocean might not seem like the most cost-effective way to find a beachside vacation, but Cape Town is a huge draw. The southern hemisphere season means that you can travel during the U.S. summer for their winter prices or travel during the U.S. winter for a budget-friendly summer vacation. Ideal for snow birds, Cape Town’s biggest price tag comes from the flights (which can fluctuate between $1000-$2,500 round trip), but those with airline miles can see that cost dissipate. Direct flights from Atlanta and Washington, DC also make it a convenient long-haul destination.

With the exchange rate in favor of the U.S. dollar, enjoying an affordable but impressive trip is easy to do. Top restaurants boast multi-course meals at the same price as a few drinks in NYC or DC, and excursions to diverse and renowned wineries can make the time fly. Stylish hotel and apartment rentals come in well under $100 per night. Cape Town’s beaches are cold, perfect for surfers and adventurers. Cape Point is where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. For those who want spectacular water views without spending days dunked in the water, nothing beats a classy Cape Town vacation.

Charleston, South Carolina

If you like a little urban charm along with gorgeous beaches, Charleston is your perfect shoreside getaway. The port city of Charleston retains a lot of its quaint historic charm, with cobblestone streets and centuries-old grand homes. But just outside the city you can enjoy a more laid-back beach life on one of a string of sandy islands that flank the city, including well-known getaways like Kiawah Island and Isle of Palms.

The average airfare to Charleston is just $349, down 12 percent from last year's prices.

San Diego, California

If you're looking for that California beach vacation vibe, look no further. San Diego sports incredible beach weather, wide sandy beaches, and surf that's just perfect for hanging ten. And getting there is much cheaper now—flights to San Diego are down 17 percent this year, according to KAYAK.

In and around San Diego you can find a slew of different beaches for every personality, whether you're looking for stellar snorkeling at La Jolla Beach, the picture perfect (and regularly rated a world's best beach) Coronado, a fun boardwalk at Mission Beach, or the top-notch surfing at Oceanside.

When you're not sunning yourself on the shores, there are plenty of other things to enjoy—including many low-cost or free attractions. Balboa Park is a hub with a slew of things to do at 30 different attractions, including their world-renowned zoo, botanical gardens, museums, and performance spaces. (You can even purchase an Explorer Pass which gives you discounted admission to several of the attractions.)

Newport, Rhode Island

There's a reason all the robber barons flocked to pretty Newport every summer, with its perfect beachy weather and scene-stealing scenery. You can live out your Gilded Age fantasies by touring some of the grand old homes along the Cliff Walk, or even stay in a grand old historic house yourself. Wander the cobblestone streets of Bowen's and Bannister's Wharves for historic charm, tasty local eateries, and boutiques after enjoying one of the many sandy beaches on Ocean Drive.

Newport is one of the destinations where the price has gone down significantly year over year—as flight costs are 24 percent lower than last year at the time of writing.

Nantucket, Massachusetts

This posh beach enclave off the coast of Massachusetts may not exactly seem like a bargain beach vacation, but with flight prices to Nantucket declining (down 5 percent this year, according to KAYAK), it may be the time to splurge. Opt for shoulder seasons in late August and early September, when prices are down but the weather's still lovely. History buffs will love exploring the ring of lighthouses around the island, along with a handful of historic homes and museums. A fun (and free) way to enjoy the island is the 'Sconset Bluff Walk, a miles-long public right-of-way built into the community, that'll take you past grand beach homes and gardens, and breathtaking beach vistas.

As an island, Nantucket has a slew of gorgeous beaches suited for every type of beach fan, whether you're in the mood for windsurfing and other water sports, or seeking out wildlife in nature preserves. If you're traveling with kids, the beaches along the island's North Shore offers the safest surf—especially the Children's Beach, which offers a playground along with very gentle waves that will suit even the smallest swimmers.

Patong, Thailand

Thailand is one of those "expensive to get there, but cheap once you're there" kind of destinations—with flights currently available under $1,000 toward the end of August and early September. If you're big into a nightlife and party scene, Patong Beach, located on the popular tourist destination Phuket, is the perfect destination. It features gorgeous white sand beaches for relaxing (or enjoying an array of water sports) during the day, and a vibrant nightlife when the sun goes down.