What are the best beach resorts in Florida?
Last Updated July 10, 2026
Florida’s coastline runs over 1,300 miles, with more than 830 miles of it beach. That’s a lot of ground for a resort to stand out on — but these 28 do, from the Panhandle down through the Keys.
Every property on this list has been vetted based on our own stays or firsthand research, not just borrowed reviews, and we call out the ones we’ve personally returned to more than once.
Best Gulfside Family Resorts in Northwest Florida
One of the largest resorts on the Panhandle, and a strong pick if you want options — golf, miles of beach, and a wide range of room types. Daily family activities, with Destin just down the road.
A beachfront stay that won’t blow the budget, with easy access to Pensacola’s best attractions — a solid family option without the luxury price tag.
Best Beach Resorts in Northeast Florida
Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa
The upscale pick on Amelia Island, balancing luxury with genuine privacy. Atlantic Ocean views and easy access to explore the rest of the island. Golf course also!
Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa
One of the strongest resorts near Jacksonville, combining beachfront relaxation with real luxury. Close to the famed Sawgrass PGA course, with two restaurants and town car service.
Guy Harvey Resort St. Augustine Beach
The budget-friendly beachfront option here, just five miles from St. Augustine’s historic attractions. A wide Atlantic beach with amenities that punch above the price point.
Best Beach Resorts in West Central Florida
Our favorite as Clearwater Beach residents, and the best all-around beachside stay in town. Home to the best tiki bar in Clearwater Beach, with a pool overlooking Clearwater Pass.
Rumfish at Tradewinds St. Pete Beach
The standout among the Tradewinds properties on St. Pete Beach, right in the center of the action with a location where you can walk anywhere on the beach.
A quaint, no-high-rise resort on Anna Maria Island, directly on a beach with miles of white, powdery sand — true sand-in-your-toes relaxation. Small, so reserve early.
Best with children, and sits right in the middle of the beach. If you’re planning to explore Clearwater Beach’s other attractions, no car is needed from this location.
Best Beach Resorts in East Central Florida
Daytona Grande Oceanfront Resort
Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel by IHG
Beachside Hotel & Suites Cocoa Beach
The Cocoa Beach location of the Beachside means you are within a few miles of Cape Canaveral and Port Canaveral, where cruises depart daily. Shopping nearby, and home to Ron Jon Surf Shop.
Best Beach Resorts in Southwest Florida
Resort at Longboat Key Club Sarasota
Maragaritaville Ft. Myers Beach
Hands down, one of the best beach resorts in the Sunshine State. Elegant, refined, yet perfect for the beach-loving crowd. We have tried many resorts in Naples, but this is still the best.
Best Beach Resorts in Southeast/Miami Florida
Margaritaville Hollywood Beach
Hilton Bentley Miami South Beach
Luxurious beachside resort near all the action in Miami, but on an island. Close to Port of Miami and Ocean Drive, The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami provides an adjacent golf course.
Best Beach Resorts in the Florida Keys
With all the craziness of Key West, the Casa Marina stands as a very private retreat on the south end of the island. Its private beach isolates guests from some of the daily frivolities of Key West’s Duval St.
What Makes These Resorts the Best in Florida
Florida has hundreds of beach resorts, but this list stands apart for a few reasons:
- Every property is waterfront, with amenities inland resorts simply can’t offer
- Most are family-friendly, with features built for the whole group
- Access is easy at each one — no long detours to reach them
- Every resort has at least one pool as a backup when beach conditions aren’t ideal for swimming
- Many also include a spa
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best beach resorts in Florida?
The best beach resorts in Florida span every region of the coastline, from Sandestin and WaterColor in the Panhandle to Hawks Cay Resort and Casa Marina in the Florida Keys. The right pick depends on the region you’re visiting, since Florida’s coast offers very different experiences from the Gulf to the Atlantic to the Keys.
What is the best beach resort in the Florida Keys?
Hawks Cay Resort on Duck Key is our favorite family beach resort in the Keys and one of the top three resorts in the entire state, based on multiple stays. For a more historic, adults-oriented pick, Cheeca Lodge & Spa in Islamorada is one of the oldest and most legendary resorts in the Keys.
What is the best family beach resort in Florida?
Hawks Cay Resort on Duck Key stands out as the best family beach resort in Florida, based on our own repeat visits with our family. Marco Island JW Marriott Resort is another strong family pick, with wide sandy beaches and full-service amenities.
What is the best luxury beach resort in Florida?
Ritz-Carlton Naples is our top luxury pick statewide — elegant and refined while still built around the beach experience. The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne and Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa are also strong luxury options in South Florida and North Florida, respectively.
What is the best beach resort in Clearwater Beach?
Opal Sands Resort is our favorite as Clearwater Beach residents, offering the best all-around beachside experience along with the best tiki bar in Clearwater Beach. Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach is a strong alternative, especially for families, given its central, walkable location.
Are there pet-friendly beach resorts in Florida?
Yes. Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel by IHG lets pets stay free and is a highly rated oceanfront option in East Central Florida. Always confirm pet policies directly with the resort before booking, since terms can change seasonally.
What is a budget-friendly beach resort option in Florida?
Hilton Pensacola Beach and Guy Harvey Resort St. Augustine Beach both offer genuine beachfront stays without the higher price tags of Florida’s luxury resorts, while still delivering the amenities families expect.
When is the best time to book a Florida beach resort?
Peak season (winter through spring) brings the highest rates and earliest bookout dates, especially in the Keys and South Florida. Late spring and fall shoulder seasons typically offer better rates and availability with still-comfortable weather.
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