Budget pricing for one night in August is just about going to have to be a motel near a beach. I don't think the Charleston beaches will work for that. By going to a beach you are also adding some miles to your trip.
I guess you are from LIma, which makes FL a straight shot down 75, etc.
Do you just want to stay the night, or spend some time one day or the other on the beach? Not quite gettting the picture.

Actually, I CAN give you the place--oceanfront. The Litchfield Inn in Pawley's Island/Litchfield, SC. Don't tarry in making a reservation.
Otherwise you might find a night in Litchfield Beach and Golf Resort's hotel.

From Litchfield to Lima (assuming I'm right), it is about a 15 hour drive (pretty straight through, sticking to it). I'm originally from Troy so travel the route a good bit.

Thanks, Gretchen! The girls I'm traveling with want to spend a little time at a beach while we're in that part of the country. We won't spend very much time there. And, yes, I'm from Lima. I appreciate your suggestion, and will be looking into it!

Karen

When we drove from Akron to Anna Maria Island, Florida this spring we stopped and spent the night in Pooler, Georgia which is outside of Savannah. Pooler is 30 minutes from Hilton Head or Tybee Island,both beach locations.

It was probably a little longer than we wanted to drive--I think it took us 11-12 hours to get there, but the drive is beautiful.

Then definitely take a look at Litchfield. You can google for Litchfield Beach and Golf Resort. The Inn is separate, but right ON the water, eith a pool also. It's been renovated recently. It isn't "plush" but you can't beat the location.

Thanks so much for the Litchfield recommendation! The location was great, and the access to the beach was top notch! It worked out well for us.