10 affordable beach getaways for every budget

You may need to save for years to enjoy once-in-a-lifetime trips to far-off destinations, but a beach vacation can still be easy on the wallet. The US boasts numerous fantastic budget beach options, with many more available in the nearby Caribbean.

10 of the top budget beach retreats

Taking into account airfare and lodging costs, along with a cost-of-living evaluation to ensure your vacation funds last, here are some of the best budget-friendly beach destinations to explore this summer.

1. Jacksonville, North Carolina

Nestled just behind the Atlantic Ocean along New River, Jacksonville in North Carolina is less than an hour away from various popular Carolina beaches. My top pick is Topsail Beach, just 45 minutes from Jacksonville, but you can reach fantastic sandy spots even faster if you're eager for some sun and surf.

An affordable beach getaway for families, Jacksonville offers a variety of activities for children, including bowling, roller skating, arcades, and indoor play areas. There’s also a children’s museum to explore here.

2. Palm Bay, Florida

Palm Bay, Florida enjoys nearly year-round sunshine and warmth, making it perfect for budget-friendly beach getaways, even during winter. It’s also conveniently located just over an hour from Walt Disney World and less than an hour from Cape Canaveral, providing Disney and NASA enthusiasts with great options for memorable day trips. Palm Bay is well-known for its numerous parks and gardens, ideal for free outdoor activities like biking, jogging, and strolling.

3. Hot Springs, South Dakota

For a distinctive beach adventure, explore Hot Springs, South Dakota. While Arkansas hosts the more renowned Hot Springs, South Dakota’s version is brimming with water activities (including sandy shores) and is surrounded by several national parks, forests, and grasslands. The breathtaking Badlands National Park is just over an hour away, while Wind Cave National Park and Custer State Park are even closer, along with many other natural attractions.

4. Gardena, California

For easy access to top California beaches without the hefty price tag, Gardena, California is an excellent choice. Located less than 20 minutes from Los Angeles International Airport, Gardena is also approximately the same distance from Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Long Beach, offering a variety of scenic options for your budget-friendly beach getaway.

5. Sunrise, Florida

Miami Beach may not appear on lists of budget beach getaways, but you can still enjoy the area without breaking the bank by staying in nearby Sunrise, Florida. Just under an hour from Miami Beach, it’s easy to pop over for a day of shopping, sightseeing, and sunbathing in South Beach, and to experience the vibrant nightlife the city is known for, if that’s on your agenda.

6. Grayling, Michigan

7. Port Lavaca, Texas

8. Slidell, Louisiana

Just 30 minutes away from the lively atmosphere of New Orleans, Northshore Beach in Slidell, Louisiana, is ideal for budget-minded adults seeking a beach getaway with plenty of 21+ activities close at hand. The year-round festivities and parades in New Orleans offer endless entertainment—often with a focus on adult beverages (though it's not mandatory)—while Northshore Beach provides a peaceful stretch of sand and sunshine just across Lake Pontchartrain.

9. Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

With the Caribbean Sea just a stone's throw from the US, tropical getaways can be more budget-friendly than you might expect. While it may cost more than a trip to a nearby lake or beach, having a bit of extra cash in your vacation budget can stretch far in Caribbean destinations like the Dominican Republic.

10. Panama City, Panama

Panama City, Panama, stands out as an international destination with a cost of living low enough to offset the flight expenses. While luxury options abound, thanks to the economic boost from the Panama Canal, you can still enjoy dining and shopping for significantly less than in most US cities. In fact, finding affordable vacation spots in major US cities—especially those along coastlines with stunning beaches—can be quite challenging.

How these budget-friendly beach getaways were chosen

Transportation and accommodation often represent the largest expenses when planning a vacation. To ensure these don’t deplete your vacation budget, I used Dinogo data to narrow down my personal favorites, including only destinations with reasonably priced hotels and, where necessary, affordable flight options from major cities. I also referenced Numbeo’s cost of living data to confirm that dining, activities, and local transportation in each location are budget-friendly. Price references are accurate as of March 4, 2024, and may change over time.

Additional tips for saving on your affordable summer vacations

Opting for one of these budget-friendly beach vacations instead of more popular nearby destinations will help you save money while still having a great time. There are even more strategies to stretch your budget. If you're uncertain about where to go, consider exploring Dinogo Explore or browsing Dinogo’s summer travel inspiration collection.