We all dream of the perfect vacation destination where you can wake up, make a cup of coffee, and walk directly out of your hotel onto the beach for a morning stroll. At most popular locations, though, that dream comes with a hefty price tag that is quite frankly unaffordable for most visitors.
But fear not, as there are still plenty of destinations around the world where your dollar stretches a little further, and you can realize the dream of waking up to the sounds of waves outside your window. Here are 12 places to look for your next dream beachfront vacation that will leave your wallet a little happier.
For each location, we looked up prices during a week in August, although your mileage may vary.
Lincoln City, Oregon
This central Oregon coast town boasts over 7 miles of wide, sandy beaches where you can watch whales glide past, play in the water (although the water here is never all that warm), and even treasure hunt for glass floats that the city hides every day of the year!
Lincoln City tends to be a little cheaper than some of the other towns along the Oregon coast, although we don’t totally understand why since the beach here is some of the best on the entire coast!
If you visit Lincoln City, make sure to take some of that money you saved and spend it on an incredible seafood dinner at the Side Door Cafe.
Where to Stay: Lincoln Sand Oceanfront Resort ($172/night)
Myrtle Beach, SC
This beachfront South Carolina destination has long been known as a lower-cost vacation spot on along the eastern seaboard. The cost doesn’t mean you’re giving up any oceanfront amenities, though, as this happening town stays busy from spring break through summer. Don’t miss the boardwalk promenade in the city center or the 2nd Avenue Fishing Pier, where you can watch tourists and locals alike try to catch their next dinner.
Where to Stay: Cabana Shores Hotel ($139/night)
Panama City Beach, Florida
A Florida Panhandle destination that has been drawing in beachgoers for generations, Panama City Beach, has miles of oceanfront properties that can house the entire family for a weekend getaway. The calm waters of the Gulf Coast are perfect for spending the day lounging on the sand. Don’t miss a day at Pier Park to dine on locally caught seafood and browse the shops full of local treasures.
Where to Stay: Radisson Panama City Beach ($114/night)
South Padre Island, TX
South Padre Island represents the end of the chain of barrier islands that protects mainland Texas from the waters of the Gulf Coast. This area is popular for its warm, calm waters and sits adjacent to a massive wildlife refuge that is home to hundreds of species of birds, butterflies, and plants. The jetties leading into the waters inside of the island are a popular spot for fishing and to try and spot sea turtles and dolphins.
Where to Stay: La Copa Inn Beach Hotel ($126/night)
Islamorada, FL
If you’ve ever wanted to take a vacation to the Florida Keys without making the 3+ hour drive all the way to Key West, then take a look at Islamorada. Only 90 minutes from Miami, this stretch of islands is known as the sport fishing capital of the world. It is also home to long stretches of sandy beach and slow-paced island life that is perfect for letting the stresses of life just melt away.
Don’t miss a snorkeling tour where you can get a glimpse of the marine creatures that call this area home.
Where to Stay: Breezy Palms Resort ($85/night)
Daytona Beach, FL
Daytona Beach has one of the most recognizable names of all the oceanside destinations in the United States thanks to its beautiful beaches and events like the Daytona 500 that draw huge crowds to this otherwise small town. The beachfront is lined with beachside resorts, restaurants, and enough shops and attractions to keep you busy all vacation long.
Where to Stay: Nautilus Inn ($134/night)
Rockaway Beach, CA
This stretch of beach just south of San Francisco offers up an affordable getaway option right next door to one of the most expensive cities in the country. While this part of the Pacific Coast may not be ideal for spending the days sunbathing on the beach, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a shortage of things to do in this coastal getaway. The area is home to a plethora of trails at nearby Mori Point, wide sandy beaches with a well-known surf break at Pacifica State Beach, and beach caves to explore at San Pedro Point.
Where to Stay: Inn at Rockaway ($160/night)
Galveston, TX
Situated on the barrier islands just outside of Houston, Galveston is a popular getaway for city folks looking to escape the heat of the city and dip their toes in the sand of the gulf shore. Galveston proper offers all the entertainment you might expect to find in a gulf oceanside town like amusement park rides, touristy restaurants, and fishing charters to get out and catch dinner. If you’re looking for a slower-paced vacation, try heading to the islands on the north side of the jetty.
Where to Stay: Tru by Hilton ($118/night)
Grand Isle, LA
Famous as Louisiana’s only inhabited barrier island, this tiny town is full of southern hospitality and charm. Grand Isle is situated on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico and offers unparalelled views of the ocean and Louisiana Bayou. The combination of ocean and marshland makes it a sportsman’s paradise, as the fishing and bird hunting are unmatched almost anywhere else in the world.
Where to Stay: Blue Dolphin Inn ($150/night)
Biloxi, MS
This coastal Mississippi city is known for its collection of oceanfront casinos that draw in visitors from around the southeastern United States to try their hand at games of chance. While these centrally located casino/hotels offers up amenities like steakhouses, pools, and entertainment, there are plenty of other beachfront properties in the city to stay at as well.
Don’t miss taking a kayak tour of nearby Deer Island to explore its uninhabited beaches and observe the local wildlife.
Where to Stay: Hampton Inn ($139/night)
St. Petersburg, FL
St. Petersburg, Florida, is lined with miles of barrier islands with perfect sandy beaches. These islands make for a great and affordable getaway for Central Floridians and visitors alike. The islands have been heavily developed, which means there are plenty of places to stay and prices are relatively cheap for such a nice beachside destination.
The combination of St. Petersburg and Tampa offers all the big-city amenities you could ever want, such as A-list music acts, professional sports, and five-star dining.
Where to Stay: Thunderbird Beach Resort ($107/night)
Atlantic City, NJ
Atlantic City is an excellent destination and extremely popular with residents up and down the eastern seaboard due to its wide range of budget-friendly accommodations and entertainment options. The city is home to its famous boardwalk, which has plenty of kitschy cafes and souvenir shops. Additionally, its numerous casinos offer a variety of inexpensive activities and dining choices.
Where to Stay: The Claridge Hotel ($89/night)