Budget

Getting there

After two years of intense post-Katrina rebuilding, the coastal town is rising again. Let Greyhound get you there. One-way service from Atlanta (232 Forsyth St.) is just under nine hours. One-way nonrefundable fares are $53.50, adults; $61.50, refundable. 1-800-231-2222, www.greyhound.com. Fly home with AirTran for about $130 (14-day advance) or for about $80 during the airline's frequent sales. www.airtran.com.

Stay

Stretch the budget with a condo stay. Vacation Rentals by Owner (www.vrbo.com) offers hundreds of beachfront listings for accommodations between Gulfport and Biloxi. Two-bedroom/two-bath condos rent at about $130 a night; less when you stay a whole week.

Eat

Some of the best home-cooked lunches and dinners are served at the Blow-Fly Inn, a wooden clapboard establishment. The family-friendly Blow-Fly has a bayou-front setting for sunsets on the outdoor deck. Entrees to $15. 1201 Washington Ave., Gulfport. 228-896-9812, www.blowflyinn.com.

Experience

Visit the nearly restored Beauvoir House, once the vacation estate of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, and today home to a historic cemetery, the Tomb of the Unknown Confederate Soldier, a Civil War museum and Davis' library. At one time it was home to hundreds of Civil War veterans and their wives. Guided tours are $9, adults; $5, children under 18. 2244 Beach Blvd., Biloxi. 228-388-4400, www.beauvoir.org.

Moderate

Getting there

The popular Beau Rivage Casino Hotel teams with AirTran to offer a package of round-trip airfare and a deluxe overnight stay that includes ground transportation and some meals. The package starts at $202 per person, double occupancy. Rates are based on Monday-Thursday stays. www.beaurivage.com, www.airtran.com/vacations/vacations_information.aspx.

Stay

Views from guest rooms at the Beau Rivage take in the gulf and the bay, and the scenery around the pool isn't bad either. Rent a private cabana or indulge at the spa with a massage or body treatment. Exclusively for guests' use, the Tom Fazio-designed Fallen Oak golf course features an 18-hole, par-72 championship layout. Call 1-877-805-4657 for rates and tee times.

Eat

Enjoy fresh seafood, creole-style. Get fixed up at Lookout 49, a come-as-you-are spot for spicy crawfish, shrimp and andouille, along with traditional fare and healthy choices. Entrees about $16. 12013 Highway 49, Gulfport, 228-328-1366, www.lookout49restaurant.com.

Experience

Visit the unspoiled, 4-mile-long Ship Island, part of Gulf Islands National Seashore (www.nps.gov/guis). Take a cruise from Gulfport Yacht Harbor. New National Park Service facilities include restrooms, a snack stand, a picnic area and outdoor showers. Rent a beach chair for $5; $10 for an umbrella or a board for wave riding. The round-trip (one hour each way) cruise is $23 adults, $13 ages 3-10. 228-864-1014, www.msshipisland.com.

Splurge

Getting there

Sit up front in AirTran's business class. One way is about $384.

Stay

It's funky and fun, it's the Hard Rock Hotel Biloxi. Crash pads are designed with hip decor, modern furnishings, Bose stereo systems, iPod docks, plasma TVs, video on demand, WiFi, floor-to-ceiling glass showers and in-room bars for a few libations before hitting the clubs and casino floor. The ultimate pool party is thrown each night at Detox, with games, signature drinks and entertainment. Double room rates are $139-$389. 777 Beach Blvd., Biloxi. 1-877-877-6256, www.hardrockbiloxi.com.

Eat

Find fine steaks, fresh seafood and fine wines at Mignon's at the Palace Casino Resort. Three-course dinners start at $30 before 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays; at $70 other times and days. Inquire about special six-course dinners paired with wine for $99 per person. 158 Howard Ave., Biloxi. 1-800-725-2239, www.palacecasinoresort.com.

Experience

Take in the beautiful Gulf Coast scenery from a private, 50-foot Gulf Star sailing vessel. A day trip stops along the barrier islands, and you might see dolphins or pelicans, egrets, herons, ospreys and other coastal birds. The cost for up to two is $345; $30 for each additional person. Dinner, sunset and moonlight cruises and half-day trips are also available. 756 Ivy Hill Drive, Biloxi. 228-617-8057, www.northstarsailingcharters.com.

Maerz is a retired travel consultant. Look for her daily deals on ajc.com/travel.