Let's be honest –– this is around the time of year when the Winter Blues start to set in for those of us sticking it out above the Mason Dixon Line.
You might be craving sand and surf on a tropical island, but why not find a slice of paradise somewhere a little closer to home?
We teamed up with home real estate marketplace Zillow to comb through millions of home and rental listings to find 15 stellar vacation homes for under $500,000.
If that's not exactly in your price range, a lot of these gems are available as short-term rentals, too.
A beach house in Alligator Point, Fla.: $350,000
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 1
Single Family: 925 sq. ft.
Ditch the daily grind and kick back in this beach-side dream house. You'll have 100 feet of sand to yourself, and a lot next door in case you decide to expand the property.
Bonus: It comes fully furnished, with refinished oak floors, a remodeled kitchen and new countertops. Not interested in buying? You can rent the place by the week.
See the listing here.
A two-story lake house in Galveston, Tx.: $367,000
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Single Family: 1,740 sq. ft,
If you'd rather have a lake than back yard, this is the place for you. Sailors and casual boaters will love zipping around the Gulf at this two-story gem in Galveston, Tx.
Bonus: There's a dock to park your own personal water taxi, too.
See the listing here.
A gated home by the golf course in Las Vegas, Nev.: $425,888
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 3
Single Family: 2,347 sq. ft.
If hitting the golf course is your idea of TLC, why not vacation in a home overlooking the green? This Old Pasadena Ca.-style home is in a gated community, and features a full view of the golf course from the living room.
Bonus: A salt water pool brings the beach to you.
See the listing here.
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