Wanna know where to go on the cheap this summer? Me too!
I don’t know about you, but Tax Day had me seeing red. Call me stubborn, but fewer commas in my bank account won’t stop me from seeing the world.
As you know, many of the global icons we’ve all fallen in love with, such as London, Paris, and our very own New York City, come at premium prices, driving us to venture off to the lesser-known.
Skyscanner just released its ‘Smarter Summer Report‘—emphasis on “smarter.” The truth is many travelers waste their hard-earned cash with spur-of-the-moment decisions, like waiting until the last second to book a trip or not looking at alternative dates.
But Skyscanner has done all the research for us, revealing that one of America’s most underrated beach towns has the cheapest flights in the nation.
Better yet, once you arrive, you won’t have to break the bank either with affordable stays and fun, low-cost activities.
Wilmington, NC: Average Summer Airfare Is Only $105
You can barely have a nice night out anymore without hitting triple digits. My last date night totaled $86 with a tip, and that was just happy hour!
When it comes to traveling, it’s hard to believe round-trip airfare anywhere can average a smidge over $100, but that’s the case for Wilmington, North Carolina, not to be confused with another cheap East Coast city, Wilmington, Delaware.
North Carolina’s coastal gem flies under the radar from the busy hub of Charlotte, the epic comeback of Asheville, and perhaps the trendiest coastline in the country, thanks to the popular Netflix show of the same name, The Outer Banks.
Isolated from the vast space of map-dot towns making up a swath of barrier islands, Wilmington is not an Outer Banks beach. It offers a more charming aesthetic and city feel, and its own cluster of beautiful beaches within close reach.
According to Skyscanner’s ‘Explore’ feature, these 10 cities have nonstop flights under $125 round-trip in June before summer temps hit their peak in July:
Washington D.C. ($70)
Nashville ($74)
Detroit ($78)
Tampa ($97)
Rochester ($105)
Orlando ($108)
Houston ($112)
Minneapolis ($113)
New Haven ($119)
Providence ($120)
Downtown Delights: A Blissful “Riverwalk” & Historic Attractions
Unless much of the Outer Banks, Wilmington offers visitors a balanced mix of urban delights and quintessential southern hospitality, all while being a stone’s throw from vibrant blue-water beaches.
To be frank, Wilmington’s skyline is a little lackluster, but don’t let the drab colors deter you from experiencing the joys of downtown.
The Riverwalk is downtown’s heartbeat with a bustling pedestrian promenade and scenic waterfront views snaking down the Cape Fear River with sensational seafood eats, killer breweries, boat tours, and some unexpected thrills like the Museum of the Bizarre ($3 admission).
All in all, the buzzing Riverwalk is home to 200 shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Of course, with such splendid summertime weather, there are ample ways to enjoy the outdoors, but locals’ favorite to simply grab a patio seat at such popular hangouts like Elijah’s Oyster & Fish Camp to enjoy a fresh catch and sweeping waterfront views.
Wilmington is far from flashy, so don’t expect prices to be out of control. For example, even a Wine Tasting Cruise along Cape Fear only costs $45.
In fact, Wilmington is one of the most under-appreciated cities in the South in terms of all the fascinating historical sites, whether it be the 230-plus block National Register Historic District or Battleship North Carolina.
Wilmington’s Wondrous Coast
Downtown may boast the scenic river, but going east of the city are the real gems of lesser-known beaches and unheard-of islands.
Wrightsville Beach is arguably the most sought-after and easiest to reach, but surrounding Wrightsville lies barrier island sanctuaries and celebrity-favored hideaways, known as the “Hamptons of the South”.
Wrightsville is the best choice for a nice beachfront stay if you want to wake up to views of the Atlantic rather than cozy cafes dotting downtown. However, coastal prices are a far cry from downtown’s double-digit rates for chain hotels.
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 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.
Dreaming of a sip of that frothy, pitch-black Guinness in a dimly-lit alley lined with pubs, to the sound of Gaelic buskers?
Or maybe exploring fairytale castles nestled deep in a verdant hinterland, where few have trodden before?
You know, the stuff of legendary kings and chivalric tales.
Ireland is calling, and it’s high time you answered in 2025, but if you think overtouristed Dublin is the answer to those cravings, we’d urge you to reconsider unless you’re ok with paying $10 or more for industrialized lager, and seeing more kebab shops per square mile than you would in Istanbul.
Looking for a truer, more authentic version of Ireland? You should head instead to the West Coast, that is in fact a shorter flight from America and away from the spoils of globalization:
Why Swap Dublin For The West Coast Of Ireland?
Though not that many U.S. travelers know this, Dublin is not the only airport they can fly to nonstop when planning an Ireland trip.
They can choose to land instead in Shannon Airport, which serves the West Coast, or how poets have called it over the centuries, the Wild Atlantic Way, where the drab suburbs give way to lush hills, moon-like landscapes, and castle-dotted rugged scenery.
We’ll get to those flights in a bit, but what is it about West Ireland, exactly, that makes it such a magical destination?
It’s only natural we start with Limerick, the largest city around these ends, and one that’s a short 25-minute drive from Shannon Airport.
Limerick
A large city in the Western half of Ireland, Ireland’s third-biggest, at that, Limerick is best-known for its charming Old Town, where stone-paved streets run along rows upon rows of Georgian-era houses, and the monumental King John’s Castle.
A 13th-century fortification, it is perched on the River Shannon waterfront, and it’s among Ireland’s most historically-significant sites, founded by Norman lords to defend the territory against native Gaelic uprisings at the time of Ireland’s conquest.
As a university city, Limerick is also known for its vibrant nightlife, and if you think Dublin’s Temple Bar is all the rage, wait until you’re walking up O’Connell Street, a main thoroughfare flanked by centuries-old pubs serving Guinness pints for €6.30, and where you can almost always find live music.
Charming Towns Galore
You didn’t just swap Dublin for yet another booze-filled city break: in order to truly take in the beauty of the West Coast of Ireland, you must take a ‘wee’ detour to some of its small villages, still preserving their Gaelic heritage, and full of Old World allure.
Think Adare, known for its thatched-roof cottages and medieval church; Doolin, a small, traditional Irish town with a big pub scene and friendly locals; or Kinvara, a fishing village revolving around a picturesque Dunguaire Castle.
The historic city of Galway, popular for its pub-packed Latin Quarter and scenic bay, is also a one-hour drive from Shannon Airport, and it’s often used by tourists as base for exploring the wider County Clare, home to some of Ireland’s most beautiful natural landmarks.
Beautiful Coastal Scenery
Speaking of nature, those who fly into Dublin and only stay locally are missing out on a number of Ireland’s most notorious gems: the West Coast’s pride and joy, the Cliffs of Moher, are a series of sea cliffs stretching for 5 miles, some rising 702 feet above the Atlantic.
Nearby, the Burren is Ireland’s moon-like, karst desert, resulting from rainwater slowly dissolving the limestone over thousands of years, and over in the Loop Head Peninsula, you’ll find more breathtaking cliffs, sandy beaches and the landmark Loop Head Lighthouse.
All of these spots are within easy access of large cities like Limerick and Galway by car, but if you’re not driving, there are countless companies taking visitors on full-day, guided tours of major attractions like the Cliffs of Moher, from as little as €50.
The West Coast Of Ireland Is Generally Cheaper Than Dublin
This ties into our next point: Dublin is infamous for being one of the most expensive destinations in Europe, where a pint of beer will cost upwards of €10, in touristy areas like Temple Bar, and the average price of a pub meal is €28 (as per Budget Your Trip estimates).
Out West, prices tend to be on the cheaper end, owing it to the off-path appeal of most of the region, and its rural character—expect to pay €10 to €20 for a typical pub meal, and between €5 and €7 for a pint of frothy Guinnnes.
As far as accommodation goes, Ireland is not exactly the most budget-friendly of destinations, though there are some good deals to be found, especially at the Old Quarter Townhouse in Limerick, where a single room will set you back by €125-a-night, or the Wards Hotel in Galway (€88).
Fly Nonstop From The U.S. To Shannon Airport
Onto those flights now: if you’re wondering how accessible the West Coast of Ireland is for Americans, it’s an even-shorter flight than Dublin, that sits on the East Coast.
Shannon Airport (SNN) is much smaller than Dublin Airport (DUB), so options flying there are more limited, but it still hosts flights from 4 major U.S. hubs:
Boston (BOS)—1 flight per day with Aer Lingus
Chicago (ORD)—1 flight per day with United
Newark (EWR)—1 flight per day with United
New York (JFK)—1 flight per day with Delta or Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus is the flag carrier airline for Ireland, and the average price for an Aer Lingus flight from New York to Shannon stars from only €521 round-trip.
Naturally, prices are based on season and seat availability.
As for the flight duration from the East Coast of America, from somewhere like Boston, it is as short as 5h50.
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.
You’re probably thinking winters in Europe are all about cobbled towns enveloped in mist, cozy Christmas Markets, and snow-clad landscapes, and while that’s certainly true for Prague, Edinburgh, and the like, this hidden island doesn’t seem to have got the memo.
As a matter of fact, it seems like it’s forever stuck on spring, with highs of 68°F and lows of only 66°F in winter, plenty of sunshine hours, and very, very limited rainfall––as for snow, it’s an unheard-of phenomenon.
If you’re craving some of that Old World culture, but you’re also craving that vitamin D boost, El Hierro in Spain is the answer to your prayers:
A Forgotten Gem Of The Atlantic
The second-smallest and most westerly of Spain’s Canaries, an archipelago lying off the coast of Africa, El Hierro is a laid-back island sized 103.67 square miles that makes up for its relatively small landmass with a thriving nature.
It is definitely not the side of Europe you may be expecting, with the medieval castles and storybook towns, with unique geological formations, ancient forests, and breathtaking volcanic landscapes taking center stage.
Charco Azul, a natural pool formed by a lava flow and filled with unusually clear, turquoise waters, is one of El Hierro’s most famous landmarks: it’s a popular spot for swimming, and there are no entry fees, though the nearby cafe will charge €2 for the toilet.
A symbol of El Hierro, El Golfo is a valley resulting from a powerful eruption thousands of years ago and shaped like an amphitheater––even when nature is the prevailing force, you just can’t escape Europe’s omnipresent culture.
The moderately challenging uphill trek to Mirador de la Peña is a must-do, not only for the breathtaking views that await at the very top but also for the stone-built Restaurante Mirador de La Peña, serving traditional Canarian food in a scenic setting.
Other natural wonders include El Sabinar, a row of twisting and bending juniper trees that have somehow survived the harsh environment, Charco Manso, yet another natural pool, shielded by basalt rock and distinguished by its picture-perfect arch, and Laurisilva:
Similarly to the other Canary Islands, El Hierro is mostly arid in nature, but at its very center, the moss-covered laurel maze is a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering refuge to Canarian wildlife and crisscrossed by hiking trails.
As for beaches, El Hierro doesn’t have the expansive sea dunes both Tenerife and Gran Canaria are famous for––the coastline is remarkably rugged––except for Arenas Blancas, a white-sand beach hugged by a teal Atlantic, a rather unusual sight on a volcanic island.
Experience Canarian Culture In Valverde
Valverde is the capital and cultural center of El Hierro, located on the island’s northeastern part: it is distinct for being the smallest capital of a Canary Island, as well as the only one not straddling the ocean (instead, it’s surrounded by a verdant countryside).
It is the best-equipped municipality on El Hierro, as well as where most of the restaurants and manmade landmarks are located: for great seafood at affordable prices, Yesimar is the place, and don’t miss a Baroque Purísima Concepción Parish Church.
Prior to the arrival of the Spaniards, El Hierro was inhabited by the Bimbaches, Berber peoples from North Africa, and in El Julan, you can still see their ancient petroglyphs carved on rocks, with guided tours being your best bet at deciphering them.
The most fascinating attraction on the island, however, is Punta de Orchilla, the westernmost point in non-contiguous Spain… and the exact spot where Christopher Columbus set sail to discover the New World.
Affordable Accommodation
Despite the island’s compact size and small population, with only about 11,000 Spaniards calling it home, it doesn’t suffer from lacking tourism infrastructure: there are exactly 47 accommodation providers listed on the island, from guesthouses to luxury hotels.
Located near Isora, Casa Carlos is a typical El Hierro rural homestay, with two-bedroom houses costing as little as $95 a night; in Mocanal, Casa Rural Aguarijo is a three-bedroom property where overnights will set you back by only $88.
In Valverde, there are good-value-for-money options in Hotel Boomerang ($74) and a one-bedroom apartment unit in V.V Juana ($48), or if you’re here for the coastal views and luxurious amenities, the Parador de El Hierro costs $213 to book per night.
The only flights to Valverde-El Hierro (VDE) are operated from Gran Canaria and Tenerife-North, so in order to reach this Atlantic Eden, you’ll first need to get yourself to one of the major resort islands of the Canaries archipelago.
Alternatively, you can take the ferry from Los Cristianos, in Tenerife, to El Hierro: there are departures 6 days a week, and the company operating on this route is Naviera Armas, with a crossing time of 2 hours and 30 minutes.
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.
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.
Now that the hassle of Thanksgiving and Black Friday have died down, winter plans are in full force.
As your electric bill continues to spike as you put your heater to good use, a better way to splurge is to book a sunny getaway.
How about an often-overlooked Texas coastal city with easy flight options, 70-degree beach days, and 100 miles of shorelines?
While many travelers flock to Florida as their beach destination of choice, you can experience fewer crowds and cheaper stays in one of the South’s most underrated escapes.
Corpus Christi is a vibrant city with a fascinating history ranging from pop icon tragedies to military might.
Better yet, the coast is a never-ending playground for all things beach-related: lounging, fishing, camping, you name it, or simply bringing the whole crew along for a warm winter vacation.
Corpus Christi‘s Surprising Urban Treasures
If you’ve never visited Corpus Christi, you may be surprised to find a towering skyline and revamped downtown district.
Those who’ve never paid a visit have probably heard of Corpus, but it’s often discussed as a small town.
That’s not the case. Over 300,000 people call this underrated beach haven home with 3 major airlines serving Corpus Christi International Airport.
Multiple downtown hotels have been given new life as well as a laundry list of new businesses slated to open.
No longer is downtown Corpus an urban ghost town; there’s plenty to see and do. Of course, you can’t explore downtown without taking a nice stroll along the 1.5 mile long ‘Seawall‘ lining Shoreline Blvd.
While downtown doesn’t boast the region’s nicest beach, it’s a great starting point at the very least. Overlooking Corpus Christi Bay, you can’t help but notice numerous Navy ships, which may pique your interest in touring the U.S.S. Lexington Museum ($20.95 admission).
This captivating ship is just scratching the surface of Corpus’ attractions as you can also visit:
The Art Museum of South Texas
Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History
South Texas Botanical Gardens
Tejano Civil Rights Museum
Most notably, however, would be the Selena Museum, a tribute to the life of Corpus Christi’s very own Selena, a world-famous pop star tragically killed in her hometown in 1995.
Budget Travel Tip: Check out Corpus Christi’s recently updated list of ‘15 Free Things To Do‘.
100 Miles Of Shores
If you’re trying to narrow down your vacation options, let this be a selling point – 100 miles of shores.
Some more remote and spacious than others, there’s no question you’ll find a beach that matches your vibe.
If you drive to Corpus or rent a car, there are multiple beaches allowing vehicles with a permit. One of many reasons why both Mustang Island State Park ($7 admission) and Padre Island National Seashore ($10 admission) are the most popular beach getaways around here.
One that’s a sleeper, however, is JP Luby Beach – home to soft white sand, great surfing conditions, and evening campfires.
Although, a secret beach town beloved by Texans statewide is nearby Rockport. Offering a mix of small-town charm, historical sites, and idyllic coastlines, booking a Gulfside vacation rental here is never a bad idea.
Great Food And Affordable Stays
They say everything is bigger in Texas, and you’ll quickly see why when you dine out. It
It’s no different in Corpus, except the Texas-sized portions you’ll find are more of the seafood variety than quintessential barbecue and Mexican food.
Not to mention Texas’ favorite burger chain, Whataburger, which started right here in Corpus. There’s even a replica of the original storefront you can snap a selfie with.
As great (and humungous) as their burgers may be, my favorite eatery to pig out is Fajitaville.
Just as it sounds, order fajitas beachside at what’s essentially the ‘Fajita’ version of Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville (but there are no ties).
And after you delight your tastebuds in Corpus’ delicious food scene, you’ll need a place to relax and recharge.
According to TripAdvisor, these are the top 5 hotels in Corpus Christi this winter: (ranked by value):
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.
