I've been to most islands of Hawaii, inc Maui; to the Abacos, Cosumel, Fl Keys, Clearwater area, Sanibel, Captiva, Destin and even Cocoa. Cocoa is ok, but not in the same category.
Clearwater area is probably a good place with reasonable prices if you want beautiful beaches and water.
If you want real close, then come here to St Augustine where we have 23 miles of beaches, and the rest is History.