Driftwood Beach on Georgia's Jekyll Island might just be the best and most affordable beach this summer, according to new research by Omio.
The Berlin-based booking platform for travel by train, bus and flight analyzed as many as 35 beaches in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, looking at not only the average temperature but price points for ice cream, soft drinks and beer to determine the coastlines that offer visitors the most bang for their buck.
With the average cost for ice cream coming in at just $1, soda at $2.48 and beer at just $5, it's tough to top Driftwood Beach.
"Driftwood Beach holds a distinct charm that sets it apart from traditional beach destinations. While the shore of Jekyll Island boasts soft white sands and inviting waters, the beach has become popular for a very unconventional reason – the abundance of driftwood," Omio's experts point out.
Nonetheless, travelers can score a cheaper cold beer at most of the other beaches in the top 10, including Coligny Beach in Hilton Head, South Carolina; Playa de Isla Verde in San Juan, Puerto Rico and Siesta Beach in Siesta Key, Florida.
Other wallet-friendly shorelines include Balneario Seven Seas in Fajardo, Puerto Rico; Caladesi Island State Park in Clearwater, Florida and Kiawah Beachwalker Park in Kiawah Island, South Carolina.
Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. (Photo Credit: Patrick Clarke)
Rounding out the top 10 best and most affordable domestic beach destinations this summer are Henderson Beach State Park in Destin, Florida; St. George Island State Park in Florida and Cape May Beach in Cape May, New Jersey.
Ocean City, Maryland and Wrightsville Beach outside of Wilmington, North Carolina also fare well.
Meanwhile, the highest-ranked West Coast beach is Oregon's Cannon Beach, which checks in at number 13.
Click here to view a complete breakdown of Omio's research on the cheapest U.S. beaches this summer.
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