Picking the right resort can turn a good Florida vacation into an effortless and memorable one.
Use this guide to match region, amenities, room type, price, and safety to your family’s needs—so you spend more time on the sand and less time troubleshooting.
Download your free beach resort checklist below and keep Florida Travel Blog handy as a guide to the best resorts in Florida.
Key Takeaways
- Discover the elements of choosing a Florida beach resort for your family
- What are the amenities you should expect at a resort
- Know what costs can be hidden before you book
- Get a checklist to compare resorts
- All your questions answered
1) Start with the Region and Beach Vibe
Florida’s coasts feel different, and that matters with kids when choosing resorts on Florida beaches.
family friendly resorts in Florida’s northeast region.
- Northeast (Amelia Island • Jacksonville • St. Augustine) – Wide Atlantic beaches, small-town charm, historic sightseeing, seasonal trolley tours. Surf can be choppy; choose lifeguarded stretches.
- Northwest / Panhandle (30A • Destin • Pensacola) – Powder-soft quartz sand and clear emerald Gulf water; many condo-resorts with kitchens. Summer is peak; shoulder seasons are gorgeous.
- Central Atlantic (Daytona • Cocoa/Space Coast) – Long, walkable strands with a “surfy” vibe; easy day trips to Kennedy Space Center.
- Central Gulf (Clearwater Beach • St. Pete • Anna Maria) – Typically gentler Gulf surf, sunset piers, lots of kid-friendly pools and beachfront promenades.
- Southwest (Sarasota • Venice • Fort Myers • Naples • Sanibel/Captiva) – Excellent shelling, calm water, and many condo options with full kitchens.
- Southeast (Palm Beach • Fort Lauderdale • Miami Beach) – Livelier scene, high-rise oceanfronts, strong dining and culture; good if you want walkability and variety.
- Florida Keys – Smaller beaches in the Florida Keys but top-tier snorkeling, sandbars, and boat days; think water-activity resort more than “long beach walks.”
- Quick picker: Want calm swim days with toddlers? Lean Gulf. Want boogie-board energy and lighthouses? Lean Atlantic. Want snorkeling and boat days? Keys.
Discovering how to choose a Florida beach resort is about information and research!
2) Match Amenities to your Kids’ Ages
Not all “family-friendly” designations are created equal. Scan for:
in the Florida Keys. Note the pool in front and the lagoon
in the back for kids to learn watersports.
- Pools that work year-round: Zero-entry or shallow areas for little ones; heated pools outside summer; splash pads and lazy rivers are a plus.
- Kids’ clubs & activities: Check age ranges, hours, and costs. Are there rainy-day crafts? Movie nights? Seasonal schedules?
- Baby/toddler gear: Confirm cribs/pack ’n plays, high chairs, bottle warmers on request, and blackout curtains.
- Beach setup: Included chairs/umbrellas, shade options, and nearby restrooms make or break long beach days.
- On-site food: Poolside menus, grab-and-go markets, and a quick breakfast option (free breakfast at suite hotels is gold).
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