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Hipmunk Hotels: Lodging by the Beach in Half Moon Bay, Myrtle Beach, and More

Half Moon Bay, CA
Half Moon Bay, California (Flickr, Caccamo)

Now that Spring is officially here, it’s time to start booking your beach vacations. Here’s a look at five beach towns to get your vacation planning started.

Fort Myers, Florida

Nicknamed the City of Palms, Fort Myers is a great destination if you’re looking for some fun in the sun. And while the beaches are gorgeous, there is plenty more to see and do in Fort Myers. Be sure to carve out some time to visit the Thomas Edison and Henry Ford museums, which are located next door to each other. The museums were once the winter homes for both Edison and Ford. Fort Meyers is home to a number of great beaches, including Lovers Key State Beach, Sanibel Causeway Beach, and more. As long as you skip Spring Break week, you may find some decent deals on hotels.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach is located on South Carolina’s Atlantic coast, and is considered an ideal spot for a weekend getaway or longer beach vacation. With 60 miles of beautiful sandy beaches, it’s no wonder summer is prime time here. Choose the off-season to save a few more dollars if you need to. There are lots of free activities in Myrtle Beach like Beach Boogie and the annual BBQ Festival, typically held Labor Day weekend. And if you’re a golfer, you’ll really love Myrtle Beach with its 100 plus golf courses. One way to save on Myrtle Beach lodging is to stay off the beach in budget properties like the Value Place Myrtle Beach.

West Palm Beach, Florida

The City of West Palm Beach is located around 70 miles north of Miami, and offers a variety of more affordable options for visiting south Florida. This city offers a number of trendy restaurants, lounges, shops, and craft breweries. West Palm Beach is home to some historic districts, where the homes of the early residents of Palm Beach can be found. Hotels in West Palm Beach run at a fraction of the price of hotels further south in Miami; with properties like the Marriott West Palm Beach Hotel starting at 118/night in off-peak seasons

Half Moon Bay, California

California’s Half Moon Bay is renowned for its stunning crescent-shaped coastline that features lush green hills and rocky red bluffs. Not surprisingly, the area is also home to some of California’s fanciest resort hotels. If you’re looking for a deal in Half Moon Bay, you may be in luck! Check out properties like Coastside Inn, near Poplar State Beach, or Comfort Inn Half Moon Bay. Both properties are close to area golf courses, the beach, and more.

Pompano Beach, Florida

Pompano Beach is located in South Florida around 40 miles north of Miami Beach, in the “Heart of the Gold Coast” between Miami and West Palm Beach. Pompano Beach is well known for its fishing, with numerous species of fish able to be caught directly from the pier. Or you can charter a boat to go out on the water for additional fishing or diving options. There are also more than 50 parks in Pompano Beach for outdoor activities.  And prices are much lower than those of Miami Beach, with hotels like the Wyndham Sea Gardens available for about $160/night.