The Best Beach Destinations in the US and Caribbean on a Budget

The Best Beach Destinations in the US and Caribbean on a Budget. These destinations are great for families on a budget. Whatever your budget is, these destinations will help your money go further.

8. National Seashore Beaches

One of the best Best Beach Destinations in the US and Caribbean on a Budget to camp at is at a National Seashore, which is part of the national parks system. Parks such as the Cape Cod, Assateague Island and Canaveral National Seashores offer beautiful beaches. Some offer onsite camping via tent or camper sites. Some allow off road driving (usually with permit) and many offer a variety of other amenities and activities. Camping is a wonderful affordable way to visit the beach.

7. Cruises

Cruises are one of the most affordable ways to travel. Book a vacation that’s all-inclusive without having to pay expensive airfare to the Caribbean. Food and entertainment included but you will need to research the ports you visit to see if you can get to the beach cheap and easily. Some cruises itineraries include a stop at a private island for a free beach day and others may tender into towns that offer a small beach or offer transportation to the beach for a low price. Cruising is also a great way to visit multiple destinations. January and February tend to be the best months for sales on cruised for travel during any month and keep an eye out for kids’ sale free and other special offers.

6. Point Pleasant, NJ

The Jersey shore is seen as party central in the summer but Point Pleasant especially near the inlet is a quieter family area. with only small motels the beach doesn’t feel impossibly crowded and your close the amusement attractions to walk to but far enough for it to be peaceful. Because it’s a popular weekend getaway rates for motels often are substantially less for weekday stays saving $100 or more per night. With the fishing boats coming in daily there’s several seafood markets that serve hot food at reasonable prices compared to the typical tourist destinations. During the summer they have weekly fireworks and live bands.

5. Myrtle Beach, SC

Myrtle Beach is fantastic and full of families during the summer. While it may not be high on luxury travel lists it’s a wonderful beach destination for families. Book in advance for the best rates on accommodations or even consider a spring break trip where crowds are nonexistent. As a shoulder season, weather is unreliable but often warm enough to sunbath and swim in pools. If your kids are like mine, they will still head into the water late afternoon for some boogie boarding.

We have stayed at several affordable hotels in the area. Most recently the Double Tree which offers complementary miniature golf and walking access to the pier. Along with 2 small lazy rivers several outdoor and indoor pools there plenty of free activities to keep the entire family entertained. Many hotels come with kitchenettes or at least a microwave fridge which means you can bring some frozen meals or other easy microwave meals along with you to save even more.

4. Orange Beach, Alabama

Have you been to Floribama? One of the best Best Beach Destinations in the US and Caribbean on a Budget for the Gulf Coast is Orange Beach, Alabama. It’s is covered in the beautiful white sand you expect to see along the gulf coast but with much lower price tag for accommodations than Popular places like Destin, Florida. We stayed at the Double Tree which offers a heated pool that is partially covered which is great for rainy or cooler days. You can also find wonderful southern food in a place that still offers blue plate lunch specials that are light on the wallet but heavy on the belly with portion sizes bit enough to split.

3. Melbourne Beach, Florida

Melbourne Beach on A1A is a beautiful stretch of beach on the Florida coast that was once very popular with tourists. The great news is it’s fairly quiet, prices are reasonable for accommodations as well as restaurants. The Hyatt Place Melbourne is not only affordable but is only about a 15-minute drive to the beach and is located right next to an Aldi so you can get a cheap lunch and a snack for a picnic at the beach. While Cocoa Beach is a much more popular destination and pricier, Melbourne beach is just a little over an hour from Orlando and Walt Disney World so it’s a great add on to your Disney Trip.

2. Montego Bay, Jamaica

Montego Bay is one of the most easily accessible and affordable islands in the Caribbean. Unlike Dominican Republic the water is safe to drink. Our favorite budget friendly resort the Holiday Inn Montego Bay All Inclusive as rates starting as low as $250/nt for 2 adults and 2 children under 12 years. The Resort offers plenty of included activities and being within 10 minutes of the airport makes transport quick easy and affordable. With southwest flying to the island and these low rates it’s easy to plan a budget trip. The chill vibe and wonderful Jamaican food makes this a wonderful budget getaway.

1. Oahu, Hawaii

Oahu tends to get a bad rep, as the least favorite Hawaiian Island. However, it’s still a beautiful Hawaiian Island full of fun and adventure. The Northshore area provides a quieter side of things and there’s plenty of hiking and waterfalls to visit around the island. Stop at the Bonsai Pipeline to watch surfers or Hanuma Bay for snorkeling. There’s plenty of free or affordable entertainment including the Polynesian Culture Center. This is also the most affordable island for accommodations even in Waikiki. Staying in Waikiki means you can save on rental car and still have access to the beach as well as affordable entertainment such as the Honolulu Zoo and Aquarium. Hawaii food is delicious and will affordable food trucks, Hawaii plate lunch options and even a hot food deli at the ABC markets there’s plenty of options for affordable food anywhere on the island. Oahu is also home to our favorite family resort Disney’s Aulani Resort. While not a budget resort, it provides some wonderful entertainment and is worth a splurge. You can often find affordable rates from the California coast and with southwest flying to Hawaii it’s a great opportunity to utilize points and companion pass for nearly free flights.