Beach vacations are the perfect time to relax, spend time with family and friends, and eat amazing food. However, it’s not easy to find cheap beach vacation destinations, especially during peak months. Below are five cheap vacation destinations to consider whether you’re searching for the perfect spot for a family vacation, solo trip, or romantic getaway.
With countless spots for beach destination vacations, this list narrows it down to a few that are popular but also stand out for being inexpensive and unique.
1. Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach is a beautiful destination that many people flock to for an unforgettable vacation. While lounging at the beach is always a cheap activity, you can also save money by attending several free festivals held throughout the year, seeing a show at Broadway at the Beach, and visiting the Chapin Art Museum. In addition, there are many inexpensive options to choose from when it comes to restaurants and hotels.
For travelers who like to enjoy local restaurants, there are at least 10 great options for meals under $10, including:
- Charlie Graingers for amazing hot dogs and BBQ.
- Z’s Amazing Kitchen providing diners with a fast casual environment.
- River City Café offering some of the best burgers in the area.
- Big Mike’s for a perfect southern comfort food dish.
- Burky’s Grill for an unforgettable 1950’s dining experience.
If you’re looking for hotel options, prices may range from as little as $41 up to around $251, each one providing a comfortable and relaxing stay. A few of the cheapest options are the Dayton House Resort, Ocean Park Resort, and Grande Shores, among others.
It’s also helpful to know the least expensive times to travel. For Myrtle Beach, the cheapest month to stay is in January, while the most expensive month is July.
2. Virginia Beach, VA
Also on the East Coast, Virginia Beach offers a three-mile boardwalk with views of the Atlantic Ocean. There are endless free activities such as the King Neptune Statue on the Boardwalk, the Naval Aviation Monument Park, or the 24th Street Stage.
Virginia Beach also has several great options for eating out. Duck Donuts is known for serving reliable, warm, delicious and creative donuts on the beach, paired perfectly with a beverage from the Belvedere Coffee Shop. For brunch, check outDoc Taylor’s Restaurant, which is known for its southern comfort food and delicious alcoholic drinks. The Beach Bully BBQ is another popular, yet cheap option, perfect for a delicious meal of ribs and brisket.
Finally, while you’ll likely spend much of your time out and about, you’ll find countless options for hotels, such as Howard Johnson by Wyndham Virginia Beach or Sundial Inn right along the beach.
3. Pensacola, FL
Venturing south, Pensacola Beach is a resort community located on the Gulf Coast barrier island of Santa Rosa. Along with beautiful views, you may even see local wildlife like sea turtles or spot a rare manatee swimming along the shore. This is a perfect destination for anyone hoping to go somewhere tropical without spending a lot of money.
Beautiful weather will surely keep you at the beach, although there are a few local spots that everyone should try to go while visiting. These include Fort Pickens, a historical destination, the Naval Aviation Museum, the Gulf Breeze Zoo, and the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier.
There are endless budget-friendly places to eat while you’re staying there. Cafe Bistro is perfect for breakfast on the beach, offering bagels, smoothies, and pancakes. The Drowsy Poet is amazing for a quick cup of coffee. The Dog-House Deli and The Dock are also popular favorites among locals and tourists.
As for hotels, there are numerous spots that won’t break the bank. Baymont by Wyndham, Pensacola Grand Hotel, and Best Western are all favorable options.
4. Huntington Beach, CA
Located just southeast of Los Angeles, California, Huntington Beach is known for its surf beaches and is the perfect choice for a relaxing vacation, especially for those who love the west coast!
With several beaches to choose from, you can check out a new site every day, such as the Bolsa Chica State Beach, Huntington State Beach, Huntington Beach Pier, the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, and Balboa Pier.
Beyond the beach, you can watch local street performers during Surf City Nights every Tuesday along Main Street, visit Shipley Nature Center to learn about California-native plants, or stop by the Surfers’ Hall of Fame to see if you have the same hand or shoe size as a famous surfer.
If you’re looking to stay near a beautiful beach with an inexpensive hotel, you can try The Hotel Huntington Beach, Quality Inn & Suites Huntington Beach, or Travelodge Ocean Front.
5. Cannon Beach, OR
Finally, to round out our cheap vacation destinations, go for an unconventional beach trip to Cannon Beach, Oregon. Depending on the time of year, it’s unlikely that you’ll be sunbathing on this beach, but if you’re looking for a different experience with gorgeous views and endless hiking options, consider booking a trip to this location.
Along with its iconic Haystack Rock, vacationers can also explore Ecola State Park, the Cannon Beach History Center and Museum, or the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse.
To explore beyond the beach, you can check out a number of local spots such as the Coaster Theatre, Cannon Beach Distillery, and more.
Book Your Trip to One of These Cheap Vacation Destinations
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References:
www.myrtlebeach.com/restaurants/top-10-great-meals-in-myrtle-beach-for-under-10/
www.vbbound.com/virginia-beach-va/free-things-to-do
www.pnj.com/story/news/local/pensacola/beaches/2019/06/13/rare-manatee-sighting-pensacola-beach-captured-video-pace-man/1442914001/
