United States

5 Affordable Beach Getaways

The countdown to the end of summer has begun, so slather on some sunscreen and hit the sand. Whether you're looking for an eco-resort for two, a beach the whole family can enjoy, or the perfect place to party with friends, the experts at ShermansTravel.com have you covered with these incredible deals and beach ideas.

1. Coronado Island, San Diego, California

$98+: San Diego Hotel near Mission Bay & SeaWorld, 40% Off

BookIt.com

Just a bridge or ferry ride away from downtown San Diego, Coronado Island offers a wealth of beach activities, whether you want to venture into the Pacific (boogie boarding, surfing, and swimming) or stay on the sand (beach volleyball, sandcastle building, and biking). And it can all be enjoyed year-round courtesy of sunny San Diego's near-perfect weather.

2. Antigua, Caribbean

$443+: Antigua: 3 Nts at 4-Star All-Incl. Eco Resort, 50% Off

The Verandah Resort & Spa

Boasting 365 beaches ("one for each day of the year"), Antigua has made a name for itself among the rich and the famous for its coral reefs, miles of sugar-white sand, calm waters, and remote, high-end beach resorts. Antiguans claim the two best beaches are Dickinson Bay and Half Moon Bay, but, if you're looking for a more private reprieve, deserted Green Island, off the island's east coast, may be your best bet.

3. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

$68+: Myrtle Beach Hotel Deals and Vacation Packages this Summer

Visit Myrtle Beach

In 2010 Myrtle Beach completed its new 1.2-mile boardwalk and promenade, a traditional plank-built strip lined with beach shops, cafes, and an oceanfront park. For a bird's-eye view of the entire beach, board the new 187-foot Sky Wheel, the tallest Ferris wheel east of the Mississippi.

4. Daytona Beach, Florida

$69+: Daytona Beach Hotel near Boardwalk in Summer, 30% Off

Expedia

Daytona Beach's 23 miles of sparkling Florida sand promise plenty of family beach-time fun to keep the kiddies content, plus a plethora of off-beach activities to keep them occupied away from the surf. Wildlife excursions on the Halifax River and at the nearby Marine Science Center offer eco-education, while the 90-minute speedway tour at the Daytona 500 Experience thrills adults and kids alike.

5. Atlantic City, New Jersey

Showboat Atlantic City

Even before HBO's hit series Boardwalk Empire gave this Jersey town its retro-chic appeal, Atlantic City had been attracting a hip new crowd of visitors, thanks to the opening of several new hotels and the launch of ACES, an express train that departs from Penn Station in New York City. The city recently launched a series of tours that spotlight landmarks depicted in the show.