If you’re anything like us, you’ve already started pondering your next escape. As summer beckons, these cheap beach vacations are catching our eye. Check out our top picks for where to go, what to do, and (most important) the best resorts for sleek accommodations that won’t break the bank.

Clearwater Beach, Florida – Wyndham Clearwater Beach

Why we love it: With turquoise waters, throngs of palms, and pristine sands, it’s no wonder Clearwater was named Tripadvisor’s #1 U.S. beach for 2019 (and 2018, and 2016).

Each suite at the Wyndham Clearwater Beach features cheerful modern decor, full kitchens, and private balconies. With multiple on-site dining options, eat like a local and be sure to grab some fresh Florida orange juice or key lime pie during your stay.

Off the beaten path: Clearwater Marine Aquarium offers kayak and boat tours that provide an in-depth glimpse of Clearwater’s stunning wildlife, from bottlenose dolphins to manatees. The aquarium itself is home to marine animals deemed unreleasable due to injury or illness, including Winter the dolphin, the internationally-adored star of Dolphin Tale.

Wet your whistle at Grindhaus Brew Lab, where an innovative tasting menu reinvents Farmhouse Ales and Belgian Tripels in small batches served in actual beakers. Get a dose of nostalgia on Fridays and Saturdays with back-to-back nights of cult and classic films.

Riviera Maya, Mexico – The Grand Luxxe at Riviera Maya

Why we love it: Including the historic Mayan walled city of Tulum and the seaside oasis of Playa del Carmen, this escapist stretch is filled with postcard-worthy beaches. Changing seasons deliver opportunities to discover different groups of locals, from whale sharks and green turtles in the summer, to bull sharks in early spring. 

After a day of outdoor exploring, your adventure continues at the Grand Luxxe at Riviera Maya. Dive into aquatic thrills at Jungala, the resort’s very own waterpark, and be enchanted by the astounding acrobatics of Cirque Du Soleil’s Joya.

Off the beaten path: If you’re looking for terrestrial wonders, it’s no contest: Chichen Itza. The millenium-old (and then some) Mayan city is located near two cenotes (more on these below), giving the site its name, “at the mouth of the well of the Itza.” Towering at its center is the pyramid of Kukulkan, or El Castillo. An architectural marvel, the pyramid has fascinated visitors worldwide with its plays of light in alignment with astronomical events. 

Cenotes – formed when the roof of an underground cavern collapses and the resulting hole is filled by rainwater – are a not-to-miss regional highlight. Experience stunning rock formations and abundant freshwater marine life within these massive testaments to erosion and adaptation. We recommend Jardin del Eden or Cenote Ik Kil – the latter providing a gorgeous and convenient bookend to a day at Chichen Itza.

Kauai, Hawaii – Marriott Waiohai Beach Club

Why we love it: Travelers to Kauai will quickly see why this Hawaiian jewel is known as “the Garden Island.” From lush valleys to prismatic coral reefs, the region flourishes with natural beauty. Depending on the season, you can catch humpback whales and monk seals among the waves. 

Off the beaten path: Coffee enthusiasts will want to make a beeline for the Kauai Coffee Estate. Tours of the orchard – comprising several million trees – include a demonstration of the coffee-making process from growth, to harvest, to roasting. Complete with a fresh brew, of course. 

Waimea Canyon offers a privileged glimpse of Kauai’s otherworldly inland, where staggering cliffs and hidden waterfalls abound. For an up-close experience of the area’s waterfalls, try the moderate, 2-3 hour Canyon Trail. 

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – Ocean 22 by Hilton

Why we love it: Myrtle Beach’s idyllic (and seemingly limitless) miles of white sand are just the beginning. Soak in the day’s rays, or take the afternoon to new heights with a parasailing adventure. You can also go for a ride on the SkyWheel, which rises to nearly 200 feet high for a panoramic view of the coast.

Off the beaten path: The region’s rivers and marshes have countless opportunities for exploration, with local kayaking operators providing guided tours that highlight the area’s stunning wildlife. Keep an eye out for alligators, ospreys, and bald eagles. 

Huntington Beach State Park. Huntington is too grand not to make a part of your itinerary: 3 miles of pristine sand, 300+ species of birds, plus developed and rustic campsites for overnight visits. Not to mention the Moorish-inspired Atalaya Castle, whose Old World design (and aura of gentle decay) offer an immersive look into a bygone era. Unless you’re planning on photobombing, check ahead to make sure your visit doesn’t coincide with one of the many weddings held each season on the estate’s grounds.

Oahu, Hawaii – Hilton Hawaiian Village – Lagoon Tower

Why we love it: Known among Native peoples as “The Gathering Place,” Oahu – home to two-thirds of Hawaii’s population, including Honolulu – blends big-city culture with near-limitless biological diversity.  

Off the beaten path: Learn more about Hawaii’s ecosystems at the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. Grab a snorkel and an underwater guide to help you identify the preserve’s abundant wildlife, including moray eels, sea urchins, and butterflyfish.

Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens stretches across 400 acres. With a vibrant array of palms, fruit trees, and tropical vegetation, plus sweeping views of the Ko’olau Range, the gardens offer a breathtaking experience of the island’s flora.