There must be cheaper beach vacation alternatives, you think—and you’re right, there are. As Gulf Coast beaches go, Clearwater Beach, Florida is more of a built-up resort town rather than a quaint and cozy village. As Gulf Coast beaches go, Clearwater Beach, Florida is more of a built-up resort town rather than a quaint and cozy village. Whether you’re looking for cheap beach vacations in Florida or in other lesser-known states for tourism, this list of hidden and affordable beach destinations on the Gulf Coast will satisfy your desire for sun and sand—without breaking the bank. The ignorance of others is a boon to the enlightened traveler. Cheapest All Inclusive Texas Gulf Coast Resorts All inclusive vacations don’t have to come with a high price tag. CheapTickets is not your average low-cost travel company. Staffordshire 7010, Houston, TX. With a Gulf Shores vacation package, you can bundle your hotel, car and flight bookings and save a ton. Even if you aren’t in town for the festival, the Rockport Center for the Arts has public exhibitions and a bayside sculpture garden featuring works like Kent Ullberg’s Preening Heron. Dreaming about a Florida beach vacation, but afraid it might break the bank? Dubbed the Sunset Capital of Alabama, this resort community has a family-friendly reputation and blissfully uncrowded beaches. You can also walk just across the street to the coastal public beach. Travel Smarter! Find the perfect vacation package for Texas Gulf Coast on Tripadvisor by comparing Texas Gulf Coast hotel and flight prices. You can snorkel, kayak, or fish in the Gulf’s clear waters, or explore the island’s three small communities: Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, and the town of Anna Maria. Snap one up close to Gulf Shores Beach, just 4 miles (6 km) from the center of town, and live out your vacation dreams without blowing your budget. You also can’t miss the boardwalk filled with restaurants and shops ,or the 1,470-foot pier—a great place to watch the sun set over the water. Travel. Beach bum? 3.5 out of 5.0 5 ... Cheap Gulf Shores Vacation Package Deals. If you’re planning a getaway on a budget this season (and really, who isn’t? See the latest prices and deals by choosing your dates. Filter by: Review Score. Cheap Gulf Shores Vacations: Find vacation packages to Gulf Shores on Tripadvisor by comparing prices and reading Gulf Shores hotel reviews. For easy access to beautiful Florida Gulf Coast beaches, look no further than Naples. Other attractions include Fort Gaines and the Dauphin Island Heritage & Arts Museum. Given its geography—surrounded by water on three sides—it’s only natural that top attractions include bird watching and saltwater fishing. quite like Naples. In June and July, uniformed guides host a living history program to tell the story of the fort from its 1834 founding through World War II. Book your Southwest Gulf Coast vacation today! Furthermore, most apartment rentals in Gulf Shores can welcome groups of 7, which makes it an ideal vacation spot for large groups. Affordable Gulf Coast Destinations. No problem. What's more, we'll never make compromises on the quality of your experiences, accommodations or flights. You can reach the popular towns of Panama City and Pensacola by flying into the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport. Of course, if you book a home on Copano Bay, there’s a good chance you’ll spot a few preening herons of your own. Hampton Inn & Suites Orange Beach/Gulf Front. See all beach house rentals in Dauphin Island! BOOK STARTING MID-NOVEMBER - Beautiful 3-bedroom 2-bath offers private beach access, pool and waterfront lagoon. 30 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget See which waterfront escapes won't burn a hole in your wallet. Where to stay: Most accommodations on Anna Maria are vacation rentals or small condo resorts. There's also a historic pier and several walking trails to make for a fun day out if you need a change of pace from all the other beach activities you have available on a Gulf Shores family vacation. Just a few blocks away, the town green features outdoor movies, open-air concerts, and a free splash pad for kids during the summer. The house has it all. Outdoor activity options include stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. If you can’t wait to explore the best of this awesome city, why not make tracks to USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park? Saltwater and freshwater fishing opportunities abound in Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, and bike paths make it easy to explore the peninsula on two wheels. TripAdvisor lists hundreds of options. Fall asleep to the gentle sound of the surf in one of our Gulf Shores beach hotels. Getting there: The closest airports to Santa Rosa Beach are Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport and Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport in Panama City, each about an hour away. 3.5 out of 5.0 . With your own wheels, you’ll be … Nature lovers can explore Gulf Shores’ protected wilderness areas including the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge and Gulf State Park. Dec 17 - Dec 18. Choose from over 80 Gulf Shores AL vacation rentals. Luxe reputation aside, Naples offers a host of attractions for families and budget travelers—not to mention two-bedroom rentals for less than $1,000/week. With direct access to white, sugary sand, emerald waters and palm-tree studded landscapes, the best beachfront hotels offer oceanfront suites, outdoor pools, lavish spas and on-site restaurants serving succulent seafood. “I have stayed in many villas on the Gulf Coast, and this is one of the best so far. Gulf Shores is a particularly family-friendly destination on the Gulf Coast.. Find the perfect vacation package for Southwest Gulf Coast on Tripadvisor by comparing Southwest Gulf Coast hotel and flight prices. Filter by: Review Score. King BED - Luxurious MED Center Fully Equipped Condo. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. ), you’re more likely to see a rare bird than a traffic jam here. The area has tried to make itself into a laid-back beach destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts, without the flash of theme parks, swanky resorts, and college spring break action. King BED - Luxurious MED Center Fully Equipped Condo. The price is $54 per night from Dec 17 to Dec 18 $54. From the Panhandle to the Keys. The shops along Fifth Avenue South aren’t a bad place to duck out of a downpour, either—and on Saturdays, the Third Street South Farmer’s Market is a busy spot, rain or shine. Additionally, these accommodations have an average size of 1,110 ft² and an average price of $337 a night. Beach, Pool, and Waterfront Lagoon. The harbor front is also a hotspot for fresh seafood and classic joints like Bull’s Restaurant, Darwell’s Cafe, and Steve’s Marina (reviewers rave about the gumbo!). The bad news, … As the only developed land in the Ten Thousand Islands chain—which runs from the Everglades to the Keys— the barrier island is known for its birdwatching and tropical greenery. 21196 East Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL . Visit Topsail Hill Preserve State Park to try your hand at freshwater fishing, hike through well-preserved wetlands, or relax on quiet white sand beaches. Per night/room. close. They made sure that the development is restrained and that everyone has a wonderful view of the beaches unobstructed by massive concrete towers. Getting there: A pair of bridges connects the island to the mainland. “Loved the view from the screened-in porch, where we could sit to enjoy a cup of coffee and a good book. Pompano Beach, FL. I found weekly rates in August starting under $1,000. Find the perfect vacation package for Southwest Gulf Coast on Tripadvisor by comparing Southwest Gulf Coast hotel and flight prices. Beach Vacations.. June is here, and with it comes warm weather, flip-flops, and the promise of vacation. Look to the Gulf of Mexico for ultra-soft sand, crystal-clear waters, and surprisingly cheap beach vacations. Located within day-trip distance of Gulf Coast destinations like New Orleans, Mobile, and Ship Island, Long Beach boasts miles of calm water and scenic shores. This beach town not only has white-sand beaches, but plenty of wildlife, water sports, and three historic forts and a lighthouse. […] Make sure when you come you check out the sunset—it’s unlike anything you have ever seen.” –Traveler Review. Our new 24-hour cancellation policy means you can pre-book activities before arriving, but still have the flexibility to cancel if your itinerary changes. Located just west of Gulf Shores, this historic gem is dotted with classic Southern cottages. Travelocity is here to help you find the best deals on all the top all inclusive resorts in Texas Gulf Coast so you can spend more time relaxing in the sun, … Local rentals offer amenities like private boat ramps and lighted piers surrounded by open water, so you can fish for dinner right off the dock. Sign up for our free newsletter. Few Gulf Coast destinations do family fun (or affordable rentals!) But it’s really the best Gulf Coast beaches (think the Florida Panhandle to the Keys) that are … It’s a cool, grassy spot to share a picnic after an afternoon of jet skiing or beach volleyball. Spots like Palm Beach and Miami on the east coast of Florida are known for glitz and glamour. Whether you’re looking for a […] AtTripAdvisor Rentals, we’ve crunched the numbers to find six Gulf Coast destinations where you can book a two-bedroom rental for less than $250/night on average during the summer. Find the perfect vacation package for Central Mexico and Gulf Coast on Tripadvisor by comparing Central Mexico and Gulf Coast hotel and flight prices. Rent Your Dream Vacation Home Stay with us to entreat yourself as a local and become family while staying in one of our condos or homes. Furthermore, most apartment rentals in Gulf Shores can welcome groups of 7, which makes it an ideal vacation spot for large groups. The good news? Within Gulf State Park you'll find pristine white-sand beaches and calm turquoise water safe for family swimming. Outdoor activity options include stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Summer can sometimes lead to higher prices across the board, but beach house rentals in these Gulf Coast destinations won’t break the bank. In case you don’t have your own, the park has complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas. These affordable – and fabulous – seaside destinations won’t leave your wallet singing the blues. It is spacious and really well-equipped. FEATURED. Playing golf at one of Gulf Shores’ championship golf courses and fishing are also popular pursuits. For dining, you can try affordable local favorites such as the Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, which is known for its all-you-can-eat pancakes for $5.99, and Star Fish Company, whose dockside restaurant serves up the local catch at surprisingly cheap prices. While doing nothing is the island’s prime pastime, there are plenty of options when you want something to do. The bad news, of course, is that the cost of plane tickets, hotel rooms, and gas prices tend to rise with the temperature. Browse unbiased reviews and photos for rentals in Texas Gulf Coast, TX This close-knit community is easygoing and secluded, with aquamarine water and flat, white beaches. 4 Hidden, Cheap Beach Destinations on the Gulf Coast. Their pull-through and back-in sites have level concrete pads and picnic tables only steps from their beach along the sound. Start your morning at one of Northwest Florida’s Forbes Four-Star hotels and enjoy complimentary breakfas. Clearwater Beach When it comes to Gulf Coast destinations, Fort Morgan is a reprieve from the crowds and high-rise hotels. Rise and Shine Package . During the summer months, you might even be lucky enough to watch a nest of baby turtles hatch and crawl to the ocean. Find cheap rates and good deals on Texas Gulf Coast vacation rentals with Tripadvisor and make your budget go further. With lots of small, family-run motels and an abundance of affordable beach rentals, too, Bradenton Beach, near the tiny town of Sarasota, is a cheap Florida family vacation on this stretch of the state’s gulf coast. Travelers like you have written 327,482 reviews and posted 492 candid photos for Southwest Gulf Coast hotels. Some of the best Gulf Coast beaches in the area include Panama City Beach, Destin, Seagrove Beach, Cape San Blas, St George Island, and Navarre Beach. Browse unbiased reviews and photos for rentals in Southwest Gulf Coast, FL See all beach house rentals in Fort Morgan! You can hike or bike on the trails at Point Washington State Forest, which protects a range of coastal ecosystems. Rise and Shine Package . Save King BED - Luxurious MED Center Fully Equipped Condo to your lists. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. See the latest prices and deals by choosing your dates. It’s not called the “Sunshine State” for nothing. Her photography has been published in The Boston Globe Magazine. In Gulf Shores, nearly a quarter of the 9,382 vacation accommodations are apartment rentals, which represent 24.39% of its accommodations being offered. Here in America, Florida’s our go-to spot for the type of fun you’d find in the sun. Will return!” –Traveler Review. A portion of the peninsula is a wildlife refuge, so no matter where you stay, you’ll be near miles of quiet shoreline and secret shelling spots. We’d be remiss to write about affordable Gulf Coast vacations without giving Rockport a shoutout. Explore. History buff? Hidden and Cheap Beach Destinations. Before you finalize your lodging plans or itinerary, take a look at these Gulf Shores and Orange Beach vacation deals. For more than 30 years, Salt Water Vacations has serviced Florida’s Emerald Coast with a variety of vacation homes, condominiums and cottages in Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Navarre Beach, and South Walton, Florida. Florida Gulf Coast Vacation Packages Enhance Your Gulf Coast Stay. The following Gulf Coast beach destinations are still unmarred by development, with opportunities for adventure, culture, great food, and, yes, even reasonable prices. Rise and Shine Package. Where to stay: The vast majority of accommodations in Gulf Shores are rental homes and condos. Hidden and Cheap Beach Destinations. Filter List View Map View Thumbs view. The temperatures in Pensacola, for example, range between the 70’s and 90’s from April to October, which is perfect beach weather. 527. The hidden beach destination Floridians escape to, Anna Maria Island has somehow managed to keep condo towers, fast-food chains, amusement parks, and glitzy mega-resorts off its shores. Connected to Fort Morgan by the Mobile Bay Ferry, Dauphin is a small barrier island with a historical fort of its own. “We could not have asked for anything more perfect! Anna Maria is about an hour’s drive from the Tampa airport and 45 minutes from St. Petersburg. Look to the Gulf of Mexico for ultra-soft sand, crystal-clear waters, and surprisingly cheap beach vacations. Find cheap rates and good deals on Southwest Gulf Coast vacation rentals with Tripadvisor and make your budget go further. Most of them are familiar chains, such as the Holiday Inn Express Biloxi-Ocean Springs, but you can also stay in independent properties like the Gulf Hills Hotel & Conference Center. Additionally, these accommodations have an average size of 1,110 ft² and an average price of $337 a night. Clearwater Beach is located on a barrier island on Florida’s west coast just outside the city of Tampa. Choose from condo rentals, cottages, vacation homes and hotels. Things You Should Know About Gulf Shores . The Gulf Coast of Florida is famous for its gentle surf, pristine white sand beaches, spectacular sunsets, and sea breezes. The following Gulf Coast beach destinations are still unmarred by development, with opportunities for adventure, culture, great food, and, yes, even reasonable prices. Travel Ideas . 9. The following Gulf Coast beach destinations are still unmarred by development, with opportunities for adventure, culture, great food, and, yes, even reasonable prices. or by renting a pontoon. Gulf Coast at its best Can't Beat a Florida Beach. The island—a designated bird sanctuary—is one of North America’s top spots for viewing spring migrations. Most visitors come to spend a week relaxing on the beach with occasional forays out to visit the attractions. From Victorian homes to turn-of-the-century boardwalks and imposing old forts, we've found 20 coastal towns and cities that offer charm and must-see historic sites just a stone's throw from the water.. Related: 24 Secluded Beach Paradises Around the World BOOK STARTING MID-NOVEMBER - Beautiful 3-bedroom 2-bath offers private beach access, pool and waterfront lagoon. The Gulf Coast, which runs along the Gulf of Mexico, stretches along the southern border of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. 21196 East Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL . “My trip to Anna Maria made me feel in a nostalgic sense what beach vacations must have been like 20 or 30 years ago,” says Tim Leffel, author of Make Your Travel Dollars Worth a Fortune, who visited the island with his family. “We were surprised by the quietness of the town! Many forget that Alabama’s heel nudges onto the Gulf of Mexico, its coastline a natural extension of the Florida Panhandle. But in addition to its pristine landscape, the coastal city also boasts a thriving art community (evidenced by the Rockport Art Festival in July). By Kyle McCarthy, Contributor Jan. 24, 2019. Save King BED - Luxurious MED Center Fully Equipped Condo to your lists. Fill up the car and head to these coastal destinations for an affordable beach vacation. Florida tops the list as a vacation destination for many families, but there are so many fun places to choose from — how can you pick? Salt Water Vacations is proud to be a full-service vacation rental and property management company filled with real people offering real vacations with personalized service. Gulf Coast, AL > Gulf Shores, AL > Lagoon Run. Gulf Coast vacations in Marco promise shelling, nature walks, and small-group kayak tours through winding mangroves. The Mississippi Gulf Coast will feel like your home away from home when you rent a beautiful condos, beach houses or other vacation rentals available. Holiday Inn Club Vacations Galveston Beach Resort. For years, Cape San Blas, St. Joe Beach, Indian Pass, and Mexico Beach remained a little-known vacation treasure, but more and more families are discovering the 43 miles of soft sand and clear waters of Florida’s Gulf Coast. It offers Gulf Islands National Seashore, a beach that was voted Best East Coast Beach in USA Today. Find beachfront vacation rentals along the beautiful white-sand beaches of the Alabama and Florida Gulf Coast. Sanibel Island, FL | Property # 266537. Read why getting a winter vacation rental in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, or Fort Morgan is the best way to spend the cold months of winter. See all beach house rentals in Long Beach! TripAdvisor (SmarterTravel’s parent company) has Anna Maria Island rentals priced well below $1,000 per week. For the best deals, look in beach towns along the Florida Panhandle and along Florida’s Gulf Coast. The Florida Panhandle offers up many drive-to beaches. Just five miles east of Biloxi is the quiet coastal community of Ocean Springs, where small-town charm meets gorgeous white-sand beaches for an affordable Gulf Coast getaway. All inclusive vacations don’t have to come with a high price tag. Not a history buff? This popular sight is 34 mi from Gulf Shores. Mexico Beach is a small, lively coastal city in Bay County, on Florida’s Gulf Coast, known for its mile-long wonderful white sandy beaches, slow pace of life, and the nostalgic vibe of Old Florida. “For our 30th anniversary, my husband and I decided to visit Rockport. It has been a tourist destination since at least the 1960s, though its eclectic culture and reasonable prices (by Florida standards) mean it’s much more than a typical Florida beach town. One local favorite is The Meltdown on 30A, a food truck specializing in grilled cheese. The town is popular with art lovers, too, thanks to its many shops and galleries, as well as the Walter Anderson Museum of Art downtown. Within easy access to these beaches, you can find affordable accommodations, cheap eats, and minimal fees for parking and admission. Collier-Seminole State Park is a great spot to cast a line, and Rookery Bay Reserve is worth a visit for its 16,500-square-foot visitors center and 150 species of birds. These Florida beaches are as affordable as they are fun. Visit Responsibly . Getting there: Ocean Springs is just a 10-minute drive from Biloxi and about 90 minutes from New Orleans. Even if you’re not one for paddling, you can still get out on the water by taking a Marco Island Boat Tour (perfect for glimpsing manatees and dolphins!) Travelers like you have written 327,482 reviews and posted 492 candid photos for Southwest Gulf Coast hotels. With only 1,300 permanent residents (and not a single stoplight! While other cities in America are experiencing rainy or snowy winters, the Gulf Coast stays mild, sunny and warm: serving as the perfect travel getaway for snowbirds. Prices below reflect the average cost of a two-bedroom vacation rental in that destination for a weeklong stay this summer, June through August. Located south of Fort Myers on the Paradise Coast, this sun-drenched city is known for its lush golf courses and high-end shopping. Book a rental near the shore for access to warm sand and endless watersports. Dec 17 - Dec 18. Editor’s note: Sarah Schlichter contributed to this article. We've even got some offers that extend into Fort Morgan if you're looking to hunker down there for your vacation! Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review.