Guide to the Best Beach Resorts in Florida
Florida has long been a major beach resort for all types of travelers. Here you will find unlimited luxury spa resorts, quiet romantic getaways away from the city, or adventure-filled holidays on golf courses, tennis courts and water parks. With so many options on offer, it’s hard to narrow down where to stay.
Whatever kind of trip you want, you’ll find it on our curated list of Florida beach resorts. Enjoy your leisure time in the way you like best: by the emerald waters and sugar-white sand beaches of the Sunshine State.
Florida’s Best Beach Resort for Families
Panama City Beach Splash Resort
Whether you’re traveling with kids or have a childlike heart, you’ll love the water park facilities and family activities offered at this beachfront resort. You can build sandcastles on the beach or enjoy the water in the resort’s dive cinema, lazy river, paddling pool, heated pool, hot tub and waterslide. When your kids are finished playing in the pool, they can play games on the playground or enjoy a family dinner at the on-site Riptide Bar & Grill restaurant.
For adults, Panama City Beach has a great nightlife as well as other attractions in town such as museums, golf courses, and aquariums, whenever you need a break in the pool. Pier Park, a premier shopping and entertainment complex, is also just a 10-minute drive away. All the thrills of the water park are right in front of you, and you won’t want much more for a family beach holiday.
The Best Pet-Friendly Beach Resort in Florida
Lost Key Resort Villas – Perdidocchi
The best vacations are ones that everyone can enjoy, and with pet-friendly hotel resorts, you don’t need to leave your four-legged friends at home. In addition to a golf course, fitness center, on-site restaurant, outdoor pool and private beach with beach service, Lost Key Resort villas also boast a 300-acre nature reserve where you can bike, jog or take a relaxing stroll with your puppy in the sun.
Restaurants, bars, parks, water sports rentals and River Road Dog Park can be found in the surrounding area, where you can splash in the water and play catches between the waves. Peddido Island has plenty of beautiful white sand beaches and walking trails, making it one of Florida’s best doggy destinations.
The Best Beach Resort in Florida for Golf
Baytowne Marina Village – Miramar Beach at Sandestin® Golf Beach Resort
This sun-drenched Florida beach resort with its rolling verdant hills is perfect for a day of golf. Located along Miramar Beach, this Sandestin® resort community is set on 2,400 acres and is suitable for activities throughout the summer, including access to Gulf Coast beach clubs, shopping, restaurants, and nightlife, not to mention the four championship golf courses in front and center.
Bring your golf clubs to play a full afternoon with friends, then relax in the day with fresh seafood, drinks and live music at The Village.
Florida’s best beach resorts for couples
Sunrise Garden Resort – Ana Maria Island
Ana Maria Island is a small resort city known for its wide and beautiful beaches, a refreshing and romantic getaway on Florida’s Barrier Islands. The perfect secluded oasis for your next couple’s getaway, Sunrise Garden Resort offers lovely, understated accommodation, an outdoor pool and fully equipped kitchens for a homemade dinner on date night.
Start your day at a nearby café or end your evening at bars, seafood shops and fine dining restaurants. Try something new, snorkel along coral reefs, rent a jet ski for a thrilling adventure around the island, or book a picturesque dolphin cruise at sunset – there’s no better place to find your dream beach paradise than tropical Florida.
The Best Spa Beach Resort in Florida
Portofino Island Resort – Pensacola Beach
Indulge in a little luxury on your next trip. If you’re looking for a place to relax, Portofino Island Resort’s white sand beaches, sparkling pools and spa services have you covered. Start your day with a soothing sea view from the comfort of your private balcony, then head to the resort’s in-house spa for a day of comfort and relaxation.
Choose from a full menu of spa treatments, including facials, body wraps, rejuvenating massages, aromatherapy and more. Relaxation doesn’t stop there, with a fitness center, smoothie bar and seven outdoor pools. Treating yourself has never felt so good.
Florida’s Best Sports Beach Resort
TOPS’L Beach & Tennis Resort – Miramar Beach
For some, the love of gaming while on vacation doesn’t stop. That’s where TOPS’L Beach & Tennis Resort comes in. With a 52-acre resort community, pristine beaches, tennis courts, and other luxury amenities, TOPS’L is an adventure playground for sports and activity enthusiasts.
In its list of amenities, equip and enjoy the TOPS’L Tennis Center, squash courts, basketball courts, and fitness center, including indoor/outdoor heated pools and hot tubs, yoga classes, sauna and steam room, and personal trainer services. After a day of sightseeing, relax with a stroll at Miramar Beach and enjoy a meal at any of the resort’s delicious dining options.
