(This article may or may not contain affiliate links. What does that mean?)
Last summer, we piled into the car—two boogie boards, a cooler of snacks, and enough sunscreen to coat an army—and headed to the Outer Banks. We didn’t have plane tickets or a luxury hotel booked, but we had what mattered: time together, ocean air, and a stretch of beach that didn’t charge admission. With two growing boys (who seem to eat every 30 minutes), finding beach vacations that don’t drain our bank account has become a personal mission.
The good news? Cheap beach trips are out there, and some are closer and more beautiful than you’d expect. Here are our top picks, both across the United States and internationally.
[lwptoc]
NO TIME TO READ THIS ARTICLE NOW? PIN IT OR BOOKMARK IT FOR LATER!
Affordable Beach Vacations in the United States
Outer Banks, North Carolina
Stretching over 100 miles along the North Carolina coast, the Outer Banks offers wide open beaches, scenic lighthouses, and charming small towns without the inflated prices of more commercial beach spots. Enjoy free public beach access, wild horse sightings in Corolla, and ferry rides to Ocracoke Island. Local seafood shacks serve up fresh catches without the white-tablecloth markup.
Outer Banks has several lighthouses – can you visit them all?
Photo by Kyle Calhoun on Unsplash
Where to Stay in the Outer Banks
Our family stayed at Haterras Island Inn. It offered beach access and was close to Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and Buxton Woods Reserve. No breakfast is included, but the hotel does have a pool, and we saw incredible sunrises and sunsets at the onsite observation tower.
DON’T MISS! Incredible Family Fun in the Outer Banks
Clearwater Beach, Florida
There’s no shortage of family vacations in Florida, with tons of popular destinations – from Miami and Tampa Bay to areas like Cocoa Beach, Panama City Beach, and Daytona Beach. While these parts of Florida can get pricey, Clearwater Beach offers white-sand beaches and turquoise waters without the South Florida price tag. Clearwater Beach is on the Gulf Shores of Florida, near beautiful areas like Sand Key Park.
It doesn’t cost anything to take in a breathtaking sunset!
Photo by Ken Cheung on Unsplash
Free public beaches, affordable motels, and family-friendly attractions like the Clearwater Marine Aquarium make it a standout for budget-conscious travelers. Don’t miss the free nightly sunset celebration at Pier 60, with street performers, crafts, and music.
Where to Stay in Clearwater Beach
Blue Wave Suites offers tons of activities for guests, plus free bicycle rentals that make it easy to explore local attractions. There is no pool or hot tub, but that’s not a big negative being so close to the beach!
Beaufort, South Carolina
Destinations like Myrtle Beach and Virginia Beach are most affordable outside of peak season, but Beaufort, South Carolina, is a great choice year-round. Families will find beautiful beaches at Hunting Island State Park and peaceful vibes in Beaufort, a gorgeous city with historic homes, moss-draped oaks, and Southern charm.
Families can appreciate charming, historical houses and beautiful trees all over Beaufort!
Photo by Julianne Clark on Unsplash
Where to Stay in Beaufort
City Loft Hotel has an on-site restaurant and is within walking distance of affordable eateries like Hearth Woodfired Pizza. Free bicycle rentals make it easy to get around Beaufort and its nearby attractions like St. Helena Island, historical Beaufort, and Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. No pools, but most rooms have soaking tubs, and WiFi and parking are free!
South Padre Island, Texas
South Padre, a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, is one of the most affordable beach destinations in the U.S., particularly outside of Spring Break. With miles of beaches to explore, this sandy coastline town offers budget-friendly hotels and condos, low-cost seafood at local restaurants, and tons of outdoor fun.
Go sandcastle-building, visit Sea Turtle Inc. sea-turtle rehabilitation center, or explore Laguna Madre by kayak, perfect for nature lovers. The free shuttle service on the island can also help keep transportation costs down.
Even the wildlife appreciates South Padre Island’s beautiful beaches.
Photo by Anna Brown on Unsplash
Where to Stay in South Padre Island
La Copa Inn Beach Hotel is a great place to stay for water fun, with private beach access and an outdoor pool. It’s also one mile from Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark. We loved that there was a free, hot breakfast buffet with options like build-your-own omelets.
Huntington Beach, California
For Los Angeles families looking for a beachy escape without the plane ticket, Huntington Beach is the perfect staycation. Just an hour from the city, this laid-back surf town offers miles of sandy shoreline, a classic pier, and plenty of space to unwind.
Take in gorgeous sunsets at Huntington Beach pier.
Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash
Budget-conscious families can pack a cooler and spend the day at one of the free public beaches or explore Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve for a scenic (and free) walk through nature. Parking is cheaper than you’d expect, especially if you arrive early, and nearby casual spots like Wahoo’s Fish Taco or local ice cream stands keep dining affordable. Whether you’re riding bikes along the paved beach path or catching a stunning sunset over the Pacific, Huntington Beach proves you don’t have to go far to feel like you’ve gotten away.
Where to Stay in Huntington Beach
Ocean Surf Inn and Suites is just a block from some of the best beaches in California and much more affordable than other hotels along the beach on the West Coast. There are no pools, but there is a hot tub, and parking and breakfast are both complimentary.
Cheap International Beach Vacations
Martinique, France
Often overlooked in favor of better-known Caribbean islands, Martinique offers European charm with affordable prices and stunning beaches. Flights from the U.S. to Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport are becoming more accessible, and budget-friendly guesthouses and small hotels near historical Fort-de-France make it a surprising value.
The French Caribbean is known for its colorful, cultural towns and gorgeous beaches.
Photo by Mini Bonz on Unsplash
In the French Caribbean, families will have the best time lounging on calm beaches like Anse Mitan, snorkeling coral reefs, or exploring the colorful markets and historic architecture downtown. Be sure to visit Montagne Pelee, Martinique’s volcano, and Anse Noir, the famous black-sand beach, for unique experiences. Martinique is known for its celebrations, and there are festivals visitors can enjoy throughout the year, from Carnivale and musical festivals to the International Hiking Festival.
Where to Stay in Martinique
The no-frills Pelican Hotel has an outdoor sundeck, lounge chairs, umbrellas, and a pool area. Families can stay in rooms or suites, some with sea views, and visit nearby beaches. Hotel Pelican is also near the airport.
DON’T MISS! Chase Away End-of-Summer Blues with These 6 Best Family Beach Vacations in October
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Located along Mexico’s Pacific Coast, Puerto Vallarta is a vibrant mix of beach town and cultural hotspot, with prices to match. The calm waters of nearby Banderas Bay are perfect for paddleboarding, snorkeling, and boat tours to hidden beaches in the area, like Los Caletas. On land, walk the Malecon (boardwalk) and appreciate public art and street performers. This is also a great place to get cheap eats from street vendors! Nearby, visit charming Zona Romantica to appreciate the local shops, cafes, colorful buildings, and galleries.
Don’t miss sundown at Los Muertos Pier!
Photo by stephan hinni on Unsplash
Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta
We loved Velas Vallarta, but there are many all-inclusives in the area that families can check out to save money. While my boys weren’t young enough (under 3) to take advantage of the kids’ stay free promotion, we did appreciate the discounted rates for kids ages 4-12, plus the fun kids’ clubs on site!
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Families will find laid-back beach vibes and old-world history in Puerto Plata. Unlike more touristy destinations like San Juan, Puerto Rico, which are most affordable for visitors outside of peak season, Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic is reasonably priced year-round.
Lush greenery and turquoise waters make Puerto Plata the definition of a tropical paradise.
Photo by Yenny Wu on Unsplash
Spend days lounging on the beach, with waves perfect for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Snorkel among colorful reefs, swim with dolphins, experience history at Forteleza San Felipe, or appreciate the beautiful nature in the area, including 27 Waterfalls National Park.
Where to Stay in Puerto Plata
Families can stay at all-inclusive resorts along Playa Dorada for great value, and many Airbnb lodgings start under $50-$80 per night. The Lifestyle Tropical Beach Resort & Spa is one of these all-inclusives, offering food, unlimited drinks, and entertainment as part of the package.
Bonus Tips for Planning a Cheap Beach Vacation
While the destination is a big part of it, these strategies are some of the best ways to save some extra cash. For example, when you visit matters. There’s higher demand during peak season, and the prices reflect that. Beach towns are most popular during winter and spring break.
Shoulder season, the time of year right before or right after peak season, is usually more affordable and less crowded, while not being so far out of the season that families won’t be able to enjoy the weather they were expecting.
It can also be helpful to find out about free or cheap things in the area before you visit. Check websites like Groupon, TravelZoo, or Living Social for discounts. Beach destinations might also have festivals, live music, and other free events.
Last, for vacation at these beautiful beaches without any guesswork, consider staying at all-inclusive resorts. This gives families the freedom to know the price tag of their vacation, including all drinks, food, and entertainment, upfront. Plus, many have special promotions like discounted rates for younger kids.
IF YOU ENJOYED THIS ARTICLE, PLEASE CONSIDER PINNING IT OR SHARING IT!
