7 hot spots for a romantic getaway

Special rates: Starting at $359 per person for three nights and airfare.

Best times to go: During the school year, excluding holidays and spring break.

With its sugar-white sands, crystal-clear waters and pastel stucco beach houses, the Florida Gulf Coast has long been considered a great romantic getaway.

But last summer, fears surrounding the Gulf oil spill sent Florida tourists packing and hotel rates plummeting.

Now the industry is trying to get the word out that the beaches are clean and safe. And hotels, restaurants and other attractions are trying to lure back tourists with discounted rates from Pensacola to St. Petersburg, Clampet says.

"Whether you're looking for a big, traditional resort hotel or smaller mom-and-pop places, they're all looking for visitors," he says.