The 4 cheapest beach destinations on the east coast this summer

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Take it from me, who lives in California: the Atlantic Ocean is better in many ways.

San Diego may have thrown me off, like those weird novels my mother used to read, but the East Coast draws me back every year for blue waters that I can actually swim in without feeling like I’m at risk of freezing.

With a little help from fellow travel experts at Yahoo! TravelThis summer we put together a list of the most affordable beach destinations on the East Coast.

To make things even more interesting, we’ve excluded Florida completely, leaving seemingly everyone and their mother’s favorite sunny getaway in the rear view, so you can get more adventurous with some unexpected beach paradises you might not have otherwise considered.

Without further ado, here are 4 East Coast paradises that certainly won’t break the bank, starting with the lowest hotel rates and working your way up without breaking your budget.

1) Ocean City: Maryland’s beloved summer playground

Be sure to check the latest travel alerts before your trip.

We all know that Maryland and crabs go hand in hand, but our favorite sea creatures have to come from somewhere, right?

Whether Maryland is the South or not is another discussion, but there’s no denying that it’s a bona fide beach destination, despite being more known for its deep-rooted history in timeless cities like Annapolis and of course the scenic Chesapeake Bay, where their famous crabs are largely caught and served fresh.

But Maryland’s Atlantic side tells a different story in the summer, when Ocean City becomes an East Coast hotspot with 10 miles of sandy beach, a fun boardwalk perfect for date nights and family outings, and classic seaside thrills from arcades to carnival rides.

We won’t sugarcoat it – Ocean City fills up mid-daybut you can head to North Ocean City for more wiggle room.

Hotels average $150 per night, with rates for luxury splurges often doubling.

Travel Off Path’s choice: The Spinnaker Hotel – perfect location, great reviews and slightly above Ocean City average rates

2) Ogunquit, Maine: Umm…Where?

You know Portland and Acadia National Park, but Maine still feels like one of America’s last frontiers because it’s so tucked away in the Northeast.

Many beach towns are locally beloved but far from mainstream, typically welcoming fellow New Englanders and Canadian tourists.

Ogunquit is located just north of the New Hampshire border, making for a grand welcome to the Pine Tree State.

Before you reach the more popular Kennebunkport, the polka dot town of Ogunquit is one not to be missed, where there are fewer lines for lobster rolls.

The beaches here have been touted by many experts as some of the best coastlines in the country, yet feel isolated enough not to feel too touristy with its cozy inns above flashy resorts.

The only downside is that parking near Ogunquit’s beaches can be tricky during peak season, with Main Beach Lot costing $50 per day and Footbridge Lot right behind at $45.

The good news is that hotels average just $190 per night and rarely exceed $250, leaving extra wiggle room for fresh seafood and souvenir trinkets.

Travel Off Path’s choice: Rockmere Bed & Breakfast – classic New England charm, breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and reasonable rates that hover around $200 per night in June

3) Virginia Beach: The most family-friendly getaway on the East Coast

Believe it or not, Virginia isn’t just a popular road trip adventure; it’s also growing by rail, with new reports claiming Amtrak Virginia is a record year.

One of those stops (by bus, nonetheless) is Virginia Beach. However you get here (drive, drive or fly), you’re destined for a sunny beach town that’s fun for all ages.

Whether it’s visiting Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center or Adventure parkOr just spend a day splashing in the waves of the bright blue coastline, the kids will sleep well at night.

But it’s not just a playground for children; the adults can play too with the oceanfront rooftop bars, fresh seafood restaurants and breezy evenings along the boardwalk Live! On the Atlantic Ocean occasional concerts.

Hotels here average $230 per night.

Travel Off Path’s choice: Oceanfront Hilton Virginia Beach – prime location on Atlantic Avenue, stunning ocean views, rooftop drinks at Sky Bar and rates hovering around $200 on select dates through June

Better yet, Virginia Beach is largely considered safe to visit, despite other coastal towns in Virginia, like the oddly named Newport News, not feeling the same.

View our real-time safety index below, providing a current ranking of 80/100:

4) Myrtle Beach: The most reliable beach escape on the East Coast

This list may feel like a battle of the Ferris wheels – and to some extent it is.

Most of these destinations are a true boardwalk, with Ogunquit being the one exception as it is more of a relaxing retreat to recharge.

If there’s one beach vacation that’s right for you, it’s definitely Myrtle Beach, one of the most reliable know-what-you-get destinations anywhere in the United States.

That’s why there are so many repeat visitors, with Myrtle being their summer anchor year after year.

One of those reasons is of course the price; for the most part, it is one of the country’s most affordable coastal destinations, and has been that way for decades.

Unfortunately you can’t fly Spirit here anymore, but every other budget airline flies here, from Allegiant to newcomer Avelo.

While we’re not saying Myrtle Beach has the best beaches in South Carolina, it’s packed with excitement, whether it’s your first vacation or one of those that return every summer.

Yahoo! Travel states that “accommodation prices typically range from $180 to $335,” meaning the average is $257 per night – the highest on our list, but still reasonable for a summer hotspot.

Travel Off Path’s choice: Oceanfront Residence Inn by Marriott Myrtle Beach – spacious oceanfront suites with full kitchens, beachfront balconies, free breakfast and rates that could hover around $200 in late June

Take this quiz now to find your perfect East Coast match!

Sam Sears

Sam, our Senior Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego, has visited 44 countries and written more than 1,500 articles with an emphasis on sharing his own travel experiences and highlighting lesser-known gems.