There are a lot of areas that offer us great beaches and a toastier climate. But most of these, like Hawaii, the Bahamas or even Puerto Rico are merely too much of a financial burden to be practical in these days of economic uncertainty.

But thankfully, even if you cannot afford to visit Miami or Cancun, there are plenty of excellent destinations on the west coast that will not only satisfy your craving for sand, sun and surf, but will not likely leave you feeling broke. Southern California is a region that enjoys a lot of the climate and sites that most people search for all the while maintaining the familiarities of a mainland state. Due to this ideal locale, there are many cities around here that do not fall short in the whole fantastic beach experience of draws and activities.

Take a look at San Diego for instance. A great American city with a beautiful coastline that encourages visitors to engage in water sports and delve into beach culture within the country, and more importantly, within a middle class wage earner's budget. You get the tropical paradise setting of Hawaii, or the party on the shore experience of Ibiza, without flying halfway across the world. San Diego is home not only to beautiful beaches but also to many other entertainment parks and establishments. You can check out Balboa Park or even the thrills of Belmont amusement park. See the wildlife in San Diego Zoo and San Diego Wild Animal Park or pay a visit to the famous Sea World in San Diego. There are a lot of things to do here in a unique mix of activities you wouldn't find in an average beach setting. Imagine, being able to get the beach experience that a lot of people crave for while still having access to other forms of entertainment in one city.

While you're vacationing and you find yourself in the San Diego area, please remember that there are numerous selections and alternatives for lodging accommodations, not limited to hotels, chain motels, bed and breakfasts and of course the beautiful Bluegreen resorts. Because of the considerable number of people that visit the area, there's never a shortage in great hotels and other options that will surely fit into many different budgets or preferences.

At the end of the day, we shouldn't have to sacrifice the precious time off work that we all need to spend time with loved ones at a destination that is conducive to enjoyment. Of course, this is true as long as we plan our trips right and early. There are a lot of things that we can do on a tight budget and Southern California offers many top notch amenities and views.