The Caribbean is the obvious winter beach vacation — but for a surprising number of travelers, the Pacific coast actually offers better and easier options.
In this video, I’m showing you 7 Pacific beach vacations that can be cheaper than the Caribbean — including a few shockingly affordable options — and in many cases, just as relaxing.
I’ve been a professional travel writer since 2007, and I do a lot of digging so you don’t have to.
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📄 Full article with prices & details
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🏝️ Beach resorts under $59 (mentioned in the video)
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🏨 Hotels mentioned in this video
(Prices are for reference and can change.)
• Mazatlán, Mexico
👉 Courtyard by Marriott Mazatlán Beach Resort – from ~$100/night
• Puerto Vallarta (Bucerías), Mexico
👉 Los Picos Hotel & Suites – from ~$134/night
• Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
👉 Solmar Resort – from ~$193/night
• Guanacaste, Costa Rica
👉 Tango Mar Beachfront Boutique Hotel & Villas – from ~$276/night
• Playa Blanca, Panama
👉 Hotel Riu Playa Blanca – All Inclusive – from ~$266/night
• San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
👉 99 Surf Lodge – from ~$118/night
• Mexican Riviera Cruise
👉 Royal Princess – 7-night Mexican Riviera cruise
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⏱️ Timecodes
00:00 – Why skipping the Caribbean can actually make sense
00:37 – Mazatlán, Mexico – shockingly cheap beach resorts
01:49 – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – the best mix of value and variety
03:12 – Cabo San Lucas, Mexico – luxury vibes with real value
04:42 – Guanacaste, Costa Rica – easy access & laid-back Pacific beaches
06:08 – Playa Blanca, Panama – legit all-inclusive outside the Caribbean
07:25 – San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua – ultra-cheap surf-town beach escape
08:40 – Mexican Riviera Cruise – the easiest warm-weather beach trip
10:03 – Wrap-up & final thoughts
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👍 If this helped
If one of these surprised you, let me know in the comments which one you’d actually consider — or tell me about a beach destination you love that most people overlook.
And if you want more realistic, price-driven travel ideas, make sure you’re subscribed.
🌴 Yes — this video is about Pacific coast beach alternatives to the Caribbean.
Some of these are party-heavy, some are calm, and a few are shockingly good value in March.
Which one surprised you most — or where would you go instead?
I went to San Juan del sir as a surfer/backpacker and was not impressed. The most memorable part was the town crazy guy that threw things at people and broke car windshield wipers. The local shop keepers would dump water on him or hit him with a broom to get him to move away. They also would feed him, so everyone knew he had a legit mental problem and had nowhere to go, so they took pity on him. He threw piece of metal cable at me from across the street and his accuracy was impressive. I was able to duck out the way before it hit me right in the face. Gigante is a much cooler, laid back surf town in that area
No where in Mexico should be on your list right now. If you’re an intelligent person you’d take this advice.
Ixtapa is very nice as well.
American here. Retired in Costa Rica. In Costa Rica don’t go to the beach at night. Too dangerous. Not from the water or animals, from humans. In the daytime, if you go for a swim, expect anything you leave on the beach such as your shirt, sandals, etc. to be stolen while you’re swimming. Pura vida?