Brittney Naylor and daughter with their hands up as they sit in a cabana at The Don CeSar, Best family resorts in Florida

12+ BEST Family Resorts in Florida You Need to Visit

It’s no surprise that Florida consistently ranks #1 in vacation destinations in the USA, with its beautiful beaches, popular theme parks, and a wide range of family-friendly activities. That being said, there are so many fantastic family resorts in Florida, no matter which area of the state you want to visit.

While there are many great resorts in the Orlando area, as it’s the most popular vacation destination within Florida, there are still many great beach resorts spread out across Florida’s coasts.

BEST Family Resorts in Florida

1. Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center

Location: Kissimmee, Florida

Gaylord Palms Resort is a true gem for families visiting the Orlando area. This family resort in Florida combines luxury, entertainment, and convenience. In addition, the stunning atriums, each representing different Florida ecosystems, provide a unique backdrop for your stay.

Our family loves the Cypress Springs Water Park, which features a multi-level water playground, water slides, various pools, and Crystal River Rapids, which is unlike any other lazy river. If you’re visiting Orlando and looking for the best pool experience on your days off from the parks, then the Gaylord Palms is the place to stay!

2. Hawks Cay Resort

Location: Duck Key, Florida

Hawks Cay Resort is an excellent option for families wanting to see the Florida Keys. This family-friendly resort has a variety of water activities, such as swimming with dolphins, fishing, and snorkeling. Families can also enjoy the kids club, Pirate Ship Pool, and large villas. In addition, families can explore neighboring Marathon and Key West.

Aerial Views of Hawks Cay Resort in Duck Key of the Florida Keys. Family Resorts in Florida.

3. JW Marriott Clearwater Beach

Location: Clearwater Beach, Florida

For families looking for a beach getaway, another great family resort in Florida is the JW Marriott Clearwater Beach. Located on the pristine shores of Clearwater Beach, this resort offers luxurious accommodations, a full-service spa, and a fabulous rooftop pool area. Explore nearby attractions like Clearwater Marine Aquarium or simply unwind on the powdery sands of the Gulf Coast.

This resort also offers a kids club for children ages 5-12, offers various dining options, and provides excellent service. Our family loved the private beach inlet. It was a great place to watch the dolphins and boats pass by.

The best beach resort in Clearwater JW Marriott Clearwater Beach. Brittney Naylor and daughter sitting in beach chairs under umbrella reading books. Best Family Resorts in Florida.

4. Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa

Location: Destin, Florida

The Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, located on the beautiful Emerald Coast, is an excellent choice for a family beach vacation in the panhandle. It has something for everyone, with large accommodations and an abundance of family activities, such as, beachside restaurants, water sports, and a kids club. The spectacular beachside location of the resort also offers many possibilities for relaxation and adventure.

Aerial view of pools at Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort in Destin, Florida

5. Disney Resorts

Location: Various locations throughout Orlando, Florida

If you’re looking to elevate your Disney vacation, then you’ll want to stay at one of the many Disney resorts located throughout Orlando. There are many resorts to choose from, with various themes and price points.

Some of our favorite Disney Resorts include Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Wilderness Lodge, as well as, Animal Kingdom Lodge, and Saratoga Springs. Each offers a unique experience and are sure to leave your family with lasting memories.

Other perks of staying at Disney Resorts include early entry to the theme parks, transportation to and from the parks, exceptional service, and more. You can also enjoy numerous character dining opportunities and other special moments at these resorts.

brittney naylor in black one piece swimsuit with daughter at pool at copper creek wilderness lodge. Best Family Resort in Florida
two zebras eating grass at disneys animal kingdom lodge, family resort in florida, best disney resorts

6. The Breakers

Location: Palm Beach, Florida

Another great family resort in Florida is The Breakers, located on Florida’s east coast in Palm Beach. This classic luxury resort caters to families looking for sophistication and elegance. Situated on a private beach, this historic resort boasts exquisite accommodations, a family-friendly pool area, and a fantastic kids club. Not to mention, a plethora of dining options. Enjoy golf, water sports, and explore the beautiful town of Palm Beach during your stay, too.

Entrance of The Breakers Palm Beach Resort--Best Family Resorts in Florida

7. Caribe Royale

Location: Orlando, Florida

Caribe Royale Orlando is a fantastic option for families visiting the theme park capital of the world. This resort offers spacious suites, making it perfect for families of all sizes. Enjoy the lagoon-style pool with a waterslide, hot tubs, and a separate kiddie pool. The resort also boasts on-site dining, including a steakhouse and a poolside bar and grill. Plus, it’s just minutes away from Walt Disney World and other major Orlando attractions, providing the ideal home base for your family’s adventure.

Brittney Naylor and daughter standing in front of the Caribe Royale sign at the pool at Caribe Royale in Orlando

8. Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa

Location: Bonita Springs, Florida

The Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa is another great family resort in Florida and a true tropical paradise. Enjoy the water park with a lazy river, waterslides, and a splash pad for the kids. There’s also a kids club, golf courses, and beautiful grounds to explore. Don’t forget to take a boat trip to the nearby barrier islands for shelling and wildlife viewing.

Aerial view of pools and slides at Hyatt Regency Coconut Point in Bonita Springs, Flroida

9. Pelican Grand Beach Resort

Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Pelican Grand Beach Resort is a charming oceanfront retreat in the heart of Fort Lauderdale and is a great family resort in Florida. Families can enjoy the resort’s direct access to a beautiful sandy beach, where you can swim, build sandcastles, or simply relax.

The resort features a pool with a lazy river and private cabanas, perfect for a day of fun in the sun. Kids will love the daily activities and the resort also offers a kids club. Plus, you can take advantage of the convenient location to explore Fort Lauderdale’s attractions, including the Museum of Discovery and Science and the Jungle Queen Riverboat.

Exterior view of Pelican Grand Beach Resort located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Best family resorts in Florida.

10. Max Daytona Beach Resort

Location: Daytona Beach, Florida

Quite possibly, one of the best family resorts in Florida is Max Daytona Beach Resort. This resort is a hidden gem for families looking for a relaxing beachfront escape. With direct access to the famous Daytona Beach, this resort offers comfortable accommodations in 1-3 bedroom suites, a beachfront pool, and an oceanfront restaurant.

Families can also explore Daytona’s attractions, such as, the Daytona International Speedway and the Daytona Beach Boardwalk, all conveniently located nearby.

11. The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne

Location: Miami, Florida

For families seeking a luxurious Miami escape, The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne offers a serene oasis. This family resort in Florida features a stunning private beach, a Ritz Kids program, and a family-friendly pool area. With multiple dining options and proximity to Miami’s vibrant culture, it’s the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement for families.

Aerial view of Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne in Miami, Florida. Best Family resorts in Florida.

12. Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

Location: Orlando, Florida

Another great family resort in Florida is the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando Resort. This resort offers a Caribbean-inspired escape in the heart of Orlando. The resort’s tropical pool, complete with a water slide, is a hit with kids. Plus, the family suites provide ample space for everyone. In addition, guests can enjoy the benefits of early park admission to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.

View of Universal's Loews Sapphire Falls Resort in Orlando, Florida--Family Resorts in Florida.

13. JW Marriott Marco Island

Location: Marco Island, Florida

JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort is another jewel on Florida’s southwest coast. Families will appreciate the spacious rooms, a kids camp, and a private beach where you can collect shells and enjoy the sunset. The resort also features water sports, golf, and delectable dining options. It’s the ultimate destination for relaxation and adventure.

JW Marriott Marco Island view from the beach looking back at the hotels.

14. LEGOLAND Pirate Island Resort

Location: Winter Haven, Florida

For families with young LEGO enthusiasts, the LEGOLAND Pirate Island Hotel is an excellent family resort in Florida. Themed rooms and family-friendly amenities are designed with LEGO bricks in mind. Enjoy easy access to LEGOLAND Florida, where children can immerse themselves in the world of LEGO with themed rides and attractions.

Families can also enjoy Peppa Pig Theme Park which is located adjacent to LEGOLAND Florida. Plus, this resort is only 30 minutes from all of the other main theme parks in Orlando.

LEGOLAND Florida Pirate Island Resort in Winter Haven, Florida
LEGOLAND Florida entrance, things to do in Orlando

15. The Don CeSar

Location: Saint Pete Beach, FL

The “Pink Palace” or The Don CeSar is a great family resort in Florida for those looking to enjoy a bit of history and elegance. Built in 1928, some even believe The Don CeSar is haunted. While we didn’t experience any ghost activity during our stay, we did enjoy the pools and soft sandy beaches.

The hotel also offers endless photo ops and is the perfect backdrop for your family photos. In addition, Saint Pete Beach offers a variety of great restaurants, dolphin tours, and more for the family to enjoy!

The Pink Palace, Don CeSar hotel view from the beach in Saint Pete with blue skies behind.
Eleanor playing in the sand under a green beach umbrella that reads The Don CeSar in Saint Pete Beach, Florida, best family resorts in florida

Best Family Resorts in Florida: Conclusion

Florida is a fantastic destination for family vacations and these resorts offer the perfect blend of luxury, entertainment, and relaxation. Whether you’re looking for Disney magic, beachfront bliss, or a taste of the Keys, these resorts have something special to offer. Book your stay at one of these best family resorts in Florida and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Have you stayed at any of these family resorts in Florida mentioned? I would love to hear about your stay! Or maybe you’ve stayed at other great family resorts in Florida? Let me know in the comments!

Which family resort in Florida is right for you?

When deciding which family resorts in Florida are best for your family, there are several things to consider. Will you need a kitchenette, so you can prepare meals? How many beds will you need for your family? What is your overall budget? And what amenities do you favor over others?

For my family, we love to spend a lot of time at the pool and we enjoy more spacious rooms. So, we gravitate more towards suite-style hotels with large pools.

My advice is to figure out what are the 3 most important things for your family and then start planning from there!

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The Comments

  • Meghan
    January 17, 2024

    These look beautiful. So many great options!

  • Josy A
    January 17, 2024

    This is a little embarrassing, but I have never stayed in this kind of a resort as an adult! They all look amazing, and I can see why they’d be fabulous for families if you want to spend time by the pool!

    The lego resort looks unreal! You must have had a blast researching this one! 😉

  • kmf
    January 17, 2024

    So many cool and fantastic family resorts in Florida. Would love to stay at the Legoland and Pink Palace hotels. So fun!

    • Brittney
      → kmf
      January 17, 2024

      Absolutely LOVE the Pink Palace!

  • Valeriya
    January 18, 2024

    So many great ideas! My daughter and I will use this list when traveling to Florida.

  • Jade
    January 18, 2024

    What a great list of family friendly resorts! Thank you!

  • Jade Chan
    January 18, 2024

    What a great list of family friendly resorts! Thank you for the helpful info!

  • Anna
    January 18, 2024

    All the resorts look fantastic! For my first trip to Florida with kids, I’d pick the Legoland Pirate Island Resort or one of the Disney resorts. Thanks for your recommendations!