John Wilkes Booth

you're from chicago, right? i would recommend the outer banks (beaches of north carolina). if you're driving it would be a hell of a better drive than to florida or cali. and if you're flying it works too. but since you're on a budget i'm wondering if you are willing to fly and then get a rental. cause really you could drive from chicago to virginia beach in about a day.

the reason i recommend the outer banks is cause i lived in florida my whole life and grew up going to the beach down there, and i've only been to the beach once in the outer banks but i preferred it there really. not as muggy, not as many people, water is pretty much just was warm (i'm sure your arctic ass won't notice the difference), and the area is cheaper than most florida vacation spots when it comes to hotel rooms and everything else. you can even camp on the beach for pretty cheap if you're up to it. also this is the only beach where i've seen an actual dolphin in the wild.