Ten budget-friendly Florida coastal communities ideal for your forthcoming getaway.
Ten budget-friendly Florida coastal communities ideal for your forthcoming getaway.
Shut your peepers and visualize your blissful sanctuary. What pops into your mind? Smooth sandy shores, an azure ocean, swaying palms? Can you hear the thud of the waves and the calls of seagulls? Are you already relishing the scent of the salty sea and tasting the pina colada? If your paradise ticket involves being waist-deep in the water, somewhere truly magnificent (and that somewhere is the beach), congratulations, you've become an official member of the Southern Beach Admirers Society. No, it's not a real organization. But yes, we do take our enthusiasm quite seriously.
Being a Southern Beach Admirer means making annual (if not biennial) trips to feed our craving. But it doesn't mean blowing our savings and jetting off to some far-off paradise to do so. Whether we choose South Carolina's Sea Islands, Georgia's Golden Isles, or Alabama's Gulf Coast, Southerners know the best beaches are right outside our doorstep and won't cost a fortune to visit.
You can't discuss beach getaways without mentioning Florida. And for those seeking a beach holiday that won't dent their wallet, Florida is the key ... or should we say Keys. The Sunshine State is home to countless tiny beach towns eager to welcome you for a weekend away. Think quaint cafes, colorful shops, and uninterrupted views, seldom cluttered with high-rise condos or overpriced souvenir stalls. Here are 10 budget-friendly Florida beach towns to consider for your upcoming vacation.
Dunedin
One of our South's Best Beach Towns of 2022, this mini metropolis located across the bay from Tampa boasts plenty of attractions--and eateries--within walking distance. For untouched natural beauty, spend some time at Honeymoon Island State Park or Caladesi Island State Park. From fusion tapas spots to a minor league baseball team, Dunedin has numerous delightful surprises up its sleeve.
Tarpon Springs
Located north of Clearwater, Tarpon Springs is a hub of Greek culture and a century-old sponge industry. At the historic Sponge Docks, you'll find shops and a variety of authentic Greek restaurants. Stop by the Spongeroama Sponge Factory, where you'll discover a wide range of natural sea sponges, Greek souvenirs, a museum, and boat tours. For those who've longed for a Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants-esque Greece getaway, Tarpon Springs is your Stateside alternative without the hefty price tag.
Lauderdale-By-The-Sea
Located on the outskirts of buzzing Fort Lauderdale, the coastal city's gentler, quieter sibling Lauderdale-By-The-Sea offers a budget- and family-friendly alternative. Book a room in a charming boutique hotel or inn, stroll to local shops, and enjoy the popular 2.5-mile beach renowned for its living coral reef located just 100 yards offshore. For an authentic taste of the Caribbean, head to Aruba Beach Cafe, where you can savor Caribbean Conch Chowder and Coconut Fried Shrimp while enjoying a frosty, tropical cocktail.
Sebastian
Located on the Sebastian River, this idyllic fishing village is a nature lover's paradise. Witness breathtaking views of the Indian River Lagoon, with easy access to swimming, boating, diving, bird watching, kayaking, paddleboarding, surfing, and even sea turtle spotting. Find a cozy hideaway at Island View Cottages, then spend a few days exploring the village and its surrounding beauty.
Venice
This Florida's Gulf Coast town's name does not deceive. Take your time meandering through downtown, where you'll find northern Italian architecture and beautifully manicured boulevards. Start your exploration-filled day with a warm scone at Upper Crust Bakery & Cafe, then browse shops along West Venice Avenue. Once you're ready to hit the beach, there's miles of sandy shore to discover and a treasure trove of fossilized shark teeth and vibrantly colored shells to uncover.
N Smyrna Beach
Florida State Road A1A winds through some of the coolest beach towns in the South, and N Smyrna Beach beautifully embodies Florida's A1A at its vibrant, kooky best. N Smyrna Beach, like neighboring Flagler Beach, attracts surfers (or anyone, really) with its laid-back vibes, quirky charm, and leisurely pace of living. Check into The Salty Mermaid Oceanfront Hotel, an updated, retro-chic motor court, for beachfront views. Stroll along the sandy main street, Flagler Avenue, for casual eateries, fun shops, and unobstructed beach access. This little town is so relaxed that you'll struggle to return to your everyday life.
Okaloosa Island
Okaloosa Island is the destination for old-fashioned family fun, with a beach boardwalk, fishing pier, mini golf, and Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. There are numerous public beaches, and all the conveniences in Destin and Fort Walton Beach are close by, yet this destination remains remarkably secluded. Grab a bite at Al's Beach Club and enjoy the breathtaking vista of the glistening Gulf waters on the eastern end of Santa Rosa Island.
Known for its laid-back vibe and requiring neither shirts nor shoes, Cocoa Beach is a must-visit spot along Florida's Space Coast. At the Cocoa Beach Pier, you can observe surfers performing aerial maneuvers from morning till night, all for free. Additionally, you can enjoy complimentary beach access and parking at Lori Wilson Park. Once hunger strikes, make your way to Beach Late, a beloved, seaside eatery offering a variety of delicious fare, such as smoked turkey legs and soft serve ice cream with frozen chocolate bananas.
Ponce Inlet
Daytona Beach is known for its budget-friendly reputation as one of Florida's most affordable beach destinations. Just ten miles south, its neighbor Ponce Inlet continues this trend, with fewer crowds to contend with. Begin your journey by ascending the 203 steps to reach the summit of Florida's oldest lighthouse, Ponce Inlet Light. For a modest fee of $7, you'll gain access to panoramic views of the coastline and admission to the museum on-site, which chronicles the lighthouse's captivating history.
Cape San Blas
Located along the Florida Panhandle, near Port St. Joe, Cape San Blas boasts expansive beaches with minimal crowds. This area is renowned for serving up some of the freshest seafood you can find. Drop by Skully's Low Country Boil for a delectable taste, or try your hand at catching your own dinner. Need a break from the sun or feeling restless? Examine the historic Cape San Blas Lighthouse, which contrasts busy beach towns by allowing pets to join in on the fun!
Following your love for budget-friendly beach vacations, consider visiting these SouthernLiving-recommended Florida destinations: Dunedin, Tarpon Springs, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Sebastian, Venice, N Smyrna Beach, Okaloosa Island, Cocoa Beach, and Ponce Inlet. Each of these Traveller's paradises offers unique experiences, making your travel dreams a reality without breaking the bank.
Saving money and enjoying the ocean's beauty don't have to be mutually exclusive. With a selection of SouthernLiving-approved Florida destinations, stretching from the state's Panhandle to its Space Coast, your SouthernLiving Travel Bucket List is ready to be filled.