beachin' on a budget

Texas hot spot surfs onto America's most affordable beach destinations

Rockport is the only Texas beach on the list.

Photo courtesy of Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce

The beach is the quintessential summer vacation destination, and Dallasites are just a six-hour drive from one America's most affordable beach destinations of 2026.

The charming Texas coastal town of Rockport has been named to Airbnb's inaugural "Coast More, Pay Less" list that highlights the most family-friendly, affordable beach destinations in the U.S. right now.

Airbnb said each location was chosen based on where vacation rentals offer "room for the whole family to spread out, proximity to the water, and a price that makes the trip feasible." Rockport is the only Texas beach town to make the list of 23 total budget-friendly coastal cities.

Rockport has a long-held reputation as one of the most affordable beach getaways, and its Airbnbs provide award-winning hospitality for visitors and families alike. The town is also home to one of only three certified Blue Wave Beaches in Texas, which are responsibly managed, accessible to all, offer public restrooms, and prioritize human health and environmental conservation.

Airbnb describes Rockport as a "peaceful, wave-free alternative to busy commercial ports" whose shallow waters are "perfect for toddlers and great bay fishing."

Beachgoers searching for other popular locales on the Texas Gulf Coast can travel to Galveston Island, where Jamaica Beach and Terramar Beach ranked as the best beach destinations nationwide in a separate report from HomeToGo. And there are plenty of non-beach options for Dallas travelers that want to avoid busy crowds along the coastline.

These are Airbnb's best affordable beach destinations in the U.S. for 2026, in alphabetical order by state:

Gulf Shores, Alabama
Arcata, California
Crescent City, California
Eureka, California
Bethany Beach, Delaware
Cocoa Beach, Florida
Fernandina Beach, Florida
Fort Pierce, Florida
Grand Isle, Louisiana
Ocean City, Maryland
Gloucester, Massachusetts
Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
Gulfport, Mississippi
Wildwood, New Jersey
Atlantic Beach, North Carolina
Florence, Oregon
Seaside, Oregon
Yachats, Oregon
Edisto Beach, South Carolina
Surfside Beach, South Carolina
Rockport, Texas
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Ocean Shores, Washington

travel airbnb reports rockport beach vacation summer vacation

Wheels up

Avelo Airlines launches $99 flights from McKinney to 5 destinations

Photo courtesy of Avelo

Avelo Airlines will begin service from McKinney National Airport in November 2026.

McKinney National Airport is officially getting commercial airline service this fall, with Houston-based budget carrier Avelo Airlines set to take off as its first passenger carrier in November.

According to a release, Avelo will begin nonstop service from the McKinney airport on November 11, 2026, offering flights to Las Vegas and four Florida destinations: Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Orlando, and Tampa.

Reservations are open now on the Avelo website. McKinney National Airport operates under the code DTX.

Service will launch on the following schedule:

Fort Myers (RSW): Wednesdays and Saturdays beginning November 11
Las Vegas (LAS): Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays beginning November 12
Orlando (MCO): Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays beginning November 12
Fort Lauderdale (FLL): Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays beginning November 19
Tampa (TPA): Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays beginning November 19

Introductory one-way fares start at $99. Travelers who book through July 31 will also receive one free checked bag.

The launch makes Avelo the first hometown airline in fast-growing Collin County and gives North Texas travelers an alternative to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field.

McKinney National Airport has served as a general aviation airport for more than 40 years but is now transitioning to provide commercial air service in support of the area's growing population.

The airline will base two 184-seat Boeing 737-800 aircraft at McKinney National Airport and expects to create more than 100 local jobs, including pilots, flight attendants, aircraft technicians, and airport personnel, the release says.

"Avelo was built for moments like this, and we are thrilled to be the launch and anchor airline at McKinney," founder and CEO Andrew Levy says in the release. "Our everyday low fares, the ease of using DTX, and our consistent industry leading on-time performance are a winning combination for travelers."

Airport director Ken Carley says the launch will coincide with the opening of the airport's new passenger terminal, a project city leaders have pursued since 2019.

"I am proud to share that our collective efforts will culminate in November 2026 when we open a brand-new passenger terminal and launch Avelo Airlines flights for North Texas locals and visitors," Carley says.

Founded in 2021, the Houston-based airline currently serves 37 destinations across 15 states and Puerto Rico, specializing in nonstop service from smaller, less-congested airport.

Avelo currently operates one flight out of the DFW area: direct flights from DFW Airport to New Haven, Connecticut, which it offers two times a week at amazingly cheap rates.

The McKinney operation will become its newest base and first in North Texas.

airport avelo airlines mckinney airlines

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Wheels up

Avelo Airlines launches $99 flights from McKinney to 5 destinations