Most would-be travelers imagine Miami as a place where people in expensive clothes party the night away at exclusive, beachside nightclubs.  True, anyone (who meets the dress code and has the cash) can party on South Beach, but Miami is not known as a budget destination.

But there are actually plenty of cheaper offerings in this city of sun and sand.  Travelers just have to know where to look.

There are a number of hostels with shared rooms located near central locations.  These rooms might have to be shared with as few as two or as many as ten other travelers.  But a bed can be had for only $10 or $20 dollars per night.  South Beach Hostel and Jazz on South Beach are two such venues that will put you within shouting distance of the party scene without relieving you of all your cash.

Choosing to stay away from the beach, even a few blocks, can lead to cheaper rates.  The Continental Downtown Bayside, for example, has plenty of rooms under $100 per night.

The good thing about Miami is that one of the biggest attractions is people watching.  Whether that means heading to the beach to check out the fit bodies or wandering through the city’s vibrant Cuban neighborhoods, it costs nothing to stroll and check out local life up close.

Heading away from the tourist spots will lead to plenty of good, cheap local eating and drinking spots.  Little Havana is a great place to find meals with good value.  The Cuban neighborhood is also a good spot to find a party on the weekend.  Sometimes the dancing and music spill out onto the street in the form of local concerts and block parties.

There are also natural attractions.  Hiking and biking around the Everglades can be enjoyable, though for only $15, you can find an hour-long boat tour that will undoubtedly include some alligator viewing.

The time has come to start thinking about fun in the sand.  Just in time for the summer beach season, Professor Stephen P. Leatherman, a.k.a. Dr Breach, has revealed his top 10 Beaches for 2008. The Dr. uses 50 criteria to determine his choices and is the director of Florida International University’s Laboratory for Coastal Research.I guess it’s no surprise that the Florida Professor chose 3 of Florida’s beaches for his top 10 picks in the United States.  Although with the fine, white sand and the fact that it has one of the longest coastlines (second only to Alaska) of any state in the United States probably helped the cause.

Caladesi Island, Florida received the top honors.  It is one of the barrier islands north of Clearwater.  The Island is only accessible by either private boat or the Caladesi Connection ferry service.  Ferry passengers are only allowed a four hour stay.  The other two Florida beaches to make it into the top 10 are Siesta Beach in Sarasota, Florida and Cape Florida State Park near Miami.

Hanalei Beach (Hanalei means Crescent Shaped) in Hawaii is in the Hanalei Bay on the North Shore of Kauai.  The entire bay is ringed with the magnificent white sand.  In the early morning hours the water is often so smooth that it reflects the majestic mountains around the bay.  During the day, these same waters offer fair swimming because of the protection of the surrounding mountains.  It is one of only seven beaches that have a lifeguard station.

Coopers Beach in Southampton, New York was the 4th beach on the list. Non-residents pay to enjoy the beach, but there is a pavilion that offers lunch, shower facilities and lifeguards.

Rounding out the top five is Coronado Beach in San Diego.  Parking may be a challenge, but there is always plenty of room on this California gem.

With all the choices around the United States, you are likely to be within a relatively short drive of one of the top Beaches in the country according to Dr. Beach.