10 Most Affordable Beaches in Florida for Your Next Vacation

Amelia Island and nearby Fernandina Beach offer a vacation for when you want to get away from it all. Your days here can be spent searching for seashells on the white-sand beach, strolling the historic downtown area’s collection of charming shops or signing up for a memorable horseback riding tour along the shore at sunset. History enthusiasts can marvel at the well-preserved Civil War-era fort at Fort Clinch State Park, while Boneyard Beach in Big Talbot Island State Park is a dream for photographers with unique landscapes. Feeling thirsty? Stop by The Palace Saloon for a cold one—it’s Florida’s longest operating saloon.

If you love searching for colorful seashells along a quiet shoreline, Sanibel Island is the perfect beach vacation destination for you. Known as the “Shelling Capital of the World,” you’ll find visitors from around the world scouring places like Bowman’s Beach for whatever unique pieces of treasure that have washed up. This laid-back area boasts small-town vibes, where you can take day trips to the wildlife haven JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge or kick back on the pristine shoreline along Lovers Key State Park and nearby Captiva Island.

Located 15 miles south of Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach is a local favorite with a less-crowded shoreline where you can play in the surf in peace. Known for its wide, white-sand Atlantic beaches and charming sidewalk cafes, there’s plenty of budget-friendly activities to keep you busy, from shopping and golfing to fishing, hiking and biking. Join an exciting eco-tour of the Indian River Lagoon or visit the Marine Discovery Center to learn more about the area’s wildlife, then take a stroll along the beach’s boardwalks and see if you can spot native birds and gopher tortoises.

Sarasota is one of Florida’s most underrated vacation destinations, offering a seemingly endless array of cultural attractions. Spend a day exploring the circus memorabilia at the John Ringling Museum of Art, observe gators and other local wildlife in Myakka River State Park or go window shopping along St. Armand’s Circle. You’re spoiled for choice with nearby beaches, from the award-winning pure crushed quartz sand at Siesta Key and surfable waves at Lido Key to the family-friendly facilities at Coquina Beach in nearby Bradenton.

Skip the expensive prices in Key West and the crowds in Key Largo and head to Marathon instead, a picturesque Florida Key considered a hotspot for divers, water sports enthusiasts and fishing excursions. It’s a great place to enjoy an affordable beach vacation in Florida, from snorkeling adventures at Sombrero Beach and standup paddleboarding or kayaking tours with Captain Hook’s Aquatic Learning Center to scenic bike rides along the Old Seven Mile Bridge to Pigeon Key. Only a 20-minute drive away, don’t miss the award-winning beaches at Bahia Honda State Park.

Clearwater Beach is arguably one of the most popular beaches in Florida, but with it comes a wide array of activities that allows you to tailor your vacation based on your travel budget. Stretch out and soak up the sunshine along the white sand, then meet marine animals at Clearwater Marine Aquarium or catch the nightly celebrations with musicians and street performers at Sunsets at Pier 60. You can also take day trips to other beaches, including Caladesi Island, Pass-a-Grille Beach and Fort De Soto Park.

Beach enthusiasts will delight at the white-sand shoreline of Naples, which is fringed by turquoise Gulf waters and offers easy access to an array of family-friendly attractions. Lowdermilk Beach features a playground and picnic tables, while Naples Pier and Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park are great places to enjoy leisurely strolls and dolphin spotting. Kids will love the water slides at Sun-N-Fun Lagoon, while Naples Botanical Garden showcases colorful flora and fauna in 170 acres of lush gardens.

Located along Florida’s alluring Space Coast, Melbourne Beach is home to a string of unspoiled beaches perfect for a summer vacation. Get out on the water with a day of snorkeling or fishing, then stroll the shops and restaurants lining the historic Downtown Melbourne area. Try your hand at surfing at Sebastian Inlet State Park or take a day trip to Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge to learn about sea turtle conservation and nesting season. Craving a classic diner-style burger, fries and milkshake? Head to Burger Place, a local favorite in Melbourne.

Once dubbed the “Most Fun Small Town in America” by USA Today, Delray Beach is a beautiful coastal town around 50 miles north of Miami. Outdoor enthusiasts will love surfing, kayaking, sailing and snorkeling at the pristine beach, while culture vultures can experience tea ceremonies at Morikami Musem & Japanese Gardens and admire contemporary artwork at Cornell Art Museum. Enjoy retail shopping along East Atlantic Avenue, then stroll the boardwalk at Wakodahatchee Wetlands for a chance to see birds, turtles and alligators.

With 27 miles of picture-perfect coastline, Panama City Beach is far more than its former “spring break” reputation. If you’re a surfer, diver or nature lover, this northwest Florida destination has plenty of affordable activities to choose enjoy, from snorkeling and kayaking in St. Andrews State Park to dolphin watching on the undeveloped Shell Island. Enjoy a romantic sunset boat cruise or hire dive gear and explore the “Wreck Diving Capital of the South”, then dine on locally caught seafood at Hook’d Pier Bar & Grill.