25 Inexpensive U.S. Beach Getaways to Escape Winter
There’s no better feeling than escaping the cold, snowy weather to a beautiful beach, especially when it doesn’t break the bank. So head to Florida, Texas, Alabama, and other coastal regions to extend your summer, chase the sun, or thaw out from the cold. Here are 25 inexpensive beach getaways in America that have high temperatures but low price tags.
1. Delray Beach, Florida
You’ll find Delray Beach along Florida’s Gold Coast. Inviting visitors from around the world, the two-mile stretch of powder-soft sand along the Atlantic Ocean stays relatively warm year-round, with average temperatures in the high 70s in December. With 40 public parks, so you can take in the beautiful weather while keeping your wallet closed.
2. Flagler Beach, Florida
Another one of Florida’s Atlantic Coast favorites, Flager Beach, is spread out across six miles of beautiful ocean views with eclectic shops, a free fishing pier, and plenty of local coffee shops or cafes. What makes this inexpensive beach getaway unique is the Flagler Beachfront Winery, right on the shore. Thaw out after a long winter with March temperatures in the 70s.
3. Vero Beach, Florida
If you’re looking to trade a hot oven for hot weather, celebrate Thanksgiving at Vero Beach. Enjoy days in the high 70s and some of the quietest beaches in the state. For families, experience Disney magic without buying expensive park passes. Instead, stay at Disney Vero Beach Resort or just book a character breakfast at their restaurant, open to the public.
4. Jensen Beach, Florida
South of Vero Beach is Jensen Beach, with glorious mid to high 70s weather all winter. With large chain hotels, boutique inns, and rentals, there are accommodations across price points. Jensen Beach also hosts a weekly, free Jammin’ Jensen Festival with live music, vendors, and local artists from July through December 30th.
5. Ormond Beach, Florida
Located just north of famous Daytona Beach and its NASCAR International Speedway is the comfortable weather and low crowds of Ormond Beach. If you’re looking to explore outside of this small town, Orlando is only an hour away. So, after a long winter, enjoy a March getaway with the weather in the 70s.
6. Pensacola, Florida
Located on Florida’s panhandle, escape to this seaport city for serenity, relaxation, and fewer crowds. The colonial downtown district dates back to the 16th century, making it an ideal November getaway for history buffs looking for an early winter getaway.
7. Destin, Florida
Also located on The Florida Panhandle on the Gulf of Mexico, Destin is a boaters paradise known as the “world’s luckiest fishing village.” After a long winter warm-up in Destin with March weather in the 70s, relaxing on white-sand beaches with views of emerald green water.
8. Gulf Shores, Alabama
If you’ve never visited the Alabama shores, you’re missing out on one of the best-kept beach secrets in America. Gulf Shores is right off Florida’s panhandle featuring sugar-white sand and March temperatures in the low 70s. Explore Gulf State Park’s beaches and trails for $5 a car, or the sea turtles, birds, and coastal habitats of Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, with no admission fee.
9. Orange Beach, Alabama
Also located in Alabama at the end of Florida’s panhandle is Orange Beach. Orange Beach condos fill up quickly during the prime summer months, but you’ll enjoy less expensive accommodations and 70 degree days in November.
10. Perdido Key, Florida
You could easily miss Perdido Key on a map, but you surely wouldn’t want to miss the 70s degree days of shoulder season. It’s located on a narrow strip of land between Pensacola and Orange Beach, and in some areas, it’s no more than a few hundred yards wide.
Although it’s a tiny island, there are many things to do, including visiting the National Aviation Museum or going on a nature hike at the Tarkiln Bayou trail.
11. Clearwater Beach, Florida
Another gorgeous town with white-sand beaches and calm, clear waters is Florida’s Clearwater Beach. Enjoy December beach days in the 70s, private beach rentals in highly-rated Airbnbs for under $100 a night, the Salvador Dalí Museum or The Florida Aquarium
12. New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Floridians love New Smyrna Beach with its quiet, charming downtown and miles of drive-on beaches. Located on the state’s East Coast, it’s also known as a top surf spot, especially in the winter with temperatures in the 70s. You’ll find a variety of hotels, motels, or bed & breakfasts at a variety of price points.
13. Marathon, Florida
If you’re looking to escape the cold with a trip to the Florida Keys but are on a budget, Marathon is a significantly cheaper destination than Key West. Besides beautiful beaches, deep-sea fishing, visitors can learn and spot dolphins, stingrays, or sea turtles. Or spend the day kayaking and exploring the 1,000 acres of Curry Hammock State Park with an admission fee of only $5 a car.
14. Key West, Florida
There’s something about Florida’s southernmost point in the winter that makes you feel like you are in the Caribbean. If you have your heart set on a trip to Key West, you can save 25 to 50% off condo-hotel rooms by booking a timeshare rental at resorts like the Hyatt Residence Club Key West. With mid-70s winter weather, history, a unique vibe, and endless water adventures, you’ll want to stay awhile.
15. Panama City Beach, Florida
One of Florida’s best beaches, Panama City, sprawls across 27 miles of Florida’s panhandle. With over 100 public accesses, it’s easy to find a free spot in the sand. Shell Island, right off the coast, has zero development, perfect for a relaxing day. Chase the sunshine with a November getaway and enjoy temperatures in the 70s.
16. St. Augustine, Florida
This winter, take a historic trip to the United States’ first city and one of the best beaches in Florida. St. Augustine is known for being home to the Fountain of Youth, Castillo de San Marcos, and the oldest school in the country. With November and March temperatures in the 70s, it is an excellent blend of things to do, calming oceanfront views, and a range of accommodation prices.
17. South Padre Island, Texas
Did you know that there’s an island off the coast of Texas with winter temperatures in the 70s? South Padre Island is best known for its fun and family-friendly atmosphere. Go paddleboarding, explore the beach by horseback, and even catch a glimpse of the large pods of dolphins that swim past Texas.
18. Mustang Island State Park, Texas
Mustang Island spans across 18 miles in the city of Corpus Christi and enjoys mid 70s weather in November and March. Rent a cabin in the park from $99 to $158 a night for a memorable winter beach getaway. Spend your days relaxing on 5 miles of beaches, fish, kayak, or geocash.
19. Galveston, Texas
Galveston, Texas, offers 32 miles of beaches along the Gulf of Mexico and is famous for family fun, history, attractions, and entertainment. Stretch your vacation dollar further by staying in a condo hotel, like the popular beachfront Holiday Inn Club Galveston Seaside Resort, so that you can eat some of your meals in and stretch out in the extra space after a day at the beach.
20. Grand Isle, Louisiana
Located off the coast of Louisiana in the Gulf of Mexico, Grand Isle is a quiet destination that is calming, relaxing, and has November temperatures in the 70s. Visit the 400-foot-long pier for fishing and enjoy off-season hotel and rental rates.
21. Amelia Island, Florida
Thirty miles north of Jacksonville, you’ll find an island that feels like a world away. Amelia Island is Florida’s northernmost barrier island known for picturesque golf courses and rich 500-year-old history.
An afternoon at the Museum of History will teach you about Spanish and French explorers, the Timucua Native American tribe, as well as Amelia Island’s Victorian-era residents. There are various accommodations to stay in, including inns, bed & breakfasts, and traditional hotels. Enjoy shoulder season rates in March and November and the 70-degree weather.
22. Sarasota, Florida
With warm Gulf Coast temperatures all winter long, Sarasota is a great winter getaway choice. Laze on the beach, visit the 10-acre tropical oasis at the Sarasota Jungle Gardens, or tour historical museums.
23. Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida
You’ve probably heard of Fort Lauderdale, as it’s one of Florida’s most popular beach destinations. But Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, just 7 miles north, is a quieter getaway. This small beach town draws fewer crowds but has plenty of warm temperatures all winter long. No expensive car rental is necessary when visiting Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, as it is so compact.
24. Huntington Beach, California
Also known as Surf City U.S.A. Huntington Beach is an excellent getaway for experienced surfers. With strong swells and fewer crowds, you’ll enjoy empty prime surf spots and cheaper room rates. Out of the water, there are plenty of things to do with art fairs, an ice rink, and yoga on the beach.
25. Biloxi, Mississippi
You might not even think about Mississippi as an inexpensive winter beach getaway, but Biloxi has 70 degree days in November and March. This affordable destination on the Gulf of Mexico is also known for its world-class casinos and rich history.
Try your luck at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, or get a look at the first-ever cast-iron lighthouse in the south at the Biloxi Lighthouse. You’ll find plenty of affordable hotels and inns to stay in, as well as seafood restaurants that won’t break the bank.
The Best Inexpensive Beach Getaways to Escape the Winter
You don’t need to fly all the way to Hawaii or pay top dollar for Miami hotels to get away from blustery snow and icy roads. Instead, book a getaway to one of these gorgeous beaches in the United States for a winter escape that won’t empty your wallet.
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This post was originally published on Savoteur.
