Guide to Florida's best beach resorts
Whether splashing at the water park, teeing off on the fairway, or settling in for a spa retreat—find the right Florida beach resort for every style of vacation.
Florida has long been a pillar beach resort destination for every style of traveler. Here, you’ll find no limit to luxury spa retreats, quiet romantic getaways secluded from the city, or adventure-packed vacations with golf courses, tennis courts, and water parks. With so many options in resort offerings, it’s tough to narrow down where to stay.
No matter what kind of trip you’re after, you’ll find it here on our list of top picks of Florida beach resorts. Enjoy your R&R the way you love best: by the emerald waters and sugar-white sands of the Sunshine State.
Whether you’re traveling with kids, or embracing your inner child at heart, you’re sure to love the water park amenities and family activities offered at this oceanfront resort. Split your day between building sandcastles on the beach and water play fun at the resort’s dive-in movie theater, lazy river, splash pad, heated swimming pools, hot tubs, and waterslides. After your little ones have gotten their fill of excitement at the pool, they can take on games at the arcade or fill up at family dinner at the on-site restaurant, Riptide Bar & Grill.
For the adults, Panama City Beach boasts a thriving nightlife, as well as other attractions in town like museums, golf courses, and an aquarium, whenever you need a break from the pool. Pier Park, the premier hub for shopping and entertainment, is also only a ten-minute drive away. With all the best of water park thrills ahead of you, you’ll want for nothing on your family vacation to the beach.
The best vacations are the ones everyone can enjoy, and with a pet-friendly hotel resort, there’s no need to leave your four-legged friends at home. Resort Villas at Lost Key not only features a golf course, fitness center, on-site restaurant, outdoor pools, and a private beach with beach service, but also 300 acres of nature preserves where you can bike, jog, or share a relaxing stroll in the sun with your pup.
In the surrounding area, you’ll find restaurants, bars, public parks, water sports rentals, and River Road Dog Park, where you can take on the water and play a game of fetch between the waves. Perdido Key has plenty of beautiful white-sand beaches and walking trails that make it one of Florida’s best dog-friendly destinations.
This sun-soaked Florida beach resort promises rolling verdant hills ready for a day of golf. Located along Miramar Beach, this Sandestin® resort community’s 2,400 acres span a summer of activity, including access to Gulf Coast beach clubs, shopping, restaurants, and nightlife—not to mention the four championship golf courses, front and center.
Grab your golf clubs to tee off with friends all afternoon, then wind down the day with fresh seafood, drinks, and live music at The Village.
A small resort city known for its broad, beautiful beaches, Anna Maria Island is a refreshing, romantic getaway along Florida’s barrier islands. Sunrise Garden Resort is the perfect secluded oasis to savor it all on your next couple’s retreat, offering cute, low-key stays, an outdoor pool, and fully-equipped kitchens for date night homemade dinners.
Nearby, you’ll find cafes to start the morning, and pubs, seafood shacks, and fine dining restaurants to end your evening. Try something new in snorkeling along the reef, renting jet skis for a thrilling adventure around the island, or booking a picturesque dolphin cruise at sunset—there are few better places to find your dreamy beach paradise than the Florida tropics.
Indulge in a little bit of luxury on your next trip away. If you’re looking for a place to unwind, the white sands, sparkling pools, and spa offerings of Portofino Island Resort have you covered. Start your morning basking in soothing ocean views from the comfort of your private balcony, then head out for a day of pampering and relaxation at the resort’s on-site spa.
Pick and choose treatments from a full-service spa menu of facials, body wraps, renewing massages, aromatherapy, and more. The relaxation doesn’t stop there—the resort also offers a fitness center, smoothie bar, and seven outdoor pools. Treating yourself never felt so good.
For some, the love of the game doesn’t stop while you’re on vacation. That’s where TOPS’L Beach & Racquet Resort comes in. Spanning 52 acres of resort communities, pristine beaches, tennis courts, and other luxury amenities, TOPS’L is an adventure playground for sports and activity enthusiasts.
Among its list of amenities, gear up and enjoy the TOPS’L Tennis Center, racquetball courts, basketball courts, and the fitness center including indoor/outdoor heated pools and hot tubs, yoga classes, sauna and steam rooms, and personal trainer services. After a day of play, wind down with a stroll on Miramar Beach and grab a bite at any of the resort’s delicious dining options.
