So, if you’re in need of a coastal getaway that won’t bust your vacation budget, check out these beautiful, affordable beach towns right here in the United States for a seaside vacation that won’t send you back home in debt. If you’re a nature fiend who loves horseback riding, birdwatching, tubing, and more, be sure to visit Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Did you know Fort Lauderdale is known as the Venice of America? You can take your vacation experience to a whole new level and see the sights via a water taxi. There are so many fun, free things to do in Fort Lauderdale as well: festivals, museums, beautiful parks, and nature centers. Be sure to book your vacation between June and August for the biggest savings on hotels and flights. There are also plenty of adventurous paid activities available for prices you won’t see in the more popular beach areas (looking at you, Florida). Have an exhilarating experience parasailing over the ocean blue at Blue Sky Parasail, paddleboard the day away with the help of Ike’s Beach Service, or venture out onto the turquoise waters on a dolphin cruise. Tybee Island also offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience of hunting for megalodon teeth on its beaches—you read that right. You can even keep the teeth as keepsakes. You can also visit the island’s Marine Science Center for just $10. Take time out to visit the Tybee Island lighthouse, which is the oldest lighthouse in Georgia. For the best deals, visit during September (after Labor Day) through the early part of November. Virginia Beach also offers one of the most unique parks around: Mount Trashmore was a former landfill that has been transformed into a gorgeous park featuring two lakes, playgrounds, a skate park, and more. There are plenty of low-cost places to see in Virginia Beach, such as the Cape Henry Lighthouse, which costs $10 to visit. Or get in touch with mother nature at the majestic First Landing State Park. You can swim, hike, paddleboard, and go bird watching for little or no fee. Schedule your beach-bound vacation between March and mid-May for lower rates on hotels. For some of the best beach-going around, head to the ever-affordable Folly Beach, where cheap parking is aplenty and delicious, fresh fish tacos at seaside stands will fill you up without breaking the bank. You can picnic, splash around, and even rent surfboards to get the kids hanging 10 in no time. You can rent a substantial house in or around Folly for a starting price of around $150 per night. Of course, you can always split the difference: Go glam at one of the downtown hotels—like the ever-stunning Hotel Bennett, which even offers a children’s teatime in its ostentatious pink champagne bar—and use your savings for those lazy (and affordable) beach days. The best of both worlds! Enjoy a day at the lovely pier that extends 500 feet over the ocean and is flanked by restaurants. Watch sparkling fireworks from the pier at night during the summer months, get in touch with your inner pirate at Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf, lace up your hiking shoes, and head to Cliff Walk for an advanced hike—or even do a bit of fishing if you’d like. The cheapest time to visit is in September, but you can take a great trip for less money if you avoid going during the main holiday times. This cozy beach town also offers a variety of dining, from seafood to pizza and more. Get a bird’s eye view of the sea and town when you climb the Westport Viewing Tower. And speaking of breathtaking views, be sure you visit Grays Harbor Lighthouse, too. Although the cheapest and least crowded time to visit is September, you can have an affordable getaway even if you go in the summer—if you plan it right. When you’re not lying by the shore, you can take a stroll down the second-largest wooden pier in the state. If you love to bike, take a spin down the San Gabriel River Bike Trail. This trail is 28 miles long and runs along the San Gabriel River. Then, satisfy your taste for sweets at the Crema Café in downtown Seal Beach; grab delectable scones, cookies, and macarons. Visit this beautiful beach town between January and March and August and November to cut costs. Simply avoiding peak season for these destinations can save you a bundle—as can booking hotels that are across the street (or all the way downtown) rather than oceanfront. The little things add up, after all—and what’s the best way to afford more vacations? Prioritizing spending on the travel perks that are important to you, while taking the budget route for the rest. Happy traveling!
