The marketplace ranks the best beaches across the Gulf, East and West coasts for sun, sand and savings.
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. – HomeToGo launched its annual 2024 Beach Index providing the perfect guide for thrifty sun seekers planning Spring Break escapes. As a leading vacation rental marketplace, HomeToGo has leveraged its internal search insights and vacation rental pricing data to determine the best budget-friendly beachside this year. Furthermore, the index also factored in sunny days and weather conditions for March and April, ensuring travelers can anticipate optimal sunshine during their vacations.
“With more and more travelers trying to find off-the-beaten-path, budget-friendly destinations, we are very excited to share our 2024 Beach Index to help ease the stress of Spring Break planning,” said Mike Pearce, HomeToGo spokesperson and travel expert. “Notably, many of our top-ranked beaches this year are situated along the picturesque Gulf Coast, highlighting the region’s enduring appeal, wallet-friendly prices, and balmy Spring weather. We are happily surprised by the results of this year’s index and hope it makes Spring Break planning a breeze for families and beach enthusiasts!”
To rank the quality and affordability of each beach, HomeToGo researched the following four key indicators and compiled scores based on the findings:
- Sunshine Score: The average number of clear/partially cloudy days in March and April
- Heat Score: The average temperature for March and April (°F)
- Serenity Score: The combined number of general searches on Google and Spring Break travel searches on HomeToGo, with less searches equaling higher scores
- Affordability Score: The median nightly price per person for a vacation rental on HomeToGo between March and April
Here’s a look at the top destinations in HomeToGo’s 2024 Beach Index:
Top Spring Beach Vacation Destinations in the U.S.
| Rank | Beach | City, State | Sunshine Score | Heat Score | Serenity Score | Affordability Score | Total Score |
| 1. | Sombrero Beach | Marathon, FL | 19.52 | 19.90 | 29.93 | 22.91 | 92.26 |
| 2. | Boca Chica Beach | Boca Chica Village, TX | 12.86 | 18.48 | 29.96 | 28.75 | 90.05 |
| 3. | St. George Island State Park | Saint George Island, FL | 18.10 | 18.07 | 29.83 | 23.91 | 89.91 |
| 4. | Surfside Beach | Freeport, TX | 11.90 | 17.20 | 29.64 | 30.00 | 88.74 |
| 5. | Gulf Shores Public Beach | Gulf Shores, AL | 15.24 | 16.18 | 29.43 | 27.86 | 88.71 |
Additional key takeaways from HomeToGo’s 2024 Beach Price Index include:
- Average Price of a Vacation Rental: In 2024, travelers can expect to pay an average of $117.07 per person per night throughout the featured destinations on the Gulf, East and West Coasts.
- Bargain Beach Bliss: Those riding the wave of budget consciousness can head to Surfside Beach (4) in Freeport, Texas where the cost of a vacation rental is $60.68 per person each night. Ocean City Beach (21) in Maryland follows closely in price boasting rentals for $68.49 on average making it a “shore” bet for savings.
- Secret Seaside: Travelers seeking the sandy path less traveled can set sail for Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach (12) in North Carolina for a secluded getaway. According to HomeToGo’s internal search data, Ocracoke holds the title of the least searched destination, earning it the status of a buried treasure along the coast.
- Shoreline Showstopper: In the 2024 Beach Index, Myrtle Beach (40), South Carolina, is the most searched destination drawing in enthusiastic crowds this spring with its pristine shores, vibrant atmosphere, and array of exciting activities for visitors of all ages.
- Sunshine Haven: Sun-lovers longing for a sunny escape can flock to Duke Kahanamoku Beach (15) in O’ahu, which is home to the highest number of sunny days and the highest temperatures between March and April.
- Chill Retreats: Spring breakers craving cool-cations can travel to Cooper’s Beach, New York (43); Nye Beach, Oregon (24); or Easton’s Beach, Rhode Island (40) to enjoy temperatures under 50°F, making them ideal retreats to listen to the sound of waves without the sun rays.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
