Florida
Rosemary has the same calm Gulf waters and sparkly quartz sand (it actually squeaks between your toes) as its neighbors along the 26-mile stretch of the Florida Panhandle. The difference: vacationers jam the beaches of Easter egg--colored Seaside, but it's possible to find yourself alone here if you time things right (between September and December, the water still averages 79 degrees).
Check-In: Try for one of the four Gulf-view rooms at the Pensione (78 Main St.; 850/231-1790; thepensione.com; doubles from $215), a brick-red hotel with blond-wood furnishings.