This summer is going to be absolutely insane with travel. With the global Covid restrictions slowly lifting, people will finally come out of hibernation gasping for air and ready for a damn vacation. There are predictions that travel is going to surpass where it was from even before the pandemic and with inflation on the rise, and current market trends, that means your usual summer getaways are going to be steep. I’m hooking you up with some affordable beach vacations in the US so you can casually flee off to get some much-deserved R&R.
Although popular summer destinations like Europe and the Caribbean are going to explode with crowds, even traveling domestically is going to be both expensive and populous. If you’re looking to add some traveling to your summer itinerary but are simultaneously trying to save money for economic or personal reasons then you’ll have to get creative with your trip planning. Trying places that are more off the beaten path can help lower trip prices while also offering a unique experience with fewer crowds. Affordable beach vacations in the US sound like the perfect compromise to me!
This article is all about affordable beach vacations in the US
There are plenty of places right in the United States that have so much beauty and potential that get overlooked.
1. Affordable beach vacations in the US:Corolla, Outer Banks, North Carolina
The first on the list of affordable beach vacations in the US is located in The Outer Bank; barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina that span over 175 miles. Starting at the Virginia border and going all the way down to Ocracoke Island, the islands span almost half of the state’s length. If you watch Outer Banks on Netflix, you’re probably familiar with the sprawling beaches, colorful houses, and marshlands of the Outer Banks. There’s extensive land and shore to explore with both beach and marsh ecosystems and landscapes.
The Outer Banks has a rich history of piracy that dates back to the 1500s when the queen of England ordered troops to cover the area and set up a military colony to rob Spanish ships. Nicknamed the Graveyard of the Atlantic, it’s estimated to be around 3,000 shipwrecks along the islands’ shores. You can visit many of them and there’re plenty of maps created to find them so you that can have your own little pirate adventure.
Corolla is a cute, sleepy beach town that’s in the northernmost part of the Outer Banks. The area is famous for the wild horses that roam the area. They’re highly protected and sacred to Corolla. The wild horses were actually brought over by Spanish explorers dating back to the 1500s and have made Corolla their home for centuries. You can take a tour with a guide that will drive you around the dunes and beaches, or even go try to spot them yourself if you’re feeling ambitious. When I went to Corolla, I decided to take a tour and I’m glad I did because we were able to cover more ground, riding through the dunes in a huge truck with an open bed that was made into a seating area like a safari.
Corolla has plenty to offer for sleepy beach town lovers and it’s pretty reasonable. Depending on the size of the group you’re traveling with, you can rent a beach house or an Airbnb affordably. If you’re looking for a vacation where you’re on the beach most of the time, you can rent a condo close to the water and be within walking distance of the beach. I’d say renting a house or condo is the best choice, but if a hotel is more your style, there are some good three and four-star choices in the area for under $200 a night.
If you end up staying, you’ll probably end up grocery shopping at the Food Lion or Harris Teeter, but there are a few places around I recommend for good food and drink. If you’re looking for local grub with a laid-back atmosphere and stocked bar, check out Uncle Ike’s Sandbar. Make sure to get the fish tacos and orange crushes- trust me. If you’re into beer, there’s a pour-your-own-drink spot called Off the Wall that’s definitely worth checking out. Grab the best deli sandwiches and chips for the beach at Butcher Block. For dinner, check out La Dolce or Northern Banks Restaurant & Raw Bar. And if you’re like me and good coffee is worth a little drive for you, there’s Duck’s Cottage & Downtown Books within The Waterfront Shops. There’s also good outdoor shopping and cute boutiques overlooking the shores of The Currituck Sound, offering a stunning and peaceful view while you shop. Stop in at one of the restaurants, grab a coffee or treat and take a leisurely walk on the long pier that juts into the shore.
The long stretches of soft sand beaches with warm water are always the highlight of the Outer Banks. Pack a cooler with some drinks, and good food, and hold down the fort with an umbrella. You’ll be beach bumming for a while out there.
2. Affordable beach vacations in the US: Surfside Beach, South Carolina
About 20 minutes south of Myrtle Beach is a cute and slow beach town called Surfside. Out of all affordable beach vacations in the US, this one is kind of my forte. I pretty much grew up going here because my family bought a condo in Surfside when I was in elementary school. It’s a small but fun coastal town with long stretches of white sand beaches and warm water for most of the year. With palm trees, yummy restaurants, and plenty to do within the surrounding areas, it’s a great place for basically all ages.
Again, because this area is beachy, the best places to stay are in the condos and vacation rentals. There are brightly colored, two-story condos and houses on stilts that line the beach and the streets parallel to it. Stop by River City Cafe if you stay in the area where you can grab burgers, and beers and throw your peanut shells right on the floors practically sitting right on the beach.
Market Common in Myrtle Beach has storefront shops in an enclosed area with plenty of restaurants, cafes, movies, bowling, bike rentals, and a theater. They have everything from a lingerie boutique to an Orvis and Sunglass Hut for the ones you may have forgotten. For brunch, Tupelo Honey Café has a great atmosphere and Crepe Creation Cafe has an extensive menu featuring crepes of all kinds and boozy cocktails. Just a short walk from the center of the Commons is a few places for coffee and dessert, like Grand Strand Coffee and Café Dua.
If you go down about 12 minutes on US-17, you can get to the little fishing village of Murrells Inlet. According to the Visit Myrle Beach website,
“The fishing village of Murrells Inlet was once the lair of the infamous pirate Blackbeard. Today, it’s an outdoorsman’s dream. No matter your boating preference, there is an experience for every taste. And when visiting what is known as the “seafood capital of South Carolina,” you know a delicious meal awaits after a fun-filled day.”
Take a booze cruise at happy hour and enjoy the insane sunsets at the inlet or take a kayak around. The half-mile MarshWalk is lively for nightlife and usually has live music and vendors set up. It truly has a coastal vibe all on its own just at the Marshwalk, but there’s plenty more to explore at Murrells Inlet.
About 30 minutes south of Surfside and 15 minutes from Murrells Inlet is a little paradise called Pawleys Island. The barrier island has absolutely gorgeous beaches and vast dunes. It’s a quaint and charismatic historical town that has houses that date to the 18th century.
I rented a kayak from Pawleys Kayaks on my most recent trip here and it was an incredible experience. An employee will come to meet you with the kayak right at the public boat ramp into the bay. Make sure to pack water, lunch, and sunscreen because the sun gets intense out on the water, especially in the summer months. We spent the whole day exploring the marsh areas, paddling through gorgeous marsh grasses with gorgeous waterfront houses lining the edge of the water. Just do NOT forget to pack your sunscreen. Just as an extra plug- this is the best tinted sunscreen to re-apply over a stronger SPF base.
If you go towards the ocean, you can find the inlet with massive dunes at low tide. You can pull your kayak out of the water to get out and explore. We even took the kayak from the inlet right out to the ocean and paddled out past the waves breaking. It was such a fun, adventurous, and relaxing day out on the water. And- it was an inexpensive day too!
What I love about Surfside beach is that it’s not directly in Myrtle so you avoid the chaos while getting the benefit of the area and surrounding areas. It’s always pretty affordable, especially during the off-season, if you plan with a big group, or if you plan way ahead of time. I highly recommend taking a trip if you’re looking for an affordable getaway; you can’t go wrong!
3. Affordable beach vacations in the US: St. Petersburg, Florida
St. Petersburg, or St. Petes Beach, Florida, is situated in the lower-left corner of the Tampa Bay on the Gulf side of Florida. Its nickname the “Sunshine City” accurately describes what to expect from this Floridian gem. A perfect mix of metropolitan and lush nature, St. Petersburg has the charm of old-world Europe mixed with the modern excitement of Americana. Now in terms of being on the list of affordable beach vacations in the US, St. Petersburg is like the higher-end budget option. It’s Florida, so although it’s affordable for a coastal state, high traffic volume for tourism spikes restaurant and lodging prices. This is one reason why St. Pete’s is somewhere you want to hit during the off-season ideally. Not only will that give you a vacation to look forward to in the winter months, but you can keep it more affordable- and peaceful- by avoiding crowds.
St. Petersburg isn’t the most affordable option on this list. If you’re wanting to check out this gem, try going between January 1st to the beginning of February, July 23rd to September 30th, or October 22nd to November 4th. You’ll miss the spring breakers, Christmas vacationers, and snowbirds flocking to get some warmth in late winter.
Although we’re all about affordable beach vacations in the US, if you’re looking to spend a few nights in reasonable luxury, check out the Don CeSar hotel. This beautiful and unique pink palace is right by the beach’s long stretch of sugary white sands and calm blue water. It has a poolside concierge service, a fitness center, and a wellness retreat offering restorative treatments spanning 11,000 square feet. Their lodging features two tiers, including their luxury rooms in the hotel and beach house suites for extended stays, big groups, or families.
The Don CeSar features a variety of dining options, including two full-service restaurants, a marketplace and coffee shop, a beach bar, a lobby bar, and a pool bar. Their branding is on-point with pink towels and beach chairs, vintage-inspired amenities, and swanky lounges.
I would highly recommend checking out the Salvador Dali Museum if you need a break from the sun and an interesting cultural experience. After visiting this museum, Salvador Dali became my favorite artist. Not only does it have his mural-sized art spanning walls with fascinating guided audio, but it has a unique virtual reality experience. It’s a trip.
St. Petes Beach has so much to offer, including wildlife and gardens. A few that are open with botanical settings are the Sunken Gardens, Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo, and the Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum. Even if the beach or golf isn’t your thing, there’re still plenty of fun experiences in St. Petersburg.
4. Affordable beach vacations in the US: San. Luis Obispo, California
San Luis Obispo is a little college town in California’s central coast region. About an hour and a half north of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo is nestled between Morro Bay and Pismo Beach. This makes it the perfect affordable beach destination with accessibility to some more bustling cities.
Although sleepy and low-key, I loved this area because of its gorgeous, sprawling beaches that often are less crowded than the usual California beach spots. And, of course, I loved this area for the nature. This area, specifically Pismo Beach, is known for its Monarch butterflies. The Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove is filled with eucalyptus trees that have counts of over 10,000 butterflies annually. The season runs from late October through February when the butterflies successfully complete their journey at Pismo Beach to escape the freezing northern winters.
The grove leads to a walking path that flows out over the flowery dunes running the length of the beach. You can walk around the majestic Eucalyptus trees and out towards the estuary that opens up to the Pacific Ocean. It’s a lovely walk to do even when it’s not Monarch butterfly season, which happened to be so when I was visiting. Because I went in early March, there were still a few stragglers.
If you want some exercise and good views, head to the Irish Hills in San Luis Obispo for 8+ miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking. You can do a short and sweet trail or a more intense one to the top, both of which offer diverse habitats and plenty of ariel views of the valley. If you’re going to be pretty active, don’t forget some comfortable clothing, hiking socks, and either sneakers or boots. I love BAM Bamboo Clothing because of the breathable, soft bamboo fabric used for manufacturing their clothing allows for a more comfortable feel while in warmer climates or building up a sweat. Finish your hike by grabbing a beverage at Kin Coffee bar. Kin is the perfect post-hike spot, offering an array of fairy-like matcha drinks and a chill study atmosphere the local students hang out at.
5. Affordable beach vacations in the US: Cannon Beach, Oregon
I’ve added Cannon Beach in Oregon to this list to offer some range. This gorgeous pacific northwestern coastal city is just as adventurous as it is stunning. With miles of mountainous coastline and coves, there’s much to explore in this underrated travel destination. About an hour and a half from Portland, this is the perfect trip between July and September, when the weather is warmest and driest.
Cannon Beach is also the perfect spot if you are into more temperate weather, eerie rainforests, and a bit of fog and drizzle. The atmosphere on the Oregon coast reminds me of my springs as a kid on the New England coast and Massachusetts islands. It’s a whole vibe. Think sweatshirts in the early mornings and evenings, lobster rolls, cultural experiences, and the smell of the beach post-rain. There’s something cozy and grounding about it. Bring plenty of good books, and don’t forget to check out the local shops because Cannon Beach is mostly sales tax-free!
If you’re a nature lover, the PCW and specifically Cannon Beach are right up your alley. From April to about July-August, the adorable little tufted puffins can be seen nesting at the famous Haystack Rock. It’s best to get out early in the morning to see them active and flying around hunting for food. There are also much fewer crowds earlier in the day, so it can make a very peaceful experience. Taking a horseback ride on the beach is also an option with Sea Ranch Resort, where you can journey to Haystack Rock or Silver Point. And of course, make sure to visit Ecola State Park where you can explore the vast rainforest. Again, don’t forget your hiking gear– let’s always keep it nice and prepared.
That wraps up this short but sweet list of affordable beach vacations in the US. All of these locations are so different, yet they all have something in common: the beauty of the ocean. Taking a coastal vacation is just grounding and balancing for the soul and body. You can make sure to take the time to properly rest without having to spend a lot of money. There are so many more affordable beach options, but this list should spark your creativity and inspire you to take that beach trip you’ve been needing.
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