Book Affordable Beach Rentals at These 6 Destinations

Fort Morgan, Alabama

Fort Morgan is located at the end of a peninsula in the Gulf Shores. All that water means plenty of opportunities to fish! Join Red Eye Fishing Charters at 1577-AL180 to score marlin, king mackerel, grouper, amberjack, tuna, wahoo, cobia, and red snapper! Choose a half or full-day or overnight tour to catch your limit. 

To get in touch with other local wildlife, head to Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge at 12295 AL-180. The French name means “Safe Harbor” and lives up to the meaning as a place for wildlife who inhabit open water, freshwater marsh, and maritime forest. Hike Jeff Friend Trail, a one-mile loop to Little Lagoon. During your walk, stop at the handicap-accessible observation deck to look for birds like owls, osprey, and swallows. 

Before returning to this darling home (affordable beach rental that sleeps 12) head to Tacky Jacks at 1577 State Highway 180. The seafood spot is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with specialties like crab claws, shrimp, crawfish, and grouper. Check the calendar so you can visit on a live music night!

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Get to know the Cape on two wheels by cycling Shining Sea Bikeway. Start at CR 151 Falmouth and Steamship Authority or Crane Street in Woods Hole. This level, paved trail leads 10.7 miles along the path of a railroad that once ran through the area. Today, bike riders can enjoy views of cranberry bogs, beaches, and forests while pedaling. 

Head to Commercial Street in Provincetown to check out family-friendly, LGBTQA2+-owned boutiques, restaurants, and more. The town was built on love and has been a haven and destination for gay visitors and residents for decades. It’s an excellent place to people-watch and window shop. Expect an impressive restaurant scene with seafood, Portuguese fare, creative cocktails, and more. In August, the town hosts a Carnival celebration attended by nearly 100,000 people! Don your brightest clothing and join the fun.

Refuel for your next adventure and stop at RELISH at 93 Commercial St. in Provincetown to nom on sandwiches and baked goods. Try the chicken salad sandwich with sweet onion, gorgonzola, fresh pear, tomato, and greens. Make sure to order pastries like the vegan brownie and key lime tart to bring back to your affordable beach rental.

Affordable beach rentals abound in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Playa del Carmen, México

Playa del Carmen is a quieter alternative to Cancun, just 45 minutes away. Stay in this two-bedroom beauty with a pool just steps away from the ocean. This affordable beach rental is the perfect basecamp for exploring this coastal town. When you’re settled in, check out the natural wonders of Rio Secreto, a partially submerged cave system with an underground river. The stalactites and stalagmites include sparkling crystals spread among the 7.5-mile submerged rooms.

Are you looking for beautiful Mexican souvenirs? Visit La Quinta Avenida, Playa del Carmen’s main street that runs from Avenida Juarez to the Grand Riviera Maya Golf Club. This nearly four-mile stretch has everything from souvenirs and tchotchkes to eateries. Purchase locally woven blankets, clothing, and straw hats, among pottery, jewelry, and more.

You can’t visit this part of Mexico without stopping at the beach. The Riviera Maya – aka Mayan Riviera – goes from Puerto Morelos to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. Bring sunscreen, towels, and bathing suits, and spend your time soaking in the sun and playing in the surf. 

Crystal Beach, Texas

Spend time on the water with Crystal Beach Jet Ski and Water Toy Rentals at the North Jetty Ermin Pilsner Boat Ramp. Here, you can borrow paddleboards, kayaks, and jet skis. Traveling with family or just want to relax? Rent a 9-foot by 6-foot floating mat with an anchor and float the day away! They even offer sand castle building toys, football, cornhole, and water blasters for little ones. 

Live your waterfront dream and stay in a dog-and-family-friendly coastal escape. It’s a great base camp for Crystal Beach adventure! Visit Moody Gardens, just an hour away in Galveston, to play a round of golf on their public 18-hole course. It features seaside fairways, stunning landscaping, and water features that’ll take your breath (but hopefully not your ball!) away.

Feeling parched? Go to HardHeads Icehouse and Grill at 1035 TX-87. The mom-and-pop restaurant and sports bar is named after a hardwater catfish and offers lunch and dinner. The menu includes classics like nachos, hot wings, and BLTs. Try the seafood options, from the blackened shrimp tacos to the LSU fish po’boy sandwich. The family-friendly open-air restaurant is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the ocean breeze. 

Satellite Beach, Florida

Canova Beach Park at 3299 N Highway A1A is a 9.1-acre beach park well known for allowing dogs! Bring your pups (and leashes, poop bags, and proof of rabies vaccinations) to spend the day meandering the sand and romping in the water. Public restrooms are available, and picnic tables throughout the beach park provide a less-sandy spot to munch on some tasty takeout or snacks. Don’t forget to bring treats to keep your canine pal going all day!

For a more terrestrial experience, visit 1518 Port Malabar Boulevard NE in Palm Bay to check out Turkey Creek Sanctuary. The 130 acres are primarily undeveloped and include trails that are part of The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. Visit the Margaret Hames Nature Center to learn about the species you may spot on sight, from gopher tortoises and manatees to alligators and snakes. Many visitors take guided nature tours or classes to learn about the plants and animals from park experts. 

Need a break from seafood? Visit Pappagallos at 1769 Florida A1A. This unique restaurant features homemade Italian American food with “Florida flair.” Sip a mango basil margarita or Kona Big Wave beer at the oceanside bar. Or take a break inside and enjoy the large portion, quality dishes like a hot steak and cheese sub or personalized calzone. This family-friendly spot is perfect for a crew; everyone can find something they’ll eat!

Carlsbad, California

After settling into this beachfront gem (and affordable beach rental with epic views) head to Carlsbad Aqua Farm at 4600 Carlsbad Boulevard. This farm claims to be Southern California’s only sustainable culinary seaweed, oyster, and mussel farm. Visitors can pick up oysters and mussels here to bring home and enjoy. Book a one-hour farm tour and tasting, which includes a half-hour guided discovery walk to learn about the unique lagoon and the marine life that lives here. Then, there’s a 10-minute shucking class followed by 20 minutes of oyster tastings.

Ready for a beer adventure? Check out Scavengers Carlsbad/North County Tour. The 6-wheel Swiss Safari vehicle brings guests to three craft breweries over 3.5 hours. Start with a brewery meal at the first or second stop, and try a pint or 3-4 tasters at each brewery. Learn about beer making and production in one visit, and enjoy the brews everywhere! Scavengers offers free pick-up at the Carlsbad Village Train Station at 2775 State Street. 

If you’re feeling the need for speed, visit K1 Speed Go Cart Track at 6212 Corte del Alberto. The indoor track features high-performance electric karts you can race around a four-leaf clover-like track. No need for reservations – arrive and drive! There are adult and junior races, and the facility features an arcade where you can catch your breath while playing pool, air hockey, and joystick games to win prizes.

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