Spring is officially here, and though we may barely be done with packing our heavy layers away, it’s time to start thinking about the warmer days ahead. Naturally, the beach will be the destination you and everyone you know will be scrambling to as soon as the temperatures climb.
But what if you don’t want to reserve an Airbnb or book a waterfront hotel every time you’d like to enjoy life on the coast? Owning a beach house might be more attainable than it seems. Zillow analyzed data to spotlight 20 of the most budget-friendly coastal cities where buying a vacation home could be within reach. While these places aren’t exactly cheap, they do feature more affordable housing options that still provide easy ocean access and all the charm of a seaside community—think local ice cream shops, small boutiques, and relaxed coastal vibes.
Read on to learn which beach towns you should consider starting the search for your second home.
Atlantic City may be best known for its casinos, but the iconic boardwalk along the Atlantic Ocean is a close second. There's plenty to do in this shore town, from visiting the amusement park and eating fresh seafood to spreading out on the sand. Since you're so close to New York City, day trips from either location are extremely easy as well.
Any NASCAR fan is familiar with Daytona Beach, but did you know that this Northeastern Florida city is also a festival hub? Every year, the city hosts over 60 different art, music, and other cultural festivals, giving residents and tourists alike opportunities to experience new things. Though you could easily spend every day on the beach, there are plenty of other museums, adventures, and opportunities to try out.
The small city of Deerfield Beach is ideal if you want to experience South Florida's beaches without the crowds. Located between Boca Raton and Pompano Beach, the town is known for its fishing pier and abundance of outdoor water activities, like paddle-boarding, surfing, and water skiing.
Myrtle Beach is a seaside locale with 60 miles of sandy beach and 14 unique communities meshed together. It provides plenty of classic beach town activities, such as a fun boardwalk and theme park, and is generally a family-friendly location. There are plenty of things to do and places to explore, from the Waccamaw River to 90 different golf courses.
South of Fort Lauderdale and north of Miami, Hallandale Beach is home to Gulfstream Park Racing and a handful of public beaches. It's a smaller community that offers a classic beach day if you want to escape the crowds.
Part of the St. Petersburg metropolitan area, Pinellas Park has a population of about 53,000 and provides access to a string of beaches along the northwestern coast of Florida. Though small, there is an arts and culture scene in the town that highlights the community's creative DNA.
Located on the Long Island Sound, West Haven is an affordable option not far from New York City. This town has the longest stretch of public beaches in the state, where you can swim, sunbathe, fish, and explore.
With over 30 miles of beaches, Galveston is the only Texas seaside city on this list. It's located on the balmy Gulf of Mexico, where there are plenty of museums and art galleries you can visit, along with beaches. The area also has a well-known restaurant scene.
Parks, museums, beaches—oh, my! Palm Coast is on the Northeast side of Florida and offers plenty of fun. Relax or fish at one of the beaches, then head over to Washington Oaks Gardens State Park for some biking amid the lush gardens before ending your day at the Florida Agricultural Museum. Did we mention that there's also plenty of delicious seafood to be had?
South of Clearwater, Largo offers access to beaches and two larger metropolitan areas, perfect for the homeowner who wants to be near the action but not caught up in it. There are multiple parks to visit in the town, and art lovers will appreciate all the shows and performances.
Pompano Beach is a hidden gem on the Gold Coast, neighboring Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and Hollywood. The city offers miles of beach with temperate waters from the Gulf Stream, as well as plenty of things to do, like snorkeling, shopping, festivals, and golfing.
For a mix of water activities and a thriving art scene, consider Delray Beach. The arts district is part of what makes this South Florida city so special, and the municipal beach is just the cherry on top. It can definitely get busy on a nice day.
If Clearwater's three miles of white sand beaches aren't enough to entice you, maybe the plethora of activities and events will. Clearwater is part of the Tampa-St. Petersburg metropolitan area, and it has plenty to offer, from the nightly festival at Pier 60 to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Explore your love of the beach and historical sites in Bradenton along the Manatee River. For a small city, there's plenty to do, including the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, the riverwalk, the Manatee Village Historical Park, and multiple beaches.
One of the largest cities on this list in terms of population, St. Petersburg is known as the "Sunshine City" and is home to great shops, top-ranked beaches, and a thriving arts district. For those who want both beach and city life, this should be a top contender on your list. You can find multiple museums, like the Dali Museum and a living museum of botanicals and tropical plants at the Sunken Gardens.
Get that small-town feel in Ormond Beach, which is at the northern end of the Daytona Beach area. It's a quieter refuge, though it's not lacking in culture. There are multiple state parks located in this town, along with museums and cultural centers that are good to visit when you're not taking a dip in the Atlantic.
Oakland Park is just north of Fort Lauderdale and has excellent access to the metropolitan area's beaches. Think of this town of around 44,000 people as any other small American town, just with closer access to the Atlantic Ocean.
Riviera Beach is just off the coast of Singer Island, and it's a wonderful location for those who love to bask in the sun and take in all types of water activities. There are multiple parks to explore and plenty of opportunities to see and learn about the marine life that lives in Florida.
This bustling city might not be the most affordable destination on this list, but it offers a lot for its elevated prices. From exciting nightlife and exceptional culinary options to an exciting art scene, West Palm Beach is a vibrant destination with plenty of beach access.
This small city in Western Florida, on the Gulf Coast, just an hour and a half from Mobile, Alabama, boasts white sand beaches, clear blue water, and proximity to Santa Rosa Island. It's a tranquil destination with opportunities to learn about marine life at the multiple refuges and conservation centers.