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It’s that time of year again–the days are getting longer, you start to smell spring in the air, and all of your coworkers are talking about their spring break travel plans.
Whether you’re planning for spring break, or you just want to take advantage of the coming shoulder season, chances are the same destinations come up when you brainstorm where to go.
Cancun, Myrtle Beach, Miami–these classic favorites are popular for a reason, but they will also come with higher prices and more crowds.
If your heart is set on escaping to the ocean and soaking in time at the beach this spring, but you’re not a fan of busy places, never fear.
Vacation rental marketplace Home2Go just released its annual Beach Index.
Using search data, this index was compiled by prioritizing the destinations with the best weather, the least searches on Google for “spring travel” (hello less crowds), and affordable accommodation prices.
We present to you the five most underrated beach destinations in the U.S.:
Sombrero Beach, Marathon, Florida
While Florida may be one of the most popular spots for Americans on holiday, there are still some places here that feel like a secret.
Sombrero Beach in Marathon, a small island community between Key Largo and Key West, is one of these hidden treasures.
This stretch of paradise is a place that attracts mostly Floridians, and you’re likely to have more breathing room to replenish with its natural beauty.
Boasting clear turquoise waters and powdery soft sand, this beach is one of the best in the Keys.
Outside of playing in the ocean, Marathon has plenty to offer visitors, including The Turtle Hospital and Dolphin Research Center–both of which offer tours.
Adventure lovers will find excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities among the reefs, and Marathon Beach is also well known for its world-class fishing.
Boca Chica Beach, Boca Chica Village, Texas
When we start talking about Texas, your mind may go to rodeos and trendy Austin, but this mega-state is home to some pretty incredible beaches as well.
If you’re like me and crave long, desolate stretches of sand and shore over the beaches commercialized with resorts and bars, then Boca Chica Beach is the place for you.
You won’t find restaurants, hotels, or even restroom facilities here, only miles of pristine nature and emerald waters.
This is the perfect place to escape civilization and recharge in nature.
Boca Chica Beach has excellent birdwatching, mangrove orchards, and if you’re lucky you’l even spot some turtles nesting during the spring and summer months.
It also happens that this area is home to Elon Musk’s SpaceX Center; if you’re looking for a unique activity, you can head over and check out the rockets for yourself.
While I did not find an exact official date yet, there is predicted to be another launch in March of 2024!
Saint George Island State Park, Saint George Florida
Located on a barrier island off of Florida’s “forgotten coast”, you’ll find peaceful stretches of empty sand and waves here instead of high rises.
Saint George Island remains relatively undeveloped despite consistently being rated as one of the best beaches in America.
This park has a classically beautiful beach, fishing opportunities, and top-notch places to snorkel and scuba dive.
Once the sun goes down, you can take advantage of the dark sky here and stargaze by the ocean.
St George Island is a quaint island town with a laid-back atmosphere and plentiful restaurants with great fresh seafood options to try.
Surfside Beach, Surfside Texas
Located just an hour outside of Houston, this quiet beach town is the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Surfside Beach has warm water from the Gulf of Mexico and plenty of waves to play in.
In fact, this lesser-known spot is one of the best places for surfing in Texas.
This sleepy Texas town lacks commercial hotels, and is best defined by its colorful beach houses available to rent from locals on Vrbo or Airbnb.
Gulf Shores Beach, Gulf Shores Alabama
When it comes to dreamy travel destinations in the U.S., Alabama may not have been a state that you thought had much to offer.
But Gulf Shores Alabama will pleasantly surprise you–with miles of sugary white beaches, award winning restaurants, and plenty to do, this Southern gem may just be your new favorite escape.
While the town’s highlight is definitely its glittering coastline, you can also explore the Civil War era Fort Morgan, take a dolphin spotting cruise, or spend the day fishing.
Spring is an ideal time to visit, as you’ll enjoy plenty of sun and daily high temperatures in the comfortable 70-degree range.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.