Check Out One of These 6 Cheap Beach Vacations for Your Next Trip
Find beachside bliss on a budget in South Carolina, Virginia, Florida, California, Texas, or The Bahamas and fly affordably
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Oceanfront getaways don't have to max your travel budget. Stay thrifty at one of these six destinations, known as some of the best cheap beach vacations in the U.S. and Caribbean.
1. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Long regarded as both a family-friendly vacation destination and a wild spring break hot spot, Myrtle Beach has a little something for most travelers, including those in search of a cheap beach vacation.
In addition to 60 miles of beaches, you’ll find a lot of seafood, live music and shows, and nature to explore, such as the Brookgreen Gardens and Murrells Inlet MarshWalk. Depending on your budget, you can fill your days with shopping and entertainment or simply while away the hours beachside.
Nearby you’ll find plenty of hotels, rental properties and even campgrounds, many of which are budget-friendly. In fact, you can often book a condo or hotel for less than $100 a night.
Best time to visit: April-May or September-October for lower prices and smaller crowds while avoiding peak summer rates.
» Learn more: The best Marriott beach hotels in the U.S.
2. Virginia Beach, Virginia
For more laid-back vacation vibes on a budget, head to Virginia Beach. Not that this Atlantic destination is in any way boring. Beyond suntanning, visitors can go to events like the Neptune’s Spring Wine Tasting Festival, the FunkFest Beach Party and the Pungo Strawberry Festival, which offer unique experiences throughout the year.
🤓 Nerdy Tip
Book accommodations a few blocks from the oceanfront to save $20-40 per night while still being within easy walking distance of the beach. There are also plenty of concerts to enjoy — including free ones all summer long — and the three-mile long Virginia Beach Boardwalk offers a place to shop and dine or just wander, ride, or roll and enjoy the waterfront views.
For those who want to get outdoors, there’s camping, hiking and biking trails, with miles of waterfront to explore via kayak or paddleboard.
As for where to stay, you can likely find hotels — yes, even beachfront properties — for around $100 a night. It’s a great option for a beach vacation on the cheap.
» Learn more: Best value hotel rewards programs this year
3. Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Florida
If it's a small-town, old Florida-style relaxation that appeals to you, avoid the more expensive cities of Fort Lauderdale and Miami in exchange for Lauderdale-by-the-Sea.
You’ll still be close enough to drive to these lively hotspots if you’re craving more vibrant nightlife, but you’ll stay and play for a lot less (about $130 per night as opposed to $200 or more per night).
Plus, this smaller seaside town is more walkable, there are no high-rises to block your view of the ocean and there’s plenty of beach to stretch out on and enjoy.
Divers and snorkelers will find coral reefs just 100 yards off the sandy beach, perfect for an afternoon of underwater exploration. Visitors can peruse the farmers market at El Prado park fall through spring, take free dance lessons at the popular Beach Pavilion and explore the many places to shop and dine. There’s even a free Pelican Hopper bus so visitors can quickly and easily pop from attraction to attraction.
Best time to visit: May-June or September-November to avoid spring break and summer peak season pricing.
» Learn more: The best Hilton beach resorts
4. Huntington Beach, California
Located in Southern California between San Diego and Los Angeles, this beach destination offers a welcome retreat year-round, and for much less than those nearby metropolises. And for those looking to surf and stay on a budget, it’s likely a more suitable choice.
Huntington Beach is known as Surf City, USA, but even landlubbers can find things to do. Check out the Huntington Beach Pier for a seaside dinner, fishing or just strolling and enjoying the coastal views. Relax or play on 10 miles of beachfront during the day, then light a fire in one of the beach bonfire pits on the sand as the sun sets.
Peruse the shops and dining options downtown or visit the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve for some birdwatching. Take a whale-watching tour, rent a bike or do as the locals do: grab a board and hit the waves. You can even sign up for a surfing lesson.
Expect to shell out around $130-$150 per night for decent budget-friendly accommodations. This is still less than the average per night in Los Angeles, which is closer to $200 or more per night for a beachfront hotel in Santa Monica.
Best time to visit: Visit during fall or winter (October-March) when hotel rates drop 30-40% and you can still enjoy California's mild coastal weather.
» Learn more: Don’t let hidden hotel fees spoil your stay
5. South Padre Island, Texas
Texas beaches often get a bad rap when compared to more traditionally idyllic destinations like California or Florida, but for adventure-seekers, South Padre Island offers city amenities close to wild and wonderful oceanfront.
A veritable mecca for kiteboarders and windsurfers, these southern shores are a great place to catch some air from the water and even take a lesson or two if you’re the adventurous type.
Likewise, driving and camping on the sand along the beach anywhere north of Beach Access #5 is not only welcomed, it’s encouraged (but a 4WD vehicle is recommended for much of it).
You can visit the South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center and Alligator Sanctuary, listen to live music at waterfront restaurants, go fishing or just catch some rays and build sandcastles on the beach. There’s even free transportation to many beach access points.
In addition to a number of campsites, you can also book less rustic accommodations for less than $100 a night (though more luxurious stays are also available).
Best time to visit: April-May or September-October for warm weather without spring break or summer crowds.
» Learn more: How to use the annual Ultimate Rewards® hotel credit
6. Nassau, The Bahamas
In 2026, Nassau became an even more accessible and affordable beach destination thanks to Breeze Airways launching nonstop service from Tampa starting June 11, 2026. Flights start at just $99 one-way, making The Bahamas surprisingly budget-friendly for a Caribbean getaway.
With an average of 300 sunny days a year, water temperatures around 80 degrees and miles of powdery white sand beaches, Nassau offers world-class resorts, casinos and dining without the premium price tag of other Caribbean islands. The Lynden Pindling International Airport is one of only 15 destinations worldwide offering U.S. Preclearance, so you'll bypass Customs and Immigration when you return home.
Access Royal Beach Club Paradise Island via Royal Caribbean cruise
But what if you're not flying? Turns out, cruising might be an even better way to get there. The best cruise ship for sailings to Nassau is easily Royal Caribbean. That's because the cruise line's brand-new Royal Beach Club Paradise Island opened in December 2025 and offers an all-inclusive beach day experience that rivals any luxury resort — but it's only accessible to Royal Caribbean cruisers. With it comes multiple pools, unlimited food, lounge chairs, lockers, towels, Wi-Fi and more.
Day passes start at $130 for adults and $110 for kids — and only Royal Caribbean passengers (as well as Bahamian residents) are eligible to purchase one. Here's why this matters for your budget: Royal Caribbean sailings to the Caribbean and Bahamas in 2026 average more than 60% cheaper than Disney Cruises for most of the year, according to data provided by Cruise Critic to NerdWallet. A 3-5 night Royal Caribbean cruise with a Nassau stop (including Royal Beach Club access) typically costs $550-$710 per person, compared to $1,400-$1,900 for a comparable Disney sailing.
Best time to visit Nassau: September-November for the lowest prices (though hurricane season brings weather risks), or January-February for pleasant weather without peak holiday crowds.
How to find cheap flights to beach destinations
Getting to your beach destination affordably is just as important as finding budget accommodations. Assuming you're not getting there via cruise or car, here are strategies to save:
Book budget airlines
Carriers like Breeze Airways, Frontier, Spirit and Allegiant offer significantly cheaper base fares to beach destinations. Just watch for add-on fees for bags, seat selection and other extras.
Fly on cheaper days
Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday departures typically cost 20-30% less than Friday and Sunday flights. Use flexible date searches to find the cheapest options.
Book 6-8 weeks in advance
For domestic beach trips, this sweet spot typically offers the best balance between advance booking discounts and last-minute price drops.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2026:
- Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph® Card
- Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Luxury perks: American Express Platinum Card®
- Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
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