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Some of the best beach destinations in the world can also be the most expensive.
On the flip side, some of the most underrated beaches won’t break the bank, and best of all, are right here in our own backyard.
While Cancun, Los Cabos, and a wide selection of Caribbean islands make for a dreamy vacation, oftentimes, vacationers get their credit card bill back home and question if they should’ve made other plans.
That’s where TimeOut comes in. They just published a recent study revealing the cheapest beach destinations in the U.S. right now for a 6-night stay.
These are the top 5:
5) Sand Beach – Acadia National Park
What’s your budget for a 6-night stay?
Well, Sand Beach in Acadia National Park is worth the price. It’s hard to talk ourselves into not following the crowd and making use of our passports, but the U.S. is home to some of the best beaches on the planet.
When we think of National Parks, sometimes the thought of beaches go by the wayside when we think of majestic mountains, epic hiking trails, and picture-perfect lakes.
Acadia is home to Sand Beach, where travelers can expect to fork over just under $800 for a 6-night stay.
Sand Beach has it all as it’s nestled in one of the most underrated East Coast states in the country backdropped by the very mountains you pictured visiting a National Park.
4) Coast Guard Beach – Cape Cod
Cape Cod is home to more than postcard-worthy lighthouses and Dads wearing oversized shorts on golf courses.
Cape Cod can actually be a budget-friendly getaway with the right game plan, and that would be a trip to Coast Guard Beach.
Operated by the National Park Service, this beautiful beach doesn’t discriminate by your bank account balance and is surprisingly affordable at just $652.
Visitors love the ample parking spaces and wildlife viewing, including birds, seals, and even Great White Sharks!
3) Wrightsville Beach – North Carolina
Is there a state more overlooked than North Carolina?
It is home to an underrated city in Charlotte, the trendy mountain town of Asheville, the gorgeous, spacious beaches of the Outer Banks, and now Wrightsville Beach.
Wilmington and Raleigh are two other cities often overlooked, and right outside Wilmington is one of the cheapest beach vacations at $637.
Not only that, this beach was recognized by National Geographic as one of the best surf spots in the U.S too.
2) Mustang Island State Park – Corpus Christi
Texas, in general, usually misses out on a seat at the table when it comes to incredible U.S. beach destinations.
Often overshadowed by California and Florida, among others, Texas actually has some really nice beaches.
Well…if you don’t count Galveston’s fugly brown water.
Beaches south of Corpus Christi, on the other hand, tend to be one of the state’s best-kept secrets between Port Aransas and Padre Island, which is where you’ll find the super-affordable Mustang Island State Park.
For only $477 – less than $100 per night – those dreaming of sun and sand can save some serious cash where visitors rave about clear water, plentiful parking, and fun camping options for sleeping under the stars.
1) Twelvemile Beach – Lake Superior, Michigan
America is a crapshoot when it comes to lakes. Some are murky and filled with flesh-eating monsters, while others are clear as the Caribbean.
Michigan may be best known for its lakes, with Lake Superior taking the crown, especially at such cheap prices.
Travelers may have the ocean on their minds when it comes to booking a beach vacation, but with the scenic views and affordable price points, Twelvemile Beach will surely change their minds.
Split between Canada and Michigan, Twelvmile Beach is on the U.S. side and holds an impressive 4.7 stars out of 5 on Google with mentions from recent visitors loving wide open spaces, stunning blue waters, and being able to swim comfortably.
Travelers only need to budget $465 for this lakeside beach vacation.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.