One region, three price points: Clearwater / St. Pete Beach

Stay

The cozy Amber Tides Motel, a two-minute walk from Clearwater Beach, offers standard rooms to one-bedroom apartments for $65 daily/$455 weekly and $95 daily/$595 weekly, respectively. 420 Hamden Drive, Clearwater Beach, 727-445-1145, Amber Tides Motel.

Eat

The Marina Restaurant, a tiny local favorite, has a wide-ranging menu from breakfast to seafood. Most entrees are under $10. 25 Causeway Blvd. at Clearwater Beach Marina, 727-446-6968.

Experience

The Clearwater/St. Pete coast has a dozen Blue Wave Beaches; Florida Beaches. Get to Caladesi Island, ranked the finest in the U.S. in 2008 by Dr. Beach, on hourly ferries from nearby Honeymoon Island State Park; Florida State Parks. Explore a three-mile nature trail, snorkel, fish, swim and look for shells.

MODERATE

Getting there

One-way airfare starts at $99 with a 21-day notice and $209 with a one-week notice on AirTran or Delta.

Stay

The all-suite beachfront Residence Inn St. Petersburg Treasure Island offers luxury

one-, two- or three-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens. One-bedroom from $159-$199; two-bedroom from $259; three-bedroom $349. 11908 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island, 727-367-2761, Residence Inn.

Eat

The Pearl serves salad, steak, chops and seafood with a romantic Mediterranean flair. Entrees run from $15-$30. 163 107th Ave., Treasure Island, 727-360-9151, The Pearl.

Experience

Fort De Soto Park is made up of five interconnecting islands with more than 1,000 unspoiled, unpopulated acres and seven miles of beaches, two fishing piers, covered picnic areas and bath/changing facilities. Enjoy trails and a 2.25-mile canoe/kayak trail (equipment for rent) from 7 a.m.-dark; fishing piers open 24 hours; Fort De Soto Park.

SPLURGE

Getting there

Walk-up business-class rates start at $323 one-way on AirTran or Delta.

Stay

Guests of Island's End enjoy water views where the Intracoastal Waterway turns into the inlet at Pass-a-Grille, a tiny historic community. Choose from one of five one-bedroom cottages. A three-bedroom home sits on 100 feet of waterfront just six feet from the seawall; from $330 night. 1 Pass-a-Grille Way, St. Pete Beach, 727-360-5023, Island's End.

Eat

The Maritana Grille, awarded AAA's 4 diamond rating for 14 years, serves fine American cuisine amid saltwater aquariums inside the Don Cesar Hotel — the famous pink palace on St. Pete Beach. Entrees range from $30-$44; 727-360-1881.

Experience

Half-day snorkel pontoon cruises with Dolphin Landings visit Shell Island, an unspoiled natural barrier island, or Egmont Key State Park, a wildlife refuge accessible only by boat. Included are soft drinks, water, masks and snorkels; $45 adults; $35 children ages 12 and under. 727-360-7411, Dolphin Landings.