Editors' Travel Deal Review

Quintessential American Beach Vacations from $377

Hit the surf this summer with discounts of up to 49% at four US hotspots

By ShermansTravel Staff

July 09, 2008 10:15 am EDT

Book By: July 31, 2008

Travel By: Fall 2008

Looking to get some fun in the sun this summer, but want to leave your passport behind? You're in luck! The US has thousands of miles of sandy coastline and right now is a great time to get in on low-season surfside savings. Air-and-hotel packages start at a sweet $377 at sandy hotspots in Bonita Springs, Myrtle Beach, Maui, and San Diego.

Sophisticated Bonita Springs, Florida, Getaway from $377
For a quiet, small-town beach escape without the crowds, book the great-value deal we've found to Bonita Springs, Florida, on Orbitz. Located just 10.8 miles south of Fort Meyers, this Old Florida town boasts beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, first-rate golf courses, and easy access to nearby Naples and Marco Island. What's more, in off-season, you can discover its bounty from just $377 for flight and a two-night stay at the four-star Hyatt Regency Coconut Point, a majestic resort with a championship golf course, several pools, a four-diamond restaurant, and plush rooms. This low rate covers airfare from Washington, DC in mid-August (dozens of other departure cities and dates are also available, at variable costs) and a third night adds just $87 more to the tab. Considering that room rates start at $449/night in high-season, this off-season two-night price, with flight included, is an obvious bargain. 

Three-night escape to Myrtle Beach from $677
With abundant golf courses, shopping and shoreline – 60 miles to be exact - Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is a year-round crowd pleaser. Now you can get there with three-night accommodation at the oceanfront Embassy Suites from $677. A complimentary breakfast buffet and manager’s cocktail reception are also covered. The Spirit Airlines package is valid for Monday departures, July 28-August 25, from Atlantic City, Boston or Detroit. How much are you saving? High season room rates at the hotel, part of the Kingston Plantation Resort, run $299/night and up, so you're basically getting airfare, and more, free with this deal.

Superb Coronado Bay Resort and Spa from $878
Considering a trip to the San Diego area? Four nights’ lodging at the Coronado Bay Resort and Spa, plus roundtrip airfare from Seattle, is available for as low as $878. Part of Expedia’s California promotion, it saves you 30% off accommodations on a four-day visit. The 440-room hotel, set on a peninsula between the Coronado Bay and the Pacific Ocean, is across the street from Silver Strand State Beach – perfect for surfing or swimming. SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo and LegoLand California are nearby. Prices are based on travel through September 5.

Maui Westin with air from $1110
For an upscale Hawaiian retreat on the shores of Kaanapali beach, check out Expedia’s offer for four nights at the Westin Maui Resort and Spa. The package starts at a good-value price of $1110, with airfare included. The 12-acre resort is set on just a slice of the island’s 30-mile ring of inviting sands, near Black Rock. Should you tire of the surf, the property features an 87,000-sq.-ft. aquatic playground with five pools, waterfalls, and a water slide. To snag the above rate, you must fly from Los Angeles between August 1 and 31 (rates go up to $1236 in September).

For the Bonita Springs vacation, see www.orbitz.com and scroll down to the last deal on the list.

For Myrtle Beach, see www.spiritvacations.com.

For the Coronado combo, check out www.expedia.com.

For the Westin Maui package, go to www.expedia.com.