Best Family Resorts in Florida

Florida has family-friendly resorts on both coasts and in the Keys that could rival any resort in the Caribbean.

Florida always felt like an open invitation to our family. We love the warm breezes, endless stretches of sand, and the kind of places where time slows just enough to notice the little things. Traveling with my husband and son, I found myself seeing it all through different eyes: his, racing ahead to the waves with laughter spilling behind him, and ours, catching those quiet glances that say, “This is what we came for.” From the Gulf’s calm waters to the Atlantic’s rolling surf, every coast gave us something new to share together.

Each resort told its own story. Some were grand and bustling, where the days brimmed with activity. Others felt tucked away, where we woke to seashells at our feet and ended the evenings counting stars. Whether we were sliding into pools, biking through quiet streets, or sharing slices of key lime pie after a long day in the sun, the best part was how Florida turned simple moments into memories we could keep. This was a thread of experiences woven by ocean, sunshine, and the joy of being together.

Best Family Resorts in Florida

Lounge in Gulfside Luxury at LaPlaya Beach and Golf Resort

“This is how the ocean says welcome,” I thought as I first stepped onto the soft white sand outside LaPlaya Beach and Golf Resort. The Gulf stretched wide and calm, its colors shifting from pale turquoise to deep blue as the day unfolded. Palm trees framed the horizon, and the breeze carried the faint sweetness of frangipani. The resort itself felt both polished and warm, with balconies that seemed to hover above the shoreline. I felt cocooned in ease, like the world had slowed to match the tide’s rhythm.

What I Loved Most: Early mornings by the water when the beach was nearly empty, shells scattered like forgotten treasures, and the only sound was the hush of waves against the shore.

My highlights? A seaside dinner at Baleen, where I had grilled mahi-mahi so tender it flaked beneath my fork, drizzled with citrus butter that brightened every bite. The scent of sea air mixed with roasted garlic, and I lingered over key lime pie that carried just the right balance of tart and sweet. The sunset painted the entire sky coral and gold while I ate, a backdrop that felt almost too perfect to be real.

A downside? The resort’s luxury comes with a steep price tag, especially during peak season. Families on a tighter budget may find dining and extras like golf or spa treatments quickly add up.

Plan your LaPlaya family getaway:

• Address: LaPlaya Beach and Golf Resort , 9891 Gulf Shore Drive, Naples, FL 34108
• Vibe: Upscale, serene, beachfront luxury
• Highlights: Private beach access, oceanside dining, 18-hole golf course, spa
• Best Time to Visit: Winter and spring for mild temperatures and clear skies
• Cost: Rates typically $400+ per night; dining and golf additional
• Hours: Beach and pool open daily; restaurant hours vary by season

Step into Pink Palace Glamour at The Don CeSar Hotel

The first glimpse of The Don CeSar Hotel rising above St. Pete Beach felt almost surreal. Its rosy pink towers glowing against the blue sky like something from a dream. Nicknamed the “Pink Palace,” it carried an old-world glamour that made me feel I had stepped back into another era.

My husband, my son, and I stepped into the lobby together, and I could feel the mix of elegance and play right away. The marble floors shone, chandeliers sparkled overhead, and yet kids were darting toward the pool with floaties in hand. I thought, “This is where history and family vacations meet.”

What We Loved Most: Sunset walks along the wide, soft sand right in front of the hotel. My son chased waves at the shoreline while dolphins appeared in the distance, and the sky melted into shades of pink and gold that matched the hotel itself.

Our highlights? We had lunch at the poolside café, fresh grouper sandwiches with a squeeze of lemon, light and flaky, paired with crispy fries my son happily stole from our plates. Later, we stopped at Uncle Andy’s Ice Cream Parlor inside the hotel, where the sweetness of a double scoop cone felt like the perfect ending to a sun-filled day. The laughter of families, the crash of waves, and the salty Gulf breeze made the whole place feel timeless.

A downside? The Don CeSar is beloved and always busy. On weekends especially, the beach and common areas were crowded, which sometimes made it hard to find a quiet corner just for us.

Plan your Don CeSar getaway:

• Address: The Don CeSar Hotel, 3400 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
• Vibe: Iconic, glamorous, family-friendly but bustling
• Highlights: Beachfront location, historic architecture, ice cream parlor, two pools, multiple dining options
• Best Time to Visit: Spring or early fall for warm weather with fewer peak-season crowds
• Cost: Rooms typically $300–$500 per night; dining and amenities priced upscale
• Hours: Beach and pools open daily; restaurants and shops vary

Play, Swim, and Recharge at Hammock Beach Resort

“This feels like its own little world,” I thought as I turned onto the palm-lined drive leading into Hammock Beach Resort. The Atlantic opened wide beside me, waves rolling steadily against the cinnamon-colored sand. The resort itself spread out like a small village, condos, villas, pools, and paths weaving through lush lawns. It felt both expansive and inviting, the kind of place where families could settle in for days without ever needing to leave.

What I Loved Most: Floating down the lazy river with the sun warming my shoulders, hearing children’s laughter echo across the water slides, and watching pelicans dive offshore in the distance.

My highlights? Dinner at Atlantic Grille, where I had seared scallops, their edges crisp and golden, resting on a bed of sweet corn risotto. The ocean breeze drifted through the windows, carrying the smell of salt and surf, and dessert , coconut cream pie, was as light as the evening air. It was one of those meals where every bite reminded me I was exactly where I wanted to be.

A downside? With so many villas and large spaces, it leaned more toward a condo-resort atmosphere than a traditional hotel. Families seeking an intimate, boutique feel may find it less personal.

Plan your Hammock Beach getaway:

• Address: Hammock Beach Resort, 200 Ocean Crest Dr, Palm Coast, FL 32137
• Vibe: Expansive, family-centered, relaxed luxury
• Highlights: Water park with lazy river, multiple pools, oceanfront dining, golf courses, spa
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for warm beach days and fewer crowds
• Cost: Rooms and villas typically $250–$400 per night; golf and dining additional
• Hours: Pools and beach open daily; restaurants and activities vary

Soak Up Sunset Views and Coastal Elegance at Wyndham Grand Clearwater

The sand at Clearwater felt like sugar under my feet, soft, white, and endless. The Wyndham Grand Clearwater rose just steps from the shoreline, its bright façade reflecting the sun and sea. Inside, cool air and wide windows framed the Gulf like a painting. Families moved easily between the pool deck and the beach, and I thought, “This is where convenience and beauty meet without trying too hard.”

What I Loved Most: The effortless access, walking straight from the lobby to the sand in minutes, the horizon stretching so wide it felt impossible to look away.

My highlights? Fresh grouper tacos by the pool, the fish grilled with a smoky char and paired with crisp slaw that crunched in every bite. Later, I watched the sunset from Pier 60 just a short stroll away, the sky glowing orange and purple as street performers filled the air with music and laughter.

A downside? Its prime location means crowds, both on the beach and around the hotel. Parking can be expensive and limited, and the busy atmosphere might not suit travelers looking for quiet seclusion.

Plan your Wyndham Grand Clearwater getaway:

• Address: Wyndham Grand Clearwater, 100 Coronado Dr, Clearwater, FL 33767
• Vibe: Bright, lively, convenient
• Highlights: Direct beach access, pool deck, spa, Pier 60 nearby
• Best Time to Visit: Winter for warm escapes, or late spring for fewer crowds
• Cost: Rooms typically $250–$400 per night; parking ~$30/day
• Hours: Beach and pool open daily; dining varies by season

If Family Fun and Villas Are Your Style, Head to Reunion Resort

I knew right away the Reunion Resort was different when I drove past the endless greens of its golf courses. The place sprawled like a little town of its own, villas, homes, and pools tucked between rolling fairways. I felt both impressed and slightly overwhelmed by how much there was to do. “This is the kind of place where families could stay a week and still not try it all,” I thought as I watched kids racing toward the water park while golfers teed off in the distance.

What I Loved Most: The sense of freedom, I could bike down quiet lanes in the morning, float along the lazy river in the afternoon, and end the day watching fireworks from nearby Disney flicker over the horizon.

My highlights? I had dinner at Eleven, the rooftop restaurant, where I ordered perfectly cooked filet mignon with a peppercorn crust, paired with garlic mashed potatoes that melted in my mouth. The open-air view stretched far, and the smell of the grill mingled with the warm evening breeze. Dessert was a chocolate lava cake so rich I had to pause between bites, just to take it in.

A downside? Because it’s a large resort with many rental-style accommodations, I sometimes felt less like I was in a traditional hotel and more like a neighborhood. That made it easy to spread out, but a little less personal in service compared to smaller resorts.

Plan your Reunion Resort family vacation:

• Address: Reunion Resort, 7593 Gathering Dr, Kissimmee, FL 34747
• Vibe: Expansive, family-oriented, activity-packed
• Highlights: Water park with lazy river, three signature golf courses, rooftop dining, proximity to Disney
• Best Time to Visit: Fall or winter for mild weather and lighter crowds
• Cost: Villas typically $250–$500 per night depending on size; dining and golf add extra
• Hours: Pools and water park open daily; restaurant and golf hours vary

Enjoy Boutique Bliss by the Shore at Beachside Village Resort

When my husband, my son, and I checked into Beachside Village Resort in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, it felt like we’d stumbled onto a secret. The pastel buildings wrapped around a sparkling pool, and just beyond them, the ocean waited a short walk away. It didn’t feel like a big resort, it felt more like a friendly little beach neighborhood. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of place families come back to year after year.”

What We Loved Most: Our mornings together, barefoot on the cool sand, coffee in hand, my son racing ahead toward the waves while the air smelled of salt and blooming hibiscus from the gardens.

Our highlights? We grabbed fresh fish tacos from a local café, grilled mahi with cilantro and lime, and ate them poolside while the sun warmed our shoulders. Later, we borrowed bikes from the resort and pedaled through quiet palm-lined streets, my son pointing out bright cottages along the way. The day ended with us sitting on the sand watching the tide roll in, everything unhurried and easy.

A downside? The boutique size meant fewer amenities compared to larger resorts. Families looking for a big water park or multiple on-site restaurants might find it limited.

Plan your Beachside Village getaway:

• Address: Beachside Village Resort, 4553 N Ocean Dr, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL 33308
• Vibe: Intimate, retro-Florida charm, relaxed
• Highlights: Steps from the beach, pool, bike rentals, family-friendly atmosphere
• Best Time to Visit: Winter and spring for warm weather and quiet mornings
• Cost: Rooms typically $200–$300 per night
• Hours: Beach and pool open daily; dining hours vary in the surrounding area

Live the Iconic Miami Lifestyle at Fontainebleau Miami Beach

Fontainebleau Miami Beach rose before us like a city of its own, sweeping curves of white glass and balconies catching the Miami sun. Walking into the lobby with my husband and son, I felt the energy shift immediately: lively, glamorous, and buzzing with people. “This is Miami at full volume,” I thought, taking in the chandeliers sparkling above and the music pulsing softly through the air. It felt bold and larger than life, but still welcoming for a family like ours.

What We Loved Most: The pools, layer after layer of them, each with its own personality. My son spent hours splashing and swimming, while we found quiet corners to lounge and watch the turquoise Atlantic beyond the property’s edge.

Our highlights? We had dinner at Scarpetta, where I ordered handmade spaghetti in tomato-basil sauce so fresh and delicate that I savored every bite. My husband shared a perfectly seared branzino, and my son happily twirled forkfuls of pasta while eyeing dessert. We finished with a slice of ricotta cheesecake, light and tangy, the kind that lingers in your memory long after the meal. Later that evening, we walked along the boardwalk together, the ocean breeze warm and salty against our faces.

A downside? The resort’s sheer size and popularity meant it was rarely quiet. Between the crowds, the nightlife vibe, and the upscale prices, it sometimes felt less like a family retreat and more like a bustling entertainment hub.

Plan your family vacation at Fontainebleau:

• Address: Fontainebleau Miami Beach , 4441 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140
• Vibe: Iconic, glamorous, high-energy
• Highlights: Multiple pools, oceanfront location, fine dining, spa, historic architecture
• Best Time to Visit: Winter for warm, sunny escapes; avoid peak holidays for fewer crowds
• Cost: Rooms typically $400–$700 per night; dining and extras priced luxury
• Hours: Pools and beach access daily; restaurants and nightlife vary

Conclusion

Traveling through Florida with my husband and son, I realized how many different versions of “family time” the state offered. One day we were swinging in hammocks by a quiet bay in the Keys, another we were sliding down water rides or walking hand-in-hand along wide, glowing beaches. Each resort gave us something new, a different pace, a different flavor, a different way to be together. What stayed the same was the feeling: Florida knew how to welcome us, whether through warm sand, fresh seafood, or the sight of my son laughing under the sun.

If you’re planning your own trip, think about the kind of memories you want to make. Do you want history and glamour? Look to the Pink Palace at St. Pete. Craving calm mornings and long, lazy afternoons? Hammock Beach or Vero might be your place. Or maybe you want to feel Miami’s energy pulsing around you while still letting the kids splash by the pool, then the Fontainebleau waits. Wherever you land, the rhythm of waves and the glow of Florida skies will be there to stitch the days together. That, more than anything, is what makes these resorts unforgettable for families.

TradeWinds Island Grand Beach Resort

Its name does not disappoint – it is a resort on a grand scale. It's not actually one, but two resorts, located just 200 flip-flop lengths away from each other.

Guests have access to both the action-packed TradeWinds Island Grand, where such things as flying with a jetpack are possible, and the Guy Harvey Outpost, which boasts a 33,500-gallon aquarium.

For fans of Animal Planet, this aquarium was featured on the hit show “Tanked.”

5500 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach, FL, Phone: 727-367-6461

yatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa

Residences include private balconies, high-speed internet access, and fully equipped kitchens in the one and two-bedroom units. A variety of restaurants offering everything from burgers to seafood will please even the pickiest of eaters.

Kids can enjoy their independence as they hang out at Camp Manatee and take part in planned activities while mom and dad relax at the Stillwater Spa or play a round of golf on the championship course.

11800 Coconut Point Resort Drive, Bonita Springs, FL, Phone: 239-947-7300

CoCo Key

Aside from the parks, guests can also enjoy meals at the three on-site dining establishments, grab necessities at the resort's convenience store, or take a quick drive to other local attractions and theme parks located nearby.

7400 International Drive, Orlando, Florida 32819; Phone: 407-351-2626

JW Marriott Marco Island

For more adventurous families, the resort offers sailing trips on their private catamarans, guided WaveRunner excursions, and bike tours for adults and children 12 years or older.

The younger set will love the supervised kids’ program at Tiki Tribe, where staff engage “campers” in fun and educational activities and take them to lunch at one of the resort’s onsite restaurants.

400 South Collier Boulevard, Marco Island, FL, Phone: 239-394-2511

Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa

Guided educational activities await guests from 3 to 12 years old at Camp Hyatt. A typical day “at camp” might include water activities, crafts inspired by nature, free time on the playground, or walks on the beach. Accommodations have balconies overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and full kitchens.

301 South Gulfview Boulevard, Clearwater Beach, FL, Phone: 727-373-1234

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

Complimentary amenities for resort guests include bike, kayak, and boogieboard rentals, access to the fitness center, court time, preferred parking, and a tram service that transports guests throughout the resort. Families can spend time together on the mini golf course or at one of the four pools.

The perfect ending to a day of family fun is a bonfire around a private fire pit on the beach, complete with beach chairs, a s’mores kit, and kiln-dried firewood.

9300 Emerald Coast Parkway, Miramar Beach, FL, Phone: 800-622-1038

Sandpearl Resort

An onsite four-star restaurant, climate-controlled lagoon-style pool, and private boat slips will make this a vacation to remember.

Guests can shop for all the essentials like sunscreen and Starbucks at The Marketplace or pick up a souvenir at Collections, the resort’s signature boutique.

Camp Ridley provides supervised fun for kids under 10 in afternoon and evening sessions.

500 Mandalay Avenue, Clearwater Beach, FL, Phone: 727-441-2425

South Seas Island Resort

Full-service restaurants, a poolside tiki bar, and an old-fashioned malt shop are just some of the many dining options at South Seas Island.

The Captiva Provision Company and Ships Store sell souvenirs and sundries. An in-house photographer is available for portrait sessions to preserve memorable family moments in this unique setting.

South Seas Island Resort , 5400 Plantation Road, Captiva, FL, Phone: 239-472-5111

Sundial Beach Resort and Spa

Units include multi-bedroom options, kitchenettes, screened balconies or porches, and garden or water views.

Newly renovated, state-of-the-art sports facilities offer something for everyone, like Pickleball – a paddle sport with simple rules that is easy for beginners to learn and a great family activity.

Guests have a range of dining options from pizza to sushi, and Turtle’s Pool & Beach Bar has a kids’ menu and virgin daiquiris to drink.

1451 Middle Gulf Drive, Sanibel, FL, Phone: 239-472-4151

Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa

With its dedicated event team on hand to make sure everything runs smoothly, Eau Palm Beach is an ideal choice for hosting events with pizzazz.

There three ballrooms, 10 breakout rooms, and an outdoor event space.

But it's not all about big events.

Guests can enjoy the small things too, from piña colada cupcakes at Breeze Ocean Kitchen, visiting the Loggerhead Marine Life Center – a sea turtle hospital responsible for 9.5 miles of beach and thousands of hatchlings annually, where turtles can be viewed in the special gallery – or just dipping a toe in the luxurious pool.

100 South Ocean Boulevard, Manalapan, FL, Phone: 561-533-6000

Hawk’s Cay

They offer WaveRunner rentals, parasail rides, a dolphin experience, a kids’ club, and an 85-slip marina.

There’s a tropical lagoon for guests who prefer their recreation a little more on the leisurely side.

One of the coolest perks is the chance to get up close and personal with marine life – from snorkeling and diving expeditions to swimming with dolphins.

Scuba divers may even be lucky enough to dive with harmless nurse sharks.

Multi-bedroom villas are perfect for family vacations. The award-winning Hawk's Cay Resort was voted as having the Best Hotel Kids Program in the country.

61 Hawks Cay Boulevard, Duck Key, FL, Phone: 888-395-5539

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Over 30 species roam the park, including flamingos, giraffes, and zebras. The resort also boasts award-winning dining and an 11,000-square-foot pool designed to mimic an African watering hole; here, guests can channel their inner Pumbaa and splash to their heart's content.

Animal Kingdom also offers supervised playtimes, so parents can relax too. For a little extra Disney magic, in-room celebrations are available.

2901 Oscola Parkway, Lake Buena Vista, FL, Phone: 407-938-3000

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