Short beach vacations are popular with people that want to relax and get some sun on their skin.
Usually, planning a trip to your favorite location may involve setting aside at least a week or two to get the best out of your time on the beach. However, not everyone has the luxury of getting a week off work, resulting in the need to find options for shorter trips.
Luckily, it is possible to go for short beach vacations and still enjoy the perks of a regular trip at several coastal locations. So to assist you in planning an unforgettable trip, here is a list of beach destinations around the world that are perfect for short vacations.
A Short Beach Vacation to Aruba
Aruba is one of the highest-rated beaches that are ideal for a quick getaway. The Caribbean destination has stunning blonde beaches that make up the majority of its landscape.
Its clear waters that have an attractive turquoise hue make it an ideal beach destination for those visiting for a few days. Besides the beaches, Aruba has some bit of dessert terrain in the interior part of the region.
Its weather is sunny throughout the year, accompanied by a constant breeze that makes walking on its white beaches worth the trip. Nevertheless, the best time to visit Aruba is from January to March when you are assured of perfect weather.
Things to do in Aruba:
Visit Eagle beach and Palm beach, which stretches along the west coast and can be easily accessed from Oranjestad. The gorgeous beach is less crowded and offers aquamarine waters and sandy beaches that you can dig in your feet and relax. Travelers can also enjoy activities such as snorkeling, sea kayaking, and jet skiing on the water.
Be part of a submarine expedition by boarding the Atlantis Submarine, which goes forty meters below the ocean to give you a view of sea life. The underwater activity gives you a chance to view popular marine life, local shipwrecks, and even the famous Barcadera Reef.
Take a break from the beach, booking a countryside tour to learn more Aruba. The journey is done by bus and involves narrations about the history plus culture of the island from experienced guides. Visitors also get to visit top attractions such as Natural Bridge, California Lighthouse, and Alto Vista Chapel.
See All the Things You Can Do in Aruba
A Short Beach Vacation to Puerto Vallarta
The ability to retain its authentic charm during significant developments in Mexico makes Puerto Vallarta the perfect beach destination.
Located between the Pacific Ocean and the green mountainside, the resort town resembles a scenic region often seen in luxury tourist magazines. Besides the vast stretch of sandy beaches, it also has cobblestone streets that give it the pleasantness of a small town.
Puerto Vallarta attracts many tourists all year round because of its great weather, which is perfect for spending time at the beach. The months of April to June are the best time to travel to the town because of scarce rainfall and cooler weather. Also, fewer tourists visit the location during these months resulting in affordable room rates.
Things to do in Puerto Vallarta:
Book a whale watching tour and get a close look at whales as they swim across the ocean. The humpback whale is commonly seen in the sea near Puerto Vallarta from December to March. The giant fish often congregate on the beaches in the area to give birth, making them easier to spot.
Visit Playa Los Muertos, which is actually an archaeological site, dating to the Middle Formative period. The shoreline, which is located within the Zona Romantica, is a great place to get involved in activities such as parasailing, jet skiing and windsurfing. Beach volleyball is also a popular activity in the Playa Los Muertos area.
Discover Las Islas Marietas, which has fascinating wildlife and intriguing caves. The marine park has islands that are excellent for snorkeling and bird watching. It is also home to the famous “Hidden Beach,” which is within a cave and can only be accessed through a tunnel. Tourists often gain access to the beach by kayaking or swimming.
A Short Beach Vacation to Oahu
Oahu is a prime holiday spot in Hawaii because of its pristine beaches that cover hundreds of miles of the north shore.
The natural beauty of the island is seen in its natural and geological sites that include rock formations, beautiful marine life and multiple rainbows every-time. It is also perennially serene and secluded, making it an ideal location for one of your short beach vacations.
The coastal island has excellent weather on the west side compared to the east side, but attracts visitors throughout the year. When planning a beach vacation, consider visiting early in the year from April to June or later from September to early December. During these seasons, the town is less crowded, room charges are low, and the weather is much more habitable.
Things to do in Oahu:
Visit Hanauma Bay and watch marine life in their natural habitat. The natural reserve is one of the popular beaches on the north shore and provides a once in a lifetime snorkeling experience. Visitors can view hundreds of fish species in the coral reefs at the beach.
Take a tour of Pearl Harbor, which is often associated with the US Naval fleet. The tour gives unique insights into the World War II history using five historical sites, which include a submarine and aviation museum.
Get to the top of the Diamond Head for a spectacular view of Oahu. The journey to the top may be a bit steep, but the view at the top is worth it. Visitors take at least an hour on the trip with rest stops along the way in the form of benches.
A Short Beach Vacation to San Jose del Cabo
San Jose del Cabo is a colonial gem in Mexico that provides a laid-back setting in a quiet community. And you’ll read why it should be included on your list of short beach vacations!
The town has a rich history, which is seen in the abundance of culture and hospitality among the people living in the area. It has natural scenery that includes palm-lined lagoons and sandy beaches that gives it the perfect picturesque look. Rock formations and stunning hills also line the shoreline, making it an ideal getaway spot.
The weather in San Jose del Cabo is usually cloudy throughout the year with hot summers and dry winters seen in particular months. Tourists get the best out of their visit between May and June when the crowds have lessened, allowing for a bit of privacy when vacationing. Planning a beach vacation from October to November is also ideal because of warm weather that allows for swimming and other beach sports.
Things to do in San Jose del Cabo:
Enjoy snorkeling and swimming at Playa Palmilla beach along the coastline in San Jose del Cabo. It is one of the few beaches in the area that allows swimming, making it perfect for a beach holiday spot.
Snorkeling is permitted within a designated area, giving travelers a chance to explore underwater. Humpback whales can also be seen offshore during December, which is the official whale season.
Surf at Costa Azul beach, which is often referred to as Zippers and enjoy huge waves when on the sea. The beach attracts a lot of surfers who want to ride the waves on their own or as part of a competition. Interested surfers can rent boards at nearby surf shops and experience the calm waters at the beach.
Watch birds at San José Estuary, which is a regular stop for migratory birds from different parts of the world. The lush vegetation in the nature reserve plays hosts to two hundred plus birds every year, making it a good stop while on vacation. The reserve covers at least fifty hectares starting from the San Jose River to the San Rose Marina along the seashore.
A Short Beach Vacation to Corfu
The dreamy landscape of Corfu in Greece is one of the main reasons for its popularity among travelers and presence on short beach vacations lists.
It is a beautiful island destination located on the west coast with secret coves and several beaches that give you a chance to relax when on a trip. The mountain scenery and Venetian streets that crisscross the town make it quite colorful.
Travelers also get to choose from a variety of accommodation options that range from classy boutique hotels and regular beach hotels.
Corfu Town is a Mediterranean destination that attracts visitors throughout the year due to its perfect weather. The best time to plan a getaway to the dream destination is between April and May or September to early November.
It is advisable to avoid the chilly months as you may not get the chance to swim in the shores because of the low temperatures. Summer months may also not be the best time to visit when looking to enjoy a private and fulfilling short vacation in Corfu.
Things to do in Corfu:
Although Corfu provides vacationers with options of several activities when visiting the beach town, here are some that you can do when visiting for a short time.
Visit the long stretch of beaches that are located on the western side of the town plus some on the eastern side. One of the “must visit” beaches is known as Sidari and is the sandiest in the area plus ideal for swimming or basking in the sun.
Other beaches to consider visiting for diving enthusiasts is Agios Georgios in the south, which is perfect for exploring sea life.
Hang out in the seaside town of Paleokastritsa and enjoy the turquoise waters that line the beachfront. Fresh seafood is served at the Greek taverns giving you a chance to sample the unique cuisine of Greece.
Explore the fishing village of Kassiopi in the north of the town and enjoy the tranquility of the region. The town is home to Byzantine castle ruins, which are captivating once you take a walk through them. Travelers can also choose to visit the town square to relax or go diving in the nearby shorelines.
If you love Greece, the you shouldn’t miss visiting Hanioti and the surroundings. That’s another free advice you got from this article!
A Short Beach Vacation to Phuket
Thailand is one of the favorite destinations for tourists planning a trip to Asia. Among the top destinations in the country is Phuket, which is a perfect location for beach vacations.
Phuket is scenic with wide and gorgeous beaches spread across the town, such as Hat Kata, Patong, and Karon. The white sandy beaches surrounded by emerald waters that give it a breathtaking view regardless of your location.
Beach vacations to Phuket are enjoyable from the month of November to April when the weather is cool because of the dry season. The calm weather is ideal for participating in various beach activities for individuals and families visiting the town. Also, the water is warm and suitable for swimming and other water sporting activities.
Things to do in Phuket:
Visit the Big Buddha sitting at Nakkerd Hills and get a spectacular view of Phuket Island. The famous landmark stands at forty-five meters and leaves an impression on visitors due to its size. The area is not noisy, giving visitors a chance to take in and appreciate the beauty of the huge marble statue as it sparkles in the sun.
Enjoy the celebrity lifestyle at Surin beach, which is popular with wealthy people from all over the world. The beach has soft white sand that is surrounded by beautiful palm trees that sway in the gentle breeze. It also has several high-end resorts that provide luxury accommodation for visitors looking for the perfect beach vacation.
Explore Phang Nga Bay, which is home to several caves, mangroves, and lagoons that spread over forty islands. The naturally developed islands are a sight to behold and are worth exploring on tour or with a personal guide.
Ultimately, planning a short beach vacation to the holiday spots listed above will be one that is unforgettable. Even so, it is advisable to start early and compare various holiday spots before settling on the best one for you or your family. Always put into consideration the traveling time plus actual vacation days when choosing the best location for your short beach vacation.