Three emerging beach towns that are ripe for discovery

Under $170 a day

Where
Troncones, Mexico

Why
While not far from the splendors of Zihuatanejo, a 45-minute drive south, this fishing village still feels off the beaten path even if smart insiders are buying up empty lots. Among its draws are long beaches, good fishing, and prices closer to those of the Mexico of a decade ago. Sign up for a surf lesson with Michael Linn of ISA Mexico—he gets beginners up on their boards and leads pros to secret breaks (52-755-103-0018; isamexico.com; lessons, from $75).

Room
You'll find friendly service at Hacienda Eden. Owners Jim Garrity and Eva Robbins dropped out of corporate life in Hong Kong to open this small hotel with big, comfortable rooms and some of the best food in town. Request a room with AC, since it can get seriously stuffy (52-755-553-2802; edenmex.com; doubles, $85–$120).

Lunch & Dinner
At Café Sol you'll find Mexican staples like guacamole, fish tacos, and potent margaritas, and the TV tuned to football and basketball games (Av. Playa; 52-755-553-2934; entrées, $3–$5). Standouts at the Inn at Manzanillo Bay's restaurant include fresh fish with tequila lime sauce, delicious sashimi, and various moles (52-755-553-2884; entrées, $8–$32).

Tip
Locals and visiting surfers head to nearby beaches nicknamed The Ranch and La Saladita for the best waves. The Ranch (perfect for shortboarders) is an hour north of Troncones by car or a half hour by boat, and La Saladita, known for its long left breaks, is a 30-minute drive north.

Under $225 a day

Where
Aqaba, Jordan

Why
Jordan's Red Sea port is undergoing a development boom—with new luxury hotels and Dubai-sized (and -funded) resort villages, golf courses, and marinas—but it remains an under-the-radar base for exploring Petra, Wadi Rum, and other ancient wonders. Bordered by Israel on one side and by Saudi Arabia on the other, and with Egypt a short boat ride away, Aqaba is (for now) a sleepy seaside slice of old-world Arabian charm and new-world comforts.

Room
The two-year-old, 255-room InterContinental Aqaba is close to the city's historic district, right along the Red Sea. Amman's weekending elite flock to the resort for its Interfit Spa and 300-yard private beach (962-3-209-2222; ichotelsgroup.com; doubles, $150–$185).

Lunch & Dinner
Ali Baba is an indoor-outdoor boîte in the bustling town center serving regional classics from tabbouleh to grilled skewers (Princess Haya Circle; 962-3-201-2426; entrées, $5–$12). Tiran offers Levantine fare, such as shashlik and hummus, and a global wine list (Jordan Experience complex; 962-3-201-3733; entrées, $5–$12).