The Sheraton Sand Key Resort is on one of the widest beaches in Clearwater.
Why you'll love it
For fun in the sun, you can't beat Clearwater, Fla., which regularly appears in the top 10 of TripAdvisor's Traveler's Choice awards for best U.S. beaches. You'll have your pick of places to park your towel: Hop a ferry to Caladesi Island for unspoiled seashore. Head to Fort De Soto's North Beach for kayaking and standup paddle-boarding. Or catch the action at Clearwater Beach, where the promenade is lined with shops and restaurants.
There's no shortage of beach weather either. The temperature averages 83° in July -- a few degrees cooler than Miami -- and the gentle gulf is just as warm.
Why it's a deal
Clearwater is only 18 miles from Tampa, which has seen below-average fares owing to increased flight capacity, says Clem Bason, president of the Hotwire Group. Plus, hotel rates in the area dropped 3% in 2010 to an average of $102 a night. Improving your odds of getting a bargain: Summer is shoulder season here.
Where to stay
The four-star Sheraton Sand Key Resort (sheratonsandkey.com; starting at $164 a night in summer) has a private beach.
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