Shares
19
Share on Pinterest
Share with your friends










Submit

Note: All travel is subject to frequently-changing governmental restrictions—please check federal, state, and local advisories before scheduling trips.

As the pandemic rages on, so too does cabin fever! And with winter in full swing, travel lovers across the nation are eagerly dreaming of less riskier ways to sneak off for a warm spring vacation. Luckily, the United States is packed with under-the-radar beach destinations where pandemic escapists can have some fun in the sun, minus the huge crowds. From the Florida Panhandle and a nude beach in Southern California to a landlocked lake beach and a barrier island near Alabama, here are nine less crowded beaches in the U.S. where smart travelers can break free for a sunny spring fling.

  RELATED: 7 Florida beaches locals want to keep secret

Navarre Beach, FL

One of the Florida Panhandle’s true buried treasures, quiet Navarre Beach (about 45 minutes from Pensacola) is more than its sparkling white sand beaches, turquoise Gulf of Mexico waters, and remote vibe. Hidden here is Navarre Beach Pier (at 1,545 feet it’s the longest pier in Florida and three artificial reefs (the Gulf Side Reef, West Sound Side Reef, and East Sound Side Reef) where visitors can snorkel among sea turtles, dolphins, and other sea life in the Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary. Fun fact: Jaws 2 was filmed at Navarre Beach—but fear not, shark sightings are pretty rare in these waters. 

Find great place to stay in Navarre Beach here.

 

Seal Beach, CA

Once called Bay City, this beach earned its moniker in 1913 when throngs of seals took up residence on its shores after nearby beaches forced them out for eating all the fish. Just 28 miles east of Los Angeles, locals come to this less-trampled stretch of sand to surf, kite surf, windsurf, build sandcastles, ogle fiery-orange sunsets, and take selfies with “Slick,” a bronze statue of (wait for it) a seal. Despite its small town vibes and kitschy antique and gift shops, Seal Beach has a claim to fame—its pier. Originally built in the early 1900s, it’s the second-longest wooden pier in all of California.  

Book your Seal Beach stay with Orbitz.

Port Aransas: Mustang Island, TX

Sitting on serene Mustang Island on the Gulf Coast, quirky “Port A” feels like a traditional beach town with a Texas twist. Here, everything is in walking distance, and friendly Texans from the mainland spend their flip-flop wearing days driving around in golf carts, hosting sandcastle competitions, catching and cooking fresh seafood and eating at local dives. There’s a strong local art scene here and 18 miles of sandy beaches, most of which you can camp on. Close your eyes, click your ruby slippers and start planning—there’s truly no place like Port A. 

Great places to stay in Port Aransas can be found here.

 

ALSO: Earn rewards on your springs getaway—joining Orbitz Rewards is easy and it’s free!

 

Bald Head Island, NC

While it’s just a 20-minute ferry ride from Southport, a visit to Bald Head Island feels like being transported to another world. First discovered by Spanish explorers 500+ years ago, this lush island is completely car free. (All cars have to park at the mainland terminal, and the only way to get around while on the island is by tram, golf carts, bicycles or good, old-fashioned walking.) When you aren’t combing for shells on its 14 miles of sandy shores, try fishing or crabbing in its uncrowded waters, sunbathe, take a SUP lesson, surf, or get a bird’s-eye view of the quiet beach from the top of the island’s 1817-built Bald Head Lighthouse. Fans of Weekend at Bernie’s might recognize it!

Orbitz has Bald Head Island hotels for just about every budget. 

 

Gulfport Beach, MS

This narrow, man-made Gulfport Beach stretches 6.7 miles from Long Beach to Biloxi. Here, the sand is soft, the beach is often empty and the water is shallow, making it a great destination for kite-flying, swimming, tanning, reading and nightly sunset strolls.

Find a great place to stay near Gulfport beach right here.

 

More Mesa: Santa Barbara, CA

Popular among in-the-know locals, college students and the LGBTQIA community, this coastal Pacific gem is hidden under the towering bluffs of More Mesa Park, just 10 minutes north of downtown Santa Barbara. To find it, wander through the park, towards the ocean, and look for the rocky “staircase” hidden behind a patch of trees. (Tread lightly—it’s kind of steep.) At the bottom, turn left and you’ll find a family-friendly beach. Turn right, and you’re in clothing-optional beach territory. Choose wisely!

Find hotel deals near More Mesa right here.

 

Dauphin Island, AL

You may have heard of Gulf Shores’ sugary, white sand beaches and warm, aquamarine waters, or even it’s famed, always-lit beach bar, the Flora-Bama. But to truly feel like you’ve left the hustle and bustle behind, cross the three-mile bridge or hop a ferry to beautiful Dauphin Island. This barrier island, which happens to be the state’s southernmost point, is just 14 miles long and two miles wide at its widest point. With only 1,300 permanent residents, you’ll practically have its pristine, white sand beaches, eclectic shops and local seafood eateries to yourself. The whole island has been designated a bird sanctuary, and locals come here for top-notch fishing, kite flying and, being the “Sunset Capital of Alabama,” the sunsets.

Your Dauphin Island beachfront hotel awaits—find it here.

 

Lake Havasu State Park, Lake Havasu City, AZ

Not all great beaches line the ocean. Landlocked in the middle of an Arizona desert, Lake Havasu State Park centers around the cool, clear, blue-green waters of its namesake lake. Home to nearly 400 miles of stunning, uncrowded beaches, this gem invites you to relax on its lakeside shores and take in its mountainous backdrop—they bloom with colorful flowers every spring—and with vibrant hot air balloons floating through sunny blue skies.

Stay close to the lake with a great Orbitz hotel. 

 

Tagged: Arizona, California, Florida, North Carolina, Texas

Note: Orbitz compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site.

Jennifer Agress

Jennifer Agress

Jennifer is a Miami-based writer and editor who loves good food, a better martini and traveling every chance she gets. She writes about luxury travel, dining and lifestyle for Travel Weekly, Private Air Luxury Homes, Preferred Travel, Modern Luxury Weddings, INDULGE Miami, Thrillist, NUVO Magazine and more. When she’s not on a plane, she’s likely plotting her next adventure—follow @JenniferAgress on Instagram to see where she lands.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *