Hipmunk Hotels: Hidden Treasures to Explore Pacific Beaches on a Budget – Waikoloa, Monterey, Escondido and More

The Pacific Ocean is at the top of USA destination for a beach and water sport vacation. The choice of resorts, cities, and quaint locations is as vast as the ocean itself. Some of them are top tourist attractions, others, as those we selected today, are less popular and more budget friendly. Will take you from California all the way to Hawaii and back again, and recommend some of the best hotels to stay at on your trip.

First, a Little Californian Sun

South Lake Tahoe is the place to start your Californian adventure. You won’t want for things to do or budget South Lake Tahoe hotels to choose from, some of these venues even offering year round discounts for their guests. Our top recommendation is Inn by the Lake because, as the name says it, it’s set in a prime location, and the amenities are quite impressive. Anything from spa services and fitness to a business center. It’s also pet-friendly so animal lovers will love it. Other equally impressive, yet a bit on the expensive side options are Harveys Lake Tahoe and Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel.

South Lake Tahoe

Photo by Alex Sam via Trover.com

Our next stop is Escondido. This beach destination is a hidden treasure, as the name suggest, for those visiting the San Diego area. Cheaper hotels and top attractions such as the California Center for Arts, Palomar Mountain State Park, San Diego Zoo, and a few wineries are all close by. Some of the most popular Escondido hotels are Super 8 Wild Animal Park, Quality Inn and Suites Escondido, and Holiday Inn Express.

Off to Hawaii

Waikoloa is the perfect Hawaiian destination to get away from hectic city life and relax under the towering palm trees adorning the white sand beaches. With historical and awe-inspiring attractions like ancient Hawaiian carvings, historic royal fish ponds, or anchialine ponds, it may come as a surprise that Waikoloa hotels still manage to stay within a reasonable budget. If you want to drive the cost down even further, book a spring stay at Aston Shores atWaikoloa, Kolea at Waikoloa, or the Lava Lava Beach Club.

Waikoloa

Photo by No Name via Trover.com

A scenic seaside town along the Kona coast, Kailua Kona is another Hawaiian destination that you must explore. Surfing, snorkeling, picnics on the beautiful beaches, family fun at the Kahaluu Beach Park, this coastal town has plenty to offer and there is no shortage of budget Kailua Kona hotels to choose from. Kona Seaside Hotel, Royal Kona Resort, and Uncle Billy’s Kona Bay Hotels are some of our top recommendations.

And Back to California

Our final Pacific destination is Monterey. While more popular and more expensive than our other destinations, this museum and park rich Californian destination is still a great idea without breaking the bank. The trick is to either travel off-season or to find accommodation a little further from the water. Getting around won’t be a problem and it’s also free during the summer months with the trolley downtown. Monterey Inn Hotel, Vagabond Inn Monterey, and Colton inn are just a few of the many Monterey hotels that you can choose from.