MONTEREY, CAL.

You can't beat the scenery in Monterey, Cal., where the climate is mild year-round. And you can take advantage of cheap rates at the four-star Clement Monterey right on the bay. After Memorial Day, regular room rates for two people top $450 per night. But in March, weekday rates start at just $129 a night ($169 on weekends) for two.

Step outside and you can peruse the shops or savor a wine tasting in Steinbeck Plaza on Cannery Row. A few steps away, you can rent a surrey (complete with the fringe on the top) to ride the 29-mile coastal trail, or grab a kayak and paddle the sea. And the family will love the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium down the street.

In early December we found March round-trip flights from Baltimore/Washington International Airport to San Jose International Airport (an hour from Monterey) for $250.