5 Beach Vacations You Can Book for Under $100 a Day

When you’re feeling overworked and overstimulated, there’s nothing better than sitting on the beach and watching the waves. According to the 2024 Vacasa Summer Travel Trends Report, 63 percent of travelers plan to spend their summer vacation by the water.

It’s a reset everyone deserves, but not everyone can afford — especially when you’re looking at the list of the best beach resorts in the U.S. . But that dose of sun, sand, and surf doesn’t have to mean a Michelin-starred dinner or a stay in a five-star hotel. In fact, there are several beach vacations you can book for less than $100 a day.

We’ve done the legwork to compile a list of affordable beach vacations And great. While we’ve excluded the cost of getting there, these trips do include accommodation, activities and food. Note that this list is for those travelling with a friend or partner, so you can split the cost of accommodation and eat at home as much as possible.

Panama City Beach, Florida

If you’re heading to Panama City, make sure to check out St. Andrews State Park, which runs along the water and offers a Florida beach vibe with white sand and plenty of opportunities for swimming, surfing, and snorkeling. We recommend booking one of the park’s new glamping tents, complete with a queen bed and air conditioning. As an added bonus, your nightly rate includes free park admission and a ferry ride to Shell Island, known for its pristine beaches and water.

Accommodation: $80 per night if you share the cost with someone (a $7 per night charge for electricity is not included in the price)

Activities: $0 (the ferry to Shell Island is included in your accommodation price)

Food: $12 for a shared pizza at Shore Shack Pizza

Related: I’ve lived in Florida for 27 years — and these are the best affordable beach vacations in the state

Atlantic Ocean, North Carolina

Atlantic Beach is located on North Carolina’s “Crystal Coast,” an 85-mile stretch with 56 miles of protected beach. There aren’t many budget options, but the Windjammer Inn is a hidden gem. While the rooms are basic, all have ocean views and pool access, and the ocean is right outside your door. When you’re ready to venture beyond the beach, rent a bike and head to Fort Macon State Park.

Accommodation: $70 per night at the Windjammer Inn if you split the cost with someone

Activities: $25 for a full day bike rental at AB Bike & Beach Rentals

Food: $3.50; grab a lunch spot at Roma Pizza & Subs

Related: 10 Best Beach Towns in North Carolina, According to Locals

Waldport, Oregon

Oregon’s wild coast is the perfect place to be in the summer. Thanks to the Alsea River, there’s water everywhere, and in the south, you’ll find Governor Patterson Memorial State Recreation Site, with miles of flat, sandy beach.

Just south of the park is a small community with small, affordable accommodations. In addition to your own kitchen, you have access to a greenhouse and communal hangouts. The beach is a five-minute walk away.

Accommodation: $47 per night for a tiny house if you split the cost with someone

Activities: $0; if you’ve had enough of the beach, you can take a walk on the Oregon Coast Trail

Food: $17 for fish and chips from the Oregon Fishmongers food truck

Oceanside, California

Instead of visiting expensive Laguna Beach, head south to the city of Oceanside, which is right on the water and a favorite among surfers. The biggest perk of this beach vacation is the fact that this Airbnb is close to both Oceanside And Carlsbad, so you have more beach options. Plus, the Airbnb has off-road parking, along with rental bikes, beach chairs and umbrellas, and surfboards and bodyboards.

Accommodation: $55 per night for Airbnb if you split the cost with someone

Activities: $0; bike to Mission San Luis Rey or take the boards and beach chairs to the ocean

Food: $18 for a happy hour burger and fries at The Switchboard

Related: 21 Best Beaches in California

South Padre Island, Texas

There are 25 beach access points from the boardwalk that runs along South Padre Island, making it easy for anyone to walk to the beach, no matter where they’re staying. The island also has plenty of beach and ocean-related activities, including a walking trail that leads to 10 hand-painted, five-foot-long sea turtles and a sandcastle trail that features castles sculpted by professional sandcastle artists.

Accommodation: $70 a night for two people for this family-friendly Airbnb, but the place sleeps eight (and has a private pool)

Activities: $10; visit the South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center and Alligator Sanctuary to stroll the boardwalks, visit the butterfly garden and view the alligators

Food: $19 for the fried flounder (with fries, coleslaw and hush puppies) at Doc’s overlooking the water