This summer, you deserve to go on a vacation. And what other vacation is better than a beach vacation? And you know what? There is no need to break the bank if you want to spend a few days by the ocean.
It is true that there are a lot of destinations that are well-known for not being wallet-friendly, but if you find budget accommodation, cook your own meals, or go to restaurants that are not in the main tourist area, these destinations can be within your reach.
The following spots are all in the US, and we are sure you will love them. Some are tropical destinations where you can enjoy a cocktail on the golden sand, while others are closer than you think. Pack your bags and get ready for the perfect vacation!
1. Daytona Beach – Florida
If you are from Florida or plan to visit Florida this summer, you can’t miss Daytona Beach. This beautiful destination, with marvelous white sand, is also extremely accessible. You can find this beach about an hour’s drive away from one of the biggest cities in Florida, Orlando.
This place is family-friendly, but not in the classic, boring way. There are a ton of things to do here if you choose Daytona Beach as your vacation spot. Amusement rides, restaurants, arcades, and gift shops – you’ve got them all here. Moreover, if you want to cool off, you have to visit the Daytona Lagoon Waterpark.
If you are planning a road trip on the east coast of the Sunshine State, be sure you can find enough entertainment here for an entire week. Pro tip: the Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) is extremely close to the beach, and they have flights that are mostly operated by American Airlines and Delta.
2. Puerto Rico
If your dream vacation means visiting a tropical paradise and laying on the beach all the time, then Puerto Rico is perfect for you. Here you can find island adventures and relaxing beach breaks.
Its beautiful central mountains are home to several coffee haciendas and provide perfect locations for sports like cave tubing and zip-lining.
Puerto Rico has 300 miles of coastline, and along this coastline, you can find everything from idyllic beaches and hidden coves to family-friendly activities and other vibrant and entertaining things to do. For example, if you are into water sports and scuba diving, you can try to take a water taxi to Cayo Icacos. There, you can go snorkeling in the clear and calm waters.
If you want to take a cheap flight to Puerto Rico, you can find amazing deals from any US location to San Juan (SJU). The trick is to buy them early. After you get the plane tickets, you should keep in mind that drinks, food, and accommodation are not the cheapest.
3. South Padre Island – Texas
This is a remote place that, over the course of years, became an extremely popular vacation spot for many Americans. You can find this island less than a day’s drive away from the major cities of Texas: Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston. It is located very close to the border with Mexico.
This strip of white sand and tropical marvels has a length of 34 miles and is easily accessible by crossing the Queen Isabella Causeway. Another thing about South Padre Island is that it is recognized as a top vacation spot for spring break. But don’t be cast down by this. South Padre has a lot of activities that are suitable for people of any age.
Get ready to learn how to build sand castles because here you can find lessons for this, watch some dolphins, and if you think that these are not for you, try some mini-golf.
If you are not from Texas and you want to visit this tropical destination, you can book a flight to Brownsville-SPI International Airport (BRO). This airport is located less than 20 miles from the beach.
4. Ventura – California
This list can’t be complete without including California. The Golden State is well known for the many incredible places it has to offer, but today we are going to talk about Ventura, a vacation spot that is perfect for those who love the ocean.
This is an amazing location where you can explore many outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, surfing, or camping. If you are into whale watching, then you are in the right place. There are all-year-round trips that depart from Ventura Harbor and take you far away from the coast to observe the whales in their natural habitat.
If you’ve ever heard of “The Galapagos Islands of North America” but were not sure what people were talking about, you should know that they were referring to Ventura, California. Here you can find the Channel Islands National Park, and you must visit the pretty islands that are located just a short boat ride away from Ventura.
Besides outdoor activities, you can also visit numerous independent restaurants and award-winning wineries. Trust us, you won’t regret this decision.
5. O’ahu – Hawaii
If you want to visit a tropical vacation spot but don’t want to go somewhere remote, then you can choose O’ahu. This is a Hawaiian island; actually, it is the third-largest Hawaiian island, and it is home to more than two-thirds of the population of Hawaii.
Even if O’ahu is so populated (the capital of the state, Honolulu, is also located on this island), you can still find some gorgeous, isolated locations that will make you feel like you are in a haven. The south part of the island is the one that is noisy; the other shores are quieter and less populated. There, you can find unspoiled beaches and luxurious jungles.
One of the best things about O’ahu is that it is the cheapest Hawaiian island to travel to. Pro tip: You can find the best rates during the fall or spring. And you can do a lot of activities while you are there: snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, surfing, visiting Pearl Harbor, or hiking. All of these are free. Amazing, right?
Last but not least, there is one more thing that you should know. The prices for a plane ticket vary, but if you want to fly from Los Angeles to Honolulu (HNL), you’ll have to take out of your pocket something around $300. So, do your best and book well in advance. In this way, you can get the best prices available.
6. Jamaica
According to Trip Advisor, Jamaica was the best Caribbean destination of 2019, and we understand exactly why. The locals are incredibly friendly, the island is beautiful, and the hospitality will definitely make people come back.
If you want to enjoy the nightlife of Jamaica and listen to some reggae, you can try the bars in Montego Bay. If you are more chill and just want to relax, go to Seven Mile Beach. Also, you can try a boat tour and admire the colorful fish and other marine life.
In case you want to visit Jamaica, one of the good things is that there are many all-inclusive vacations. That means you don’t have to worry about drinks and food. The cheapest time to go to Jamaica is from September to December because during this time the weather is more rainy.
You should also check out: 9 Famous Places You’ll Never Believe Are in the US
