A beach vacation is often synonymous with relaxation and self-care. The sound of waves crashing against the shore, the warmth of the sun on your skin, and the sight of clear blue waters can all have a calming effect on the mind and body. However, many may feel that a luxury beach vacation is out of reach due to financial constraints.
Fortunately, there are several budget-friendly beach destinations that can offer the same benefits as a more expensive vacation. Whether it’s a coastal destination in the US or a waterfront location abroad, there are options available for those looking to unwind without breaking the bank. Let’s explore six affordable beach destinations that are perfect for a relaxing getaway.
1. San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan, the capital city of Puerto Rico, offers a perfect blend of historical landmarks and beautiful beaches. Tourists can enjoy affordable flights to San Juan from the East Coast and Florida, with round-trip flights from NYC available for under $200. Visitors can explore the city’s old streets to admire its historic architecture or visit the Spanish forts, which costs little to nothing.
San Juan boasts some of the most beautiful public beaches, and tourists can enjoy authentic cuisine like mofongo and bacalaitos at affordable prices. Accommodation ranges from high-end to budget-conscious, and short-term vacation rentals make a family trip more realistic. Tourists can also go all out on all-inclusive resorts so they know exactly where they stand with their budgets as everything has already been paid.
Overall, San Juan is an affordable tourist destination that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
2. Crete, Greece
Crete is a budget-friendly alternative to the more expensive Aegean island destinations of Santorini and Mykonos. With Lufthansa offering the best-priced flights from New York City, visitors can take advantage of the best overall deals from April to June or September to October. The island boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, making it a perfect destination for an Instagram-worthy beach vacation.
As the most populous island in the Aegean Sea, Crete has a lot to offer. Visitors can hike historical ruins, visit immaculate churches, and sample delicious food and wine. There are a variety of accommodation options available, including hostels, immersive Airbnbs, and cliffside hotels.
During a stay in Crete, visitors can use the well-routed and affordable bus options to avoid costly car rentals. For those with more time, ferry-hopping to other islands or city-hopping to Athens is a great way to get more value for their money. With at least two destinations for the price of one, visitors can make the most of their time in Greece.
3. New Smyrna Beach, Florida
New Smyrna Beach is a hidden gem located 15 miles south of Daytona Beach. The town boasts of beautiful, wide, white-sand beaches that are less crowded than other popular tourist destinations in Florida. Visitors can enjoy budget-friendly activities such as eco-tourism, surfing, and outdoor adventures that are rooted in the local culture.
Tourists can take a boat tour at the Marine Discovery Center, stroll along the boardwalk at the Smyrna Dunes Park, or explore the charming town by wandering the Canal Street Historic District. New Smyrna Beach is an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxing and secluded tropical beach getaway without the need to travel halfway around the world.
4. Sayulita, Mexico
Sayulita is a charming beach town in Mexico that offers an alternative to the more crowded and expensive tourist destinations like Cancun and Puerto Vallarta. With its serene beaches and unique shops, Sayulita is perfect for travelers who prefer a build-your-own vacation approach instead of a luxury all-inclusive package. The town is known for surfing, and visitors can enjoy the waves while taking in the stunning scenery. Flights to the nearest airport in Puerto Vallarta are relatively inexpensive, making it an accessible destination for West Coasters. For a relaxing vacation away from the typical tourist attractions, Sayulita is a must-visit.
5. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is a popular destination for those seeking a beachside vacation. Despite the high cost of flights, which can range from $1000 to $2500 round trip, it is still a budget-friendly option due to the favorable exchange rate for the US dollar. Direct flights from Atlanta and Washington, DC also make it a convenient long-haul destination.
Travelers can enjoy multi-course meals at top restaurants for the same price as a few drinks in NYC or DC, and excursions to diverse and renowned wineries are available. Stylish hotel and apartment rentals come in at less than $100 per night.
Cape Town’s beaches are cold and perfect for surfers and adventurers, while Cape Point offers spectacular water views where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. A classy Cape Town vacation is an ideal choice for snowbirds, as the southern hemisphere season means that visitors can travel during the US summer for their winter prices or travel during the US winter for a budget-friendly summer vacation.
6. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach is a favored destination for those looking for an affordable vacation. The city offers a plethora of budget-friendly accommodations such as hotels, vacation rentals, and campgrounds. With over 60 miles of beach accessible for free, visitors can soak up the sun and enjoy the ocean breeze without breaking the bank.
Make the most of the 1.2 mile boardwalk and promenade that stretches the beautiful coastline by timing your visit to coincide with festivals and events. Myrtle Beach is known as the mini-golfing capital of the world, and it is home to the tallest flying jet ride in North America, providing endless entertainment options for visitors.
Myrtle Beach is also a walkable city, which can help visitors save money on transportation costs. Depending on where you are coming from, Myrtle Beach can be easily reached by car, which can save money on train or plane tickets. Whether you are a single traveler, a couple, or a family, Myrtle Beach offers an affordable vacation option without compromising on fun.
