Weekend in Gulfport-Biloxi, Miss.

By Clara Bosonetto Maerz

For the AJC

BUDGET

Getting there

AirTran’s frequent sale rates start at $69; $99 during non-sale periods with a 14-day advance notice. Nonstop service offered Wednesday, Friday and Sunday to Gulfport-Biloxi; only on Wednesday and Sunday to Atlanta.

Stay

Rates start at $109 per night at the La Quinta Inn & Suites Biloxi, which includes a signature breakfast and use of a fitness center and swimming pool; www.lq.com, 957 Cedar Lake Road, Biloxi, 228-392-5978.

Eat

One of Biloxi’s best dining deals is the Boomtown Buffet, with Southern, Asian and Italian selections. Lunch is $10.99; $18.99 from 4 to 11 p.m. weekends and all day Sunday; www.boomtownbiloxi.com, 676 Bayview Ave., Biloxi, 228-435-7000.

Experience

Take a guided 70-minute Living Marine Adventure Cruise along the calm waters between the Biloxi coastline and Deer Island. Once the Sailfish has launched, the crew casts out a net to bring in the catch of blue crabs, flounder, stingray, oysterfish, squid and pufferfish; $15 adults, $10 children ages 11 and under; age 3 and under free with paid adult; 
 www.biloxishrimpingtrip.com, Biloxi, 228-392-8645.

MODERATE

Getting there

Delta’s frequent nonstop regional jet service starts at $290 round-trip with a 21-day advance notice and a three-night minimum stay.

Stay

A “Relax & Dine” package from the Hard Rock Casino and Hotel starts at $179 per night and includes premium accommodations, two passes to Rock Spa and a $100 dining credit to Vibe Restaurant (tip not included). Valid on Thursday-Sunday arrivals; www.hardrockbiloxi.com, 777 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, 228-374-7625.

Eat

Find a touch of the Mediterranean at the charming Al Fresco Italian Bistro. Entrees range from $14.25 to $34.65; www.alfrescoitalianbistro.com, 2650 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, 228-594-9395.

Experience

From March 20 to Oct. 31, journey out to Ship Island, located about 11 miles off the Mississippi coast. This undeveloped barrier island has some of the nation’s finest beaches. Visit historic Fort Massachusetts (circa 1868) on your own or with guided park ranger tours. The cruise takes about one hour each way. Enjoy this quiet island for a couple of hours to a full day; $24 adults; $14 children ages 3-10; www.msshipisland.com, Gulfport, 228-864-1014.

SPLURGE

Getting there

One-way, walk-up Business Class rates on AirTran start at $385; $451 with Delta.

Stay

Accommodations at the Beau Rivage Hotel and Casino (AAA Four Diamond award) offer stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico or the bay and a romantic pool area with private cabanas overlooking the scenic Mississippi Sound. On weekend stays through April 6, special Web rates range from $219 to $269 per night; www.beaurivage.com, 875 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, 228-386-7111.

Eat

Dine at Carnaval de Brasil for a traditional Brazilian feast of grilled meats and sausages or choose from lighter a la carte fare. Dinners range from $25.95 to $39.95; www.ipbiloxi.com, 850 Bayview Ave., Biloxi, 228-436-3000.

Experience

A romantic dinner cruise on the Gulf of Mexico aboard a 31-foot Catalina sailboat is $175 per couple with each additional passenger at $15 (maximum of six people). Gourmet dinners average $40; a la carte items also offered. Dinner cruises, moonlight cruises, half-day and full-day charters begin in mid-March; www.northstarsailingcharters.com, 756 Ivy Hill Drive, Biloxi, 228-617-8057.