Book the perfect coastal retreat at the perfect price.
What do you get when you combine kid-friendly amenities, soft sands, calm waters, swaying palms and a high value? The perfect seaside escape to keep all family members happy. Whether you’re searching for a serene sandy stretch where you and the youngsters can build sandcastles and collect seashells or an active adventure filled with surfing and boogie boarding, there are plenty of budget-friendly locales well-suited for clans of all kinds. U.S. News tapped experts to pinpoint seven wallet-friendly beach vacations, from a classic retreat in Massachusetts to a stretch of windswept coastline in California.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
While in-demand Massachusetts destinations such as Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard see high crowds (and high rates) in the summertime, Cape Cod offers scenic trails, rustic sand dunes and charming New England cottages at a lower price tag. You and the kids can enjoy rounds of mini-golf before catching a movie at the Wellfleet Drive-In Theatre, or enjoy leisurely bike rides across the Cape Cod Rail Trail before lounging on powdery sands along the Cape Cod National Seashore. Best of all, data from hotel-deal site goSeek.com shows nightly hotel rates last year averaged $215 in May and $191 in June, making the Cape an ideal beach break for families on a budget.
South Padre Island, Texas
Filled with calm blue waters, scenic nature trails, pristine shorelines and a kid-friendly water park, this tucked-away resort town will be swarming with beachcombers and nature enthusiasts. But while the area used to be a top mecca for college spring breakers, today it caters to families, with dolphin-watching expeditions, turtle-conservation efforts at Sea Turtle Inc. and other activities. What’s more, it’s easy to snap up budget-friendly accommodations. “Prices in Galveston and South Padre Island remain low throughout the year given [that there are] plenty of lodging options,” says Clem Bason, CEO of goSeek.com. Last year, average nightly lodging rates were $115 in May and $119 in June, according to goSeek.com data.
Ocean City, Maryland
Thanks to a variety of kid-oriented activities, from roller coaster rides to a 3-mile boardwalk lined with laid-back eateries and shops, Ocean City offers a quick and convenient family-friendly escape for East Coast travelers. Plus, it’s easy to secure affordable accommodations. According to goSeek.com data, last year, average nightly rates were $148 in April and $166 in May. Plus, it’s easy to trim transportation costs. “Drive it. Don’t fly it,” Bason says. Driving is a far more cost-effective option than flying with a family of four, depending where you’re based; it can often translate to an extra $1,000 to $2,000 for your trip, he says.
San Diego
Consistent sunshine and kid-friendly sands are just a couple of reasons to plan a family getaway to San Diego. “From a travel-value perspective, San Diego is a home run,” says Gabe Saglie, senior editor at Travelzoo.com. “You have a bevy of beach towns and coastal neighborhoods to choose from,” he explains, adding that the area abounds with affordable family-friendly attractions, from the San Diego Zoo to Balboa Park to SeaWorld. Jeanenne Tornatore, senior travel editor at Orbitz.com, also notes that it’s easy to snag a deal. “Hotel options in the many neighborhoods makes for plenty of choice in locale and range of budget,” she says. Currently, goSeek.com shows nightly rates at four-star hotels in San Diego for less than $200 in April and May.
St. Pete Beach, Florida
With white-sand beaches and plenty of opportunities to enjoy water sports (think: parasailing, kiteboarding and windsurfing), St. Pete Beach appeals to both active types and R&R-seekers. For value-conscious visitors, summer is an ideal time to go. “While beach towns will still be busy, you’ll find better prices than you will heading up the East Coast to beach destinations whose only beach season is during summer,” Tornatore says. Bason also highlights St. Pete and Clearwater, Florida, as excellent options for budget-minded families. “The beautiful beaches in Clearwater and St. Petersburg, Florida, are very affordable in summer — just over $100 a night,” he says.
Monterey, California
Sure, Monterey may be well-known for its high-end coastal areas such as Carmel-by-the-Sea and Pebble Beach, but on the northern side of the peninsula, affordable accommodations catering to avid golfers, nature lovers and families are plentiful. Parents will appreciate the Monterey Bay Aquarium, along with the stunning rock formations and prime wildlife-viewing along the Cypress Grove Trail in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Plus, there are plenty more kid-approved attractions, including the Monterey Zoo and the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History. Historical data from goSeek.com shows average nightly lodging rates last year were $194 in May and $206 in June. As for transportation, consider driving to slash costs and enjoy scenic attractions along the Pacific coastline, especially on the famous 17-Mile Drive.
Bar Harbor, Maine
It’s easy to see why Bar Harbor lures families each summer, with its proximity to Acadia National Park, quaint cottages and bed-and-breakfasts, fresh seafood and serene beaches. But while crowds and prices tend to spike during warmer months, in spring, it’s easy to nab an affordable room. Historical data from goSeek.com show average nightly rates were $151 in May and $171 in June. There are also plenty of activities you and the gang can enjoy in the iconic coastal town, including playing rounds of mini-golf at Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf, biking along Acadia’s carriage roads and taking nature walks to search for seals, whales and great blue herons.
More from U.S. News
America’s Top 7 Scenic Spring Road Trips Under $500
7 Family-Friendly Spring Trips You Can Afford
9 Ways to Save Money on a Spring Break Trip
7 Affordable Family-Friendly Beach Vacations originally appeared on usnews.com
