Some of the most popular summer destinations in the United States include well know locations like Florida, California, Washington, Hawaii and Massachusetts.

Some locations attract millions of tourists every summer including Honolulu, Boston, Orlando, Miami, San Diego and Seattle.

If you are looking for a beach break Florida is one of the best states to visit due to having some of the best beaches in the country like Jacksonville Beach and Miramar Beach. But these locations are very touristy, and prices come at a peak.

With cheap flights further south another popular option to to travel to Cancun, Mexico or the Dominican Republic for the ultimate beach resort break. 

If you are looking for a cheaper less busy beach destination, check out our list of places to consider for your next vacation.

 

1. Georgia

Tybee beach, Georgia

Georgia is located in southeastern USA and shares borders with Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, and North and South Carolina. Its diverse geography always attracts visitors due to the spectacular coastlines and mountains.

Georgia was once under Spanish and then British rule, and it was also an important location during the American Civil War, with Tybee's Fort Pulaski bearing testimony to this.

There are around 110 miles of coastline and just off the Georgia coast, between Savannah, GA, and Jacksonville, FL, lies the mainland city of Brunswick and its four beautiful barrier islands off of Georgia: St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island which are home to some of the prettiest beaches in the state.

The Cumberland National Seashore has some of Georgia's most beautiful beaches. This isolated destination is only accessible by ferry, and is really off the beaten track to enjoy pristine beaches and hardly any tourists.

 

2. Virginia

Chincoteague Island

Virginia won't likely be the first state that comes to mind when planning a summer break, but it is an increasingly popular destination especially with people from neighbouring states like Maryland, Tennessee, North Carolina, West Virginia, and Kentucky.

Virginia meets every expectation, whether you like hiking, history, or relaxing beach breaks. Plan a break here to experience stunning nature, National Parks, mountains and beaches.

There are five highly rated beaches including Buckroe Beach, Virginia Beach, Chincoteague Island, Cape Charles, and Yorktown. Expect white sand, great air quality on the Atlantic Coast. There are also lots of hotels for all budgets. 

 

3. South Carolina

South Carolina Charleston beach

South Carolina is famous for its beaches and islands, and receives a fraction of the visitors of Florida.

Some of the most beautiful beaches in the state can be found in Hilton Head Island, Kiawah Island, Myrtle Beach, Folly Beach, Huntington Beach State Park, Isle of Palms, Surfside Beach and Daufuskie Island.

Our top pick for a summer beach break is Myrtle Beach which is located on the Atlantic coast, and part of a 60-mile string of beaches. This is one of the best places to visit on the US east coast with warm weather and lots of entertainment options including shopping, restaurants, theatre, nightlife and golf.

Booking a summer vacation to South Carolina will allow you to enjoy the warm climate, beaches, coast and also the unique southern hospitality. 

 

Top Tips for Your Summer Vacation

Beaches are the usually the most popular destination throughout the warmer summer months. That's why preparing for your trip in advance is always better, especially as it will help you to save money.

Hopefully our guide to some of the more lesser known and cheaper US beach destinations has given you some ideas for where to go.

In Georgia, South Carolina and Virginia you can spend a fraction of the money compared to states like Florida and California, and you will also benefit from fresh air and fewer tourists.

By choosing one from destinations for your next vacation you'll also get the chance to explore the southeastern region which also have cultural and historical locations to see.