Planning a trip to the beach this summer? Let us introduce you to some underrated alternative beach destinations, plus a couple of unexpected “curveball” hotspots you’ll want to visit before they’re on everyone’s radar.
We used our data to identify some of the most searched-for beach destinations to bring you cheaper, if not better, alternatives to help you save on flights and on-the-ground expenses while discovering beautiful new places. Whether you seek a tranquil tropical paradise or adventures on the sea, these beaches have everything you want in a vacation, minus the typical crowds and summer travel price hikes.
Disclaimer: The following alternative beach vacation destinations have lower average flight prices for July and August 2023 at the time of publication. Prices will vary.
Top alternative beach vacation destinations
- Puerto Morelos, Mexico
- Runaway Bay, Jamaica
- Boca Chica, Dominican Republic
- Punta Uva, Costa Rica
- Isla Mujeres, Mexico
- The Hague, Netherlands
- El Hierro, Spain
Like Cancun? Try Puerto Morelos
Best for: snorkeling
Flight deals to Cancun are easy to come by, but the laid-back vibes and beauty of Puerto Morelos, a quaint fishing village, are hard to find on the Yucatán Peninsula, which is otherwise overrun with towering resorts and tourist hordes. Spend your days on the white-sand beaches of Caracol, Playa del Secreto, or Playa Paraiso, cooling off in the sea if it gets too hot.
Home to the National Reef Park, this area is among the best for snorkeling (as well as catamaran sailing), and you’re likely to spot sting rays, sea turtles, or even a small shark. Head out to Ruta de Los Cenotes for a dip in cenotes, deep water wells fed by rain and underground rivers. Among the pretties are Le Noria, Mojarras, and Sol y Luna. When night falls, hang out in the village center, feasting on the day’s catch.
Insider tip: Stop by Pescadores Brewery, a Mexican craft-beer brewery that runs daily tours. Pair your beer flight with juicy ribs or brisket from the food truck parked out front.
Like Montego Bay? Try Runaway Bay
Best for: not worrying and being happy
Less crowded and hectic than Montego Bay, Runaway Bay on Jamaica’s northern coastline is well known for its pristine palm-fringed beaches and warm, crystal-clear waters. It’s the place for those seeking a mellow villa or all-inclusive beach resort experience in a gorgeous setting. An extensive coral reef provides the perfect destination for snorkeling or diving, if you want to “do” something on your beach vacation. Horseback riding on the beach is another popular activity here.
Should you want to venture, the dramatic Green Grotto caves and the limestone terraces of Dunn’s River Falls, where you can splash in the freshwater swimming pool of Blue Hole, are close enough for a quick trip. But nobody would blame you for spending your days gazing out into the horizon until sunset.
Insider tip: The nearby tiny town of Nine Mile was the birthplace and childhood home of Bob Marley. Visit the house where he was born and the Marley Mausoleum, where he was laid to rest alongside his mother and Gibson guitar.
Like Punta Cana? Try Boca Chica
Best for: families
Boca Chica’s blend of activities, relaxation, and calm, shallow waters make it an ideal alternative beach vacation destination for families. From diving and snorkeling near La Matica islet, waterskiing, kayaking, banana boat rides, paddle boats, and the nearby Caribbean Splash water park (Agua Splash Caribe), it’s nonstop fun for every member.
When you’ve had your fill of the beach, ride out to Los Tres Ojos to marvel at limestone caves and colorful lakes. Spend the day in the bustling city of Santo Domingo, where you can roam the halls of the Amber World Museum and Alcázar de Colón. Stroll along the historic streets of Ciudad Colonial, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There’s plenty of shopping in the city, too, and the chance to roll the dice at the numerous casinos.
Insider tip: Though the waters are calm in Boca Chica, the beach of Playa Caribe, just 10 minutes away, has midday swells that make it an excellent surfing spot.
Like Nassau? Try Punta Uva
Best for: unspoiled natural beauty
Thanks to Punta Uva’s seclusion on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, large resorts and overdevelopment have not intruded on the pristine beaches and lush tropical rainforest that make up this fishing village’s serene landscape. Lodging consists of small hotels, cabins, and bungalows. The AWà Beach Hotel is an excellent option for something less rustic.
You can easily spend your days snorkeling and diving, with nightly excursions to Puerto Viejo. But be sure to make time to visit Cahuita National Park, teeming with wildlife, like sloths, toucans, and monkeys. And stop at the nearby Jaguar Rescue Center, where injured animals and birds get a new lease on life. This area is also known for cocoa production, so make a trip to Museo de Cacao to see firsthand how the humble cocoa bean is made into a decadent chocolate bar.
Insider tip: Costa Rica is home to numerous indigenous tribes. Residing in the Talamanca region is the BriBri tribe. Book a tour to learn about BriBri culture, tradition, and religious practices, and then hike to the magnificent BriBri Waterfalls.
Like San Jose Cabo? Try Isla Mujeres
Best for: adventure
A small, picturesque island directly across the water from Cancun, Isla Mujeres offers visitors the best of tropical island life. And while it sees a number of daytrippers, it still feels like worlds away from the masses. Located on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (the second-longest coral reef system in the world, covering more than 620 miles), Isla Mujeres is among the most beautiful spots for snorkeling and diving.
The island’s Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA) features hundreds of life-size sculptures by local and international artists that you can see while diving, snorkeling, or aboard a glass-bottom boat. Then visit the Punta Sur Park at the southernmost end of Isla Mujeres, where cliffside paths with breathtaking vistas take you past sculptures depicting the goddess Ixchel, for whom the island is named, and Mayan ruins.
Insider tip: Stay at Casa de los Sueños, and you’ll have free access to its Parque De Los Suenos at Kin Ha, featuring water slides, a climbing wall that juts out of the sea, rope swings and zip lines, and kayaks and paddleboards, as well as private beach access.
Curveball alternative beach vacation destinations
The Hague, Netherlands
For most people, the Hague is synonymous with the United Nations’ International Court of Justice, but in fact, this Netherlands city is home to some pretty amazing beach spots. And as one of Europe’s greenest cities, it’s no surprise that its Blue Flag-certified beaches are immaculate. Located just three miles from the center, Scheveningen Beach is a popular kitesurfing and windsurfing spot, with the North Sea providing ideal conditions. A two-tier pier lined with shops and restaurants features a Ferris wheel and bungee jumping facility. From here, you can rent a bike and take the scenic sand dunes route to Kijkduin, another lovely beach that has recently seen a burst of sustainable development that includes very stylish restaurants, hotels (think minimalist beach huts), bars, and shops.
El Hierro, Spain
El Hierro may be the smallest island of the Canary Islands, but it’s the one with the biggest and purest of souls. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Geopark, the island is committed to conservation and a self-sustainable future. Its waters, part of a marine reserve, are among the best in the world for diving. The pristine coastline is marked by red-sand beaches and gorgeous natural pools, such as Charco Azul, Charco de Los Sargos, and La Maceta. Inland holds more awe-inspiring scenery, from majestic volcano formations and slopeside vineyards to lush woodlands and small rustic villages, where you can enjoy Herreño specialties, including carne fiesta, patatas arrugadas, fried calamari, and queso herreño, always followed by a glass of pineapple juice made from locally grown fruit.
Looking for more alternative beach destinations?
Use Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” search to score summer deals on alternative beach getaways. Enter “everywhere” as your destination, and we’ll show you amazing deals near and far based on your departure point. Use it with specific dates, or if you’re flexible, choose “whole month” on the desktop or “anytime” in the app.
