Melbourne, Florida, Is an Affordable Beach Vacation

You don't have to go broke to enjoy the beach in this pretty Florida seaside destination.

Melbourne, Florida, Is an Affordable Beach Vacation

Florida beach towns can be expensive (we're looking at you, South Beach), but they don't have to be. Melbourne is proof of that.

About an hour and fifteen minutes from Orlando, Melbourne is a hidden gem most people are sleeping on. With affordable hotels and apartment rentals, good restaurants and beautiful beaches, we don't fully understand why more people aren't flocking here.

Need more proof that this is a great place for your summer vacation? Consider that you'll also be an hour away from Cape Canaveral, home to the Kennedy Space Center, where NASA launches rockets into space. The Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge is home to nesting sea turtles and other cool local wildlife, and it's right in town. Plus, with only87,261 people, the town (and, more importantly, the beach) never feels crowded.

Skip the tried and beaten and head to Melbourne, Florida, the next time you feel like you need some vitamin sea.

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Where to Stay in Melbourne, Florida

If keeping to a budget is your main concern, go ahead and rest easy, knowing that this beach vacation won't leave you destitute.

Best overall hotel in Melbourne: Hilton Melbourne Beach Oceanfront

Best mid-tier hotel in Melbourne: Courtyard Melbourne West

Best budget hotel in Melbourne: Days Inn by Wyndham Melbourne

How to Get to Melbourne, Florida

Watching a rocket launch in Melbourne, Florida

Despite being a mid-sized city, Melbourne is serviced by its very own Melbourne Orlando International Airport. Many people choose to fly here to avoid a longer trip. However, depending on where you live, tickets may be expensive to this smaller airport and layovers could be inevitable.

You could also fly into Orlando International Airport if you don't mind the drive. Rent a car, tour Orlando for a bit, and then head over to Melbourne.

Either way, we highly recommend that you rent a car since you'll need it to move around and enjoy everything Melbourne has to offer.

Book flights to Melbourne, Florida

Rent a car in Melbourne, Florida

Affordable Beach Town Alternative: Gulfport, Mississippi

Mississippi Gulf Coast sign in Gulfport, Mississippi

Gulfport is a hidden gem with 26 miles of beaches in the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. You won't find crowds or absurdly priced hotels.

Best overall hotel in Gulfport: Oasis Resort Gulfport

Best mid-tier hotel in Gulfport: Holiday Inn Express - Gulfport Beach, An IHG Hotel

Best budget hotel in Gulfport: Comfort Suites Gulfport

Book flights to Gulfport

Rent a car in Gulfport

Affordable Beach Town Alternative: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

America's small town beach darling, Myrtle Beach is always a good idea. While there are expensive hotels, there are also plenty of options for those looking out for their wallets.

Best luxury hotel inMyrtle Beach: North Beach Resort & Villas

Best mid-tier hotel in Myrtle Beach: DoubleTree by Hilton Myrtle Beach

Best budget hotel in Myrtle Beach: Beach Club At Montego Inn

Book flights to Myrtle Beach

Rent a car in Myrtle Beach

Affordable Beach Town Alternative: Coos Bay, Oregon

Even in the summer, the weather in Coos Bay won't be warm and sunny (though you might get lucky). But if you love overcast days, you'll be happy to stroll through this beautiful beach town on the Pacific Northwest.

Best luxury hotel in Coos Bay: The Mill Casino Hotel

Best mid-tier hotel in Coos Bay: Edgewater Inn and Suites

Most unique hotel in Coos Bay: The Star Trek - USS Enterprise Room at the Itty Bitty Inn

Book flights to Coos Bay

Rent a car in Coos Bay

Want more affordable beach towns? Check out these destinations.