By Blake Guthrie    Late fall is one of the best times of year to visit South Walton, due to the lighter crowds, a climate still mild enough for beachcombing and the tilt of the earth's axis that allows for remarkable sunsets over the Gulf. It is also a good time to explore South Walton's natural treasures, especially the coastal dune lakes, a rare type of lake that connects with the ocean through small channels that open and close intermittently.

As uncertain economic times continue, many people are holding back on making grand travel plans that may hit the pocketbook too hard and looking for cheaper options closer to home. For Atlantans, Jacksonville, 35 miles south of the Georgia border, contains a surprising array of affordable attractions.

A less-developed and often overlooked section of the Sunshine State, the Charlotte Harbor area between Sarasota and Fort Myers includes five barrier islands, nine communities and miles of protected shoreline and aquatic preserves. One of the more popular spots for tourists is the historic and artsy city of Punta Gorda on the harbor.

Shortly after the Deepwater Horizon accident on April 20 of last year -- when the prognosis was bleak for the Gulf Coast due to the resulting oil spill -- Captain John Struchen of Pensacola Yacht Charters was sad at the prospect of losing his charter sailboat business and all the treasures of the coastline he called home.

Here's a pair of great travel incentives to get you back to Florida's beaches before summer slips away. Grammy-winner Vince Gill will headline a free outdoor "Back to the Beach" concert Saturday, Sept. 25, from the beautiful Beaches of South Walton along Florida's Northwest Gulf Coast.

Enjoy Miami on a variety of budgets. Here's some tips from our travel expert.

From bird watching to beachcombing and golf, this is a destination sure to impress nature lovers.

Enjoy the canals and cafes of this Florida city, along with great fresh seafood.

If you find yourself in need a vacation after your holiday vacation, then Perdido Key near Pensacola just might be the place to unwind. Laid-back is the order of the day here at any time of year. In winter about the most you can expect to do is stroll around and take it all in.

From the beach to polo, Palm Beach has plenty of activities to keep tourists busy.

Two to check out this weekend: the Beaufort Shrimp Festival, a small town gem on the South Carolina coast; and the 23rd annual North Carolina Seafood Festival, featuring an array of Tar Heel State seafood.

Set sail aboard a 118-foot gaff-rigged schooner, experience the amazing underwater world with SNUBA gear, or take a full-day saltwater fishing trip.

An aviation museum, historic village tours, and sunsets on the beach. What are you waiting for?

Spend a little, spend a lot, or somewhere in between.

Labor Day is only 42 days away, so if you haven’t gotten to the beach yet this summer, what are you waiting for?

Airfares don't get much cheaper than today's offers to south Florida! Treat yourselves to a little getaway - now through Oct. 28.

See the area your way.