A view of the beach and pier.

 


9 Curated Getaways that Blend City Buzz with Beachside Bliss

 

Ready for a vacation that blends cultural charm, ocean breezes, and stress-free comfort? Our curated vacation packages offer the best of both worlds—vibrant city experiences and relaxing beach escapes all in one unforgettable trip.

 

Whether you're strolling the historic streets of Charleston, enjoying sunsets on Naples’ serene shores, or exploring the arts and gardens of San Diego, you’ll find destinations designed for comfort, convenience, and enrichment. These cities offer easy access to the beach, walkable downtowns, fine dining, and enriching activities.

 

Below we’ve curated a selection of trips for AARP members to experience the joy of travel with the perfect mix of city life and coastal tranquility. Add transportation and activity selections to make your dream escape your own. Save time and money with select offers and guaranteed great rates for AARP members.*


Soak up sunsets in San Diego

With its mild year-round climate, scenic ocean fronts like La Jolla and Coronado, and easy-to-navigate neighborhoods, San Diego offers a laid-back pace without sacrificing things to do. Spend your days exploring world-class attractions like Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, or the USS Midway Museum, then unwind by the beach with stunning sunsets and fresh seafood. It’s the perfect destination for those seeking comfort, culture, and ocean air—all in one welcoming city.

Find your calm in Sarasota, FL

Home to the award-winning Siesta Key Beach, known for its soft white sand and calm Gulf waters, Sarasota offers a peaceful coastal escape with a refined touch. Enjoy strolls through the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, explore the Ringling Museum of Art, or take in a live performance at the local theater. With a welcoming community, walkable neighborhoods, and a vibrant yet laid-back atmosphere, Sarasota is the perfect place to unwind, explore, and enjoy life at your own pace.

Unwind in elegance in Naples, FL

With its pristine, uncrowded beaches, stunning Gulf Coast sunsets, and upscale yet relaxed atmosphere, Naples offers the perfect blend of leisure and luxury. Stroll the charming streets of downtown, enjoy world-class dining and shopping, or tee off at one of the area’s many top-rated golf courses. Whether you’re relaxing by the water or exploring local art galleries and nature preserves, Naples delivers a peaceful, sophisticated coastal retreat tailored to your pace and interests.

Savor the scenery in Santa Barbara, CA

Nestled between the mountains and the Pacific, Santa Barbara offers stunning ocean views, scenic walking paths, and easy access to wine country. Stroll along the palm-lined waterfront, explore the Spanish-style architecture of downtown, or enjoy a peaceful afternoon at the botanic gardens or local museums. With its mild climate, relaxed elegance, and welcoming atmosphere, Santa Barbara is an ideal destination for a rejuvenating and enriching getaway.

Recharge in nature on Hilton Head Island, SC

Known for its wide, uncrowded beaches, scenic bike trails, and world-class golf courses, Hilton Head offers a peaceful escape that’s easy to navigate and endlessly enjoyable. Enjoy fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants, explore nature preserves and coastal wetlands, or simply unwind with a good book by the ocean. With its quiet, welcoming atmosphere and emphasis on leisure and comfort, Hilton Head is the perfect coastal retreat for travelers seeking rest and renewal.

Explore creativity in St Petersburg, FL

With its award-winning beaches like St. Pete Beach and a revitalized, walkable downtown, the city offers the ideal mix of coastal leisure and engaging attractions. Explore world-class museums such as The Dalí Museum, enjoy waterfront dining, or stroll the scenic pier at your own pace. Known for its friendly community, mild winters, and laid-back vibe, St. Petersburg is a welcoming and enriching getaway for those looking to unwind and enjoy life by the sea.

Breathe easy in Virgina Beach, VA

Virgina Beach’s wide, walkable boardwalk stretches for three miles along the Atlantic, ideal for peaceful morning strolls or sunset views. Enjoy fresh-caught seafood, explore local maritime history, or visit the tranquil Virginia Aquarium and nearby historic sites like Colonial Williamsburg. With a slower pace than larger beach cities and plenty of accessible outdoor spaces, Virginia Beach provides a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere that’s perfect for travelers looking to unwind by the ocean.

Feel the aloha in Honolulu, Hawaii

From the soft sands of Waikiki Beach to the peaceful trails of Diamond Head, Honolulu offers endless ways to relax and explore. Enjoy Hawaiian cuisine, shop in open-air markets, or take part in a traditional luau. With warm weather year-round, and a variety of guided tours and activities designed for all mobility levels, Honolulu is an ideal tropical getaway for travelers looking to experience the magic of Hawaii in comfort and style.

Wander through history in Charleston, SC

Stroll through cobblestone streets lined with antebellum homes, enjoy fresh Lowcountry cuisine, and relax on nearby beaches like Folly Beach or Sullivan’s Island. The city’s slower pace, rich cultural heritage, and walkable historic district make it both engaging and easy to explore. With scenic harbor views, boutique shopping, and welcoming Southern charm, Charleston offers a delightful blend of relaxation and enrichment perfect for a memorable coastal getaway.

Discover the perfect balance of urban excitement and coastal serenity with our curated selection of city-meets-beach getaways. These unique destinations offer the best of both worlds, allowing you to immerse yourself in vibrant city life and unwind on sun-kissed shores all in one trip.

 

Don’t forget to bundle your flight, hotel, and car hire to get the best AARP travel deals and discounts. Book your flight package today and get a $50 gift card** of your choice! See detailsOpens in a new window.


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*Discover AARP member exclusive deals on select stays, car rentals, packages and more powered by Expedia. Learn moreOpens in a new window

**To qualify, you must book a “Flight Package Trip” (meaning, a trip which includes a flight and at least one of a hotel stay or rental car booked together) through the package booking option of the AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia (http://www.expedia-aarp.comOpens in a new window). One $50 Gift Card will be distributed per Flight Package Trip regardless of the number of passengers on such booking, and redemption information will be sent to the email address provided to the AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia when booking your Flight Package Trip. Canceled Flight Package Trips will be excluded. Gift Card will be delivered pursuant to the Redemption Instructions by Tango Card, Inc. You will receive your gift card within a week of your travel start date. You understand and agree that Expedia may share your contact information with Tango Card, Inc. solely for the purposes of enabling redemption of the $50 Gift Card. Additionally, Expedia and/or AARP reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify you, if it finds you to be acting in violation of the Terms & Conditions of http://www.expedia-aarp.comOpens in a new window, this program, or in a fraudulent or deceptive manner. Expedia and/or AARP may cancel this promotion at any time for any reason.

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