No.10 - Panama City, Florida
Florida's Panama City is an absolutely beautiful beach destination. Located on the Gulf Coast, the weather is perfect (aside from the occasional wayward hurricane) and the nightlife is killer. A popular spring break destination for the college set as well as for the young at heart, Panama City is prime for vacation deals. The condo market exploded in the middle of the decade, when many of these properties acted as second homes for people all over the country. Well, now they can't afford them, so beach front living has become dirt cheap. Drop in so you can hit up Coyote Ugly for 16 ounce beer only $2.00 a can. There's nothing more patriotic than cultivating a buzz on the Gulf Coast.
Nearest Inn: Hampton Inn Panama City Beach
No.9 - Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara is the gateway to California's fabled Central Coast. It's an unbelievable jewel when it comes to natural beauty. The fact that it's a short drive up the historic 101 freeway, coupled with the surrounding natural wonder, might explain why so many of Hollywood's A-listers call Santa Barbara home. Anywhere the mega-celebrities hang out is going to be out of range for the budget-conscious, right? Wrong. You know who else lives in Santa Barbara? College students -- a lot of them. This place is party central, which means you can cobble together a good time for almost nothing. Check out the Enterprise Fish Company or the EOS Lounge for the two sides of Santa Barbara. The former hosts a nautical-themed happy hour featuring wells for $3.25, while the latter is an upscale lounge that would be right at home in Hollywood.
Nearest Inn: Hampton Inn Goleta
No.8 - Daytona Beach, Florida
Why visit Daytona Beach? Two words: spring break. Like its Floridian brethren, Daytona Beach has a wealth of cheap lodging and cheap fun. Aside from having a world class beach, Daytona knows how its bread gets buttered. For example, take Crabby Joe's: Located out on a pier, the restaurant has great views and drink specials abound. Give the fish "Po Boy" sandwich a go. As the name would suggest, it's a budget deal designed for the money-conscious vacationer. How about a $12 Sunday buffet brunch at Aunt Catfish's? In Daytona Beach, there is always a desirable deal.
Nearest Inn: Hampton Inn Daytona Shores
No.7 - Key West, Florida
Key West is actually a few islands located at the southern tip of Florida that extend out into the waters of the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. It's basically a first-world Caribbean resort, which makes it a tourist mecca. None other than Ernest Hemingway called this place home, pounding away at his typewriter and imbibing a little too much. Deals abound when you get away from the tourist traps and head to local haunts like the Green Parrot. Live music, cold beer and eccentric locals make this destination a must-visit.
Nearest Inn: Hampton Inn Key West
No.6 - Coos Bay, Oregon
Ah, the Pacific Northwest. It's hard to say that phrase without thinking of some stunning landscapes saturated with shades of blue and green. Coos Bay is an incredible beach deal since the town has recently had a major economic shift away from shipping to tourism. While not a traditional " tourist trap," there are a number of deals to be found in what feels like a small town. What's nice about Coos Bay is that you can really immerse yourself in the culture of the Northwest. Check out the lighthouses at Cape Arago or the Umpqua River to do a little learning while you're enjoying the famous state parks that surround them.
Nearest Inn: Hampton Inn Eugene
No.5 - Ocean City, Maryland
Ocean City is a noteworthy piece of the Atlantic Coast and is also one heck of a good deal. The area is known for tourism and has a number of fine establishments worth checking out. What makes Ocean City one of the best all-time beach deals, though, are places like Trimpers Rides. An old-time amusement park on the boardwalk, Trimpers is a family-run institution where the operators know to let the rides run a little longer when it's not crowded. Be sure to check out Crab Alley, where you can sample the "Nor'easter," a delightful concoction of Malibu and 151 that is sure to sit you down.
Nearest Inn: Hampton Inn Ocean City
No.4 - Hampton Beach, New Hampshire
Hampton Beach is probably the most northern beach on this list -- it's also the best deal in the region. For starters, Hampton Beach doesn't have usage fees, which is unusual for the area. So, if you're into lounging on the beach for free or doing a little boogie boarding, Hampton Beach has you covered. And if you want to get off the sand, you aren't going to be disappointed: Local fishing boats have learned the value of diversity and have been offering whale-watching and fireworks-watching cruises for some time. September sees the Hampton Beach Seafood Festival come to town, where free food abounds. So, if you can schedule a weekend trip in the early fall, you're going to be stretching your dollar even further. Throughout the year there are various festivals or regattas that are worth checking out. Hampton Beach understands the value of a free event, which makes it one of the best all-time beach deals.
Nearest Inn: Hampton Inn Groton
No.3 - Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
A lot of people are going to consider Myrtle Beach to be a huge tourist trap; that's understandable since it is chock-full of sandy beaches and receives 14 million visitors each year. If you're savvy, however, Myrtle Beach is going to be counted among the greatest beach vacation deals of all time. Without a doubt, there are some hidden treasures crying out to be sampled. For example, take Bummz Beach Cafe: As the name would suggest, it's a frugal take on the surrounding beach community. The combination of locals singing karaoke and consuming draft beer for under $3.00 a pint makes it a no-brainer. In general, if you stay off of Celebrity Circle, you'll get more bang for your buck.
Nearest Inn: Hampton Inn Beachfront Resort
No.2 - Orange Beach, Alabama
Just across the border from Pensacola, Florida, Orange Beach is basically set up for resort-style vacationing -- only at cheaper prices. Cross an imaginary line between two states and start saving right away. It's hard to go to a beach community in the South and not have a good time -- having the best happy hour in town is serious business. The Wharf is a one-stop shop for Gulf Coast fun, and it's home to Rafter's, a spectacular sports bar where $2.50 gets you a beer and a seat in front of one of 18 TVs. Happy hour (which lasts 10 hours every day by the way) takes a dollar off that outrageous starting price and brings it down to something a little more manageable. Orange Beach practically pays you to have a good time.
Nearest Inn: Hampton Inn Foley/Gulf Shores
No.1 - Surf City, North Carolina
Surf City, located on Topsail Island, is not really a party destination; think more swimming in a quiet, laid-back atmosphere that requires boat shoes and aviator sunglasses. Too often places will try to pump up the energy, but Surf City takes the opposite tack and comes off as relaxed as the rolling dunes on the beach. The place just feels quaint and still has a number of private clubs that require a membership to partake -- don't worry, though, they're quite a steal. For example, $5 gets you in to the Brass Pelican Tavern or Gilligan's. While a private club, the entrance fee entitles you to full access to all of their drink and food specials. What makes Surf City a deal is that the whole island feels like you're own private retreat. No riffraff -- just cheap drinks and serenity. The whole town is a deal.
Nearest Inn: Hampton Inn & Suites Seal Beach
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