Fill up the car and head to these coastal destinations for an affordable beach vacation.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful seaside escape or a beach with amenities like shops and water sports equipment rentals, the Gulf Coast – which spans Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida – offers it all. Plus, many Gulf Coast shorelines sit close to budget-friendly accommodations, attractions and dining venues, making them terrific choices for a
cheap beach trip. Regardless of your budget and interests, these stretches of sand overlooking the Gulf of Mexico serve as ideal settings for your next beach getaway.
Sanibel Island, Florida
For a nature-filled getaway, look no further than
Sanibel Island. Considered one of
Florida’s best beach destinations, this island off of the coast of Fort Myers provides countless opportunities to go shelling at Bowman’s Beach and fishing at Lighthouse Beach Park, which features a 138-year-old lighthouse. Plus, Sanibel boasts 25 miles of bike trails and paths alongside buildings that aren’t allowed to stand any taller than the surrounding palm trees, in order to protect the natural environment. At
J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, look for wildlife like manatees, sea turtles and alligators during a 90-minute educational tram tour. When hunger strikes, sit down for fresh seafood and craft cocktails at Cielo Restaurant, a local fine dining spot.
Note: Due to the impacts of Hurricane Ian, Sanibel Island will likely remain closed to visitors until the first half of 2023.
Fill up the car and head to these coastal destinations for an affordable beach vacation.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful seaside escape or a beach with amenities like shops and water sports equipment rentals, the Gulf Coast – which spans Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida – offers it all. Plus, many Gulf Coast shorelines sit close to budget-friendly accommodations, attractions and dining venues, making them terrific choices for a
cheap beach trip. Regardless of your budget and interests, these stretches of sand overlooking the Gulf of Mexico serve as ideal settings for your next beach getaway.
Sanibel Island, Florida
For a nature-filled getaway, look no further than
Sanibel Island. Considered one of
Florida’s best beach destinations, this island off of the coast of Fort Myers provides countless opportunities to go shelling at Bowman’s Beach and fishing at Lighthouse Beach Park, which features a 138-year-old lighthouse. Plus, Sanibel boasts 25 miles of bike trails and paths alongside buildings that aren’t allowed to stand any taller than the surrounding palm trees, in order to protect the natural environment. At
J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, look for wildlife like manatees, sea turtles and alligators during a 90-minute educational tram tour. When hunger strikes, sit down for fresh seafood and craft cocktails at Cielo Restaurant, a local fine dining spot.
Note: Due to the impacts of Hurricane Ian, Sanibel Island will likely remain closed to visitors until the first half of 2023.
Captiva Island, Florida
Continue driving northwest from Sanibel Island and you’ll reach
Captiva Island. Measuring nearly 4.5 miles long, Captiva is home to three public beaches and a number of private beaches operated by resorts. Captiva Beach is famous for its sunsets and romantic ambiance, but on-site parking is limited, so plan on arriving early. Meanwhile, Turner Beach at Blind Pass is ideal for fishing and shelling, though its currents make it unsafe for swimming. Be sure to eat at Captiva Island’s famed English pub-inspired restaurant, The Mucky Duck, which sits right on Captiva Beach. If you’re looking to enjoy some retail therapy, head to the quaint boutiques lining Andy Rosse Lane and in Chadwick’s Square.
Note: Due to the impacts of Hurricane Ian, Captiva Island will likely remain closed to visitors until the first half of 2023.
Mustang Island, Texas
A budget-friendly vacation spot just outside Corpus Christi, Mustang Island boasts 18 miles of shoreline. Head to Mustang Island State Park, where you can hunker down at one of 48 campsites equipped with water and electricity; a number of unpowered campsites right on the beach are also available. This
top beach destination in Texas offers plenty of outdoor activities, including kayaking, fishing, swimming and bird-watching. When you’re not at the beach, tee off at the seaside Palmilla Beach golf course or check out the restaurants, boutiques and art galleries in Port Aransas.
Naples, Florida
The Florida Gulf Coast city of
Naples draws visitors with its picture-perfect turquoise waters, paired with a thriving art scene and an array of shopping and
dining venues. It offers many beaches, including Vanderbilt Beach (a public stretch of sand with on-site amenities like restrooms and parking, as well as proximity to multiple resorts and restaurants) and Naples Municipal Beach (a family-friendly option with a concession stand and a historic pier that’s great for fishing). But considering Naples is known as a home to millionaires and has the sixth-highest per capita income out of any city in the country, prices can be steep. Properties like
LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort, where beach butlers, a golf club, a spa and private cabanas are available, offer a high-end stay. However, you can find deals if you visit outside of the peak travel season – which runs from January through April – and bed down at more wallet-friendly hotels, such as the
Bayfront Inn 5th Ave.
Marco Island, Florida
South of Naples and northwest of Everglades National Park sits Marco Island, a small haven popular among retirees, but also quite family-friendly. Tigertail Beach Park is a top choice for families thanks to its playground, boardwalks, concessions and restrooms, while South Marco Beach is a convenient option for those staying at
Marco Island’s top hotels. Vacationers can ride the waves on Jet Skis, search for manatees swimming past mangroves or take a boat tour with the survey crew of the Dolphin Explorer to identify and catalogue area dolphins. Reserve a room at the
JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, a large property with eateries, pools, a spa and even an adults-only area called Paradise by Sirene. The resort’s 10K Alley gaming center and restaurant offers bourbon, craft beer, bowling and virtual reality games. Vacation rentals at a range of prices are also available.
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama
Alabama’s
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area offers more than 30 miles of white sand beaches and sea oat-covered dunes. History buffs can explore the 90-mile Civil War Trail and check out Fort Morgan State Historic Site, both of which have ties to the Battle of Mobile Bay. Other nearby attractions include the
USS Alabama at Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama, and the
National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida. In terms of lodging, if you want a higher-end resort consider the top rated
Perdido Beach Resort with an indoor-outdoor pool, waterfront amenities and four restaurants. In the area, you’ll also find thousands of vacation rentals, and properties affiliated with hotel brands like Courtyard by Marriott, Holiday Inn Express and Best Western.
Fort Myers Beach, Florida
Vacationers who are looking for some extra nightlife and activities should visit Fort Myers Beach. In this small town on Estero Island, travelers will find plenty of beach spaces. Head inland to check out interesting attractions like the
Edison and Ford Winter Estates, the former seasonal homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. The adjacent properties feature the Edison laboratory and 20 acres of gardens, among other amenities. Additional can’t-miss sights include the IMAG History & Science Center and
Manatee Park, where you can learn about these endangered gentle giants.
Note: Due to the impacts of Hurricane Ian, access to Estero Island and Fort Myers Beach is temporarily restricted to island residents only. The area is likely to reopen summer 2023.
St. Pete Beach, Florida
Situated roughly 30 miles southwest of Tampa, St. Petersburg and its surrounding beaches – which are some of
America’s best stretches of sand – see an average of 361 days of sunshine per year, making the region an excellent place to soak up some rays. Plus, the area offers unique attractions and activities, such as see-through kayaking with dolphins and manatees, the Dalí Museum and the Imagine Museum, dedicated to contemporary artworks made from glass. Book a stay at
The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club to be within walking distance of downtown and the St. Pete Pier, a sleek new destination on the water, only open since 2020. There are also plenty of Old Florida-style inns and motels at more affordable price points should you want to enjoy proximity to
St. Pete Beach without breaking the bank.
Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Visit this town on the Mississippi coast to explore the state’s section of Gulf Islands National Seashore, Davis Bayou, a protected area with more than 400 acres. The seashore offers ample room for camping, boating, hiking, fishing and biking. Another popular Ocean Springs shoreline is Front Beach, a white sand beach that sits near the town’s yacht club. When you need a break from the sand, check out the Charnley-Norwood House, which was designed and built by world-renowned architects Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright. As far as lodging goes, Ocean Springs offers a variety of charming cottages, as well as affordable Country Inn & Suites, Travelodge and Holiday Inn Express outposts.
Destin, Florida
Make your way to
Destin on the Florida Panhandle to take advantage of top-notch fishing opportunities, peruse charming shops and enjoy loads of family-friendly activities. The town features many public beaches, including Henderson Beach State Park (where you’ll find ample parking and restrooms) and James Lee Park, which offers picnic tables, pavilions and a playground, among other amenities. Cool off on a hot day at Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park (open seasonally), watch sharks and rays at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, or embark on a dolphin cruise from HarborWalk Village – an entertainment district with a variety of boutiques, eateries and art galleries. Destin offers a variety of accommodations, ranging from recreational vehicle campgrounds to vacation rentals to resorts and hotels, such as the U.S. News’ top-rated
Henderson Beach Resort and the
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.
Navarre, Florida
Largely free of tourists, laid-back Navarre is situated in the Florida Panhandle and along 12 miles of beach, set between Gulf Islands National Seashore and Navarre Beach Marine Park. Head to Navarre Beach to take a walk on the Navarre Beach Pier – the longest pier in Florida – or visit the Florida side of
Gulf Islands National Seashore to swim or lounge on white sand at Opal Beach. Other can’t-miss attractions located within 30 miles of Navarre include the Gulf Breeze Zoo, with over 1,000 animals from around the world, and the 101-year-old Imogene Theater. The SpringHill Suites Navarre Beach offers many rooms with balconies overlooking the Gulf of Mexico or Santa Rosa Sound, as well as free breakfast, a pool, a lazy river and a waterfront restaurant.
Siesta Key, Florida
Located just off the coast of Sarasota, Siesta Key Beach was voted by travelers on TripAdvisor as one of the top beaches in the U.S. in 2023, thanks to its snow-white sand and azure waters. With a playground, picnic area, concession stands and lifeguards on duty all year round, it’s certainly a family-friendly spot. It can get lively, too: stop by later on a Sunday afternoon to catch impromptu drum circles that pop up around the sunset hours. Off the beach, take to the waters of Sarasota Bay or the Myakka River in a kayak, boat or paddleboard to see if you can catch a glimpse of manatees and dolphins. When hunger strikes, Siesta Key Village (a short walk north of the beach) is home to a variety of restaurants, including plenty of seafood options.
Madeira Beach, Florida
Head 28 miles west from Tampa and you’ll land in the barrier island community of Madeira Beach, with 2.5 miles of beaches facing out to the Gulf of Mexico. There’s a variety of amenities including parking, restrooms and beach chair rentals. The southern tip of the beach is a hot spot for fishing, but there are also dozens of charter companies that can take you offshore for deep sea fishing to catch grouper, snapper and more. When it’s time to eat, consider heading to John’s Pass Village, a former fishing settlement that’s now home to an array of shops and restaurants, covering plenty of ground from pizza to seafood. It’s also possible to find relatively affordable accommodations right by the sea: casual options include the Cambria Madeira Beach Hotel and the Courtyard St. Petersburg Clearwater/Madeira Beach.
Anna Maria Island, Florida
At the north end of a string of barrier islands and a 20-mile drive from Sarasota lies Anna Maria Island and its collection of beautiful beaches. Expect a particularly relaxed vibe: it’s billed as having old-fashioned Florida charm, not the kind of beach town with high-rise condos and fast food chains aplenty. There’s multiple beaches to choose from – for a tranquil setting, try Bean Point Beach at the island’s northern tip, or for a more lively and family-friendly vibe, there’s Manatee Beach, which also has amenities like concessions, lifeguards, playgrounds and restrooms. If you’re in town between November and March, consider heading to the Market at Coquina Beach, where local artisans and creators sell food, clothing, and much more every Sunday. To rest your head, you can stay in a renovated 1930s-style bungalow at the family-run Bungalow Beach Resort, located right alongside the sugar-white sands of Bradenton Beach.
Clearwater Beach, Florida
Located a short drive west of Tampa, the city of Clearwater Beach is home to palm-lined white sand beaches with warm, turquoise waters. The main strip of sand, also called Clearwater Beach, is centrally located with lifeguards on duty all year and a wide selection of hotels and restaurants within walking distance. Be sure to drop by Pier 60, where you can go fishing, watch pelicans or catch street performers in the evenings. And if you’re looking to get away from it all, consider venturing into Caladesi Island State Park. Located just a few miles north of Clearwater Beach, this park is accessible only by boat or public ferry. You can paddle through the park’s mangroves and explore wild beaches, or rent your own boat to spend the night at the marina. Beach wheelchairs are available for free at the ranger station.
Panama City Beach, Florida
Up in the Florida panhandle, Panama City Beach is home to a whopping 27 miles of beaches sprawled along the coastline. Some of the best places to hit the sea are in the local state parks: St. Andrews and Camp Helen. The former is considered great for kids thanks to its generally calm waters. If you’re looking for an aquatic adventure, snorkeling equipment and kayaks can be rented from March to Labor Day. If you’ve had your fill of beach time, Panama City Beach is well-stocked with other attractions such as the Shipwreck Island Waterpark, with waterslides aplenty. By night, Pier Park, an open-air mall, is an entertainment hub with an IMAX cinema, restaurants and more; for adults, Panama City Beach is also home to a host of lively beach bars.
Pensacola Beach, Florida
With 18 miles of beaches, an average water temperature of 72 degrees and some 343 sunny days per year, this destination at the western end of the Florida Panhandle has a lot going for it. With so much beach, consider hiring a bicycle and going exploring for the perfect spot: it’s a fairly easy way to get around the island. A number of beaches have lifeguard services, and the Park West beach also has grills, a portion
dedicated to dogs and showers on site. If you’re looking for a little excitement while also getting in touch with nature, you can head out to spot dolphins on a Jet Ski tour. It’s also easy to hop over to the bigger city of Pensacola, with its downtown full of museums, restaurants, bars and more. Accommodation options range from major chains like the Hilton to private vacation rentals and RV camping sites. And since the island is only a few hundred feet wide in parts, you’ll always be close to the water.
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