15 Budget Friendly Spring Vacation Destinations
5. Virginia Beach
The giant Neptune statue on the Virginia Beach boardwalk.
Virginia Beach is one of the most affordable beach destinations on the East coast. A diverse selection of budget friendly hotels, plenty of free natural attractions, and an abundance of parks make it a great inexpensive beach choice for outdoor loving families and couples. Early Spring (excluding spring break) is a great time to visit and take advantage of lower hotel rates and less crowded beaches and attractions. Hotels right on the boardwalk can easily be found in the sub $100 range.
Budget friendly fun in the area
*Taking a bike ride, jog, or walk along the beachfront boardwalk – Virginia Beach is home to one of the cleanest, most well-maintained, and scenic beach boardwalks in the country. The course is only 3.5 miles, which is great for leisurely vacation exercise when you want to keep your fitness routine without overdoing it. Here you will have just enough of a workout to get your heart rate going, with the added benefit of taking in spectacular views. As an added bonus, the path is separated into a biking and walking path, so cyclists do not get into walker’s/runner’s way and vice versa. And the path is lit up at night for increased safety and visibility.
A view of the gorgeous Virginia Beach boardwalk.
Enjoying the beaches – You will find miles and miles of clean, wide, sandy beaches for your enjoyment. There is plenty of space for everyone to spread out even during the busy summer season. Summer brings outdoor concerts and festivals while early springs brings virtually no crowds and cooler temps, so you can enjoy the space all to yourself. Best part of all -there are no fees at any of the beaches!
*Enjoying the peace & quiet at a national park or wildlife refuge – Virginia Beach is home to a number of great parks and wildlife refuges. Check out the hiking trails at First Landing State Park or the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Both are great places for exploring natural habitats and wildlife in the area.
Other budget friendly activities include visiting The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art ($7), exploring the Old Coast Guard Museum ($4), and climbing to the top of Cape Henry Lighthouse ($7) for panoramic views of the Atlantic coast.
