Just a stone’s throw from one of the most popular seaside resorts in the UK, this quaint coastal village has stunning beaches, a ubiquitous history, and one of the country’s best holiday parks
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This stunning seaside village is brimming with things to do, and is part of a huge 15-mile stretch of coastline(Image: Getty Images/500px)
A charming seaside village overshadowed by its popular neighbour is finally having its moment under the spotlight. Surrounded by idyllic Norfolk countryside, and part of a 15-mile stretch of unspoilt coastline, lies the tiny parish of Hopton-on-Sea.
Here, you’ll find all your quintessential seaside must-haves – from rows of flashing arcades, fish and chip shops, and white sand that melts into turquoise waters. It’s just six miles south of Great Yarmouth, one of the most iconic staycation hotspots in the UK. However, Hotpon-On-Sea offers a more laid-back, chilled vibe, which is perfect for those wanting to kick back with a good book and soak up the rays.
Potters was recently crowned the best UK holiday park(Image: Potters Leisure Limited)
Steeped in history, human activity in the village dates back to the Palaeolithic era – and Hopton-On-Sea was used as part of a dense military defence network during the Second World War.
“The oldest building in the parish is the ruins of St Margaret’s church. Built in the 14th century, it burned down in 1865,” explains Visit Norfolk. “The ruins of the old church are being restored to form a cultural centre for the village. As part of the £140,000 restoration project by the Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust, gargoyles were found on the site from the previous 11th-century church.”
But what really sets Hopton-On-Sea apart from the rest is that it’s home to the award-winning Potters Resort, which was recently ranked the best UK holiday park by consumer brand Which?. Scoring an impressive 87 per cent overall customer score, travellers gave the resort five stars for its quality of facilities/ activities and West-end quality entertainment.
Visitors gave the resort five-stars for its stellar entertainment(Image: Potters Resorts)
Potters also received a respectable four stars for several criteria, including the quality of accommodation, cleanliness of the resort, and food and drink offerings. With average prices at around £110 per night, Potters may seem quite expensive at first – but the adults-only resort is actually all-inclusive, meaning you don’t need to spend a penny on food or drink while you’re there.
“The Facilities are excellent,” raved one visitor. “[The] Activities varied and well organised and the entertainment outstanding. All inclusive deal was very good value; the food is superb and plentiful.” Another agreed, hailing: “I have been many times and find a consistently good standard.”
Located some 143 miles from central London, driving to Hopton-On-Sea from the Big Smoke will take around three hours and 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a two-hour and 36-minute train journey from London Liverpool Street over to Great Yarmouth, which will include a stopover at Norwich.
The nearest train station to Hopton-On-Sea is Great Yarmouth(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
From here, you’ll have to take a 15-minute taxi ride down to Hopton-On-Sea, or you can take the 1A Coastal Clipper bus towards Lowestoft and disembark at The Turnstone. Then, you’ll be around a 15-minute walk to Hopton’s stunning beach. If you’re flexible with dates, you can grab single adult fares for as little as £20.
Like many other holiday parks, Potters operates on either three-night breaks (that start on a Friday) or four-night breaks that start on a Monday. If you want to visit during the peak season, a three-night stay on Friday, August 8, will set you back £739 for an adult and £599 for a child aged 10-17. Again, this also includes your food and drink for the entire duration, as well as a host of activities and entertainment.
If that’s still way out of your budget, staying in a caravan is a great way to keep the price down. Check out this three-bed mobile home here, which costs £424 on the exact same nights.
*Prices based on Trainline, Booking.com and Potters Resort listings at the time of writing. Which?’s league tables are based on 2,255 responses from 1,717 Which? members and the general public. The survey was carried out in February and March 2024.
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Southwest Florida is a treasure trove of natural wonders. Its scenic coastal cities and barrier islands are some of Southerners’ favorite places to get away for a beach vacation, whether they’re interested in deep sea fishing, shell hunting, or spending a long day relaxing in the sand. From sunny Fort Myers and Naples to remote Sanibel and Captiva, visitors have plenty to choose from when deciding on a destination.
For nature lovers, Bonita Springs, located almost perfectly between Fort Myers and Naples, is a dream. Home to several state parks and natural preserves, not only does Bonita Springs offer beautiful beaches to explore, but it also features mystical marshlands, forests, and rivers. May through September has the best weather for boating, but temperatures are mild year-round. Visit in spring or fall for a less crowded experience. Here are our favorite ways to explore Bonita Springs.
The Great Outdoors
Credit: Getty Images / Barbara Reichardt / EyeEm
Plan A Beach Day
With its prime location on Florida’s southwest coast, every trip to Bonita Springs should start with a day at Bonita Beach. The 2.5-mile beach is lined with natural vegetation, giving it the appeal of a remote escape, while still offering all the modern-day conveniences of more tourist-heavy shores. At Bonita Beach Park, located on the southern tip of Bonita Beach, you’ll find restrooms, covered picnic tables and grills, and a sand volleyball court. Spend a long day birding, beachcombing, or just relaxing on Bonita Beach. For those who want to bring their furry friends along, head to Bonita Beach Dog Park, a dog-friendly, off-leash tidal flat where pups can roam freely and frolic in the shallow waters. When it’s time to pack it up for the day, you can even give your four-legged companion a quick rinse at provided doggie showers.
Credit: Getty Images / Hanneke Luijting
Explore Nearby Barrier Islands
A big part of what makes Bonita Springs such an unforgettable beach destination are its mystical mangrove forests, unusual shell mounds, and remote landscapes, all of which can be found at Mound Key Archaeological State Park and Lovers Key State Park. Start your adventure at Lovers Key, a collection of barrier islands with 2 miles of sandy beach. A popular spot for romantic getaways and even weddings, the park also includes 5 miles of multi-use trails that offer the chance to see butterflies flitting between flowers, egrets and herons wade and fish along backwaters, and even gopher tortoises munching on vegetation.
From Lovers Key, rent a kayak and make the short 2.5-mile paddle to Mound Key Archaeological Park, which is only accessible via waterways. On the way, don’t be surprised if you spot manatees, stingrays, jumping mullet, and a symphony of coastal birds. Once you make it to Mound Key, hike the one mile trail that takes you over two massive mounds and includes interpretive kiosks detailing the park’s thousands of years old history and original inhabitants, the Calusa Native Americans.
Walk On The Wild Side At Wonder Gardens
Longtime Floridians know Wonder Gardens as one of the last holdouts of Old Florida. The animal and botanical attraction opened in 1936, featuring the natural flora and fauna of Florida with help from a few international tropical species. Today, the park continues its original mission and is home to more than 300 rescued and non-releasable animals, ranging from turtles and parakeets to golden pheasants and alligators, all set in a gorgeous botanical garden.
Unleash your competitive spirit or tag along for the golf cart ride and scenic views at one of around 20 golf courses in the area. Bonita Fairways is an 18-hole executive course is set on a beautiful nature preserve dotted with lakes that offer a challenge to seasoned golfers. The recently overhauled Saltleaf Golf Preserve is set on an 144-acre Florida uplands preserve adjacent to Estero Bay. It has an 18-hole championship course and nine-hole short course surrounded by natural wonders.
Shopping And Culture
Visit The Artists At Riverside Park
At the center of town lies Riverside Park, a sprawling green space that’s popular for picnics, gatherings, and special events year-round. It’s also a hub for arts and culture. The Bandshell hosts regular live music performances. Six Artist Cottages serve as studios for members of Bonita Springs’s art community. They create everything from seashell art to ceramics and paintings. There’s also a butterfly garden, fountain, and veteran’s memorial to check out.
You could spend an entire day perusing the 600-plus booths at Flamingo Island Flea Market and still not have time to see it all. The massive indoor flea market hosts vendors from all over the world who sell everything from vintage décor and apparel to houseplants and handmade pottery. In between hours of treasure hunting, you can stop for a bite to eat at one of two onsite restaurants: Freddie’s Pizza & Subs or Corona Cantina. From November to April, there’s live music, and special events happen throughout the year.
flamingoisland.com, 11902 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Take A Stroll On The Promenade
The Promenade isn’t just any open-air shopping center. Ornate ironwork, bridges, waterfalls, a snaking river, and lush landscaping make this an enjoyable spot to stroll and relax. You’ll find high-end boutiques, a gourmet market, and bars and restaurants, as well as frequent live entertainment.
Down-home breakfast and lunch are best at Old 41. Try the giant Belgian waffles or a Philly cheesesteak omelet, which pays homage to the owner’s hometown.
old41.com, 25091 Bernwood Dr. #1, Bonita Springs, FL, 34135
Enjoy Fresh Seafood On The Waterfront
Fish House Restaurant has been Bonita Springs’s go-to spot for fresh seafood since 1994. Beginning at 11 a.m., the waterfront restaurant’s outdoor patio and boat dock are humming with activity as boaters pull up for a bite to eat and beachgoers find some shade and a meal between hours of catching rays and waves. The massive menu offers just about anything you can dream up, but for a true taste of the area, order fresh Gulf grouper—deep-fried in a basket, broiled and stuffed with crab meat, or tucked into a taco.
For more nostalgic eats, head to Dolly’s Produce Patch & Eatery, where you should definitely order whatever’s on the daily special board and always finish with a slice of the restaurant’s legendary pie. The fillings are seemingly endless and every flavor’s better than the last.
facebook.com, 9930 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Plan A Date Night At Angelina’s
Reserve a table at Angelina’s Ristorante for fine Italian dining. Housemade pastas, a huge wine list, live piano music, and a specialty Sea Salt Baked Snapper for Two are all ready to make your night.
Chef Jarrod Davis synthesized his experiences cooking at fine restaurants in Asia and America at A Table Apart Global Cuisine. The menu’s regional American and Pan Asian dishes use locally sourced produce, fresh-caught seafood, and free-range meat.
atableapart.com, 4295 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34134
The similarly chef-driven kitchen at The Bohemian produces sharable selections with global influences. Their Florida hardwood oak grill also uses locally sourced ingredients, while herbs come right from their organic rooftop garden.
Credit: Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa
Splurge On A Full-Service Resort
Kick back and relax at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa, an award-winning tropical resort that’s ideal for both family trips and romantic getaways. Water is a main attraction at most Florida destinations, and with five waterslides, four pools, a lazy river, and access to a secluded private island, Coconut Point more than has that covered. Contemporary coastal-inspired rooms feature floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors to let in the famous Florida sunshine and provide sweeping views of Estero Bay and the Gulf coastline.
hyatt.com, 5001 Coconut Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Stay At A Boutique Hotel
Historic Shangri-La Springs has been around in various iterations since 1921. The organic gardens and restaurant and full-service spa make it a destination for relaxation and healing. Depending on the day, yoga classes, art workshops, and garden tours are available. There are two guest suites in the main building and six flanking the lush tropical courtyard.
If a typical beach town is laid-back, Grayton Beach is fully reclining—in a hammock with an ice-cold margarita. Settled into the wild, unkempt land that makes up the surrounding state park, this small town doesn’t worry too much about whether you like it. As town squares and pastel cottages sprouted in areas down the road, Grayton Beach kept its shell-speckled, sandy roads, sea-weathered homes, and groovy attitude. There may be a new strip of stores and restaurants, but this tiny coastal village remains old-school. Here’s everything you need to do, see, and eat on your next trip to Grayton Beach, Florida.
Where To Eat
Credit: Robbie Caponetto
Order Breakfast At Black Bear Bread Co.
After a morning bike ride, trade dusty pedals for the whitewashed floors of Black Bear Bread Co. Once inside the cozy cottage, you’ll be smacked with the pleasant aroma of toasty sourdough and Benton’s bacon, mingling in perfect harmony with poached eggs. Warm, flaky croissants and cinnamon rolls tempt you as you wait to order at the counter. Enjoy a steaming plate of weekend-only biscuits and gravy.
Named Bar Room, located next to Black Bear Bread Co., is a perfect place to end your evening in the area where your day began. You can close out your day with oysters, charcuterie, seasonal appetizers, and a selection of natural wines and local craft beer.
The Red Bar is a scarlet-lit, bohemian abnormality on the impeccably polished and planned Highway 30A. The Grayton Beach mainstay blends a ’70s Parisian beatnik bistro with a beach vagabond vibe, and Southerners come for the perfectly blackened grouper and stick around for the house margaritas and live music by The Red Bar Jazz Band.
theredbar.com, 70 Hotz Ave., Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Dine Outdoors At Chanticleer Eatery
This laid-back restaurant is just Grayton Beach’s style. Stop in for lunch or dinner at Chanticleer Eatery, and split a sandwich after a long morning in the sun. Check out their outdoor dining and enjoy all your favorite oceanside foods like crab cakes, jambalaya, and a seafood platter.
Head to Chiringo for gorgeous ocean views and a fresh Spanish-style menu, including fish sandwiches and tacos. Enjoy freshly made dips and a specialty ‘Rita. Cocktails, made from freshly squeezed juices, are a great way to unwind while overlooking the pristine waters and clean, sandy beach.
For an evening out, drop by Borago for traditional Italian dishes and seafood dishes inspired by the Gulf, such as Creamy Seafood Fricassee loaded with shrimp, scallops, and lump crab. Add an Aperol spritz or one of their other hand-crafted cocktails featuring freshly squeezed juices. Reserve a table in advance since this restaurant is primarily reservation based.
Feast On Oceanside Specialties At Grayton Seafood Co.
Get your fill of seafood at Grayton Seafood Co., which has Southern staples like gumbo, fried green tomatoes, and New Orleans Praline Bread Pudding for dessert. Seafood dinners include fried, blackened, or broiled catch of the day, oysters, shrimp, or catfish along with two sides.
Eat like a local at Hurricane Oyster Bar & Grill. Grab oysters in any preparation: grilled, steamed, baked, and raw off the shell with specific international flavorings. Try the World Tour to sample one of each. Or choose from grilled and baked oysters with lump crab, sherry bacon, cajun, or jalapeno-bacon.
Crack open a taste of local flair from Grayton Beach. The Grayton Beer Company started with two classic brews, an IPA and a Pale Ale, and vacationers and locals alike instantly fell head over hops. Visit the Taproom (with a tasty bar menu), hang out to play life-size Jenga or cornhole, or taste one of the more than 20 unique beers. It’ll make your experience that much more authentic.
graytonbeer.com, 217 Serenoa Road, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Credit: Robbie Caponetto
Where To Shop
Shop Clothing At Tribe Kelley Surf Post
On Hotz Avenue, Tribe Kelley Surf Post, owned by the wife-husband duo Brittney and Brian Kelley (who makes up one-half of the country duo Florida-Georgia Line), offers clothing, jewelry, and trendy knickknacks. Shop and go home with something you can’t find anywhere else. The team designs and produces its off-duty chic collections ethically in the US.
The carefully curated artistic retreat The Zoo Gallery fills every inch of the space with eclectic, original artworks. Open since 1979, visitors will find everything from furniture and home decor to pottery, cards, and prints. Bring home a one-of-a-kind souvenir to commemorate your trip to 30A.
Roam the quaint village of the Shops of Grayton for unique jewelry, art, gifts, and food. Browse several art galleries that call the shopping area home. La Duna Gallery features oil paintings and glass mosaics by owners John and Dana Maher. Pieces focus on life at Grayton Beach.
Highway 30A is home to some of the most stunning dune lakes, which you can fully experience at Grayton Beach State Park. Fish, paddle, or explore the four miles of trails along Western Lake. The coastal forest consists of scrub oaks and magnolias. Or nestle into a sandy spot for a relaxing day on the beach.
Head out at sunrise or sunset with paddle boards from BOTE Grayton Beach or kayaks from Adventure 30A, and catch a coastal scene like no other. We’re talking pastel skies and sparkling blue waters, folks. Once you’re comfortable on the calm waters at Grayton Beach State Park, try the ocean on for size.
Take the whole family fishing on a Captain Phil’s Charters excursion. After a pickup at Grayton Beach, you and your family will catch fish in no time. Popular fish varieties include red snapper, grouper, and trigger fish.
In the waters near Grayton Beach, the first U.S. permanent underwater sculpture museum sits about a mile offshore. It’s a perfect exhibit for art lovers and environmentalists, and the “underwater garden” provides an artificial reef habitat for local marine life. The Underwater Museum of Art’s mission is to help expand fishing populations and conserve the environment. New sculptures from artists around the world are installed each year. Dive 30A provides regular visits to the dive site from Grayton Beach.
umafl.org, 357 Main Park Road, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Take a break from the sun, and let the coastal colors inspire an afternoon at The Shard Shop. There, guests can create their own works of art. Sign up for a class, or create your own one-of-a-kind art mosaic masterpiece using glass and resin.
shardshop.com, 26 Logan Lane, Grayton Beach, FL 32459
Credit:
Robbie Caponetto
Where To Stay
Credit:
Courtesy of WaterColor Inn & Resort
Sleep In At Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse
Grab a coffee at the counter at Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse, a little bed-and-breakfast hidden beneath Spanish moss, and head out to a shaded area behind the inn. Nailed to a tree outside is a rustic wooden sign that reads “Backyard of Love.” Below it, another sign says, “Hug in…hug out.” Choose from cozy bedrooms to small apartments, all awash with 1950s old Florida style.
Meander through a lush, fairy-worthy tapestry of ivy and narrow pathways forged throughout the B&B’s history. Like most things in Grayton Beach, the Backyard of Love is nothing fancy and a little funky—the kind of place where you could imagine a Woodstock revival coming together. That suits a town with the unofficial slogan “Nice dogs, strange people.”
Take Advantage Of Amenities At WaterColor Inn & Resort
Choose the WaterColor Inn & Resort for resort-style amenities, with 500 acres of pristine, private beaches and rooms overlooking the Gulf. You don’t need to pack any bikes or water sports equipment for this trip because the resort offers complimentary bicycles, kayaks, and canoes, and you can even request beach bonfires.
Travel is often associated with big budgets, pricey flights, and expensive accommodations. But what if I told you that with just $50 in your pocket, you could set off on a real adventure—one that tests your resourcefulness, creativity, and courage?
This is the story of my $50 travel challenge. How far could I really go? What experiences would I find? And more importantly, could I prove that travel doesn’t have to drain your bank account to be meaningful?
Spoiler: the journey was eye-opening.
Why $50?
Fifty dollars isn’t much. It’s a fraction of the average daily travel budget most bloggers recommend, and a tiny portion of what many of us spend on a night out.
I chose $50 because it felt like a believable limit—not so little that travel is impossible, but enough to push boundaries. It forced me to rethink what travel means. Was it about destinations, or the stories I could collect on the way?
Setting the Rules
To keep things authentic and challenging, I set some ground rules:
No borrowing or outside support: The $50 had to cover everything—transportation, food, lodging, and activities.
No prepaid tickets or reservations: Everything was spontaneous and flexible.
Use local, affordable transport only: No taxis or rideshares unless absolutely necessary.
Seek out free or cheap experiences: Parks, street art, local markets, community events.
Document everything: I kept a journal and video diary to capture moments, frustrations, and surprises.
Day 1: The Journey Begins
With my backpack, a water bottle, and $50 cash, I headed out from my city to the nearby town about 80 miles away. The first lesson was immediate: planning is less important than adapting.
The bus cost $15, leaving me with $35. The bus was packed with locals, all busy chatting and laughing—immediately, I felt like I was stepping into a story rather than just moving between points on a map.
Finding Affordable Eats
Hunger quickly taught me the value of street food. A generous falafel wrap cost me just $3 and was far better than any fast-food meal I’ve had.
The trick? Look for places packed with locals, avoid tourist traps, and trust your instincts. Not only did the food satisfy my hunger, but it gave me a taste of the local culture through flavors, smells, and the hustle of vendors.
Sleeping on a Budget
Lodging was the biggest challenge. Hotels were out of reach on this budget, and hostels, while cheaper, still hovered around $20-25 a night.
I turned to Couchsurfing, an online community where locals host travelers for free. After some quick messages, I found a host willing to welcome me.
Staying with a local family was a highlight, and an unexpected cultural exchange. We shared stories, meals, and laughter. This would have been impossible in a hotel.
UnexpectedSurprises
Budget travel forced me to engage with my surroundings in a way luxury travel never could.
I discovered a small community theater putting on a free play. I met street musicians who invited me to join their jam session. I found an alleyway filled with vibrant murals—each telling stories of the town’s history and struggles.
These moments were priceless, and completely free.
The Limits of $50
Of course, $50 has its limits. Long-distance travel by train or plane was out of the question. Fine dining, souvenirs, and guided tours were luxury I couldn’t afford.
But I realized that limitations breed creativity. By focusing on what’s available and affordable, I found richer experiences than many travel stories I’ve read.
Tips for Anyone Trying the $50 Challenge
If you want to try this yourself, here are some practical tips:
Research public transport: Know bus and train schedules and fares in advance.
Eat like a local: Street food and markets are your best friends.
Use hospitality networks: Couchsurfing, WarmShowers, or local Facebook groups can provide free stays.
Pack light: Less luggage means easier and cheaper transport.
Be flexible: Plans will change; embrace it.
Engage with locals: Ask for advice, directions, and stories—they enrich your trip.
What I Learned About Travel—and Myself
The $50 travel challenge wasn’t just about money. It was about changing mindset. It forced me to slow down, be present, and value the simple things.
I learned that travel is less about the destination, and more about the people you meet and the moments you share.
It’s a reminder that adventure doesn’t require a fat wallet—just an open mind and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone.
Final Thoughts
The $50 challenge shattered my assumptions. I proved to myself that meaningful travel isn’t a luxury reserved for the wealthy.
In fact, it might be better without a big budget. The rawness, unpredictability, and humanity you encounter make stories that stay with you forever.
So next time you think you need a fortune to explore, remember: sometimes, all you need is $50 and a little courage.
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