Top 10 Quick Beach Getaways

Key West

Vacationers flock to this tropical island city for its easy attitude and laid-back lifestyle. Despite the crowds, the Conch Republic maintains its appeal with a colorful cast of local characters, 19th-century architecture, and full-service resorts.

SPLURGE Once inside the Pier House Resort and Caribbean Spa, it’s hard to leave the private, powder-soft beach that overlooks the Gulf of Mexico. Located on the corner of Duval Street, right in Old Town Key West, Pier House combines a quiet beach escape with access to carnivalesque nightlife. Grab a room on the second floor and you’ll be treated to
magnificent ocean views. From $279/night after April 13; pierhouse.com

VALUE Casa Marina Resort & Beach Club, a national landmark hotel built in the 1920s, has Key West’s largest private beach, is three miles from the airport, and is 15 minutes from the center of town. Fresh from a $43 million restoration, the 311 rooms have been upgraded with plasma TVs and iHome docking stations, while the iconic architecture and breathtaking views remain. From $279/night; casamarinaresort.com

GETTING THERE Direct flights from Atlanta (2 hours); Fort Lauderdale (50 minutes); Fort Myers (1 hour); Miami (1 hour); Orlando (70 minutes); Tampa (75 minutes)