One city, three price points: A weekend in Venice, Fla.

BUDGET

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floridastateparks.org/myakkariver

A canopy walkway, with an 85-foot suspension bridge, is a special feature of Myakka River State Park.

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www.islandbreezeinn.com

The Island Breeze is located in the center of Venice and offers spotless studio accommodations for two.

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www.crowsnest-venice.com

The Crow’s Nest, on the Intracoastal Waterway, is a good place for sunsets and offers tavern and upscale menus.

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Getting there

One-way rates to Sarasota of $129 require a 14-day advance purchase; nonstop AirTran or Delta. Frequent sale prices start at $69.

Stay

Florida’s favorable weather makes camping an ideal choice. Overnight tent or RVs sites in Oscar Scherer State Park, a few miles north of Venice in Osprey, are $25. 1843 S. Tamiami Trail, www.floridastateparks.org/OscarScherer/

Eat

The freshest seafood in the region is served up casual style at Captain Eddie’s Seafood Bar, with dinners starting at $9. On-site is a fresh fish market for takeaways. 107 Colonia Lane E. at Tamiami Trail, Nokomis, 941-484-4623.

Experience

The Myakka River State Park is one of Florida’s largest state parks, with more than 28,000 acres of land and water. Hike the many trails and explore the park’s canopy walkway with its 85-foot-long suspension bridge. At the top, spy over a vast Jurassic Park-like setting. Rent canoes or kayaks, or take an airboat or safari tram ride and count the many alligators you’re likely to encounter. $5 per vehicle. Exit 205 off I-75, floridastateparks.org/MyakkaRiver.

MODERATE

Getting there

Three-day advance notice rates to Sarasota from $254 each way on AirTran or Delta.

Stay

A stay at the Island Breeze is a throwback to old-world Florida. Located in the center of the town, it offers spotless studio accommodations for two, $77-$156 per night, based on season. 340 Tamiami Trail S., 941-488-4417, 941-484-4623, www.islandbreezeinn.com (or No. 207876 at vrbo.com).

Eat

Do the three-way at the beachfront Sharkey’s on the Pier. Watch the sunset with a frozen Bait Bucket margarita at the bilevel Tiki Bar and then slip indoors for a fine seafood dinner (to $28). Return to the Tiki Bar for dancing to live island tunes. 1600 Harbor Drive S., 941-488-1456, www.sharkysonthepier.com.

Experience

A docent-guided tour at the 30-acre Historic Spanish Point on Little Sarasota Bay touches on 5,000 years of human history, from prehistoric inhabitants to the more dignified digs of a Chicago magnate’s widow. $9 adults; $3 children ages 6-12. 337 N. Tamiami Trail, Osprey, www.historicspanishpoint.org.

SPLURGE

Getting there

Walk-up Business Class rates to Sarasota on AirTran or Delta start at $333 one-way.

Stay

The best room at the Inn at the Beach is a one-bedroom/two-bath beach-view suite with balcony, living area, kitchenette, to $389; $303 post-Easter. 725 W. Venice Ave., 941-484-8471, www.innatthebeach.com.

Eat

The two-level Crow’s Nest Restaurant, Marina and Tavern overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway and is adjacent to the South Jetty, a local hot spot for sunsets and fishing along the bouldered pier. The lively tavern menu is vast, with a more upscale menu for the upstairs dining area with entrees to $45. 1968 Tarpon Center Drive, 941-484-9551, www.crowsnest-venice.com.

Experience

The 33-foot deep-sea fishing boat The Legacy can be on the Gulf of Mexico in two minutes from its Intracoastal locale in Venice. Fish for giant reds, kingfish, tarpon and more. A flat rate for up to six people is $650 for four hours; $900 for six hours; $1,300 for eight hours. Capt. Dave Pinkham, 941-473-4603, www.charter-boatfishing.com.

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

Have a city you want to read about? E-mail svanatten@ajc.com, and put “weekend in” in the subject line.