When you think of Florida, what do you think of?
The beach.
It's no surprise that the Sunshine State has some of the best beaches in the country. In fact, there are over 400 miles of white sand beach along the Atlantic coast alone!
Relaxing on a beautiful beach is one of life's greatest pleasures for me. I've spent many days at our local beaches swimming and playing with my kids or just walking along admiring how beautiful it all looks.
Now, where do you stay to experience the beautiful beaches?
Whether you're looking for a luxury resort or a more family-friendly getaway, there's something for everyone who wants to experience the best beach resorts in Florida.
I've listed the top 10 of the best beach resorts in Florida that are beachfront or have access to beachfront amenities in no particular order:
10. South Seas Island Resort
The South Seas Island Resort is ideal for families who want to stay in a private resort that boasts a picturesque beachfront location and nature preserve.
So if you're looking for a place that offers the best of both worlds—great activities and a relaxing beachfront location, the South Seas Island Resort is a perfect choice.
This resort boasts an array of amenities that will keep everyone happy while you enjoy your time away from home.
The South Seas Island Resort has plenty of activities available for kids, including supervised children's programs, room service options, and kid-friendly dining locations.
As an added bonus, this resort has an awesome main resort pool with two water slides that will keep everyone in your party having fun in the sun. There are also cabana rentals if you want to enjoy your time poolside with maximum pleasure.
Getting around is super easy too! The resort offers a complimentary shuttle service that transports resort guests around the resort area. South Seas Island Resort also is a golf cart-friendly area so there are golf cart rentals nearby which I totally suggest checking out.
This is why South Seas Island Resort is one of the top best beach resorts in Florida.
9. Ritz Carlton Amelia Island
The Ritz Carlton Amelia Island is a luxury resort that caters to couples as well as families. It is located on the northern Atlantic side of Florida and has several amenities that will keep everyone happy and relaxed.
Guests of the Ritz Carlton on Amelia Island can make use of its bicycle rentals, pools, concierge services, golf course, spa, and oceanview rooms.
The Ritz is located right next to the ocean, so you'll have an incredible view of it from your room and daily activities like swimming or playing tennis.
Choose from several room suites and consider choosing a club room suite which is great for the people who snack in your family.
This is definitely one of my top picks for the best beach resorts in Florida.
8. The Don CeSar
Don CeSar Resort has an unforgettable pink exterior and that has been an iconic Florida resort since the 1920s. So if you are looking to add a little history while you travel in Florida then the Don CeSar is a great option.
Don CeSar Resort is located on St. Pete Beach which is known for gorgeous white sand beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. This resort is a perfect option if you are flying to Tampa or need a quick getaway from another location in Florida.
This pink resort is situated beautifully along the coast and has a pool beachside that screams relaxation.
Let's not forget about the spa which offers several services to guests including manicures, pedicures, waxing services, facials, and massages which are all performed by trained professionals who will make you feel like royalty.
The hotel is also within walking distance of the Pier 60 fishing pier as well as other attractions such as John's Pass Village and the Museum of Manatee History.
7. The Gasparilla Inn & Club
The Gasparilla Inn & Club boasts a historical old Florida feel with access to the resort's private beach club with restaurants, pool and fitness center.
Don't worry, for the golf lovers in the family, The Gasparilla Inn & Club has a breathtaking golf course. If you are a planner, like I am, then consider shipping your golf clubs so that you don't have to travel with the extra luggage.
This resort is top-notch and the perfect family getaway vacation. Accommodations will vary based on your needs. For example, you can choose to stay at the historic inn or consider renting a villa which would be a better option for larger families.
The food is fabulous and the quaint town of Boca Grande has several delicious restaurants offering local seafood.
There are plenty of activities within walking distance from this property including boutique shopping, art galleries, and home decor stores.
Most travelers get around by bikes or golf clubs so definitely check into rentals prior to your arrival.
Be sure to check your travel dates as The Gasparilla Inn & Club has seasonal dates and will close for summer.
6. Hawks Cay Resort
Hawks Cay Resort is located in beautiful Duck Key in the Florida Keys. So for all the adventurous travelers looking to enjoy what the Florida Keys has to offer, then Hawks Cay Resort is an awesome choice for one of the best beach resorts in Florida.
Hawks Cay has several pools to lounge by and direct access to the Gulf of Mexico and Florida Bay in addition to deep-sea fishing in the Atlantic.
other amenities like scuba diving lessons.
There are several family-friendly amenities that are offered at Hawks Cay Resort. Check out their stand-up paddle boarding, snorkeling adventures, dolphin encounters, spa treatments, tennis, and much more!
Another reason why Hawks Cay Resort is one of the beach resorts in Florida is because of the varying accommodation options. There are many choices to choose from depending on what size of party you are traveling with. There are hotel-size rooms all the way to larger villas that will sleep everyone in your group.
5. La Playa Beach and Golf Resort
When you travel in Florida, consider visiting Southwest Florida and the beautiful town of Naples.
One of the best beach resorts in Florida that is situated on the beautiful Gulf of Mexico is La Playa Beach and Golf Resort.
This Naples Florida resort offers rooms with several different resort views and plus access to spa treatments.
The beach is beautiful at the La Playa Beach and Golf Resort. So if you are wanting to enjoy the best beach resorts in Florida with awesome sunset views over the water, then this is a great option.
Not to mention the sunset dining option at delicious BALEEN.
4. The Henderson Beach Resort & Spa
The Henderson Beach Resort & Spa is located on the Emerald Coast of Florida (Florida Panhandle).
There are so many beautiful beach resorts in this area that it can be hard to pick a favorite in this area of the state.
However, The Henderson Beach Resort & Spa is beautifully appointed and has the ideal private beach location situated on 24 acres of sugar-white sand beach and emerald green waters.
The resort offers a wide range of accommodations that will be sure to accommodate all sizes of families.
There are several dining options and two beautiful golf courses nearby that are open to guests of the resort.
For the shoppers in the family, Destin has a great outlet mall and wonderful boutiques to check out.
3. The Breakers
The iconic Breakers is located in the picturesque town of Palm Beach Florida located on the Atlantic coast.
This resort boasts a wide range of amenities for guests as well as impeccable service.
Fitness, spa, pool, beach, you name it and The Breakers offers it. That's why it's one of the best beach resorts in Florida.
If you decide to book a stay at The Breakers, then definitely check out their famous Sunday Brunch! Lobster and caviar anyone?
2. Disney's Vero Beach Resort
Disney's Vero Beach Resort is one of those resorts that is great for family time as it offers a wide range of activities for all ages.
The resort has swimming pools with water features, kids activities throughout the day, resort dining so that you don't have to leave the area as well as sports amenities such as golf and tennis.
The resort is situated on a beautiful stretch of the Atlantic and has water sports equipment rentals on the beach.
I love this resort for the low-key family vibe and relaxed feeling. That's why Disney's Vero Beach Resort is one of the best beach resorts in Florida.
1. JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort
JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort is located in Marco Island which is south of Naples Florida.
This is a beautiful resort that is located on a beautiful stretch of beach that has all the bells and whistles to keep everyone in your family happy.
The resort has several pools, including a spa that offers a range of treatments.
If you want to get out on the water, there are nearby boat rentals for fishing or exploring the 10,000 islands.
This is one of the best beach resorts in Florida for its beautiful location and wide range of amenities and quick access to many other activities including air boating in the Florida Everglades.
We’ve rounded up some of the best beach resorts in Florida that offer something for everyone.
Whether you are looking for luxury accommodations, a family vacation or somewhere to unwind after work, there are plenty of options available in the Sunshine State.
So if you vacation and travel in Florida, why not consider one of these top spots located on the beach?
Additional Activities
Once you've checked into one of these awesome hotels, check out the many fun local activities. I've found that Viator, which is a TripAdvisor company, has some great ideas where you can book day trips such as local sunset cruises, shelling, bike tours, and much more!
Read more top picks from Florida Family Travel Guide:
Hello! I'm Tiffany, a creative travel writer, mother to three awesome kids, and Floridian. We like to visit beautiful Florida beaches, Florida State Parks, and of course Disney! I like to write about our travel adventures and provide tips to other families traveling or relocating to the Sunshine State.