10 affordable beach destinations to save on surf, sand, and sea

Budget-friendly shorelines that feel like a splurge.

Myrtle Beach coastline with people enjoying themselves by swimming and sunbathing.

The pool area at a resort in Mexico near the ocean.

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10 affordable beach destinations to save on surf, sand, and sea

Not much can top a sun-soaked beach vacation except for one that doesn’t break the bank. From the charming shores of South Carolina to the Pacific waves of Costa Rica, these affordable beach towns offer the perfect mix of ocean views, local flavor, and wallet-friendly vacation rentals—all available through Vacasa.

Grab your sandals, pack your swimsuit, and let’s dive in.

1. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Best for: Classic boardwalks and family-friendly fun

Featured vacation rental: Palm Tree Paradise

Stretch your dollar across 60 miles of pristine Grand Strand coastline where free beach access meets vacation rentals that are both waterfront and wallet-friendly.

Feast on inexpensive all-you-can-eat seafood buffets.
Catch free summer concerts at Plyler Park on the weekends.
Walk 60 miles of free public beaches with no entrance fees or parking meters required.
Ride free seasonal trolleys connecting major attractions, hotels, and shopping areas along the Grand Strand.
Visit Myrtle Beach State Park for $8 admission to pristine nature trails and a fishing pier.

Explore Myrtle Beach Vacation Rentals

Plantation Palms resort in Gulf Shores, Alabama

2. Gulf Shores, Alabama

Best for: Sun-kissed relaxation with Southern charm

Featured vacation rental: Crystal Tower 906

Discover sugar-white sand beaches and budget finds throughout this uncrowded Gulf Coast gem.

Drive onto beaches for free access and park directly on the sand without paying meters.
Devour fresh Gulf shrimp for under $15 at most local dives.
Explore the Fort Morgan historic site for $8 admission to Civil War battlegrounds and pristine nature trails.
Hike Gulf State Park's 28 miles of trails through coastal ecosystems for just the $3 entrance fee.
Time your visit during shoulder season for even lower prices and perfect weather.

Explore Gulf Shores Vacation Rentals

3. Port Aransas, Texas

Best for: Small-town charm and walkable beaches

Featured vacation rental: Down By The Sea

Explore this laid-back fishing village on the tip of Mustang Island along the Texas Coast.

Drive and park on 18 miles of beaches completely free without parking fees.
Ride the free ferry to the island from Aransas Pass to Mustang Island to experience scenic bay and dolphin views while keeping transportation costs low.
Feast on $8 fish tacos from local food trucks.
Explore tide pools and search for crabs, hermit crabs, and other marine creatures during low tide along rocky jetty areas.
Catch free live music at waterfront bars.

Explore Port Aransas Rentals

Solare Resort Condos on South Padre Island

4. South Padre Island, Texas

Best for: Affordable island life with tons of sunshine

Featured vacation rental: Hibiscus Legacy

South Padre Island delivers value with wide beaches, dolphin encounters, street tacos, and beach bars. Most Vacasa vacation rentals here are just a short walk to the surf.

Access 34 miles of pristine beaches completely free, with abundant public parking areas available
Explore Laguna Madre Nature Trail's boardwalks through wetlands for wildlife viewing without entrance fees.
View local wildlife at the South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center, and Alligator Sanctuary for just $10.
Participate in First Friday Art Walk exhibitions showcasing local talent, galleries, and cultural venues throughout the downtown district.
Fish for free at the Queen Isabella State Fishing Pier, a popular destination for anglers seeking various fish species in Gulf waters.
Score $3 breakfast tacos and inexpensive seafood from beachside stands.

Explore South Padre Island Rentals

The view and walkway to a private beach at a Panama City Beach vacation rental.

5. Panama City Beach, Florida

Best for: Family-friendly Gulf Coast adventure

Featured vacation rental: Linda's Cozy Cottage

With 27 miles of sugar-white sand and incredible coastal views, Panama City Beach offers affordable beachfront stays with tons to do.

Walk 27 miles of sugar-sand beaches with completely free access and abundant public parking areas.
Explore Shell Island via a $25 round-trip ferry for pristine, undeveloped beaches and excellent shelling opportunities.
Snorkel at St. Andrews State Park's jetties for $8 admission to see tropical fish.
Grab $6 grouper sandwiches from local joints.
Visit Conservation Park's free trails through 2,900 acres of coastal forests and pristine wetland ecosystems.
Attend free summer concerts at Aaron Bessant Park featuring touring bands and local music acts.

Explore Panama City Beach Rentals

6. Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco

Best for: Culture, color, and beachfront fun

Featured vacation rental: Blue Horizon 401 at Residences

Puerto Vallarta blends affordability with vibrant street life, scenic beaches, and dramatic sunsets. Immerse yourself in authentic Mexican beach culture with low-cost local restaurants and charming neighborhoods loaded with character.

Free beach access spans the entire Malecón, while local buses cost mere pesos.
Explore downtown's free Wednesday evening art walk featuring local galleries, artists, and cultural exhibitions.
Explore hidden beaches like Playa Las Animas via a $10 water taxi for swimming in pristine waters.
Visit traditional markets like Mercado Municipal for authentic food, crafts, and local deals.
Snorkel at Los Arcos Marine Park for a $15 boat ride to protected waters teeming with colorful tropical fish.
Discover accessible luxury when peso exchange rates work in your favor.

Explore Puerto Vallarta Rentals

7. Los Cabos, Baja California Sur

Best for: Baja beauty without the high-end price tag

Featured vacation rental: Marea Los Cabos Fragata 401

From surf towns and sea views to delicious seafood, Los Cabos savings feel like a splurge.

Explore free art walks in San José del Cabo every Thursday evening, featuring local galleries.
Hike desert trails around Cabo for stunning ocean and rock formation views without entrance fees.
Watch gray whales migrate from shore during winter months at numerous free public viewing points.
Visit historic downtown San José del Cabo's colonial architecture and missions without paying admission fees.

Explore Los Cabos Rentals

8. Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste

Best for: Tranquility and nature lovers

Featured vacation rental: Villa Sol 36

Gentle surf meets jungle views in Playa Hermosa, a peaceful beach town just 30 minutes from Liberia Airport. Rentals here often come with ocean views and serene outdoor spaces, all at affordable prices.

Surf world-class breaks with consistent waves perfect for beginners and experienced surfers without crowded lineups.
Explore the nearby Manuel Antonio National Park for $18 admission to pristine beaches and wildlife trails.
Hike coastal trails connecting secluded beaches for free while spotting howler monkeys and tropical birds.
Fish from shore or rocks without permits required while enjoying abundant snapper and roosterfish.
Visit local markets in nearby towns for authentic and affordable Costa Rican crafts and food.

Explore Playa Hermosa Rentals

View from a table at a rental in Play Potero.

9. Flamingo Beach, Guanacaste

Best for: A luxe look and vibe for so much less

Featured vacation rental: Salty Adventures at Twin Dolphins

Flamingo Beach gives travelers soft white sand, warm Pacific tides, and upscale surroundings—all while keeping it accessible with low-cost dining and budget-friendly Vacasa homes nearby.

Fish from shore or charter affordable boats for deep-sea fishing, targeting marlin and sailfish.
Take sunset sailing trips from the marina for $35 per person, including drinks and spectacular scenery.
Feast on fresh catch-of-the-day for under $12.
Visit Tamarindo's Saturday farmers market 20 minutes away for local produce, crafts, and cultural immersion.
Access pristine beaches completely free.

Explore Flamingo Beach Rentals

Lounge chairs on a the beach under palm trees overlooking the ocean with a dock in the foreground at a vacation rental in Belize,

10. Placencia, Belize

Best for: Laid-back Caribbean life on a budget

Featured vacation rental: Condo #31 at Beachside Villas

Skip the expensive island resorts and head to Placencia, a narrow peninsula lined with coconut palms, colorful homes, and 16 miles of warm, uncrowded Caribbean waters. Rentals near the beach can go for less than $100 per night in the off-season.

Snorkel the Belize Barrier Reef, the world's second-largest, via affordable day trips starting at $35 per person.
Explore Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary for $5 admission to the jaguar reserve and jungle hiking trails.
Fish from shore or charter local boats for tarpon, permit, and bonefish in nearby flats.
Visit Garifuna villages to experience authentic Caribbean culture, drumming, and traditional food preparation methods.
Take a water taxi to nearby cayes for $15 round-trip to pristine islands and excellent beaches.
Attend free local festivals featuring traditional Belizean music, dancing, and authentic cultural celebrations throughout the year.

Explore Placencia Rentals

How to beach on a budget

Shop for souvenirs at local markets instead of tourist traps.
Buy ingredients at the market and cook meals in your vacation rental.
Fly Tuesday through Thursday with early morning or late evening departures to save hundreds on airfare compared to weekend flights.
Travel during shoulder season for the perfect balance of decent weather, fewer crowds, and lower accommodation and activity prices.
Research free beach activities like hiking, swimming, and beachcombing.
Check for free local events, festivals, or concerts during your stay.
Rent equipment (snorkeling gear, umbrellas) from local shops rather than resorts.