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There is nothing quite like a beach vacation, and for many, there is nothing better than lounging in the sand, under an umbrella, with your toes in the water. Although it’s true they are not for everyone, beach getaways will always remain a popular choice for travelers from all around the world.
In America, people are spoiled for choice as to which beach to head to for some rest and relaxation, with three-fifths of the states having access to a beach and 30 states having a coastline.
For a country with so much shoreline, it goes without saying that beach getaways are popular, and many destinations get much more attention than others.
A new report from Upgraded Points has found the most and least expensive places across the country for waterfront accommodation, looking at the average nightly home price, the average nightly hotel price, and the average price for a weeklong stay.
While the most expensive spots went to prestigious locations such as the Hamptons and Malibu, there are many underrated beach towns that win top marks for affordably.
Here Are 6 Underrated U.S. Beach Towns That Are Ideal For A Budget Getaway:
Cedar Key, Florida
- Average Nightly Home Price: $189
- Average Nightly Hotel Price: $191
- Average Price For A Weeklong Stay: $1,330
Of course, the state of Florida has no end of amazing beaches to check out, yet you may not have heard of this one. The underrated Florida Gulf Coast beach town of Cedar Key is a favorite with many travelers who like the small and quiet vibe.
One iconic sight here is the Dock Street restaurants, piled on top of each other on stilted wooden houses jutting out over the water. This fishing village is Florida’s second oldest town, and free and cheap activities such as biking, birding, and ambling around are big draws.
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@islandhotel Cedar Key Florida Activities #cedarkey #florida #oldflorida #nancymeyers #novel #outterbanks #ocean #sea #fl #food #foodie #foodtiktok #explore #gainsville #tampabay #tampabaybuccaneers #floridagators #uf #golfcart #pilotlife #pilot #pilotsoftiktok #smoothie #sunny #cedarkeyflorida ♬ Soulful Strut – The Young-Holt Unlimited
Ocean Springs, Mississippi
- Average Nightly Home Price: $282
- Average Nightly Hotel Price: $144
- Average Price For A Weeklong Stay: $1,491
The second spot on this underrated and adorable beach town list goes to the quiet and unassuming Ocean Springs, Mississippi.
Known as the City of Discovery, there is loads to do here, from shopping to museums, hiking, and of course eating and drinking. This Gulf Coast town is packed with cheap restaurants, and keeping an eye out for an end-of-summer trip will land you some deals.
@clipguesser Ocean Springs, MS 📍 #usa #unitedstates #oceansprings #mississippi #ms ♬ snowfall – Øneheart & reidenshi
Ocean Shores, Washington
- Average Nightly Home Price: $345
- Average Nightly Hotel Price: $225
- Average Price For A Weeklong Stay: $1,995
Locate about two and a half hours from Seattle you can find the coastal town of Ocean Shores, Washington. Tucked on the Pacific Ocean, the area offers some impressive landscape, surrounded by temperate rainforests and moody Pacific Northwest water.
Ocean Shores has vast, expansive beaches, state parks, and freshwater canals to enjoy. The amount of cultural and recreational activities won’t break the bank, and the town itself has food and drink options for every budget.
@postcardstoseattle Weekend vacation in Ocean Shores, WA #oceanshores #oceanshoreswa #washingtoncoast #washingtonbeaches #washingtoncheck ♬ Coming of Age – Blondes
Port Aransas, Texas
- Average Nightly Home Price: $450
- Average Nightly Hotel Price: $135
- Average Price For A Weeklong Stay: $2,048
Known as the “Fishing Capital Of Texas”, the coastal community of Port Aransas is all about angling. While you can cast on a budget, offshore trips and guided tours are of course much more expensive.
A famous attraction here is the stunning Mustang Island State Park, with 18 miles of soft sandy beaches to enjoy, remember to pack a lunch to make it a very cheap day out.
@texas_explorer Beach season is around the corner! 🌊☀️ #fyp #texas #texastravel #texasbeaches #texascheck ♬ Coastline (feat. Hollow Coves) – Holmsey
Galveston, Texas
- Average Nightly Home Price: $355
- Average Nightly Hotel Price: $233
- Average Price For A Weeklong Stay: $2,058
A favorite with many families in the area, Galveston has loads to do for all ages. Free events such as food festivals, live concerts, and other attractions are always happening and allow you a night out without going over your budget. The beach is wide open, and you can eat and drink here for very cheap if you pay attention to happy hours, ladies’ nights, and bar specials.
@acid_cowboyy For all the people who think Galveston never cleans up 🤝 #galveston #texas #galvestonisland #galvestontx #tx #fishing #fishingtiktok #fishtok #saltwaterfishing #surf #speckledtrout #redfish #fyp #fypシ #foryoupage ♬ Interstellar – Thayner Kesley
Ocean City, Maryland
- Average Nightly Home Price: $358
- Average Nightly Hotel Price: $241
- Average Price For A Weeklong Stay: $2,097
The only contender on this list of affordable beach towns located in the Northeast, Ocean City, Maryland wins points for having over thirty miles of beaches to enjoy.
Local restaurants and other businesses offer various free events to get the crowds in as well, meaning if you pay attention to the events calendar, you can score some cheap nights out.
@jameskblundell Very few people have ever heard of this amazing beach in Ocean City Maryland. Do you want to check it out? 🌤 #oceancity #maryland #oceancitymaryland #visitmaryland #oceancitymd #oceancityboardwalk #beachlife #summer #marylandcheck #travelchecklist ♬ Bops Goin Brazy – Tyga
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
WishIWasntLivinginTX
Sunday 27th of August 2023
Galveston water rarely looks like that.