Sunshine, beaches, and the best theme parks in the world. You can’t beat Florida as the ultimate family vacation destination. Born and raised in Florida, I have had the privilege of “vacationing where I live” for years. With so many different Florida resorts and activities throughout the state, it’s easy to book a quick weekend getaway, just hours away from my home. From the north coasts of Destin to the most southern point of the US in Key West, Florida has some of the best resorts in the world. The hardest part is to choose which one!
Whether you’re coming for the beaches, water activities, or the theme parks, there is truly something for everyone. Each Florida Resort is well equipped to give your family a vacation to remember.
1. Four Seasons Resort at Walt Disney World
For one of the most luxurious vacations in Florida, the Four Seasons Resort is an experience to remember! The 5-acre water park includes a lazy river, water slides, and a splash area. Have breakfast with Goofy and Pals at the on-site restaurant, Ravello, then take the kids to the “The Hideout” Kids club while you relax in the spa for a few hours. Enjoy complimentary transportation to the Disney Parks if they’re on your agenda. If not, the resort offers a calendar full of family fun on their beautiful grounds.
2. Tradewinds Island Resort, St. Pete Beach
Enjoy two Florida beach resorts with one reservation! The Tradewinds Island Grand and Rumfish Beach Resort offer endless water, beach, and family activities. Relax in a beach or pool cabana or take up the thrills on the Floating Water Park, High Tide Water Slide, and Surf WipeOut. With over 200 activities always going on between the two adjacent resorts daily, your family is sure to never have a dull vacation moment.
3. Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort, Bonita Springs
A unique Florida Beach resort, Hyatt Regency Coconut Point is an all-around great property for families that you won’t want to leave. Since this resort isn’t technically on the beach, your family will enjoy the exclusive Island ferry to their private island, and maybe get in some dolphin sightings on the way. Back at the resort, kids and parents can race down water slides and float down the lazy river. This property offers larger rooms at the residential side with more pools and dining options, and just a trolley ride away. Read more about our stay.
4. The Ritz Carlton, Naples
A luxury family resort experience located on the beautiful sands of Southwest Florida. This Florida resort features an interactive environmental children’s program (ages 5-12), high-tech gaming area, 2 outdoor pools, and an award winning golf course. For dining, the beach side restaurant, Gumbo Limbo, is a perfect lunch location. Since it’s located on the beach, beach activities like parasailing are steps away! *Currently Under Construction through November 2022
5. Disney Resort, Vero Beach
Disney, but in a cozy seaside resort kind of way. One of Disney’s smaller resorts and about 2 hours Southeast from the parks, this Vero Beach location still offers Disney charm and service. There are plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy, like mini golf, playgrounds, pirate ship themed splash area, and a large outdoor pool with a swirling slide. Also, the kids won’t want to miss out on the Pirate Parties with special character guests! This Disney Resort offers several room options, from standard studios to 3-bedroom cottages for larger families.
7. Omni Orlando Resort at Championsgate Resort
Make this your next family fun in the sun destination! Omni at Championsgate has an entire waterpark-like pool area with 5 separate large pools, including an adult only pool and kid’s pool, a lazy river, multiple water slides, whirlpools, and Orlando’s only resort wave pool! The kid’s swimming area is perfect for little ones with it’s zero, three small water slides, and cabanas for the family. Omni’s really know how to cater to families because this resort has 8 restaurants on property, private two- and three-bedroom villas with full kitchens, daily kids’ activities and a supervised kids’ club.
6. JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort
The JW Marriott on Marco Island, FL is your ultimate family friendly getaway spot. They’ve recently gone through a complete renovation with updated rooms, an entire Adult-only tower (including a rooftop pool!), and an indoor entertainment spot with glow mini golf! The resort sits on 3 miles of beautiful Florida beach and just like all Marriott resorts, service and kids’ activities are plentiful and exceptional. Check out the blog post HERE I wrote about our personal experience at this resort.
7. Omni Orlando Resort at Championsgate Resort
Make this your next family fun in the sun destination! Omni at Championsgate has an entire waterpark-like pool area with 5 separate large pools, including an adult only pool and kid’s pool, a lazy river, multiple water slides, whirlpools, and Orlando’s only resort wave pool! The kid’s swimming area is perfect for little ones with it’s zero, three small water slides, and cabanas for the family. Omni’s really know how to cater to families because this resort has 8 restaurants on property, private two- and three-bedroom villas with full kitchens, daily kids’ activities and a supervised kids’ club.
8. Marriott World Center, Orlando
Our Spring Break 2022 destination! We enjoyed the large pool area, slides, cabanas and nightly lazy show with our best friends over the break. This is a gigantic resort with several towers and dining options, including a “Pantry” with several grab and go options and self-serve ice cream. The poolside dining didn’t disappoint and the wings at High Velocity were a crowd pleaser. This Florida resort just opened a new water park called River Falls, as if they didn’t already offer tons of things for the kids! The new area is over by the West Tower and it features new cabanas areas, three slides, splash area playground, and they only thing this resort was missing, a lazy river!
9. Oceans Edge Key West
A new (built in 2017) luxury resort hidden away from all the Key West noise, but close enough to enjoy it when desired. Oceans Edge Resort is located on Stock Island, a short drive over a bridge from Key West. There are six pools at this resort, each offering plenty of seating and servers serving up food and drinks. Book a fishing excursion from the onsite marine or use the resorts kayaks and paddle boards for hours of fun on the water. There aren’t many dining options available at the Resort, but a shuttle service is available to transport you to and from the lively Old Town Key West about 10 min away. The largest room available is a 2-bedroom suite, for 10 guests.
10. Marriott Harbor Beach Resort, Fort Lauderdale
We enjoyed this resort a few years back for Spring Break. We spent days being catered to poolside at the large lagoon style pool and private beach area. There are a few dining options at the resort, including a healthy juice cafe, but plenty of dining options are super close by offsite. We ordered sandwiches from Publix one day and enjoyed them down at the beach, and had pizza delivered another day. The kid’s switched gears after a few days in the sun with us parents and begged to go into The Surf Club. This is an extra cost, like all resort Kid’s Clubs, but they had a blast with sandcastle building, different sports competitions, tie dying T-shirts, and playing on the basketball courts. Those seeking thrills, can rent jet skis or a parasailing excursion onsite. Rooms were comfortable and clean, equipped with mini fridges.
11. JW Marriott Miami Turnberry, Aventura
This beautiful resort has all the ritzy Miami flare yet tucked away in a tropical oasis between Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Eat at any of their 7 dining options, including a Starbucks and BOURBON Steakhouse by Michael Mina. Tidal Cove Water Park offers a lazy river, splash playground, numerous water slides, and a surf simulator. A quick 30 minute drive will get you to the famous South Beaches of Miami.
12. Sapphire Falls Universal, Orlando
A little slice of lush tropical paradise, just a boat ride away from City Walk and Universal Parks.Have some fun poolside with hoola hoop and dance competitions, going down the slide or relaxing with Pina Coladas. The Sapphire Falls has 4 on-site dining restaurants. Strong Water Tavern is a personal favorite, offering small tapa style bites from around the world. The boat ride to City Walk and Universal Parks is an adventure and such a fun way to get to tons of fun restaurants and shops. Tip: We love CowFish and Voodoo Donuts inside City Walk!
11. JW Marriott Miami Turnberry, Aventura
This beautiful resort has all the ritzy Miami flare yet tucked away in a tropical oasis between Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Eat at any of their 7 dining options, including a Starbucks and BOURBON Steakhouse by Michael Mina. Tidal Cove Water Park offers a lazy river, splash playground, numerous water slides, and a surf simulator. A quick 30 minute drive will get you to the famous South Beaches of Miami.
14. Henderson Beach Resort
While we’re on the “30A’, you have to check out this Modern southern panhandle favorite! This resort offers beautiful clean rooms with oceanfront views of Henderson Beach State Park, 2 pools, and gulf-to-table cuisine. Don’t miss out on a relaxing weekend floating in the lazy river, or having a little fun competition playing at the lawn games. Henderson Beach Resort offers a Kid’s Club, and plenty of activities the whole family can enjoy like movies on the lawn and complementary bike, paddle board, and kayak rentals.
13. Portofino Island Resort, Pensacola
A very popular spot on Pensacola Beach, the Portofina offers an amazing beach escape for the family. This resort is made up of 5 different towers that offer standard rooms to two and three-bedroom condos with water views. Each tower is connected by a trolley or rented golf cart and has their own pool and hot tub. Daily activities are galore, with swimming with the Portofino mermaid, crafts on the pool deck, dive-in movies, and kids’ night out. The Adventure Cove Waterpark is a giant inflatable obstacle course and playground on the water. Dolphin Cruises and many other water activities are available to book on site.
14. Henderson Beach Resort
While we’re on the “30A’, you have to check out this Modern southern panhandle favorite! This resort offers beautiful clean rooms with oceanfront views of Henderson Beach State Park, 2 pools, and gulf-to-table cuisine. Don’t miss out on a relaxing weekend floating in the lazy river, or having a little fun competition playing at the lawn games. Henderson Beach Resort offers a Kid’s Club, and plenty of activities the whole family can enjoy like movies on the lawn and complementary bike, paddle board, and kayak rentals.
16. Hammock Beach Resort, Palm Coast
Hammock Beach Resort, located along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, about 20 minutes from Saint Augustine, is an entire vacation community! Book a room in the main resort or an entire vacation home for multiple families on resort property. Pools, beach, lazy rivers, bike rentals, spa, golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, and restaurants are all located on the property.
17. Omni Amelia Island Resort
Taking us up to Northeast Florida, the Omni Amelia Island Resort sits on Fernandina Beach and offers 400 ocean view rooms and suites. This resort is fit for a family of foodies and outdoor enthusiast, offering a whopping 9 restaurants on site, from upscale dining at Bob’s Steakhouse to casual outdoor at Oceanside. Enjoy the outdoors (North Florida usually has some cooler temps) with paddle boarding, beach lounging, kayaking through persevered marshlands, or biking down the seven miles of bike trails. The Omni has a Nature Center where you can take nature tours and visit with the animal friends on exhibit. Don’t forget to sign up for the Omni Hotels Select Guest Program to enjoy some cool perks at check in and during your stay.
17. Omni Amelia Island Resort
Taking us up to Northeast Florida, the Omni Amelia Island Resort sits on Fernandina Beach and offers 400 ocean view rooms and suites. This resort is fit for a family of foodies and outdoor enthusiast, offering a whopping 9 restaurants on site, from upscale dining at Bob’s Steakhouse to casual outdoor at Oceanside. Enjoy the outdoors (North Florida usually has some cooler temps) with paddle boarding, beach lounging, kayaking through persevered marshlands, or biking down the seven miles of bike trails. The Omni has a Nature Center where you can take nature tours and visit with the animal friends on exhibit. Don’t forget to sign up for the Omni Hotels Select Guest Program to enjoy some cool perks at check in and during your stay.
6. JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort
The JW Marriott on Marco Island, FL is your ultimate family friendly getaway spot. They’ve recently gone through a complete renovation with updated rooms, an entire Adult-only tower (including a rooftop pool!), and an indoor entertainment spot with glow mini golf! The resort sits on 3 miles of beautiful Florida beach and just like all Marriott resorts, service and kids’ activities are plentiful and exceptional. Check out the blog post HERE I wrote about our personal experience at this resort.
8. Marriott World Center, Orlando
Our Spring Break 2022 destination! We enjoyed the large pool area, slides, cabanas and nightly lazy show with our best friends over the break. This is a gigantic resort with several towers and dining options, including a “Pantry” with several grab and go options and self-serve ice cream. The poolside dining didn’t disappoint and the wings at High Velocity were a crowd pleaser. This Florida resort just opened a new water park called River Falls, as if they didn’t already offer tons of things for the kids! The new area is over by the West Tower and it features new cabanas areas, three slides, splash area playground, and they only thing this resort was missing, a lazy river!
9. Oceans Edge Key West
A new (built in 2017) luxury resort hidden away from all the Key West noise, but close enough to enjoy it when desired. Oceans Edge Resort is located on Stock Island, a short drive over a bridge from Key West. There are six pools at this resort, each offering plenty of seating and servers serving up food and drinks. Book a fishing excursion from the onsite marine or use the resorts kayaks and paddle boards for hours of fun on the water. There aren’t many dining options available at the Resort, but a shuttle service is available to transport you to and from the lively Old Town Key West about 10 min away. The largest room available is a 2-bedroom suite, for 10 guests.
12. Sapphire Falls Universal, Orlando
A little slice of lush tropical paradise, just a boat ride away from City Walk and Universal Parks.Have some fun poolside with hoola hoop and dance competitions, going down the slide or relaxing with Pina Coladas. The Sapphire Falls has 4 on-site dining restaurants. Strong Water Tavern is a personal favorite, offering small tapa style bites from around the world. The boat ride to City Walk and Universal Parks is an adventure and such a fun way to get to tons of fun restaurants and shops. Tip: We love CowFish and Voodoo Donuts inside City Walk!
13. Portofino Island Resort, Pensacola
A very popular spot on Pensacola Beach, the Portofina offers an amazing beach escape for the family. This resort is made up of 5 different towers that offer standard rooms to two and three-bedroom condos with water views. Each tower is connected by a trolley or rented golf cart and has their own pool and hot tub. Daily activities are galore, with swimming with the Portofino mermaid, crafts on the pool deck, dive-in movies, and kids’ night out. The Adventure Cove Waterpark is a giant inflatable obstacle course and playground on the water. Dolphin Cruises and many other water activities are available to book on site.
15. WaterColor Resort, Santa Rosa Beach
All “30A” Florida beach destinations are super popular right now. WaterColor Inn and Resort is a smaller, boutique sophisticated resort set on the white sands of Santa Rosa Beach. It has a prime spot on the Gulf with a dining option with oceanfront views. FOOW is a favorite restaurant serving brunch and dinner with the best local fish you can find. Classic kids menus are also available. The cute charming town of Seaside is close by and quickly reachable by bike or walk.
16. Hammock Beach Resort, Palm Coast
Hammock Beach Resort, located along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, about 20 minutes from Saint Augustine, is an entire vacation community! Book a room in the main resort or an entire vacation home for multiple families on resort property. Pools, beach, lazy rivers, bike rentals, spa, golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, and restaurants are all located on the property.
18. Animal Kingdom Lodge, Orlando
This resort is one of the most unique on Disney property because it sets on a 43-acre wildlife preserve with over 300 animals roaming just outside you room balcony (if you book one with Savannah Views). Animal Kingdom Lodge is made up of two different neighboring properties – Jambo House and Kidani Village. Jambo House is the original property and Kidani Village was built next door in 2009. Your reservation at one gets you access to everything both offer! There are three main dining options, plus several quick service and bar/lounges. You’ll find everything from cheeseburgers to African-inspired dishes. If you plan to go to the parks during your stay, shuttle transportation is complimentary and the large pool with waterslide will be waiting for you when you get back. The Resort Activity calendar is full of stuff to do during the day if you plan on staying at the resort, like ice cream making on the pool deck!
