Affordable getaways on Florida's Paradise Coast

By Clara Bosonetto Maerz

For ajc.com

Before summer is over, head down to Florida and soak up the savings along the Paradise Coast. That's the new tourist hang tag for the regions of Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades.

Hotels, resorts, and even restaurants have teamed up with great offers and extra perks such as resort credits, free extra hotel nights, golf, spa treatments and more.

If you're searching an affordable couples getaway, this is the place. Here's how you might best share a weekend:

Stroll and shop along Third Street South and Fifth Avenue South in downtown Naples. These two pedestrian-friendly districts are lined with art galleries, boutiques, gift shops, interior design stores, bars and restaurants. Maybe take a Segway tour to get your bearings in this chic town. End the day with a sunset cruise. Hire a private captain or hop on one of the area's sailing vessels or the Naples Princess or Marco Princess yachts to watch the sun set on the Gulf of Mexico.

Naples Tomato features an automatic self-serve wine system, perfect for a fun evening of wine tasting with fine Italian cuisine. Other dining choices might be the Turtle Club at Vanderbilt Beach Resort; H.B.'s at Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club or Baleen at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort. On Marco Island, try Sale e Pepe at the Marco Beach Ocean Resort.

On the first full day, consider a water and wildlife adventure into the Ten Thousand Islands with a backcountry guide. Visit the Audubon Society's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and its 2.25-mile boardwalk to scope out a secluded spot in the midst of an old growth cypress forest. In the evening, splurge on a couples' champagne and dolphin-watching sunset flight with Naples Air (45-min., $429 with video).

On Day 3, take a guided kayak eco-tour with Everglades Area Tours . Make your own custom wine at the new Big Cypress Market Place. End the day with a couple's spa experience. The Verde Spa at the Bellasera Hotel features hot stone or a Thai Yoga massage. Other spas with couple's treatment rooms include ones at the Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort, The Ritz-Carlton Naples, and the Inn on Fifth.

When you're ready to book your stay, visit Paradise Priced Perfectly.

One outstanding offer is a $179 per night rate at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples. The "Golf For You" package lets guests enjoy championship golf at Florida's top-rated golf resort with accommodations, one 18-hole round of golf at Tiburon, including golf cart, club storage and a $50 retail gift card for Waterside Shop. Valid for stays through Dec. 31.

For more savings on dining, attractions and for more tips on what to do and see, visit Paradise Coast,