Beach Sperlonga

Everyone has been saying online and off that this is the nicest beach near Rome. You're wondering, is it worth the two-hour drive when I can be in Maccarese in an hour?
Answer: The beach is the nicest one I've been to on the mainland.
Drawbacks: It's expensive, (28 euro for an umbrella and two chairs, close to the water).

There are stairs that lead up into the town, which doesn't allow cars.

Pack your lunch for the beach or if you want to hike into town, try Gli Archi on via Ottaviano, 17.

Note to Self: Sicily

Take Ryan Air from Ciampino to Trapani. Airport shuttle to Le Chiavi di San Francesco, a Trapani boutique property near Cattedrale di San Lorenzo. Get a superior room or a suite for the added kitchenette and cathedral view... specials on expedia.com. Most expensive room at this 4 star is $128!

Destination Sardinia!

RyanAir flies from Ciampino to Alghero for next to nothing! http://www.ryanair.com/site/EN/

Once you're at the airport, take a 10 minute taxi to http://www.hotelportoconte.com/ (30 euro)

Once you're there, enjoy big buffet breakfast, private white sandy beach, kid-friendly atmosphere, bicycle rentals, boat rentals, nightly entertainment...

Recommendations:

For 80 euro (without license) you can rent a 6-person motorized boat to tour the bay! Just a 5 minute walk south to the Embarcadero boat port, bar, restaurant, night club.

Upgrade to a suite at Hotel Porto Conte for a lot more room, mini-fridge, and sitting area!.

Tired of HB, FB, hotel food? 10 minutes walk is a supermarket that provides fresh produce, Sardinian meats and cheeses, fresh focaccia baked daily, olives, and all the beach gear you can want!

Rent a mountain bicycle from the hotel for very reasonable rates. Half-day for 12 euro/bike. Take the 11 km ride around the bay to Grotto di Nettuno. Hike down 656 steps to the entrance. Pay for the guided tour. Hike back up 656 steps. Stop for a sandwich and beer at the bluff-top bar. Bike 11 km back! Swim.

Splurge on an excellent dinner at a 5 star hotel restaurant. 10 minutes walk south, you'll find Il Caio. Men must wear long pants. Set menu for 40 euro. Amazing view. Tour the hotel! It's totally unforgettable but totally unaffordable.