For many, a beach vacation is the quintessential definition of a relaxing getaway. What spells self-care better than sitting by the water and soaking up the sun? You don’t even have to take a dip—simply being near and observing water can have calming effects on your mind and body. While beach vacations can seem out of reach, they don’t have to break the bank. In reality, there are plenty of more affordable destinations that can provide you with all the benefits of a luxury beach vacation without all the financial stress. Whether it’s a U.S. coast or a waterfront location abroad, try six these budget-friendly beach destinations when you’re planning your next vacation.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, is home to stunning sandy beaches and historical landmarks. Flights to Puerto Rico are surprisingly affordable, with especially good deals for those flying out of Florida and the East Coast. (At the time of writing, you could book round trip flights from NYC to San Juan for under $200),
Walking the city streets of old San Juan to admire the historic architecture or visit the Spanish Forts costs little to nothing. And some of the most beautiful beaches are completely public. Authentic cuisine, like mofongo and bacalaitos, is affordable around the city. Accommodations range from high-end to budget-conscious. Short-term vacation rentals also make a family trip more realistic, but you’re always welcome to splurge on all-inclusive resorts that bundle costs for one large, but simple bill.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach is a popular destination suitable for a low-cost vacation. Book a spot at one of the many budget-friendly hotels, vacation rentals, and campgrounds, and you can easily access 60+ miles of beach for free. Timing your visit to festivals and events will allow you to make the most of your time on the beautiful boardwalk and promenade, which stretches 1.2 miles along the coastline. It’s hard to be bored in Myrtle Beach, which is known as the mini golfing capital of the world and is home to the tallest flying jet ride in North America.
Myrtle Beach is also fairly walkable, which can save you lots of money on transportation. Depending on where you’re traveling from, Myrtle Beach can be a car ride—sparing the cost per seat on trains and planes. It’s easy to make Myrtle Beach an ultra low-budget getaway for singles, couples, and families, without feeling like you’re compromising on a good time.
Crete, Greece
If you’re looking to treat yourself to an Instagram-able beach vacation that still fits within a more modest budget, look no further than Greece. Crete, in particular, is a wallet-friendly alternative to its Aegean island neighbors, Santorini or Mykonos. At the time of writing, Lufthansa offers the best priced flights from New York City, but you’ll nab the best overall deals from April to June or September to October. And the beaches will be no less magical.
As the most populous Aegean sea island, Crete has lots to offer. Hiking historical ruins, visiting immaculate churches, and sampling the food and wine are all within reach. There are several options for accommodations depending on your preferences, including hostel stays, immersive Airbnbs, and cliffside hotels.
During your stay in Crete, you can utilize the well-routed and affordable bus options to avoid costly car rentals. If you have time, ferry-hop to the other islands or city-hop to Athens. Get more value for your money by visiting at least two destinations for the price of one.
Sayulita, Mexico
Mexico and beach vacations are virtually synonymous. Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Playa Del Carmen are beautiful, but they boast competitive prices at peak seasons. Instead, try Sayulita for a gorgeous, beach-town alternative. It’s perfect for a build-your-own vacation approach, rather than a luxury all-inclusive package.
With the nearest big airport being Puerto Vallarta, flights are relatively inexpensive, particularly for West Coasters. Known for surfing, this town has tranquil beaches and cute shops for memorable souvenirs. For a relaxing vacation away from the more typical tourist attractions, try Sayulita.
New Smyrna Beach, Florida
New Smyrna Beach is home to beautiful, wide, white-sand beaches that are much less crowded than typical tourist magnets in Florida. About 15 miles south of Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach is a local favorite with plenty of budget-friendly activities to keep the entire family occupied. Rooted in local culture, New Smyrna Beach is known for its hidden outdoor adventures, surfing, and eco-tourism.
Take a boat tour at the Marine Discovery Center, walk the boardwalk at the Smyrna Dunes Park, or wander the Canal Street Historic District to explore the charming town. It’s ideal for a relaxing and secluded tropical beach getaway without traveling halfway around the world.
Cape Town, South Africa
Flying clear across the Atlantic Ocean might not seem like the most cost-effective way to find a beachside vacation, but Cape Town is a huge draw. The southern hemisphere season means that you can travel during the U.S. summer for their winter prices or travel during the U.S. winter for a budget-friendly summer vacation. Ideal for snow birds, Cape Town’s biggest price tag comes from the flights (which can fluctuate between $1000-$2,500 round trip), but those with airline miles can see that cost dissipate. Direct flights from Atlanta and Washington, DC also make it a convenient long-haul destination.
With the exchange rate in favor of the U.S. dollar, enjoying an affordable but impressive trip is easy to do. Top restaurants boast multi-course meals at the same price as a few drinks in NYC or DC, and excursions to diverse and renowned wineries can make the time fly. Stylish hotel and apartment rentals come in well under $100 per night. Cape Town’s beaches are cold, perfect for surfers and adventurers. Cape Point is where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. For those who want spectacular water views without spending days dunked in the water, nothing beats a classy Cape Town vacation.
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