Budget-friendly trips for families who love to swim or surf

Look no further than Grand Lake, Colorado for your family’s beach vacation on a budget. Take a dip in the state’s largest natural lake with the Rocky Mountains towering around you. This small town is home to Town Beach—one of the only sandy beaches in all of Colorado. There are plenty of ways for the whole family to spend time on (or in) the water, including pedal boats, paddle boards, and kayaks. When you need to dry off, explore the historic boardwalks and laid-back charm of Grand Lake’s locally owned shops and restaurants. Finish off your day with a soak in Hot Sulphur Springs, one of the oldest, largest natural hot mineral springs in the country.

You don’t have to visit the beach for beachside fun. Grab the fam and an innertube and float down the world’s longest lazy river at Waco Surf inland surfing and watersports facility in Waco, Texas. Depending on your interests and budget, you can scale your family’s experience at the park. A Water Park pass lets you float down the mile-long lazy river and includes access to the water slides. If you’re only interested in swimming and beach access, inexpensive companion passes are available. The park permits families to bring their own food, drinks, floaties, and even barbecues if you plan to grill. If your budget allows, try your hand at surfing on the park’s 2-acre surf lake, with wave difficulty options for all levels of surfing experience.

Grab the family and travel to the pristine beaches of Saugatuck/Douglas, Michigan. This budget friendly beach vacation in the southwest corner of the state boasts all the relaxation and sun of a beach holiday without the crowds of other Michigan beaches. Visit the award-winning Oval Beach to sun and swim in the crystalline waters of Lake Michigan. For families with small children, drop by Pier Cove Beach. Its warm creek is ideal for little waders, and smooth stones and driftwood are plentiful for skipping and digging. Parking at Oval Beach is only $10/day (a season pass is $50). Parking at Pier Cove is free, but very limited. There are plenty of other family-friendly activities in the area, including dune rides at Saugatuck Dunes State Park or fruit harvesting at a local “U-pick” farm.

While not technically a beach, the swimming holes of Sedona, Arizona, have something to offer everyone in the family.

• Slide Rock State Park: It’s pretty obvious why Sedona’s best-known swimming hole is so popular—in addition to stunning surroundings, swimmers of all levels will love the cliffs, shallows, deep sections, and waterslide-like chutes. If swimming isn't your scene, there’s more than enough red rock to sun yourself on. Parking at the main lot is $10 (cash), but can be hard to get. Nearby roadside turnouts are a good free alternative if the parking lot is full.


• Grasshopper Point: Go cliff diving, swim, or simply sunbathe on the red rocks at this popular swimming hole at the base of Oak Creek Canyon. This shady reprieve from the summer heat has eight picnic tables and grilling areas so you can spend the day swimming, sunning, and refueling with the family. Access is fairly simple from a nearby parking lot, which has an $8 per-vehicle parking fee.


• Red Rock Crossing: Red Rock Crossing is the best of the three options for families with kids due to its many beaches and shallow areas for wading and swimming. The scenery is no slouch, either, with Cathedral Rock above you and desert scrub encircling you. Parking at the main lot is $10 (cash again) but there are other alternatives if you’re willing to walk from the opposite side of the park.

With creativity and imagination, your family beach vacation can have that relaxing, away-from-it-all feeling without blowing your budget.