Between the barely faded memories of a long, cold winter and the never-ending air conditioning that makes your 9-5 almost unbearable, there are few things that sound quite as lovely as a beach vacation. What’s standing in your way? Likely three factors: money, ideas, and time. We can’t do much about your schedule, but we can help deliver a few suggestions for comparatively affordable holiday spots that won’t force you to decide between rent and relaxation.
Gulf Shores, Alabama
The Alabama Coast is slowly gaining in popularity, but for now it’s still a hidden gem—somewhat literally, as the white-sand beaches are made of quartz grains funneled down from the Appalachian Mountains. There’s deep-sea fishing, a noted wildlife refuge, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, and golf courses galore. Rent a boat with your buddies, get strapped into a parasail, or learn about the Battle of Mobile Bay at Fort Morgan. You can even spend an entire day on a vacation within a vacation; simply make the hour or so trek to Meaher State Park and spend some time casting off the 300-foot pier, traipsing along the nature trails, and gazing out at the Mobile Delta while you picnic on the shore. Entry to the park is just $2/day, and there are camping hook-ups available as well.
The most budget-friendly rooms near Gulf Shores come courtesy of big-name chains like Quality Inn and Comfort Suites, but the smart play is to rent a condo (you can get one that sleeps 6 for about $160/night). You’ll have a more personal experience and plenty of extra dough to blow on creole bites at the Original Oyster House or crab legs and cold beers with a beach view at Bahama Bob’s.
Sanibel Island, Florida
It may have less than 7,000 full-time residents (not counting the abundant wildlife), but what Sanibel Island, Florida, lacks in population it more than makes up for in natural beauty. It’s a short trip over the Sanibel Causeway to reach this shrimp-shaped island. Make the journey and you’ll be in the company of everything from alligators to egrets.
Safely explore the flora and fauna via one of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation’s preserves or head out to see from some dolphin or whale watching. Craving more active pursuits? Stand-up paddleboarding is popular here, and it’s easy to find a place to rent bikes, kayaks, and canoes.
There are limited options for accommodations on Sanibel, but the historic Island Inn, which has been in operation since 1895, has 550-feet of beachfront beauty and tons of amenities, and the limited number of rooms means it never feels overcrowded. Head to Doc Ford’s Sanibel Rum Bar & Grille, “Home of the Island Mojito,” to hang out with writer Randy Wayne White and down some Dinkin’s Bay Boil Shrimp, or get more bang for your buck at the Sanibel Fish House’s daily happy hour—their award-winning grub is deeply discounted from 3-6pm and house wine and domestic bottles are tantalizingly cheap.
Cape May, New Jersey
Cape May is known locally as “The Nation’s Oldest Seashore Resort” and the captivating little enclave has been featured by no less than the Travel Channel, but it has still somehow managed to stay under the radar. Is it the fact that it’s in New Jersey? Is it guilt-by-association thanks to the GTL-antics on Jersey Shore? Perhaps, but dismissing Cape May without experiencing its special events scene and diverse array of activities firsthand would be a Snooki-sized mistake.
Alpaca farms, an old-fashioned boardwalk-style amusement park, a 150-year old lighthouse, a zoo, Victorian-era architecture, museums, historic living history villages, wineries, and more beaches than you can shake a miniature sand shovel at. It’s all here in Cape May, plus a World War II lookout tower and a state park for good measure.
Dismissing Cape May without experiencing its special events scene and diverse array of activities firsthand would be a Snooki-sized mistake.
More formal Cape May lodging options can exceed $200 fairly quickly in high season—if that’s in your budget, take a look at the delightfully Southern Chalfonte Hotel or the decidedly upscale Ocean Club Hotel—but there’s another option. Campgrounds and RV resorts abound in and around Cape May; rough it in a tent for two or check into a full-service spot where WiFi and rustic living peacefully coexist.
This is a town that embraces food in all its palate-pleasing forms. From the garlic knots and cannoli at Mario’s of Cape May to the unforgettable hoagies at the West Side Market to the irresistible Americana at the Blue Rose Inn, there’s always something delicious waiting to be devoured.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
You won’t necessarily be working on your tan if you choose to head to the Oregon Coast this summer—temps top out in the mid-to-high 60s from June through August—but if you crave the sound of crashing waves minus the need for excessive SPF, this might be the vacation spot for you. From birdwatching to hiking mountain trails to exploring tide pools, there’s plenty of nature-inspired activities.
From birdwatching to hiking mountain trails to exploring tide pools, there’s plenty of nature-inspired activities.
If it gets too chilly or wet, head to town and grab some old-school treats at Bruce’s Candy Kitchen, check out the creative craftsmanship at Icefire Glassworks, or grab a kite at Once Upon a Breeze. As for accommodations, the Inn at Haystack Rock offers cottage-style lodgings and BBQ pits just a block away from the beach while the Coast River Inn delivers seaside charm combined with views of the Necanicum River.
Before you go off digging from clams, grab pastries and a latte or two from Sea Level, a Kickstarter-funded bakery with ridiculously good brioche. After your stroll amongst the sea-smoothed rocks and driftwood, replenish with beer and housemade brats at Public Coast Brewing.
Whether you venture north, south, east or west, there are great options for an affordable beach vacation across the US. Depending on your preference, you can lounge seaside with a drink in hand or you can explore the great outdoors with a more active trip. The world is your oyster. Now you’ve just got to find the best oyster spot near your Airbnb.