One unexpected East Coast state has been quietly creeping up on travelers’ itineraries the past few years, including my own.
The magnetizing seafarer’s charm, endless seafood shacks, and tranquil shores of Maine have become a huge draw for travelers seeking sun and sand over the big city grind, but the O.G. of idyllic East Coast beaches is still alive and well…and surprisingly affordable!
That would be Massachusetts — home to popular beach destinations of Cape Cod, Provincetown, and Martha’s Vineyard
But there’s another lesser-known cluster of beach towns with virtually no crowds, and recently highlighted as the East Coast’s most affordable coastal getaway.
Cape Ann: New England’s Affordable Seaside Paradise
You might be wondering where Cape Ann is located and how it’s slipped through the cracks for so long, and rightfully so.
An easy 53-minute trip from Boston lies this gorgeous peninsula lined with numerous towns oozing charm and character with rustic waterfront shops, scenic harbors, and of course, beautiful beach hideaways.
Deeply steeped in maritime history, Cape Ann is a classic New England coastal escape with strong ties to the sea, which has now transformed into an underrated vacation spot.
Rather than name-brand resorts, Cape Ann boasts cozier stays without the corporate nonsense. Think historic inns and boutique stays, such as Rockport Inn & Suites in the low $100s through April.
Although, your best bargain isn’t a hotel but a State Park. Halibut State Park, located at the very tip of the peninsula, is free to enter and great spot for cycling, hiking, and sweeping coastal views.
Which Beach Towns To Visit
Let’s unpack this cluster of Cape Ann towns to give you a better idea of where to vacation this spring.
Gloucester:
Proudly boasting America’s oldest seaport, this scenic town blends history and coastal bliss with multiple insightful museums as well as stunning natural beauty.
A true vacation destination, despite not being a household name, there’s plenty to do, see, and indulge in.
Of the cluster of towns making up Cape Ann, Gloucester is arguably the best for a quintessential beach vacation.
So much so, their tourism goes as far as boldly claiming their vibrant coastlines behold ‘several of the world’s most beautiful beaches’ such as Good Harbor Beach with Caribbean-esque waters.
Order ‘oak grilled’ entrees from a wood-fired grill and 500-gallon smoker at Oak to Ember in the heart of the Seaport, book an ocean-view room at Beauport Hotel, and cap off your beach day with a sunset cruise.
Manchester-by-the-Sea:
Manchester-by-the-Sea (also known simply as “Manchester”) is a tranquil seaside town offering an upscale lifestyle with unmissable cliffside mansions, slower pace, and one of the American’s most unique beaches.
Singing Beach got the name not because it’s a 24/7 karaoke party but because the sand “sings” when you walk on it.
In a CBS News report showcasing how unique and wonderful Singing Beach is to visit, one resident claimed “Honestly, when it’s quiet, it’s heaven. It really is.”
Of this bunch of beach towns, Manchester is the priciest, but mostly in real estate. That being said, your best bet is booking in a neighboring town (or Boston) and making a day trip out of it.
Rockport:
While many vacationers enjoy much-needed downtime in peace and quiet, Rockport is where the “action” is with quirky shops, line-out-the-door seafood eateries, and Motif #1, the ‘most often-painted building in America’.
In other words, this beautiful coastal town is a huge draw for artists, free spirits and non-conformists as it offers a vibrant, welcoming, Boho atmosphere.
Unlike Gloucester’s long stretches of beaches, Rockport offers pint-sized coved and more secluded shores.
Grab a must-have bowl of Clam Chowdah from The Fish Shack, unwind in a seaside lounge chair at Eden Pines Inn, and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the calm blue waters.
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
What is Texas like? It depends on who you ask. In all likelihood, you won’t find many people raving about their beaches.
There’s an exception to every rule, though, as the ‘Cancun of Texas‘ is one of the Lone Star State’s best coastal escapes.
But anything beats Galveston, right?
Well, what if I told you Texas’ image as a land of rootin’ tootin’ cowboy-shootin’ is largely hogwash?
In reality, Texas offers a diverse range of experiences, including tranquil waterfront escapes with access to both gleaming lakes and the sprawling Gulf of Mexico…err, America?
In fact, when it comes to idyllic shores, this state is big enough for both of ’em – nostalgic lake towns and underrated beach retreats.
Not only is Texas home to its own ‘Cancun’, but also its own ‘Maldives‘ tucked away outside of Austin.
With an assist from Southern Living, here are 3 sunny Texas lake towns for relaxing resorts and nostalgic vibes:
Conroe: Houston’s Close-By Lake Hideaway
Since Houston is experiencing record numbers of tourists, locals may find themselves escaping the crowds to Conroe, a quiet, old-timey lake town ‘down yonder’.
While not everyone finds their inner Zen in fishing, that’s largely Conroe’s claim to fame, but there’s a lot more to experience here than reeling in Largemouth bass.
But enough about my ex.
Wandering downtown is a must for an afternoon of shopping and indulging in Southern comfort foods.
Conroe is a small, vibrant town oozing charm and character along the main strip of Mom & Pop eateries like top-rated Honor Cafe, numerous antique shops, and locals’ favorite watering hole, Red Brick Tavern.
Truth be told, you don’t have to leave the handful of lakeside resorts to unwind as delightful as downtown Conroe may be.
Lake Conroe is home to multiple relaxing stays, including a name we all know and love for waterfront vacations.
Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe anchors the region with fun activities for the whole fam, but obviously more so for adults with a signature cocktail in hand.
Following Margaritaville’s lead, there’s also:
Holiday Inn Club Vacations Piney Shores Resort at Lake Conroe
The Landing At Seven Coves
Villas On The Lake
Horseshoe Bay: The South’s Most Underrated Lake Town
Ever heard of Horseshoe Bay? Perhaps you have, but it’s not the stunning vivid waters of Bermuda’s version that comes to mind.
Horseshoe Bay, Texas lies on the edge of Lake Lyndon B. Johnson, although a name change might be due once the JFK Files are released – yikes!
For now, Horseshoe Bay is a peaceful retreat home to a lavish 4-star resort overlooking Lake LBJ, the perfect setting for a kayaking, paddleboarding, and capping off the day with a sunset cruise.
Horseshoe Bay Resort holds thousands of rave reviews from guests, where one recently claimed, “My stay was wonderful from check in to check out. Every single employee I encountered was lovely and willing to help. The food at J’s Restaurant was great including the breakfast buffet”.
For nostalgic vibes, visit the next notable town, Marble Falls.
Their claim to fame is that there’s so much to see that you’ll enjoy a walkable weekend without a need for a car.
While it’s become a destination city in its own right home to charming streets, trendy wine bars, the vibrant blue Guadalupe River, and the most popular gas station on Earth, it’s nearby Canyon Lake that’s been hyped as the “Maldives of Texas“.
Before diving in to Canyon Lake’s Maldives-esque beauty, one place you have to visit is Gruene, the historic district within New Braunfels but feels like it’s own town.
Pronounced “Green”, this itsy bitsy blip on the map is a snapshot of Old Texas. From general stores to riverside eats, it’s a must-visit before hitting up the crystal clear waters of Canyon Lake, which went viral on social media for its surprising pristine conditions smack dab in the middle of Texas.
While not the actual Maldives, the beaches are remarkable for a lake for sunbathing, picnicking, and even stargazing at night.
Kayaking is very popular as well, and there are numerous resorts and condos for rent offering sweeping views, but none better than Canyon Lakeview Resort.
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
While you’re likely to be well-familiarized with the likes of Barcelona, Mallorca, and Gran Canaria, we’re pretty sure you haven’t heard of Asturias, or if you did, you promptly brushed it aside as it’s not, you know, your usual beach hotspot.
Gross mistake.
As it turns out, Asturias is currently one of the fastest-rising Spanish destinations in popularity, recording a 17% uptick in visitors this winter alone even though it’s the low season and being expected to host a record number of guests throughout 2025.
Now that we’ve piqued your curiosity, what is Asturias all about, and why is everyone suddenly this interested in an offbeat, largely rural region in the much-underrated North of Spain?
Discovering Spain’s Hidden Gem
Officially called the Principality of Asturias, this is a historically significant region in northwest Spain characterized by its dramatic coastline, interspersed with sandy beaches and tall sea cliffs, mountainous hinterland, and medieval heritage.
Asturias was one of a handful of regions in the Iberian Peninsula––which includes Spain and Portugal––not to have fallen under Muslim control during the Arab takeover of Spain, which lasted for over 7 centuries.
As a result, it’s retained a distinct culture from that of the rest of the country: for instance, it’s still a principality, as the name indicates, with Felipe VI currently bearing the title of Prince of Asturias, and for many centuries, it was considered Spain’s last true Christian stronghold.
Until, of course, the country was reclaimed by the Christians, and this leads us to our first stop on this journey around Asturias:
What Has Asturias Got To Offer?
Visit The Regional Capital
The regional capital is Oviedo, a mid-size city dating back to the Middle Ages, home to the monumental Oviedo Cathedral, one of the most beautiful Gothic monuments in Northern Spain, picturesque plazas bordered by restaurants, and many museums.
The 9th century Iglesia de Santa María del Naranco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in recognition of its intact state for a Romanesque structure that is ancient, while Plaza del Fontán has its own traditional market.
If you’re an art geek, the Museum of Fine Arts of Asturias, located in Oviedo, has a vast collection of European pieces ranging from the Spanish Middle Ages to 20th century Flemish, and for the best fabada in town, make sure you book a table at Taberna Salcedo.
Asturian cuisine is one of the tastiest and most diverse in Spain, and from its white-bean-based dishes to pork shoulder (locally known as llacón), to the usual Northerly chorizo and the hearty Asturian stew, Oviedo’s food scene will not disappoint you.
Swim In Asturias Beaches
As beautiful as Oviedo may be, you’ll want to head to the Asturian seaside to truly take in the region’s most authentic culture: unfolding along an azure Atlantic for roughly 250 miles, it is lined with vibrant port cities, quaint fishing towns, and picture-perfect beaches.
Let’s start with the main coastal city in Asturias, as well as its largest one, at that (yep, larger even than Oviedo).
From spring, when it’s warm enough, Gijón is the perfect mix of beaches and culture, with its centrally-located Playa de San Lorenzo being hugged by the crystal-clear seas of the Bay of Biscay, and the colorful harbor houses that have barely seen the passing of time.
Over in Llanes, a laid-back seaside resort, you’ll find an unspoiled Playa de Guadamía, nestled between cliffs, and if you’re driving out to Playa de Griega, near the small settlement of Colunga, you’ll get the chance to see fossilized tracks left by dinosaurs.
Then there’s Gulpiyuri a unique inland swimming site near a flooded sinkhole, said to be the smallest beach in the world and a well-frequented Playa de Torimbia, straddling the ocean for what seems like endless miles.
While we’re still on the coast, it’s time to tour Asturias’ prettiest seaside settlements:
Check Out These Postcard-Ready Villages
Some of the prettiest small towns in Asturias include Cudillero, a quaint village on the Bay of Biscay and a perfect photo op for tourists thanks to its colorful houses, narrow streets, and a marina filled with fishing boats.
Luarca is just as pretty, with a well-preserved center dating back centuries and its fair share of unruffled sandy beaches (not to mention a landmark lighthouse), but if attending the world’s oldest canoe festival happens to be on your bucket list, it’s Ribadesella where you should be headed:
It hosts the annual Descent of the Villaviciosa River, taking place in early August this year, not to mention it has a charming historic center packed with family-run eateries (it’s a bit out of town, but don’t sleep on Meson Sidreria‘s pochopo).
Now that you’ve had your fair share of Instagrammable corners and colorful harbors, ready to put your hiking boots on?
Climb To The Very Top Of Asturias
For the hiking enthusiast amongst us, you’ll be thrilled to learn Asturias is one of Europe’s top hiking hotspots, largely due to its Picos de Europa, which cuts through its undeveloped terrain and provides sanctuary for a variety of wildlife.
Brown bears, wolves, eagles, you name it.
It’s also littered with skiing stations for winter, but we’d argue it’s far more beautiful to visit from spring onward when the peaks are clad in lush green, the birds are out, and all footpaths and trails are again accessible.
When the time comes, you’ll be able to join thousands of pilgrims on their way up the peaks to the Sanctuary of Covadonga: Asturias was, for many centuries, Spain’s last Christian outpost, remember?
We should probably mention this sanctuary, perched atop a prominent hill, surrounded by the snow-dusted elevations of Picos de Europa, provided the background for the first battle of the Reconquista, the period relating to the Christian reconquest of Spain.
Other than holding sentimental and religious value for Christian Spaniards, it is famous for its tiny chapel built into a cave with a lake underneath.
For more breathtaking natural scenery, head next to the Somiedo National Park, where many more hiking opportunities and deep-turquoise, high-elevation lakes await, and Las Ubiñas-La Mesa Natural Park, the second largest mountain range in Asturias.
Asturias Is Cheaper Than Other Parts Of Spain
Finally, just how Expensive Is Asturias?
As it is yet to be engulfed by tourism in the way Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, or the Canaries have, Asturias continues to offer visitors a justly-priced alternative to Spain’s beach hotspots.
Believe it or not, booking a standard double room in an Ibis in central Oviedo will set you back by $37-a-night, while the average price of a meal in an inexpensive local restaurant––frequented by Asturians themselves––is $15.47, according to Numbeo.
If you’re keen on hiking the Picos de Europa, Cangas de Onís is the base you’re looking for: a small town nestled in a valley, where some of the most popular trails start from, it has a 5-arched, ancient Roman bridge over a crystalline river, and it’s a safe haven itself for the park’s golden eagles.
Staying by the seaside instead? A private room at the seafront Hostel Gijón Centro, within walking distance of San Lorenzo Beach and the lively port, averages $41 again.
Are Rising Temperatures Aiding Asturian Tourism?
As El Comercio notes, the popularity of the Principality can be attributed not only to its overlooked cultural value and breathtaking nature but also to the rising temperatures seen across Spain.
You see, Asturias is Spain, indeed, but with a different flavor of it: it’s in the North, it’s very mountainous, and most importantly, it isn’t on the receiving end of the scorching heatwaves emanating from North Africa, like Malaga or Barcelona are.
The fact it is not a Mediterranean destination has, in fact, played in its favor, as its coast has a temperate climate in summer, rarely reaching unpleasant highs of over 86.0°F, and the mountains are always cooler, irrespective of the season.
If you can’t bear the Southern European heat, you should know weather-wise, Asturias more closely resembles Northwestern Spain or even Southern England (in the warmer months).
How To Visit Asturias From The U.S.
Americans Can Fly Nonstop To The North Of Spain Starting This Year!
Beginning this year, Americans can fly nonstop to Bilbao, the largest city in the neighboring Basque Country, for the first time ever.
The Basque Country is just as fascinating and underrated a part of Spain to discover, yet if you’re intent on reaching Asturias on your next getaway, which we wouldn’t blame you for after seeing all it has to offer, you can land in Basque, and then make your way west to Asturias.
The driving distance from Bilbao to Oviedo is roughly 3 hours, and you’ll be passing by some of the most spectacular scenery both in Basque Country and in Asturias in between.
Alternatively, you have more flight options landing in Madrid, where high-speed trains to Asturias (namely Oviedo or Gijon) are available from as cheap as $17 one-way.
If landing elsewhere in Spain or Europe, you can fly to Asturias Airport, located 9 miles from Avilés, 24 miles from Gijon, and 29 miles from Oviedo.
Flights are offered from many European hubs that host transatlantic flights, and Americans can get to them nonstop, such as Frankfurt and Munich in Germany, Lisbon in Portugal, London (Gatwick) in England, and Paris (Orly) in France.
Low-cost airlines such as Volotea and Vueling service some of these routes, with tickets starting from a shockingly-cheap $17.
Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
The United Nations (UN) wears many hats, oftentimes on the darker side of the spectrum in places not deemed fit for tourists.
Take Haiti, for example. If you’ve been able to decipher real news through the election cycle’s talking heads, then surely you’re aware of Haiti’s continuous tragic downfall.
Founded in 1945, the UN’s purpose has been to promote peace, security, and basic human rights worldwide and step in as needed when nations fail to do so.
That’s why you’ll see the UN present for humanitarian crises, such as Haiti, South Sudan, and Yemen – none of which ever sniff top tourism numbers.
But the UN also promotes tourism within their World Tourism Organization branch, especially unheard-of destinations in need of a boost.
In their own words, the hope is to encourage travelers to visit as a ‘driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability’.
To simplify said list, we’ll highlight Mexico’s 3 undiscovered towns because you’re not really going to visit Roches Noires, Mauritius or Azheke, China, are you?
Capulálpam de Méndez: Oaxaca’s Untouched Mountain Village
As one of Mexico’s hotspots for all types of travelers, Oaxaca’s gorgeous coastlines and immensely cultural namesake city have been well explored.
But venturing northeast through the Sierra Juarez is a quiet mountain town you’ve likely never heard of and may need to tap into your Rosetta Stone skills.
Capulálpam de Méndez may be a mouthful to say, but the UN believes it’s well worth a visit – and yes, ‘mouthful’ is a double entendre as there may be no better authentic food region in Mexico.
While the highly anticipated train connecting Cancun to Oaxaca is destined to showcase the region’s hidden gems, Capulálpam de Méndez is an extra layer of “hidden” as most travelers overlook the Sierra Juarez’s villages.
Set 7,710 feet high, this delightful town is oozing timeless charm. So much so, it can quite literally take your breath away.
In fact, the town’s real claim to fame was being designated as a pueblo magico in 2007, but it’s ready to embrace its newfound fame as Oaxaca has soared to new heights.
Start your day with a coffee and epic views at El Verbo de Méndez Café, wander timeless streets and witness the crown jewel, Parroquia de San Mateo, and rest your head at Hotel Chorromonte, housed in a traditional colonial building.
Cuatro Ciénegas de Carranza: In The Heart Of Mexico’s Final Frontier
There are few states in Mexico where you may not recognize a city, but that’s the case for the state of Coahuila.
In fact, the claim to fame may be in Texas’ Big Bend National Park as a bi-national natural wonder stretching across the border.
Other than that, it’s quite likely you haven’t heard of a single place here. But don’t let that stop you from visiting Cuatro Ciénegas de Carranza, as there’s a bit of a loophole to visiting this small desert oasis.
Dubbed as the ‘Galapagos Of Mexico’, and also designated as a pueblo magico, if you’re into stunning nature and colonial charm, this off-path region is right up your alley.
Home to enormous craters, glassy rivers, vivid blue pools, along with postcard-worthy cobbled streets on the “urban” side, your sense of wanderlust will be redlining.
As off-the-beaten path as it may be, it’s not a treacherous journey. Two border towns, Ciudad Acuna and Piedras Negras, offer bus routes, but if it were me, I’d fly into Torreon (nonstop flights from Dallas and San Antonio) and take a 3-hour bus from there for a safer option.
Palizada: Campeche’s Riverfront Treasure
Surprise, surprise – another pueblo magico. Experiencing old Mexico never gets, well, old.
Mexico’s ‘magic towns’ are teeming with rich history still permeating on every street.
Palizada is no different, but may be the most eye-catching of the bunch. Located in the state of Campeche, which has slowly begun creeping onto travelers’ radars, is gleaming with vibrancy and historic charm.
Wandering the streets is the best way to get a feel for the way of life here where you can visit local artisan shops, eat delicious local cuisine like Atapakua and Churipos, and enjoy the scenic views of the Rio Palizada.
As far as modern conveniences go, Palizada may be the most convenient of the bunch with well-preserved buildings, more accommodation options, and plentiful captivating excursions like river cruises and Mayan ruins tours, which you can read more about here on the town’s official tourism page.
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
