There are certain ways that summer announces its presence. For some, it’s how everything smells like sunscreen. For others, it’s a warm breeze that says “Hey, it’s time to take this dinner outside.” And for others still, it’s a clarion call from the ocean, a lazy whisper that urges the listener to slow down, take time off, and spend a season (or at least a week) sprawled on the sand. Do you hear it? There are castles to be built and beers to be drunk. There are waves to surf and boardwalks to explore. And at night you can fall asleep under the stars (or at least with the window open), with sand in your hair and the promise of another day in paradise come morning.
Sounds great, right? But the beach can. be. expensive. Can you afford to take a week off in one of America’s most idyllic water-adjacent towns? We’ve done the math for you, so start drafting a letter to HR (or transferring money from your savings), here are ten beach towns where you can stay for less than $1,000 a week.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
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With 60 miles of beach, shimmering waters, and plenty of space for all of your favorite summer activities (volleyball, grilling, just laying out on a blanket and reading), Myrtle Beach is the perfect getaway for anyone looking to hit the water. AirBnbs range from $69 for beachfront condos for two to $95 for oceanfront “romance suites,” and while you may need to move around a little during your stay if you want the cheapest prices (all part of the adventure!), you could share a two-bed apartment with a friend for $200 a night or less.
Don’t mind a hotel? You could be chilling in a waterfront rental for as little as $534 for five nights.
Emerald Isle, North Carolina
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If you haven’t heard of Emerald Isle, it’s time you picked up David Sedaris’ latest book. Composed of journal entries spanning over 25 years, Theft by Finding often mentions this North Carolina gem noted for its 12 miles of beaches, pristine waters, and activities including kayaking and paddle boarding.
You won’t find anything too fancy on the island, but for $105 a night you could bunk down in a retreat right on the water or, if you really want to splurge, $142 a night will get you a quaint apartment in an oceanfront building just steps from the sand (with wi-fi even!). Five nights in a hotel — rustic, but with all the comforts of home — will run you between $500 and $800 depending on how far you’re willing to walk to hit the beach.
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Daytona Beach, Florida
If you only think of Daytona when you think of racing, you’re doing yourself a disservice. Visit this popular destination and you’ll discover a multitude of festivals, excellent golfing, and a town brimming with rich history. You’ll also find perfect beaches of hard-packed sand that practically beg you to put down a blanket and look out over the shimmering waters.
How much does such paradise run you? $49 a night for a private “granny unit,” $67 for a one bedroom with pool access, or, if you’re feeling like you could use a bit of pampering, you can drop $85 a night for a room in a “condotel” which features three pools, a spa, and easy access to the ocean.
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Oahu, Hawaii
Listen, we know that Hawaii is expensive. It can cost mucho bucks to get out there — and the food isn’t cheap — but if you’re looking for lodgings that won’t break the bank, you’ll be surprised to learn that living on Oahu for a week is more than affordable. From a $110 oceanfront loft apartment to an $88 eighth-floor retreat with stunning ocean views, Oahu’s got rentals for every budget.
If you’re keen to spend more money on experiences than on lodging, then you’re in luck: Multiple hostels await.
Sarasota, Florida
Sarasota is officially the best place to live in Florida, so if you’re looking for a beach town that’s got great weather, great food, and a thriving art scene to explore, look no further than the SRQ.
What’s it going to cost you? For $79 a night, you can rent an adorable studio with an enclosed pool just steps away. For $81 (and less than 20 minutes from Siesta beach — ranked #1 in the U.S.) you can have your own detached cottage. And if sleek, modern living is more your style, you can drop $114 a night for a condo that houses four.
You’ll pay higher rates as you get closer to the beaches, but if you don’t mind being a little cramped — come on, you’ll be outside most of the time! — $92 will get you a cute little efficiency apartment across from Lido Beach.
Atlantic City, New Jersey
If you want to party like the kids on the Jersey Shore, you’re going to need to pony up some mad dough to GTL in Seaside Heights. But if you don’t mind fist bumping somewhere a little more ostentatious, you can get some great values in Atlantic City, home to glitz, glamor, and, often, Real Housewives reunions.
The best part about staying in Atlantic City (aside from the beach and the people-watching) is that most places you’ll stay will be located in a hotel, meaning that you’ll enjoy all the amenities without paying the prices. A $115 studio in the Wyndham Skyline Tower will bed up to four people (provided someone’s cool with sleeping on the couch). For $122, you can rent a house with two bedrooms and two bathrooms only a few blocks from the beach. And for $175, you can rent a three bedroom, two and a half bathroom house big enough for your entire crew.
Did someone say party? Because that’s all you’ll be doing in AC. Fist pumps for days!
Miami Beach, Florida
How would you like to rub shoulders with models and other assorted celebrities? Are you into 20th century architecture? What about a kicking nightlife? If you murmured positively at any one of these questions, then pack your bags and head down to Miami Beach where the weather’s warm but the people are way hotter.
You’ll be wanting to save your money for popping bottles and fancy eatin’ so you’ll be happy to know that you can get a studio apartment only three blocks from the beach for 89 bucks. For $95 you can “step right out onto the beach,” and this $75 studio may be just the right place for you to crash after a day of soaking up rays or a night of drinking and dancing.
Molokai, Hawaii
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Okay, here’s the thing: To get here, you’re going to have to take a tiny plane that will make you feel like you’re about to fall out of the sky. But if you can survive that — this author and his panic disorder did! — you’ll be treated to an island where the people are friendly, the beaches are plentiful, and time moves so slowly that you’ll feel like your perfect vacation will never end.
If you’re an explorer, you’ll want to check out this $160 studio that comes with a car. Don’t need a car but want to stay cool and enjoy all the comforts of home (including high-speed wireless and a hammock in the backyard?), try on this $129 hideaway for size. And if you’re looking to be as close to the beach as possible while enjoying some authentic rustic accommodations, you can watch the sunset from your huge screened-in lanai in this $100 studio. Now, who’s ready to buy some plane tickets?
