6 AFFORDABLE GULF COAST DESTINATIONS TO RENT A BEACH HOUSE
Summer can sometimes lead to higher prices across the board, but beach house rentals in these Gulf Coast destinations won’t break the bank.
AFFORDABLE GULF COAST DESTINATIONS
The good news? June is here, and with it comes warm weather, flip-flops, and the promise of vacation. The bad news, of course, is that the cost of plane tickets, hotel rooms, and gas prices tend to rise with the temperature. If you’re planning a getaway on a budget this season (and really, who isn’t?), those extra dollar signs can sideline your plans.
If you’re contemplating a beach trip down south, don’t throw in the towel just yet. At TripAdvisor Rentals, we’ve crunched the numbers to find six Gulf Coast destinations where you can book a two-bedroom rental for less than $250/night on average during the summer. Start digging out your beach towels—not into your bank account—for a memorable week by the waves.
Prices reflect the average cost of a two-bedroom vacation rental in that destination for a weeklong stay this summer, June through August.
1. NAPLES, FLORIDA: $961/WEEK
“I have stayed in many villas on the Gulf Coast, and this is one of the best so far. It is spacious and really well-equipped. […] The location is great for many places in and around Naples.” – Traveler Review
For easy access to beautiful Florida Gulf Coast beaches, look no further than Naples. Located south of Fort Myers on the Paradise Coast, this sun-drenched city is known for its lush golf courses and high-end shopping. Luxe reputation aside, Naples offers a host of attractions for families and budget travelers—not to mention two-bedroom rentals for less than $1,000/week.
Love the outdoors? Bask in the sun on the beach at Delnor-Wiggins State Park, or follow the nature trails at Naples Botanical Garden. (The Children’s Garden, which features splash fountains and a butterfly house, is great for families.) Even if the forecast isn’t in your favor, it’s easy to get lost in the immersive exhibits at the Golisano Children’s Museum and the Naples Museum of Military History. The shops along Fifth Avenue South aren’t a bad place to duck out of a downpour, either—and on Saturdays, the Third Street South Farmer’s Market is a busy spot, rain or shine. Few Gulf Coast destinations do family fun (or affordable rentals!) quite like Naples.
2. MARCO ISLAND, FLORIDA: $1,024/WEEK
“We could not have asked for anything more perfect! The house has it all. […] Make sure when you come you check out the sunset—it’s unlike anything you have ever seen.” – Traveler Review
Like Naples, Marco Island is part of the Paradise Coast, but the vibe is a bit different. This close-knit community is easygoing and secluded, with aquamarine water and flat, white beaches. As the only developed land in the Ten Thousand Islands chain—which runs from the Everglades to the Keys— the barrier island is known for its birdwatching and tropical greenery. Gulf Coast vacations in Marco promise shelling, nature walks, and small-group kayak tours through winding mangroves.
Even if you’re not one for paddling, you can still get out on the water by taking a Marco Island Boat Tour (perfect for glimpsing manatees and dolphins!) or by renting a pontoon. Collier-Seminole State Park is a great spot to cast a line, and Rookery Bay Reserve is worth a visit for its 16,500-square-foot visitors center and 150 species of birds. Other local attractions include the Marco Island Historical Museum and stunning beaches like Tigertail Beach Park and South Marco Beach. Book a rental near the shore for access to warm sand and endless watersports.
3. LONG BEACH, MISSISSIPPI: $1,200/WEEK
“We were surprised by the quietness of the town! Going to the beach was a nice surprise; it felt like we were at a private beach because of the abundance of space!” – Traveler Review
Located within day-trip distance of Gulf Coast destinations like New Orleans, Mobile, and Ship Island, Long Beach boasts miles of calm water and scenic shores. Take in the view from a cottage rental near the harbor, where you can book a saltwater fishing trip with Fishing Frenzy Charters. The harbor front is also a hotspot for fresh seafood and classic joints like Bull’s Restaurant, Darwell’s Cafe, and Steve’s Marina (reviewers rave about the gumbo!).
Just a few blocks away, the town green features outdoor movies, open-air concerts, and a free splash pad for kids during the summer. It’s a cool, grassy spot to share a picnic after an afternoon of jet skiing or beach volleyball. Other family-friendly activities include crabbing, pier fishing, and canoeing on the Wolf River, home to sandy beaches and water trails like the Little Bay Loop.
4. ROCKPORT, TEXAS: $1,369/WEEK
“For our 30th anniversary, my husband and I decided to visit Rockport. We wanted the perfect place: location, views, upscale… And we found it all with this condo! The views were amazing!” – Traveler Review
We’d be remiss to write about affordable Gulf Coast vacations without giving Rockport a shoutout. This charming destination is just 30 minutes from Corpus Christi, but the pace of life is slow and sweet. Given its geography—surrounded by water on three sides—it’s only natural that top attractions include bird watching and saltwater fishing. But in addition to its pristine landscape, the coastal city also boasts a thriving art community (evidenced by the Rockport Art Festival in July).
Even if you aren’t in town for the festival, the Rockport Center for the Arts has public exhibitions and a bayside sculpture garden featuring works like Kent Ullberg’s Preening Heron. Of course, if you book a home on Copano Bay, there’s a good chance you’ll spot a few preening herons of your own. Local rentals offer amenities like private boat ramps and lighted piers surrounded by open water, so you can fish for dinner right off the dock. Ready to hit the shore? Head to Rockport Beach, a certified Blue Wave beach, or Padre Island National Seashore, just an hour away.
5. FORT MORGAN, ALABAMA: $1,591/WEEK
“Loved the view from the screened-in porch, where we could sit to enjoy a cup of coffee and a good book. The beach is only a short walk across a single-lane street…very convenient!” – Traveler Review
When it comes to Gulf Coast destinations, Fort Morgan is a reprieve from the crowds and high-rise hotels. Located just west of Gulf Shores, this historic gem is dotted with classic Southern cottages. Enjoy standard rental amenities like extra bedrooms and a full kitchen, plus convenient extras like sand toys, umbrellas, and folding chairs. A portion of the peninsula is a wildlife refuge, so no matter where you stay, you’ll be near miles of quiet shoreline and secret shelling spots.
The community’s top attraction is a masonry star fort known for its role in the 1864 Battle of Mobile Bay. In June and July, uniformed guides host a living history program to tell the story of the fort from its 1834 founding through World War II. Not a history buff? No problem. Saltwater and freshwater fishing opportunities abound in Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, and bike paths make it easy to explore the peninsula on two wheels. During the summer months, you might even be lucky enough to watch a nest of baby turtles hatch and crawl to the ocean.
6. DAUPHIN ISLAND, ALABAMA: $1,640/WEEK
“Our stay was perfect! I’ve never had a more peaceful vacation. […] It’s located close to the beaches, and the house had everything we could have needed. Will return!” – Traveler Review
Connected to Fort Morgan by the Mobile Bay Ferry, Dauphin is a small barrier island with a historical fort of its own. Dubbed the Sunset Capital of Alabama, this resort community has a family-friendly reputation and blissfully uncrowded beaches. With only 1,300 permanent residents (and not a single stoplight!), you’re more likely to see a rare bird than a traffic jam here. The island—a designated bird sanctuary—is one of North America’s top spots for viewing spring migrations.
Other attractions include Fort Gaines and the Dauphin Island Heritage & Arts Museum. Keep an eye out for dolphins as you relax on the sand, or watch for kingbirds and grosbeaks as you explore the island by bike. As the sun sets, fill up on fresh shrimp at Skinner’s Seafood, then break out the flashlights and go crabbing after dark.
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