Cheap Beach Vacations in the U.S.

The USA is rich in sandy beaches, quiet coastal towns, barrier islands, warm waters, and surprisingly affordable seafood shacks. From pastel beach cottages to quirky small towns and hidden state parks, here are my favorite budget-friendly spots.

1. Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach, often called “Surf City USA,” is all about the sand, surf, and wide-open coastline. The moment you arrive, it feels like the Pacific stretches endlessly in front of you, framed by palm trees and the iconic pier. Unlike some busier SoCal beaches, it manages to balance energy with ease — surfers catching early morning waves, families setting up beach tents, and cyclists gliding along the paved oceanfront path.

The beach itself is vast, with plenty of room to spread out, whether you want to sunbathe, toss a frisbee, or just wander barefoot where the waves roll in. What struck me most was the community vibe: volleyball games popping up, the smell of bonfires at dusk, and locals who treat the beach as a daily ritual rather than a rare getaway.

I found Huntington Beach to be a place where time slows down. Sit on the sand and watch surfers ride sets rolling in from the Pacific, or take in the sunset from the pier as the horizon turns pink and orange. It’s the kind of California classic that lives up to its reputation while still feeling grounded and approachable.

We drove down from Los Angeles and stayed at Paséa Hotel & Spa, which overlooks the ocean and has easy beach access. My favorite bite was fish tacos at Duke’s Huntington Beach (about $19) right by the pier — fresh, flavorful, and perfectly timed with the sea breeze drifting in.

2. Mexico Beach, Florida

Mexico Beach, tucked along Florida’s Forgotten Coast, feels like a return to simpler days at the shore. With its sugar-white sand, emerald water, and quiet, small-town pace, it’s a place where the Gulf feels both intimate and expansive. Unlike many crowded Florida beaches, Mexico Beach offers wide stretches of shoreline where you can still hear the waves more than the crowds.

The beauty here is in the details: seashells scattered along the tide line, dolphins gliding past the sandbar, and sunsets that paint the horizon in shades of gold and coral. Walking the beach, it struck me how unhurried everything felt — a reminder that sometimes the best seaside escapes are the most low-key.

We stayed at a cozy rental cottage steps from the sand, the kind of spot where mornings start with coffee on the porch and evenings end with fresh Gulf seafood. My favorite meal was blackened grouper tacos at Mango Marley’s (around $17), served with a side of beach-town friendliness that fit the whole experience.

3. Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach feels like Oregon’s postcard to the Pacific — dramatic, windswept, and endlessly photogenic. The wide sandy stretch is anchored by the iconic Haystack Rock, rising from the shoreline like a natural monument. Walking here, you’re struck by the contrasts: seabirds circling the cliffs, tidepools alive with starfish and anemones, and the steady crash of waves that make every step feel cinematic.

There’s a rugged beauty that defines this place, but also a calmness. The misty air, the driftwood scattered along the sand, and the quiet pace of the town itself all add to the sense that Cannon Beach is both a retreat and a spectacle. It’s the kind of beach where you linger — not just for the scenery, but for the way it slows everything down.

We drove from Portland and stayed at Surfsand Resort, which offers ocean views and easy beach access. My favorite meal was the clam chowder at Mo’s Restaurant (about $14), enjoyed while watching gulls wheel over the shoreline. It’s the simple kind of comfort food that matches the elemental feel of the coast.

4. Cape May

Cape May feels like a step back in time, where the Atlantic meets Victorian charm. Known for its pastel-painted houses and wide sandy beaches, it’s one of those places where the shore and history intertwine beautifully. Walking the beach, you’ll see dolphins cresting just offshore while horse-drawn carriages clip-clop past rows of ornate gingerbread-trimmed inns a block away.

What stood out to me most was the balance: the relaxed pace of a small seaside town paired with a touch of elegance you don’t always find at the Jersey Shore. The beaches are broad and clean, perfect for a slow morning walk, while the town itself offers boutique shopping, historic tours, and cozy restaurants that feel rooted in tradition.

We stayed at Congress Hall, the grand yellow hotel that overlooks the ocean and embodies Cape May’s historic character. My best meal was a fresh crab cake sandwich at The Lobster House (about $22), a local favorite right on the marina where the seafood comes in fresh daily.

5. Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach has the feel of a classic East Coast seaside escape, where a lively boardwalk meets miles of sandy shoreline. The wide beach stretches on and on, with space for families, joggers, and sunbathers alike. Walking the oceanfront, you’ll hear a mix of waves crashing and street performers playing along the boardwalk, giving the whole place an easygoing, festive rhythm.

What stood out most was the variety: the buzz of the boardwalk with its shops and bike rentals, balanced by the more natural stretches of sand and water just a short drive away. It’s the kind of destination that can feel both lively and laid-back depending on where you plant your chair in the sand.

We stayed at the Cavalier Hotel, a beautifully restored historic spot that overlooks the ocean and adds a sense of elegance to the trip. My favorite meal was fresh-caught seafood at Waterman’s Surfside Grille (around $25), paired with their famous orange crush cocktail — the perfect beach-town refresher.

Conclusion

What I’ve found in exploring these different shores is that you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy a memorable beach getaway in the U.S. Whether it’s the laid-back charm of a Gulf Coast town, the wild beauty of the Pacific Northwest, or the historic elegance of an East Coast resort, each destination offers its own rhythm and rewards.

These are places where the real luxury is time well spent — watching waves roll in, sharing simple meals, and slowing life down to the pace of the tide. A cheap beach vacation isn’t about cutting corners, but about discovering the value of simplicity, where the sand, sea, and sky do most of the work.

Hi, I'm Ema. Ready to plan your next weekend getaway? Let me help. I have 30 years of experience, over 400,000 social media followers, and my work as a travel expert has been mentioned on abc6 Morning Show, Best of the Web, USAToday, and many other outlets. When I'm not traveling around the USA, I live in Austin, TX with my husband and son. Click for more.

 

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