5 Places To Travel This Summer That Are Like Florida, but Way Cheaper

For some people, summer vacation means relaxing on beaches, participating in watersports, maybe even a round of golf. Others crave an action-packed theme park adventure. Some vacations combine all these elements, along with vibrant nightlife.

Orlando, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and other spots along the Florida coastline promise all of this and more. But a Florida vacation, especially if you include a few days at Walt Disney World Resort, isn’t cheap.

Fortunately, you can find the same amenities, often with fewer crowds, in other cities across the U.S. Here are some of our favorite travel spots.

1. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Whether you want to roll out of your hotel room onto a white-sand beach, swim in crystal clear waters or enjoy all-you-can-eat crab legs, you’ll find it all in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Kids will enjoy the WonderWorks experience and Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach. To save money, plan ahead and bundle Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! and the Mirror Maze with the aquarium for one price.

2. South Padre Island, Texas

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway with fishing, dolphin-watching and lying on the beach or want to engage in watersports, ziplining and horse riding, South Padre Island — a barrier island, on the southern border of Texas — has it all.

South Padre Island is rated 271 out of 273 U.S. cities in terms of its low cost-of-living, according to FlyHomes.com. That translates to affordable meals and activities while you’re on vacation, as well.

3. Gulf Shores, Alabama

The Gulf Shores of Alabama has become an up-and-coming vacation destination in recent years. Beautiful beaches combine with Southern hospitality and a laidback atmosphere, couples, families or individuals can all find plenty of affordable activities. The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton Hotel, recommended buying a Gulf Shores Orange Beach Multi-Attraction Pass to visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, the City of Foley Depot Museum/ Model Train Exhibit and the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park all for one low price.  

If thrill rides and waterslides are your speed, book a stay at Tropic Falls at OWA. Home to Alabama’s largest indoor waterpark, plus a theme park, Tropic Falls at OWA is seven miles from the Gulf Coast for a total vacation package. Book a family four-pack of tickets to the theme park and water park for as little as $62 per person on weekdays, or book a two-day admission for $99.99 per person, which is roughly half the price of a single-day Disney World ticket.

4. Sandusky, Ohio

Many families, and especially roller coaster enthusiasts, might consider Sandusky, Ohio, the Disney World of the Midwest. Within a few square miles, this town on Lake Erie features a Kalahari Waterpark, Great Wolf Lodge, and the famous Cedar Point amusement park with thrill rides, world-famous roller coasters, and Cedar Point Shores Waterpark. There’s also a lakefront campground.

Nearby shopping makes it easy to purchase food during your trip prepare sandwiches or light meals in your hotel room. Make sure to check out Toft’s Ice Cream Parlor, a landmark in the town. For affordable, diner-like fare and giant portions, grab dinner at Berardi’s Family Kitchen.

Crowds at Cedar Point can get heavy, but not as heavy as Disney. The weather is less humid and generally cooler than Orlando, making for an action-packed yet pleasant family vacation. For just $115 per person, you can get a season pass for unlimited access to Cedar Point through Labor Day.

5. Williamsburg, Virginia

A historic city with tons to do, Williamsburg, Virginia is a great alternative to pricey Florida cities. You can even visit Busch Gardens to get your fill of roller coasters and thrill rides, similar to the Tampa Bay, Florida location.

BudgetYourTrip.com lists Williamsburg in the top 25% of most affordable cities to visit, with accommodations costing an average of just $132 per night for double occupancy.

To get your beach fix, travel roughly an hour southeast to Virginia Beach or Norfolk and enjoy a relaxing day or two on Chesapeake Bay.

Locals say you’ll want at least two days to explore Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum on 300 acres. A multi-day ticket costs just $60 for adults and $33 for children ages six to 12.

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