Inexpensive Beach Vacations: The Ultimate Guide for Families Inexpensive Beach Vacations Overview Top Affordable Beach Destinations Tips for Saving Money on Beach Vacations Family-Friendly Budget Beach Vacations Frequently Asked Questions About Inexpensive Beach Vacations Conclusion Inexpensive Beach Vacations Overview Importance of Cheap Beach Getaways When planning family vacations, finding affordable options is often at the top of the priority list. Inexpensive beach vacations allow families to enjoy the sun, sand and surf without worrying about the cost. A beach vacation offers a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure and the opportunity to create lasting memories as a family—and it doesn't always require breaking the bank. Benefits of Budget-Friendly Beach Trips There are numerous benefits to opting for budget-friendly beach trips. Firstly, they encourage creativity in planning itineraries and activities, often leading to unique and memorable experiences you may not have thought of before. Additionally, cheap beach vacations often involve less crowded destinations, allowing for a more relaxed and intimate experience. Lastly, they teach children the joy of simple pleasures; oftentimes, a child's favorite beach vacation activities are the ones involving little to no cost—building sandcastles, collecting seashells and playing beach games. Top Affordable Beach Destinations Florida Club Wyndham Santa BarbaraPompano Beach, FL Club Wyndham Clearwater BeachClearwater Beach, FL Club Wyndham Ocean WalkDaytona Beach, FL Club Wyndham Beach Street CottagesDestin, FL Pompano Beach, FL Pompano Beach is a hidden gem on Florida's east coast, offering pristine beaches and affordable accommodations. Known for its excellent fishing and diving opportunities, Pompano Beach is perfect for families who love water activities. After a day at the beach, visitors can head to the Fishing Village for dining, shopping and local hospitality in what is known as “Florida's Warmest Welcome.” Where to stay? Club Wyndham Palm-Aire Club Wyndham Royal Vista Club Wyndham Santa Barbara Club Wyndham Sea Gardens Clearwater Beach, FL Clearwater Beach is famous for its stunning white sand and clear waters. Families can enjoy a variety of free or low-cost activities, such as visiting the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, taking a stroll along Pier 60 or watching the sunset from a beachfront restaurant. Where to stay? Club Wyndham Clearwater Beach Resort Daytona Beach, FL Daytona Beach is well-known for its vibrant atmosphere and wide, sandy shores. Families can take advantage of free beach access, as well as numerous parks and playgrounds. The Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier offers affordable entertainment, including arcades, rides, snack bars, restaurants and nightly street performers. Daytona Beach also hosts several free events throughout the year adding extra value to your visit, such as their annual Sounds of Summer Concert Series featuring free concerts and fireworks. Where to stay? Club Wyndham Ocean Walk Destin, FL Destin is located on Florida's Emerald Coast, named for its emerald-green waters. The area offers plenty of affordable accommodations, from beachfront condos to budget-friendly hotels. Families can enjoy the beautiful, white-sand beaches and the entertainment, shopping and dining of HarborWalk Village. And of course, for a town that began as a fishing community, visitors have ample opportunity to fish. From inshore fishing to paddleboard fishing, fishers of all ages and skill levels can enjoy what has been nicknamed the “World's Luckiest Fishing Village.” Where to stay? Club Destin Club Wyndham at Majestic Sun Club Wyndham Beach Street Cottages South Carolina Club Wyndham SeaWatch ResortMyrtle Beach, SC Club Wyndham Ocean BoulevardNorth Myrtle Beach, SC Club Wyndham Towers on the GroveNorth Myrtle Beach, SC Club Wyndham Grand PalmsSurfside Beach, SC Myrtle Beach, SC Myrtle Beach is a popular destination for families due to its wide range of low-cost attractions. The beach itself is free, and families can enjoy inexpensive activities such as visiting the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, a 1.2 mile-long promenade featuring stunning oceanfront views, fresh seafood restaurants and the imposing SkyWheel. Families can also explore the many activities and attractions at Broadway at the Beach, including their numerous free events and festivals like fireworks and live music. Where to stay? Club Wyndham SeaWatch Resort North Myrtle Beach, SC North Myrtle Beach offers a slightly quieter alternative to its southern counterpart, while still providing plenty of family-friendly activities. Families can enjoy free beach access, affordable mini-golf courses and inexpensive dining options. North Myrtle Beach also boasts several nature preserves that are perfect for exploring on a budget, including Heritage Shores Nature Preserve and Russell Burgess Costal Preserve. Where to stay? Club Wyndham at The Cottages Club Wyndham Ocean Boulevard Club Wyndham Towers on the Grove Club Wyndham Westwinds Surfside Beach, SC Surfside Beach, known as 'The Family Beach,' lives up to its nickname with its relaxed and family-oriented atmosphere. The beautiful beaches are cleaned daily and are quiet and uncrowded, providing a safe and comfortable environment—Surfside Beach even became the first Autism-Friendly Travel Destination in 2016. Where to stay? Club Wyndham Grand Palms Edisto Beach, SC Edisto Beach offers a serene and laid-back environment, perfect for families looking to escape the hustle and bustle. The beach is less commercialized, allowing for a more natural and peaceful experience. Visitors can enjoy low-cost outdoor activities such as biking, kayaking, hiking at the Edisto Beach State Park and observing the many reptiles at the Edisto Island Serpentarium. Where to stay? Club Wyndham Ocean Ridge California Oceanside, CA Oceanside is a charming coastal city in Southern California that offers a variety of beaches for all interests, from Pier View South Beach which is a favorite for surfing and other water activities to Pier View North Beach which offers a more relaxed atmosphere to soak up the sun. Families can enjoy free access to the beaches as well as Oceanside Pier, a picturesque place to fish, take a stroll and watch the sunset. Visitors can also head to Oceanside Harbor to catch a charter to go whale-watching or to spend time in Harbor Village where they can grab a bite to eat and watch the sea lions. Where to stay? Club Wyndham Oceanside Pier Resort WorldMark Oceanside Pismo Beach, CA Pismo Beach is a classic California beach town with a laid-back vibe and stunning ocean views. In addition to the beach, families can enjoy affordable activities such as visiting the Monarch Butterfly Grove and exploring the Pismo Beach Pier, as well as free activities such as hiking in Pismo Preserve. Where to stay? WorldMark Pismo Beach Oregon Gleneden Beach, OR Gleneden Beach offers a scenic getaway full of wildlife-viewing and oceanside cliffs. The beach is uncrowded, allowing families to enjoy a quiet and relaxing vacation complete with soft sand and sea lions. The town is full of delicious dining options and unique shops, such as Sirens' Sweets' vintage candies and Unique and Knotty's handcrafted furniture and décor. Families can also explore nearby attractions such as the Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area and the Oregon Coast Aquarium. Where to stay? WorldMark Gleneden Seaside, OR Seaside is a family-friendly beach town with a wide range of affordable activities and accommodations. Besides free beach access, families can also enjoy a stroll on the Seaside Promenade taking in breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Other inexpensive activities include feeding seals at the Seaside Aquarium, taking a ride on the famous Seaside Carousel and hiking on the many nearby parks and trails. Where to stay? WorldMark Seaside Tips for Saving Money on Beach Vacations Budget Accommodation Options Finding budget accommodation is key to planning a cheap beach trip. Consider staying in vacation rentals, hostels or budget hotels. Vacation rentals, such as Airbnb or VRBO, often provide more space and amenities for a lower cost than traditional hotels. Booking accommodations in advance can also help save money. And always keep your eyes out for any booking deals and discounts. Extra Holidays often has sales and vacation specials—check out the Offers page to save on your stay. Plus, if you join Insider Extras, you'll save up to 20% on most Extra Holidays bookings! Affordable Dining and Meals Eating out can be expensive, especially for families. To save money, consider staying in accommodations with kitchen facilities, allowing you to prepare your own meals. Pack snacks and lunches for beach days to avoid spending money on expensive beachside cafes. Look for local markets and grocery stores to buy fresh and affordable ingredients. Cost-Effective Travel and Transportation Traveling to and from your beach destination can be a significant expense. Look for budget airlines or consider driving if the destination is within a reasonable distance. Carpooling with friends or family can also reduce transportation costs. Plus, a road trip with your friends and family provides even more chances to make lasting memories together. Once at your destination, use public transportation, walk, or rent a bike or golfcart to save money on getting around. Free and Low-Cost Activities One of the best things about beach vacations is that many activities are inexpensive. For free or little cost, you can spend your days swimming, sunbathing, building sandcastles and playing beach games. Additionally, local parks, hiking trails and nature reserves often provide entry for free or a low fee. Many beach destinations also offer free events, concerts and festivals, providing entertainment without the price tag. Shopping Smart for Beach Gear Beach gear can be expensive, but there are ways to save money. Look for discounts on items such as swimsuits, towels and beach toys—oftentimes these sales take place in the wintertime. Consider buying used gear from thrift stores or online marketplaces. Bringing your own beach gear from home instead of purchasing at your beach destination can help cut costs. Planning an inexpensive beach vacation for your family is achievable with the right strategies. Choose inexpensive destinations, seek out affordable accommodations and dining options, watch for deals and sales on beach gear, and take advantage of free and low-cost activities. With these tips, it's completely possible to plan a fun and memorable vacation without breaking the bank. Family-Friendly Budget Beach Vacations Finding Kid-Friendly Beaches When planning a family beach vacation, it's important to find kid-friendly beaches. Look for beaches with calm waters, lifeguards on duty and amenities such as restrooms and picnic areas. For families with young children, beaches with playgrounds, parks and shallow areas are ideal. Entertaining Kids on a Budget Keeping kids entertained on a budget is easier than you might think. Bring along beach toys, kites and sports equipment for endless fun in the sand. Organize fun beach activities such as sandcastle building, seashell gathering and beach volleyball. Explore local attractions such as aquariums, museums and nature centers, which often offer discounted or free admission for children. Booking Family Packages and Deals Many beach destinations offer family packages and deals that can save you money. Look for bundled packages that include accommodation, meals and activities. Check for special discounts for families, such as reduced rates for children or free meals for kids. Booking during off-peak times can also result in significant savings. Frequently Asked Questions About Inexpensive Beach Vacations Where is the least expensive beach vacation? The least expensive beach vacation can vary depending on factors such as location, time of year and availability of deals. However, destinations like Myrtle Beach, SC and Pompano Beach, FL are known for their affordability and budget-friendly options. How to make a beach trip cheap? To make a beach trip as cheap as possible, focus on: budget accommodations, preparing your own meals, and free and low-cost activities. Look out for deals and discounts on airfare, lodging and beach gear. And consider visiting during off-peak times for the best deals. Conclusion Don't let budget constraints keep you from enjoying a fantastic beach vacation with your family. With so many budget-friendly beach destinations to choose from, there's no shortage of options for a fun and relaxing getaway. Embrace the opportunity to explore new places, create lasting memories and experience the joy of a beach vacation without the hefty price tag. So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen and get ready for an unforgettable and affordable beach adventure!
